Switzerland's Top 10 Tourist Attractions You Can't Miss

At just shy of 16,000 square miles, Switzerland is quite a bit smaller in terms of surface area compared to neighbors like Germany or France. It's landlocked, so it doesn't boast the kinds of lengthy coastlines claimed by Italy, which brims with destinations for a marvelous solo travel experience. But what it does have in spades are glorious Alpine peaks, glittering mountain lakes, and historic cities with endless noteworthy architectural details. The nation is famous for its delicious chocolate and cheese, precision-tuned timepieces, challenging skiing, and scenic railroads. It also happens to rate among the safest countries in the world.

It's not hard to fall in love with Switzerland's characterful cities, like the administrative "federal city" of Bern — Switzerland doesn't have one formal capital — or the lakeside city of Lucerne that Rick Steves calls the best urban gem in all of Switzerland. Whether you're heading to the mountains for some winter fun on the slopes or you prefer the relaxing and scenic train rides through UNESCO World Heritage sites, look no further than these 10 must-see destinations that have helped earn Switzerland the nickname of the "Playground of Europe."

One of the most stunning and renowned lakes in Switzerland, Lake Geneva is home to resort towns like Montreux — of Montreux Jazz Festival fame — along with larger cities like Lausanne and Geneva. The lake is essentially split down the middle by Switzerland's border with France, and at 45 miles long and up to 9 miles wide, it brims with stunning views and history. To really get a feel for its numerous scenic and cultural niches, it's a good idea to plan a visit for at least four or five days.

On the edge of Montreux, you won't want to miss the iconic Château de Chillon, which is perched on a small island just off Lake Geneva's shore. Its history goes back to at least 1150, when the first recorded mention of the castle places it within the control of the noble Savoy family, who used it as a strategic fortification. Today, its picture-perfect setting and unique layout draws history buffs and photographers alike to enjoy its stunning architecture. The castle is open year-round, and hours vary by season.

As of this writing, adult entry costs around $19 (15 Swiss francs) or $9 (7 Swiss francs) for children, with some concession rates available in addition to the acceptance of some regional tourism passes. The Montreux Riviera Card, designed as a key for those staying overnight in Montreux, offers free public transportation via Mobilis and discounts on attractions like scenic ferry rides via CGN or the popular cog railway that scales the Alps between Montreux and Rochers-de-Naye.

Zürich's Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is a must for visitors who can't get enough of history, picturesque passageways, and local shops. The dramatic spire of Fraumünster Church, plus Grossmünster's two towers, soar above the quaint district brimming with old world charm. Fraumünster is home to stained glass windows by two greats of modern art: Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti. The latter also designed the choir windows in Grossmünster and painted a spectacular, multifaceted mural a century ago in the entrance hall of the city police headquarters.

Old Town is where historical preservation meets contemporary culture, from the colorful bay windows of Augustinergasse's charming old houses to the contemporary Kunsthaus Zürich, the country's largest art museum. Take your time wandering through quaint shops, stopping in cafes, or check out the nightlife along the Niederdorf promenade. Alternatively, if you want to pack in as much sightseeing as you can in a single day, check out a walking tour with built-in excursions via cable car and cruise.

The Zürich Card, which can be purchased for periods of either 24 or 72 hours, is great for getting around to lots of places in a short time. Its perks include free admission to a number of the city's museums, like Cabaret Voltaire, the Swiss Finance Museum, the Beyer Watch and Clock Museum, and many more. It also includes unlimited travel on all forms of public transportation — yes, even funicular and cable car. And if you're in the mood for a sweet detour, head south to Kilchburg to visit Lindt Home of Chocolate, the nation's largest chocolate museum.

Among the icons of Switzerland — chocolate, watches, banking — none is quite so monumental as the Matterhorn. The peak is only the 10th highest in the country at a little over 14,600 feet high, but it's arguably the most famous thanks to its crooked, pyramid-like top. There are numerous ways to enjoy the towering presence of its iconic peak. If you're up for a memorable adventure, book a tandem paragliding ride for 360-degree views. And to really get a sense of the scope of this place, head to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for a crossing by cable car that takes you to a viewpoint, complete with the highest restaurant in Europe. Here, you can observe 38 peaks in three countries.

At the base of the mountain sits the city of Zermatt, a resort destination like no other. Famous for access to great mountaineering, hiking, and climbing routes, there are trails for every skill level. For a moderate-to-hard hike that traverses 2.6 miles and boasts incredible views of the Matterhorn and Alpine lakes, check out the Panoramic Trail to Swiss Topwalk journey. On the way, you can also check out the Topwalk that connects Zermatt to the Gornergrat. The route has been in use since 1869, connecting you to the Gornergrat Railway for epic views by train. Back in town, glimpse centuries into the past in Zermatt's Old Village on Hinterdrofstrasse, which features more than 30 traditional Valais-style timber homes and barns. Some of the structures in Hinterdorf, which means "rear village," date all the way back to the 16th century. And of course, don't forget the powder — Zermatt should definitely be on your bucket list ski trip to Switzerland.

