11 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in

Switzerland
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure page for more details.

Switzerland just may be the most beautiful country in Europe, especially in

summer. There’s something about the way the mountains still glisten with
snow even into the sunniest of summer days, the turquoise lakes — all of
which are amongst the cleanest in the world — the fields of alpine flowers… it
just goes on and on.

Whether you opt for a luxury rental in Switzerland or try to experience the
country cheaply by staying in hostels (to which I say good luck — I paid a
crippling $40 for a bunk in a hostel, an experience I hope to never repeat), the
best part is that many of the most stunning views in Switzerland are
completely free!
I used an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass to explore some of the best places to visit
in Switzerland, all by train. I’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful
places in Switzerland to help you plan the best stops for sightseeing in
Switzerland by train. Rather than just give the usual Switzerland tourist spots,
I’ve tried to show some more off the beaten path Switzerland highlights, plus
popular cities like Zürich and Geneva.

Switzerland
Play Video
Using my Swiss Travel Pass, I was able to take the Schynige Platte belle
époque railway, the steamboat across Lake Lucerne, the steepest cogwheel
railway in the world up to Mt. Pilatus, and handfuls of scenic cable cars – all
included for free in the price of my rail pass, and a discount on the Gornergrat
in Zermatt to see the gorgeous Matterhorn up close. Check out pricing &
details about the Swiss Travel Pass here.
Swiss Travel System offers a variety of different travel passes for different
budgets and trip durations. Starting at 205 euros (around $229 USD) for a 3
consecutive day 2nd class pass, there are also 4, 8, and 15 day passes,
offering more value the longer you stay. Kids under 16 travel for free with their
parent or guardian, and youth aged 16-25 get to ride at a significant discount.

There are also flex tickets where you can travel 3, 4, 8, or 15 days of your
choice within a one-month period if you’re more into slow travel. To see a full
breakdown of ticket choices and prices, check out options here.

This guide will cover 9 of the absolute best places in Switzerland, and if you
want to see how to organize all these places into a logical itinerary, I’ve done
the work for you and created a 10-day Switzerland itinerary that
incorporates as many of the places on this list as I could while still not
traveling at a breakneck pace so you can still enjoy your vacation. I include
recommendations as well for what to do if you have more or fewer days.
And if the stress of itinerary planning is too much, there is always the option of
a guided tour — which can actually be a good deal in pricy Switzerland, where
hotel rooms, meals, and transport alone can easily destroy your budget. Click
to compare prices and itineraries on the best guided tours in
Switzerland.
Wondering where to go in Switzerland? I’ve got you covered below, with 9
recommended stops for your Switzerland itinerary plus accommodation and
activity recommendations. Check out the video below for a few highlights and
a quick preview of the 9 spots I’ve chosen to highlight in Switzerland.

My Top 11 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

Montreux and Lac Leman
Montreux is a normally quiet town on Lac Leman near Geneva that pops off
for two weeks each year when the Jazz Festival (and 200,000+ visitors!) come
to town.
Try to line up your time in Montreux with the Jazz Festival, when tons of
musical acts (not just jazz) come to town and street food is available all up
and down the main lakeside promenade.

Or you can grab some food from the local Coop, take advantage of the open
container laws, and have a lakeside picnic while buskers entertain you before
the main acts at night.
 What to Do in Montreux

Montreux is at its best during its yearly Jazz Fest. But your timing doesn’t line
up, there’s still plenty to do in Montreux to experience one of the most
beautiful places in Switzerland to its fullest.

Montreux is home to the stunning island Chateau de Chillon, a castle that

dates back to the 11th century and which has been marvelously kept up over
the centuries.

It’s certainly one of the most scenic places in Switzerland with stunning lake
and mountain views framing the turrets of the castle. Entrance is 12.50 CHF
(about $13) but the entrance fee is included with your Swiss Travel Pass if
you have one – a great tool for sightseeing in Switzerland!
If you aren’t buying a Swiss Travel Pass, but paying for each train individually
without a pass, you can pre-book your castle entrance ticket here and skip the line.
Of course, the Lake Promenade (which you can take to walk to the castle) is
absolutely stunning and definitely worth dedicating some time to enjoying.

