THE BEST 20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SWITZERLAND

If you are one of those who love sun, sand and sea getaways, Switzerland will probably not be among your dream travel destinations. But in return, the Alpine country has many other things to offer, and we assure you that you will not regret it if you decide to visit it. Charming mountain villages, modern cities, art, exclusive restaurants and especially nature, lots of nature. In this post we will tell you the 20 best things to see and do in Switzerland to give you the last push to know this amazing country.

1. We begin the list with one of the most beautiful (and also tourist) locations in the whole country, Lucerne. Come to know this medieval city bathed by the waters of the Lake of the Four Cantons and do not miss the Kapellbrücke or chapel bridge, the most famous place in the entire city. Get lost in its historic center full of alleyways, squares and charming houses ... One of the best things to do in Switzerland.

2. Near Lucerne is the Mount pilatus, known not for its "discrete" height (2,132m), but for the steepest rack railway in the world that reaches its peak saving slopes of up to 48%. This railway line, in operation since 1889, crosses a spectacular landscape of forests, meadows and rocky walls. And although once at the top you will not have the peace and tranquility that one expects to find in a place like this, the spectacular journey is definitely worth it.

3. Visit Bern, the capital of Switzerland and probably the most beautiful city in the whole country. Its old town with medieval air was declared in 1983 a World Heritage Site by its own merits. Discover what we talked about aimlessly walking between its fountains, alleys, historic towers, markets, cafes, boutiques, cabaret theaters ... and a long list of things to see and do.

4. Nestled between the Thun and Brienz lakes, Interlaken It is the perfect base to explore a magnificent natural environment. Do not miss the spectacular panoramic view of the city from the lookout point Harder Kulm, or a visit to the beautiful town of Grindelwald. However, the main attraction of the area is the Jungfrau peak, of nothing more and nothing less than 4,158 m. The rack railway that reaches the Jungfraujoch (the highest railway station in Europe) will make it a little easier for you 😉

5. The Jungfrau is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn, a set of valleys, mountains and glaciers declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Attentive to these numbers: 23 km long, 120 km² of surface and up to 900 meters deep. This is the cover letter of the Aletsch glacier, the most extensive, long and deep in all of Europe, and one of the many wonders of nature that you will find in Switzerland ... don't miss it!

Bern, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland

6. If we talk about mountains, the undisputed queen of Switzerland is the Matterhorn or Matterhorn, very popular among climbers. Its unmistakable and beautiful pyramid-shaped silhouette (yes, the same one that appears on the famous Toblerone's container) will make you want to immortalize it from every possible angle. Visit Zermatt, free of motor vehicles and accessible by train from Täash and Visp to have privileged views of the majestic mountain.

7. A must from Zemartt is the route of the five lakes (5-Seenweg). This simple path (also suitable for the smallest of the house) will take you to discover the beautiful lakes of Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee and Leisee. Each with its own personality, but all with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

8. The Gornergrat It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the whole country. Go up there, not only to see the Matterhorn, but also to have a spectacular panoramic of up to 29 peaks over 4,000 meters high, including the Monte Rosa or Dufour Peak, the highest in the Swiss Alps with 4,634 meters. It will not be difficult for you to feel tiny among the giant.

9. Get off at the zipper train stop before Gornegrat to know the Riffelsee, one of the most photographed lakes in the world and one of the best things to see in Switzerland. The reflection of the Matterhorn on the surface of its crystalline waters is a true spectacle of nature. The best time to contemplate it in all its splendor is sunrise or sunset ... yes, make sure it is a clear and windless day.

10. Do not get away from this beautiful area of ​​the country full of natural attractions without getting to know the Charles Kuonen, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. But beware, if you suffer from vertigo you better save yourself the effort to get there, since while you walk through it you can see the up to 85 meters of emptiness under your feet.

Village of Zermatt and in the background the silhouette of Mount Matterhorn

11. In this country it is difficult to get too far from the mountains, but if after so much nature you need to put your feet back on the asphalt, you can not miss the interesting and multicultural Zurich. The largest city in the entire country cannot be said to be the best destination for backpacking pockets, but it offers options for all tastes. Interesting museums and art galleries, exclusive shops, good coffee shops, luxury restaurants, green areas, a beautiful old town and of course its huge and famous lake.

12. Go back to nature to discover the spectacular Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, which you can easily reach from Zurich. Walk the Belvedere trail while you enjoy the viewpoints that will make you feel more closely the brutal force of the water. Or if you prefer, get on one of the boats that literally enter the whirlpool and get ready to take a good “shower”.

13. Another place that you can not miss in Switzerland and where to contemplate other impressive waterfalls, is the Lauterbrunnen Valley. There you will find nothing more and nothing less than 72 waterfalls (among them the largest underground waterfall in Europe), colorful meadows and cozy wooden houses ... One of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole country and one of the best things to see in Switzerland .

14. Although Switzerland is not especially known for its cuisine, you cannot leave the country without visiting Gruyères, place where cheese of the same name is made. And why not, since you're there take the opportunity to eat a good raclette: a cheese wheel that melts in layers and scraped with a knife to accompany it with different foods. An emblematic establishment is Le Chalet de Gruyères, to try raclette and other specialties of the region. If you are not a cheese lover, this small medieval town is also an ideal place to stroll and enjoy its old town, as well as being able to see one of the most important castles in the whole country that dominates the city of Gruyères from a hill.

15. A few kilometers separate Gruyères from Freiburg, which located in a beautiful mountain environment and surrounded by lush forests, has a historic center that is a true medieval jewel. Here you will find more than 200 Gothic facades and standing out above all of them, the 74-meter tower of St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Impressive waterfall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley

16. Approach until areuse gorge to know one of those little secrets well kept that is well worth a visit. The idyllic environment created by the rock walls between which the Areuse River flows is a perfect place for hiking. Although the main protagonist of this place is the old stone bridge of Saut de Brot... a fairytale place!

17. Continuing with story places, visit the Château de Chillon, one of the most visited monuments in the whole country and certainly one of the best things to do in Switzerland. On the banks of Lake Leman and with the imposing Alps as a backdrop, this castle stands in an environment full of romanticism. Did you know that Lord Byron himself served as a source of inspiration in his famous poem "The Prisoner of Chillón"? All information about the castle here.

18. Geneva It is famous for being one of the most important financial centers in the world, and because it is home to numerous international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. To be honest, do not expect the charm of other Swiss cities like Lucerne or Bern, but to compare, nothing better than visiting it. Its most emblematic places are the Jet d'Eau, the small historical center of the city, its beautiful parks and gardens and some of its interesting museums.

19. Although not too well known among travelers, Basel Worth a visit. In the purest Swiss style, in this quiet and orderly city, you will encounter a good number of interesting places to see. The cobbled streets of its historic center are wonderful for walking, while enjoying historic buildings, small boutiques or terraces where you can taste a good craft beer.

20. Unfairly not included in most travel itineraries in the Alpine country, the Canton Ticino and the Canton of Graubünden They are one of the best places to see the real Switzerland. Here there is a perfect fusion of the best of two countries: Italy and Switzerland. Idyllic landscapes, delicious cuisine and a more relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the “dolce far niente”. And nothing better than arriving on the “Bernina Express” train from Milan, probably the most epic train journey in Europe!

Château de Chillon, on the shore of Lake Geneva

On this map you can see the location of all the places we recommend visiting in Switzerland:

There are lots of things to see and do in Switzerland that we left, but you will have to travel to this country in the heart of Europe to discover it. For now, take note of all these recommendations, for us, the best of Switzerland.

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland - Travel Video (April 2024).