Best Things to Do in Switzerland
Switzerland is one of Europe’s most scenic destinations, combining dramatic Alpine landscapes, beautiful lakes, charming villages, historic cities and some of the world’s most memorable train journeys.
From standing beneath the Matterhorn in Zermatt to cruising across Lake Lucerne, exploring the streets of Zurich and riding through the mountains on panoramic trains, Switzerland offers experiences for almost every type of traveler.
You can spend your trip hiking through Alpine valleys, visiting mountain viewpoints, discovering historic towns or simply enjoying Swiss chocolate and cheese surrounded by spectacular scenery.
If you’re planning your first trip, these are 15 of the best things to do in Switzerland.
1. See the Matterhorn in Zermatt
The Matterhorn is one of Switzerland’s most recognizable landmarks and a highlight of any trip to the country.
Located above the mountain village of Zermatt, the distinctive pyramid-shaped peak creates an unforgettable backdrop.
You can explore Zermatt’s pedestrian-friendly streets, take mountain railways toward higher viewpoints or enjoy hiking trails with views of the Matterhorn.
For photographers, sunrise and sunset can provide particularly beautiful light over the mountain.
Don’t miss: Gornergrat for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding Alps.
2. Visit Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland’s most famous mountain attractions.
Located high in the Bernese Alps, the destination offers spectacular views of snow-covered peaks and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
The journey itself is part of the experience. Mountain railways take visitors through dramatic scenery before reaching the high-altitude destination.
At the top, visitors can explore viewing platforms and experience the snowy Alpine environment.
Best for: Mountain scenery, photography and first-time visitors to the Swiss Alps.
3. Explore Lucerne and Lake Lucerne
Lucerne combines historic architecture with a beautiful lakeside setting and dramatic mountain scenery.
Walk through the Old Town to see colorful buildings, historic squares and the famous Chapel Bridge.
After exploring the city, spend some time beside Lake Lucerne.
You can take a boat cruise across the lake or use the surrounding mountain transport connections to explore nearby peaks.
Lucerne is also an excellent base for exploring central Switzerland.
4. Ride the Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is one of Switzerland’s most famous scenic railway experiences.
The journey connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through dramatic Alpine landscapes, deep valleys, mountain villages and impressive bridges.
Rather than simply being transportation, the journey is an attraction in itself.
Large windows allow travelers to enjoy the changing scenery throughout the route.
Travel tip: Reserve seats in advance, particularly during popular travel periods.
5. Take a Scenic Train Through the Swiss Alps
Switzerland is famous for its railway network, and scenic train journeys are one of the easiest ways to experience the country’s landscapes.
Beyond the Glacier Express, routes around the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden and other Alpine regions provide spectacular views.
Traveling by train also makes it possible to enjoy Switzerland without spending every day driving between destinations.
For travelers who want a combination of comfort and scenery, Swiss rail travel is an experience worth including in the itinerary.
6. Discover Interlaken
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most impressive mountain scenery.
The town is particularly popular with outdoor travelers.
You can use Interlaken as a base for exploring the Jungfrau region, including destinations such as Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Wengen.
Adventure activities such as paragliding, hiking and canyoning are also available in the surrounding area.
Best for: Adventure travelers, mountain lovers and first-time visitors to the Bernese Oberland.
7. Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley
Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine valleys.
The valley is surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, creating scenery that looks almost unreal.
Staubbach Falls is one of the area’s most recognizable natural landmarks.
From Lauterbrunnen, you can continue into the surrounding mountain villages and hiking areas.
The combination of green meadows, traditional villages, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs makes this one of the most memorable landscapes in Switzerland.
8. Explore Grindelwald
Grindelwald is another spectacular destination in the Jungfrau region.
The village is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and offers easy access to hiking trails and mountain attractions.
One popular experience is visiting Grindelwald First, where travelers can enjoy panoramic mountain views and outdoor activities.
In summer, hiking routes reveal green Alpine meadows and mountain scenery. In winter, the region becomes a popular destination for snow sports.
9. Cruise on Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland’s largest lakes and provides a completely different landscape from the high Alps.
The lake is surrounded by cities, vineyards, villages and mountains.
Take a boat cruise to enjoy views of the shoreline and surrounding Alpine scenery.