The nearby Chaplin’s World is also a popular Montreux attraction. Charlie

Chaplin, like many other celebrities, spent many years of his life enjoying
Montreux and as a result you can enjoy a museum in his former home.

Day Trips and Tours from Montreux

Glacier 3000: A tour to the Glacier 3000 is one of the most loved day trips from
Montreux. You start in the cute mountain village of Les Diablerets, where you
can take a cable car up to a glacier. At the glacier, there is a cool suspension
bridge that connects two mountains, giving you impressive views of 20+ peaks
over 4,000 meters — including the Matterhorn on a clear day. You can see
snow even in the middle of summer here!
This is the most popular day trip from Montreux, so be sure to book in
advance! Check prices, ratings, and availability of the tour here
Rochers de Naye: If time (and weather) permits, you can also take the scenic
train up to Rochers de Naye for an aerial lake view. Normally 70 CHF, if you
have a Swiss Travel Pass you can make the journey for a much better 26
CHF roundtrip, as the first leg of the trip is included and you get a 50%
discount on the second part of the trip.
Lausanne: A side trip to nearby Lausanne is a popular option for travelers
staying in Montreux. Lausanne is famous for its excellent Olympic museum,
the historic Old Town centered around Place de la Palud, and its gorgeous
traditional architecture. You can take the train to Lausanne in just a few
minutes from Montreux – it’s quite fast and inexpensive by Swiss standards.

Where to Stay in Montreux

Budget: There’s only one hostel in town that I’m aware of, and that’s where I
stayed (I was on a tight budget during my entire time in Switzerland). I stayed
at the Montreux Youthhostel. It includes breakfast– an excellent value in
pricy Switzerland! Keep in mind their late 4 PM check in, which is common
throughout Switzerland. Check rates and current availability here.
Mid-Range: If you’re on a bit of a budget, Le Coucou Hotel has excellent
prices, a breathtaking view, and a well-reviewed restaurant. It is a bit from
Montreux proper, though it is close to a different train station (Haut-de-
Caux). Check lowest rates and availability here.
Luxury: A favorite of celebrities like the late Freddie Mercury, it’s not
surprising that Montreux offers no shortage of luxury options. The best
balance of luxury to price ration is Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. I mean,
just look at that building façade — it’s basically the architectural equivalent of
the heart-eyes emoji. Check lowest rates and availability here.
Geneva
Geneva is one of the most common arrival airports for travelers visiting
Switzerland, so there’s a good chance that you’ll be at the very least transiting
via Geneva at some point during your Switzerland itinerary. Located right on
Lac Leman, despite its large size Geneva is still one of the most beautiful
places in Switzerland.

Geneva is also great for chocolate lovers – you’ll find chocolatiers all over the
city, as well as plenty of tours themed around sampling the best Swiss
chocolate you can find. Besides that, Geneva is known for its museums, its
delicious fondue, and its stunning lake and mountain views. The Jet d’Eau
pictured below is one of Geneva’s most famous landmarks and is one of the
tallest fountains in the world.
 Things to Do in Geneva

The best way to explore Geneva is by foot. Walk around the historic city and
marvel at all the beautiful buildings and all the watches you’ll never be able to
afford. Definitely stop into some of the different chocolate shops and sample
some of Switzerland’s finest!

A common must-see on Geneva itineraries is the Jet D’Eau, a massive water

fountain shooting water up a massive 140 meters in the air on Lake Geneva
— it’s especially beautiful at night when it’s all lit up. The Palace of Nations,
home to a huge branch of the United Nations, is also quite popular to visit
when in Geneva.

