Switzerland is a small country in Central Europe, known for its stunning scenery and friendly locals. However, there’s much more to it than just beautiful Alps and picturesque lakes. The country has an abundance of activities that range from relaxing and indulging in the great outdoors to participating in exhilarating outdoor sports.
It is also home to some of the world’s most interesting cultural sites, educational opportunities, and historical monuments. Whether it’s your first visit or you are a frequent traveler, Switzerland is sure to offer something for everyone. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 things to see and do in Switzerland so you can make the most out of your visit!
The Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is a must-see for any visitor to Switzerland. Situated at 3,454 meters (11,332 ft), it is the highest point in Europe accessible by railway and offers stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.
There are several ways to reach the Jungfraujoch, but by far the most popular is via the Jungfraubahn railway from Kleine Scheidegg. The journey from Kleine Scheidegg takes about 50 minutes and passes through the Eiger and Mönch mountains before arriving at the Jungfraujoch station – which itself is situated within a mountain!
At the station, there are various options for exploring including an Ice Palace, an Alpine Sensation exhibition, a skywalk, and even a restaurant with views of the glacier. Whatever you choose to do, a visit to the Jungfraujoch is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Switzerland.
Lake Geneva
One of the most beautiful places in Switzerland is Lake Geneva. The lake is situated between the French and Swiss Alps and is known for its clear, blue waters. There are many activities to enjoy around the lake, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
You can also take a lake cruise to towns such as Lausanne and Montreux, or to Chillon Castle.
The lake is also a popular destination for sightseeing, with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and villages.
There are many attractions in the area, including castles, cathedrals, and other historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the local culture through its many festivals, markets, and cultural events.
The Lake Geneva region is an ideal place to stay for a few days or longer. It offers visitors beautiful scenery and a taste of culture that is unique to Switzerland.
The Old Town of Bern
There is no better place to start exploring Switzerland than in its capital, Bern. The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. With its quaint cobbled streets, picturesque fountains, and historic buildings, the Old Town is a must-see for any visitor to Switzerland.
Start your exploration of the Old Town at the Zytglogge, the 13th-century clock tower that is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. From there, wander through the narrow streets and alleyways lined with traditional Swiss shops and restaurants.
Make sure to stop by the BärenPark, where you can see Bern’s bears, before continuing on to the Cathedral of Bern.
Begun in Gothic style in 1421, the cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive religious buildings in Switzerland. Climb to the top of its tower for stunning views over the city and surrounding countryside. For more views, head to the Rose Garden on the hill across the river from the Old Town. This park offers panoramic views of the Old Town and is home to many varieties of roses.
Finish your time in Bern with a visit to Gurten Park, just outside of town. This large public park offers visitors plenty of space to relax or take a scenic hike through its woods and meadows.
The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps and is a must-see when visiting Switzerland. The mountain is located in the Pennine Alps on the border between Italy and Switzerland and has an elevation of 4,478m. The Matterhorn is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, and there are several routes to the summit. Zermatt, at the foot of the mountain, is also a popular ski resort, with runs suitable for all levels.
The Matterhorn is an iconic symbol of the Alps, and its distinctive shape has become one of the most recognizable images in the world. The mountain has inspired many artists, writers, and photographers over the years, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for those who visit.
The Rheinfall
The Rheinfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. It is located on the River Rhine near Schaffhausen, in northern Switzerland, and makes an easy day trip from Zürich.
The Rheinfall is approximately 150 meters wide and 23 meters high, and it is Europe’s largest plain waterfall by volume. Visitors can take a boat ride into the basin of the waterfall, or they can walk along a path that leads to an observation deck. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the Rheinfall, making it a perfect place to spend a day exploring.
The Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is Switzerland’s only national park and the oldest in the Alps, established on 1 August 1914. It covers about 170 square kilometres in the canton of Graubünden in the southeast and is home to ibex, chamois, marmots, and many other species. It is a strict nature reserve: you must stay on the marked trails, and camping, dogs, and picking plants are not allowed. Trails are usually open in summer and early autumn, so check conditions before you go.