You can also combine a visit to the lake with destinations such as Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux.
The region is especially attractive during warmer months when the lakeside promenades and outdoor spaces are lively.
10. Walk Through the Old Town of Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and an excellent place to experience the country’s urban side.
The city’s Old Town is filled with historic buildings, narrow streets, churches, cafés and shops.
Walk along the Limmat River before exploring neighborhoods such as Niederdorf.
Zurich is also a convenient starting point for travelers arriving in Switzerland and can easily be combined with other destinations by train.
For a balanced trip, spend at least a day exploring the city before heading into the mountains.
11. Visit Montreux and the Swiss Riviera
Montreux sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and is surrounded by vineyards and mountains.
The town’s lakeside promenade is perfect for a relaxed walk with views across the lake.
Nearby attractions include Château de Chillon, a historic castle located on the lakeshore.
The Lavaux vineyard terraces are also within reach and provide beautiful views over Lake Geneva.
Montreux works particularly well for travelers who want to combine scenery, food, wine and relaxed lakeside experiences.
12. Discover Swiss Mountain Villages
Some of Switzerland’s most memorable experiences can be found away from its major cities.
Villages such as Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald and Zermatt provide opportunities to experience traditional Alpine scenery.
Many villages are surrounded by meadows, forests and mountains, with wooden chalets adding to the atmosphere.
Take time to walk through the village streets, stop at a local café and enjoy the surrounding scenery rather than rushing from attraction to attraction.
13. Try Authentic Swiss Cheese and Chocolate
No trip to Switzerland is complete without experiencing its famous food traditions.
Swiss cheese is an important part of the country’s culinary culture, with fondue and raclette among the best-known dishes.
Chocolate is equally important.
You can visit chocolate shops, confectionery stores and local producers in different regions to sample Swiss chocolate.
For food travelers, combining mountain sightseeing with local cheese and chocolate experiences is an easy way to make the trip more memorable.
14. Hike in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland offers hiking opportunities for different experience levels.
Easy walking trails around Alpine villages can provide spectacular scenery without requiring difficult climbs.
More experienced hikers can explore longer mountain routes with views of glaciers, valleys and high peaks.
Popular regions for hiking include the Jungfrau area, Zermatt, the Engadin Valley and around Lake Lucerne.
Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading into the mountains, especially at higher elevations.
15. Experience Switzerland in Winter
Switzerland becomes a completely different destination during winter.
Snow-covered mountains, Alpine villages and ski resorts create a classic winter landscape.
Popular winter destinations include Zermatt, St. Moritz, Grindelwald and the Jungfrau region.
Depending on the destination and conditions, travelers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking and scenic mountain railway journeys.
Even if you don’t ski, Switzerland’s winter scenery makes it worth visiting during the colder months.
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do.
Summer:
June through August is popular for hiking, sightseeing, mountain excursions and outdoor activities.
Autumn:
September and October can bring cooler temperatures, changing foliage and quieter conditions in some destinations.
Winter:
December through February is ideal for snow activities, ski resorts and winter landscapes.
Spring:
April and May can be a quieter period, although mountain conditions vary and some higher-altitude attractions may still have limited access.
For a combination of sightseeing, hiking and comfortable mountain travel, the warmer months are generally the most convenient.
How Many Days Do You Need in Switzerland?
For a first trip, 7 to 10 days provides enough time to experience several different parts of Switzerland.
A possible 7-day route could include:
- Day 1: Zurich
- Day 2: Lucerne
- Day 3: Interlaken
- Day 4: Lauterbrunnen and Wengen
- Day 5: Grindelwald
- Day 6: Zermatt
- Day 7: Matterhorn and departure
If you have 10 days, you can slow the itinerary down and add destinations such as Montreux, Lake Geneva or additional Alpine villages.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland offers much more than beautiful mountain views. Its scenic railways, historic cities, Alpine villages, lakes, food traditions and outdoor experiences make it one of Europe’s most diverse travel destinations.
Whether you’re exploring Zermatt and the Matterhorn, hiking around Interlaken, cruising Lake Geneva or simply enjoying Swiss chocolate in a mountain village, there are countless ways to experience the country.
For a first visit, combining Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt provides a strong introduction to Switzerland while leaving plenty of room for scenic train journeys and spontaneous discoveries.