Geneva is also famous for having a ton of unique museums. The Musée
Ariana is great for glass and ceramics lovers, whereas those interested in
history will appreciate the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. I
recommend using the Geneva Pass to save money if you plan on seeing a few
museums and attractions as the savings will quickly add up.
Pro Tip: If spending a few days in Geneva, the pass will be well-worth
it, with admission to over 40 attractions plus included public
transit. Click to prebook your Geneva Pass and pick it up when you
arrive in Geneva.
Aside from museums, don’t miss a steamboat ride on Lake Geneva, or visiting
some of the vineyards of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) nearby!
 Day Trips and Tours from Geneva

Gruyeres: If you want the whole Swiss bucket list in one go — trains,
mountains, chocolate, and cheese — you can’t miss a full-day tour to
Gruyères – yes, that Gruyères!
You’ll learn about chocolate making, meet Swiss cows, see how cheese is
made in Switzerland, indulge in fondue, and get to ride the Golden Express,
one of Switzerland’s most famous trains.
Want the full experience with a ride on the Golden Express? Be sure
to book in advance – it’s #1 on many people’s Swiss bucket
lists. Book in advance here to not miss your spot!
Money-Saving Tip: For a cheaper option that doesn’t include the train, you
can book just a tour of the chocolate and cheese factories here.

Glacier 3000: This is far and away the most popular day trip from Geneva!
Similar to the tour from Montreux, the tour takes you to the picturesque village
of Les Diablerets, then sweeps you up a 3,000-meter high glacier where you
can embark on the Peak Walk, a stunning suspension bridge that brings
together two peaks, over 4,000 meters high.
If traveling in summer, there’s also a toboggan run which kids (and the young
at heart!) will adore! It also includes a stop in Montreux on the way back.
Check prices, ratings, and availability of the tour here.

Steamboat on Lac Léman: A traditional steamboat ride on Lake Geneva

(also called Lac Léman) is one of the most popular things to do in Geneva.
You can combine it with a city tour or if you have the Swiss Travel Pass it
should be included on your ticket.

Book your steamboat ride on Lac Léman (plus a bonus city tour)
today!
France! If you’re keen to visit a bit of France, Geneva is also extremely close
to Chamonix which is at the foot of Mont Blanc as well as the fairytale town of
Annecy. Both can be done as day trips from Geneva. There are very
affordable half-day tours to Annecy (pictured below!) and slightly more
expensive full-day trips to Chamonix as well.
Check out affordable half-day tours to Annecy
or …
Check out full-day trips to Chamonix and Mount Blanc
Lavaux: Love wine tasting? You’ll love Swiss wines and these UNESCO-
listed vineyards. The Swiss like to say that Swiss wine is too delicious to
export, and they drink it all at home in Switzerland!
I have to agree — Swiss wines are especially tasty, similar to German or
Austrian wines but with a terroir all of their own. This affordable tour visits it with a
group, or if you’re traveling with a partner, you can book this romantic private tour
for two.
 Where to Stay in Geneva

Budget: I flew into in Geneva and made my way over to Montreux for the
night, so I haven’t stayed in any Geneva hostels personally. The best-
reviewed hostel that several of my friends have stayed in is Geneva Hostel,
which is no frills but quite affordable for pricy Switzerland. It has spacious
lockers, friendly staff, breakfast included, and best of all, it comes with a free
travel card which will definitely help you save some money in pricy
Geneva. Check hostel availability and prices here.
Mid-range: Geneva has a decent selection of mid-range offerings. I’m a big
fan of ibis hotels because they’re always clean, reliable, private, and
inexpensive. They don’t have the most personality, but sometimes you just
want a clean, private room to rest your head in. There are several branches of
ibis in Geneva, but ibis budget Petit-Lancy is the most affordable. Like
Geneva Hostel, it also includes a free travel card, which means that even
though you’re located a bit outside the center you can get into the heart of the
city easily without spending a dime. Check lowest prices and availability here.
Luxury: The Mövenpick is one of my most trusted luxury hotel brands, and
the one in Geneva is well-reviewed and not absurdly expensive (for a luxury
option in Switzerland, that is) Check best prices and availability here. Hotel de la
Cigogne is an excellent 5* option, but it’s priced to match. Still, it may be
worth it for the central location, luxury amenities, and artist-inspired
décor. Check availability and prices online.
Lauterbrunnen Valley and surrounding towns
Lauterbrunnen is an adorable, typically Swiss town nestled in a mountain
valley famed for being home to 72 waterfalls — two of which are prominently
but casually hanging out in the center of town like it’s no big deal. It’s definitely
one of the top must-visit places in Switzerland with super traditional
architecture and flower boxes.