The Chocolate Train
The Chocolate Train is a must-see for any chocolate lover visiting Switzerland. The train departs from Montreux and takes you on a scenic journey through the Swiss countryside to the Broc chocolate factory. On board, you’ll enjoy a selection of delicious Swiss chocolates and learn all about the history of Swiss chocolate-making. At the factory, you’ll get to see how chocolate is made and even taste some of the fresh products straight from the production line! The Chocolate Train is seasonal, so check the operating dates and book ahead.
The Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. The train journey takes you from Zermatt to St. Moritz, passing through some of the most stunning scenery in the world. The trip takes around 8 hours, so it’s a good idea to take a packed lunch with you. A seat reservation is compulsory (CHF 54 per person in 2026) on top of your ticket or pass, and the train pauses each year between mid-October and early December.
The train itself is a modern one and boasts panoramic windows, so you can take in the spectacular views as you travel. There are also audio guides available so you can learn more about the various sights as you go. Once you arrive in St. Moritz, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy – from skiing to horse riding, or even just sightseeing.
The Golden Pass Route
The Golden Pass Route is a scenic train journey that takes you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery. The route runs from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken. The journey takes more than five hours in total, including the Luzern-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express, and is a great way to see some of Switzerland’s stunning scenery.
The views along the Golden Pass Route are spectacular, as you travel through rolling hills, past lakes and rivers, and up into the Alps. The route also passes the vineyards above Lake Geneva near Montreux. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the train and explore some of these beautiful towns and villages.
The Golden Pass Route is a great way to experience some of Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery, taking in stunning views from one end of the country to the other. Whether you’re looking for a short trip or a longer journey, this route is sure to provide plenty of photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience.
Interlaken
Interlaken is a beautiful town in the heart of Switzerland that is surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery. There are plenty of things to see and do in Interlaken, making it the perfect place to spend a few days exploring. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Interlaken:
Visit the Jungfraujoch. The Jungfraujoch is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland and for good reason! The views from the top are simply breathtaking and you can even go inside the glaciers. If you don’t fancy braving the crowds, there are plenty of other great vantage points nearby where you can soak up the views.
Hike in the Berner Oberland. The Berner Oberland region around Interlaken is a paradise for hikers with its picturesque valleys, green meadows, and towering mountains. There are numerous hiking trails to suit all abilities, so you can explore at your own pace. Don’t forget to stop for a picnic lunch along the way!
Take a boat trip on Lake Brienz or Thun. Both Lake Brienz and Lake Thun are beautiful lakes located close to Interlaken and make for a great day out. You can take a leisurely boat trip around the lake, stopping off at pretty villages along the way. Or if you’re feeling active, why not hire a kayak or paddleboard and explore on your own.
Conclusion
Switzerland is a country that has so much to offer travelers. From its majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and pristine nature, Switzerland provides travelers with an amazing variety of experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. We have highlighted some of the best things to see and do in Switzerland, but there are many more hidden gems waiting for you to discover them. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer!
I’m Laura, a travel writer based in Zürich, and Switzerland is the place I know better than anywhere else. I moved here 9 years ago and haven’t stopped exploring it since.
Over the past 9 years I’ve made 40+ trips across every Swiss canton — from the Italian-speaking south of Ticino to the remote valleys of Graubünden to the lake towns of Romandy. I speak German, French and English fluently, which means I can read the local newspapers, argue with train conductors, and actually understand what the mountain guide is telling you when the weather turns.
Switzerland is a deceptively complex destination: four languages, 26 cantons, wildly different regional cultures, and a transport network so intricate it takes years to properly understand. I write to demystify all of it — whether you’re planning your first visit to Zermatt, deciding between Zürich and Geneva for a city break, or figuring out how to live here as a digital nomad or remote worker.
I also cover Central Europe for travellers who want to venture beyond the obvious — particularly the Czech Republic, Austria and the Alpine arc connecting Switzerland to its neighbours.
All About Swiss is my home base, where I publish in-depth guides to Swiss travel, life and culture. If it involves Switzerland, I’ve probably written about it, or I’m about to.