Just 20 minutes from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen is an oasis of calm with tons

of opportunities for hiking if you’re feeling tame and all sorts of adventure
activities if you’re keen to get your adrenaline pumping – there’s tons of things
to do in Switzerland in the summer and Lauterbrunnen is one of the best
bases to experience it from! It’s also one of the more affordable towns in
Switzerland, with plenty of affordable accommodations choices, so it’s a
popular choice for those backpacking Switzerland.

Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen
If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll be in heaven here: Lauterbrunnen is the
best place to go in Switzerland for waterfall chasing, as there are some 72 of
them in Lauterbrunnen Valley alone.

Be sure to take the cable car and scenic train up to Mürren via Winteregg for
stunning mountain and valley views — complete with lots of Swiss cows (and
cowbells!). Afterward, you can either hike down to Gimmelwald or take a cable
car. When in Gimmelwald be sure to check out the Honesty Shop — Europe’s
first village store based entirely on trust.
No shopkeepers or cameras — just trust, and it works perfectly. For this jaded
New Yorker, it was actually a bit of an emotional experience to see this shop
in action.

Finally, be sure to check out the insanely powerful Trümmelbach Falls in

between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. It’s a series of 10 glacial waterfalls
which tumble INSIDE of a mountain, which has been carved out by both
nature and man so you can see the insane power of the melting glacial water
at work.
This is no dainty, Instagrammable waterfall — it’s sheer force and power, and
an absolute sight to behold.

If you’re keen to get your adrenaline pumping, there are several adventurous
things you can do in Lauterbrunnen. Common options include helicopter
flights, paragliding, and skydiving, though of course — none of these activities
come cheap! If you’re on a budget, stick to hikes and exploring the cable cars
and scenic trains in the region.

There are also more expensive scenic trains such as to Jungfraujoch (the
“Top of Europe”) and Schilthorn (where James Bond was filmed) if you’re
keen to get some height without the adrenaline rush, but it won’t come cheap.

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen

Budget: There are plenty of hostels in Lauterbrunnen. Even though
Switzerland is expensive, I think Lauterbrunnen is one of the best towns to
visit in Switzerland if you’re on a budget. I stayed at Schutzenbach
Backpackers and it was the cheapest hostel I stayed at during my entire time
in Switzerland.
It had an amazing location and everything was comfortable, but there were
some weird quirks (like you had to pay for hot water by the minute and pay for
using the electric burners!) that I found annoying. It’s a short walk out of town
(20 minutes) but you can also take a bus. Check all hostel options here.
Mid-range: If you have a medium budget, Hotel Staubbach is your best bet.
It has great waterfall views and a super convenient location. It’s cozy, but not
ultra-luxurious. You could also stay in Mürren, Gimmelwald, or one of the
other cute mountain towns in the area! Check lowest prices and availability here.
Luxury: For those with money to spare, Hotel Silberhorn is one of the nicest
hotels in town. They have a beautiful sun terrace with an amazing panoramic
view of the Jungfrau mountains and an Alpine-style restaurant. Check prices,
reviews, and availability here.
Interlaken

Interlaken is between two lakes (hence the name), Lake Brienz and Lake
Thun. Both are stunning, but Lake Brienz is a particular charmer, the same
color turquoise as Insta-famous Lake Louise.

Interlaken is commonly known as the adventure sports capital of Switzerland.

Here, you’ll find activities such as paragliding and skydiving offered
everywhere – though of course, being Switzerland, the prices are on the high
side!

What to Do in Interlaken

As Interlaken is a mecca for adventure lovers, you really should try to save
room in your budget for at least one adventurous splurge. Whether that’s
paragliding over the twin lakes of Thun and Brienz, taking a speedboat
through one of the beautiful lakes, or even skydiving over one of the most
beautiful parts of Switzerland, there’s a lot to do in Interlaken that will get your
heart racing.

The bravest amongst us can try their hand at paragliding over the twin lakes –
one of the best views of Switzerland, which I can attest, though admittedly I
was only brave enough to see it on my own two feet at the peak of Schynige
Platte (anxiety and heights don’t mix!)

If you’re going to paraglide, ensure you’re going with a reputable company

that has a good track record. Flying over the mountains with only another
person and a parachute is not a place to pinch a penny! I would
recommend this paragliding experience, which won the Best Adrenaline Rush
from GetYourGuide in 2019!
Book your paragliding experience with a trusted, award-winning
company here!
If you prefer a different kind of adrenaline rush, you can try river rafting down
the nearby Lütschine River as well.
But if you keep your feet on the ground, or if you are working with a tight
budget, don’t worry – there are still plenty of other worthwhile things to see in
Interlaken.

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Funky Chocolate Club, take the funicular 10
minutes up to the top of Harder Kulm for an epic view, or rent a kayak or
paddleboard on Lake Brienz (or Thun, for that matter, but in my opinion,
Brienz is way prettier).
Friendly Reminder: Whether you are doing crazy things like skydiving or
having a more low-adrenaline trip, don’t forget to buy travel insurance! I
actually got insanely sick with a freak flu virus in Switzerland and almost
needed to visit a hospital – something that, had I not had insurance, would
have cost me a fortune. I use World Nomads to cover me from anything from
everything from trip cancellation to illness to injury on the road.
Day Trips and Tours from Interlaken

Jungfraujoch: This is the most popular day trip from Interlaken and with good
reason: it’s the highest train station in all of Europe and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site! Called “The Top of Europe,” this impressive superlative has
great viewing areas, an ice palace that you can hang out in (even in the
summer), and stunning views of the Jungfrau region and its famous
mountains.
It’s not a cheap tour – check out prices here – but it’s on the top of many
people’s Swiss bucket lists for good reason.
This tour is incredibly popular in summer, so book in advance here!

Castles: Interlaken is near several beautiful castles. Check out the

spectacular Thun Castle, or see the even more beautiful Oberhofen Castle on
the edge of gorgeous Lake Thun.
Schynige Platte: This is one of the best day trips in all of Switzerland and
where you’ll get the most spectacular views of Interlaken. Better yet, if you
have a Swiss Travel Pass then it is already included in your ticket price. If
you’re on a budget, I would recommend this over the Jungfraujoch train. The
views are less impressive, but it’s entirely free with a pass! I’ll go into this in
more detail below.

Where to Stay in Interlaken

Budget: Backpackers, rejoice! Interlaken is one of the most affordable cities

in all of Switzerland. I’d recommend spending a little more time here if you’re
on a budget. There are several hostel options (unlike in other Swiss towns
and cities, where the options are minimal). One of the cheapest and best-
reviewed is Balmers Backpackers Hostel, and since it comes with free
breakfast, it’s really a great deal for Switzerland! Book in advance here as hostels
in Switzerland often fill up early.
Mid-range: Switzerland doesn’t have a ton of boutique hotels – more often,
you’ll choose between guesthouses and fancy chain hotels – but B3
Boutique Bed & Breakfast looks like a real charmer. It’s a touch outside of
central Interlaken in a town called Gsteigwiler, but for the great price and rave
reviews, it’s a great choice in Interlaken. Check availability and reviews here.
Luxury: The Royal St. James is a Sofitel property, a chain of hotels I trust.
It’s a gorgeous building with a great location, spa and sauna, and raved-over
breakfasts. I think it’s one of the best luxury options in Interlaken. Check prices
and availability here.
Schynige Platte

Wondering where to visit in Switzerland for the most sweepingly epic views?
You can’t miss Schynige Platte and its views over the twin lakes of Interlaken.

When staying in Lauterbrunnen or nearby Interlaken, you simply must take a

day trip using the scenic train up to Schynige Platte alpine garden departing
from Wilderwil, one of the best train journeys in Europe. The scenic railway will
take you up a hill to incredible views of Lake Thun and the even more
stunning turquoise Lake Brienz.
You end at the top of a mountain with views of the three of the tallest peaks in
the Jungfrau region – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau herself. The three
mountains on one side; the lakes on the other… is this any wonder it’s one of
the most scenic places in Switzerland?

Up at the top, you can enjoy a ton of different hiking trails of mild to moderate
difficulty. There’s a kiosk selling surprisingly affordably priced coffee, wine,
and beer, as well as a restaurant if you really feel like splashing out and
getting fancy.

But still, you’ll enjoy relative peace and quiet, as this scenic train in
Switzerland is not super well known, making it one of off the beaten path
Switzerland’s best-hidden gems.
The best part? A return trip to Schynige Platte is 100% included on your Swiss
Travel Pass, making it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland in the
summer.

Where to Stay for Schynige Platte

This is easy to do as a day trip from Lauterbrunnen, which I recommend,
though you could also check out hostels and hotels in Interlaken if you want a
bit more of a city feel than a country vibe. Check out check out hotel and hostel
prices and availability in Interlaken if you prefer to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in
one of the prettiest places in Switzerland.
Lucerne & Mt. Pilatus

Lucerne is one of the best places in Switzerland for proximity to mountain

views. Probably one of the most fun days I had in Switzerland was the day I
took the steamer boat across Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then the
cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus at 2073 meters.
The cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus is literally the steepest in the world,
with a staggering gradient of 48% incline! The views at the top are
spectacular, definitely one of the things you must see in Switzerland.

You can get some stunning views over Lake Lucerne from the top of Pilatus,
do some hikes through alpine flowers, see the adorable mountain ibexes who
call it home…. then go back down to Lucerne via cable car and bus. 4
distinctly different modes of transit in one day, all included on your Swiss
Travel Pass — all running with insane efficiency.

Switzerland, you make my anxious heart very, very happy.

What to Do in Lucerne
Lucerne is a lovely, walkable town, and there’s plenty of things to see and do in
Lucerne. You definitely have to enjoy a river cruise on one of the old-fashioned
steamer.
It’s also quite close to Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, both of which offer
excellent views and hiking opportunities. I chose Mount Pilatus, but I wish I
had time for Rigi, too! These are included if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, or
you can purchase tickets a la carte if you’re not using a pass.
There is also the Lion Statue of Lucerne which is…. not very exciting, to be
honest. Kapellbrücke, however, is definitely worth the hype. This covered
bridge dates back to the 14th century and it is absolutely gorgeous. It’s usually
crowded during the day so if you want the best photos I recommend getting
an early start.

Finally, a cruise on Lake Lucerne is a must! You can skip this if you are doing
the trip to Mount Pilatus, as it’s included in the excursion. But if you aren’t
planning to go there, a yacht cruise is an essential (and affordable) thing to do
in Lucerne!

Book yours online here!

Day Trips and Tours from Lucerne
Mount Pilatus: This is the classic day trip option from Lucerne. It’s included
with a Swiss Travel Pass or you can purchase a day trip a la carte here.
This self-guided tour takes you across Lake Lucerne on a steamboat, ascends
via the world’s steepest cogwheel railroad, then you descend using a cable
car (and finish your trip back to Lucerne by a short bus ride).

You can experience the awesome efficiency of Swiss transport in 4 different

forms on this tour, with gorgeous views on all of them (well, I guess the bus is
less spectacular).

Book the self-guided day trip if you don’t have a travel pass!
Jungfraujoch: The highest point of Europe, visiting the mountain station of
Jungfraujoch is also available as a day trip from Lucerne if you don’t have
plans to make it to Interlaken.
Book the day trip to Jungfraujoch here!
Titlis: For a nearer (and cheaper) day trip option if you’d like to see a glacier
up close, Titlis is incredible!
The coolest thing about visiting Titlis is that you get to ascend to the glacier in
a beautiful cable car, seeing a glacier from a totally different perspective than
the typical train experience you’ll get used to after some time in Switzerland.
Check prices and tour reviews here!

Where to Stay in Lucerne

Budget: I stayed at Lion Lodge when in Lucerne. It’s okay and friendly to the
wallet, but nothing that great. I’d stay somewhere else next time.
Mid-range: Had I not been traveling on such a strict budget, I likely would
have opted for the ibis Lucerne. Ibis hotels are clean, affordable, and pretty
inoffensive — but they’re not exactly luxurious. Still, if you want privacy and
cleanliness, ibis is reliable. Just be aware it’s about a kilometer’s walk from
town, though Lucerne is pretty well connected when it comes to public
transport. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: If you want the best of the best, Hotel Schweizerhof can’t be
beaten. It’s beautiful — just look at the front of that building all lit up at night!
— with an amazing lake view, a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna (whatever that is),
and a spa.
One cool quirk about the hotel is that each room is furnished to represent the
personal style of a famous person who has stayed at the hotel in the past,
making it a super unique place to visit in Switzerland. Check the prices and
availability here, keeping in mind you need to book in advance in the busy
months.
Zürich
I didn’t spend too much time in Zürich, but the little time I did spend there was
gorgeous!

Zürich spans the beautiful Limmat River, which makes all the old architecture
even more beautiful. Zürich is also the most cosmopolitan city in Switzerland,
so this is where you’ll find a lot of different international cuisines in case you’re
starting to tire of fondue (yes, anything is possible!).

Zürich is also one of the major entry points to Switzerland, so if you find
yourself transiting through the city, you’ll likely want to give yourself at least a
day to explore the city before getting out and seeing more.
 What to Do in Zürich

There’s plenty to do in Zürich proper, from exploring the beautiful churches of

Grossmünster and Fraumünster, taking a walking tour of the Old Town,
strolling down the luxurious shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse, or perusing
some of the country’s best museums at a discount using a Zürich Pass.
Note: The Zürich pass is a good option if you have at least 24 hours in
the city planned, so you can maximize your use of it. It’s inexpensive,
covers museums and other sights you’d want to see, and covers
public transit as well. Pre-book yours here!

However, if you have limited time in Zürich, I recommend this 4-hour tour
which includes a ferry ride, a cable car, and coach tour of the city: you will
cover the most ground and get the best views this way!
Book the 4-hour tour here!
For something a bit different: foodies can taste traditional Swiss chocolate
at Maestrani’s or take a culinary walking tour of the city.

Those who like to hang out with the locals should not miss Frau Gerolds Garten.
This urban gardening project features container bars with craft beers, small
boutiques, and wall murals – it’s pretty cool!
As the biggest city in Switzerland and the entry point for many travelers,
Zürich is a great place to base yourself while doing day trips to beautiful lakes
and mountains in the Swiss countryside. Bernese Oberland is nearby, as well
as beautiful Lake Constanz.

Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

Mount Titlis: I mentioned it above for a day trip from Lucerne, but it is also a
very popular option to do a day trip from Zürich to this beautiful glacier via
cable car.
This trip is beloved by fellow travelers, with over 700 5-star reviews.
Read the itinerary and book it here!
Jungfraujoch: Also available from Interlaken and Lucerne, you can also
make this day trip from Zürich. Check it out here!
Rhine Falls: This is one of the most popular day trips from Zürich. It’s been
called Europe’s biggest waterfall – but that’s more for the sheer power of its
rushing water than more impressive factors like width or height. It’s still
incredibly beautiful and an absolute force of nature. You can also see the
beautiful town of Stein am Rhein, one of Switzerland’s most gorgeous small
towns
Shop tours to Rhine Falls here
Liechtenstein: You can take a day trip to Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s
smallest countries, if you are a country counter or just want to see some more
beautiful mountains.
Take the train from Zürich to the Swiss border town Sargans. From there, you
can catch bus #11 to Vaduz, the tiny mountainous capital of Liechtenstein. No
guided tours are available, but it’s easy enough to do independently.

Grindelwald & Interlaken: No time for a proper stop in Interlaken on your

Switzerland trip? Luckily, a day trip to beautiful Bernese Oberland is ultra-
easy. Check out this tour here.
Where to Stay in Zürich