On the topic of great heights, what do you get when you combine endless mountain views with the highest railway station in Europe? Welcome to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the "Top of Europe." Located in the Jungfrau Region, a haven for skiers, outdoor-lovers, and adventure-seekers, it's easy to reach by car or public transportation. Connect either from Interlaken Ost Railway Station on the Eiger Express gondola or via the Wengernalp Railway, which stops at a number of other notable stations en route to Jungfraujoch. In Zweilütschinen, the train splits, with one route taking you to Lauterbrunnen and the other heading to Grindelwald. Just make sure that you're following signs for which part of the train you should be on to get to where you want to go.

Lauterbrunnen features epic, postcard-worthy cliffs and options for hopping aboard the cogwheel railway to Kleine Sheidegg or sailing through the air via cable car to Mürren, one of the area's renowned fairytale villages that transform into a winter wonderland. Kleine Scheidegg is one of the most beautiful natural places in the Bernese Oberland, and at Mürren, you can immerse yourself in a tucked-away Alpine "sun terrace" filled with chalets and no cars. Among myriad other spots to visit, the crowning destination of this route is the Jungfraujoch itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits at more than 11,300 feet. View the longest glacier in the Alps via the Sphinx Observation Deck, explore subzero artwork in the Ice Palace, experience the immersive panoramic cinema, or whizz along the Tyrolienne zipline in the Snow Fun Park.

Lucerne is a magical city nestled between a lake and mountains in central Switzerland, just about an hour-and-a-half by car east of Bern. Its Old Town is defined by a brilliantly preserved 14th-century stone fortification called the Musegg Wall, which features nine watchtowers overlooking charming alleys and historic buildings. Among the most photographed places in the city is the remarkable Chapel Bridge, paired with a large water tower, which spans the River Reuss. Originally built in 1333, this gorgeous crossing was nearly totally destroyed by a fire in 1993 and was rebuilt the following year. Luckily, the water tower survived. Today, the bridge continues as a symbol of Swiss pride and ingenuity.

Don't miss Lucerne's Old Town boulevard that fronts the River Reuss, brimming with charming places for a drink, lunch, or dinner, plus glorious views across the water. This area, also known as Luzern Altstadt, features wonderful examples of medieval buildings like the 14th-century Kornmarkt and the gorgeously decorated houses lining Hirschenplatz. The Luzern Altstadt district is a must-see if you can't get enough of magnificent town squares.

To experience beautiful Lake Lucerne, hop aboard a cruise with Vier Waldstättersee. Pick from a three-and-a-half-hour Riviera cruise, an excursion to the Neverland-esque Risleten Gorge, or a roundtrip to Mount Rigi for a beautiful walk and Alpine lake views. A number of tourism passes provide access and discounts for transportation and museums in and around Lucerne. These include the Tell Pass for destinations in central Switzerland, the Lucerne Museum Card, and the City Card. One or more of these is a great option if you're looking to pack a lot into a short amount of time.

Speckled with gorgeous mountain lakes, the Upper Engadine plateau bursts with picturesque scenery and some of the most sought-after resort vibes in Switzerland. The eponymous city surrounding Lake St. Moritz is a destination like none other for world-class skiing, hiking, shopping, art, and cuisine. Art lovers will rejoice at being able to see contemporary art exhibitions at Hauser and Wirth and Vito Schnabel Gallery, among others. Plus, there's also the Segantini Museum in its distinctive mausoleum-like building, which is home to the work of artist Giovanni Segantini.

Opportunities abound for exploring other Upper Engadine lakes like Silvaplana, Silser, and Champfèrer. Atop Piz Nair, which you can access via cable car or funicular directly from St. Moritz, you'll be rewarded with astonishing views over St. Moritz and beyond. And there's no shortage of scenic railways to catch in town, from the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express to the Rhaetian Railway's Abula Route. Back in the city, spot the famous Leaning Tower, a 12th-century building that leans even more dramatically than the Tower of Pisa.

St. Moritz's dining options will also set you up for memorable meals. A fan favorite, Banfi's is a welcoming, atmospheric restaurant serving Italian classics like house-made noodles and prawns, gnocchi, and tagliata — a traditional Italian steak dish. Or for an upscale dining experience with a historic twist, book at table at Kulm Country Club, situated within a century-old pavilion used during the 1928 and 1948 Olympics. Even more history, of the 17th century variety, can be found in the farmhouse-turned-restaurant, Chesa Veglia. 

You might be sensing a theme in Switzerland when it comes to getting around: rail is the grail. Scenic routes offering show-stopping views of the Alps include popular options like Bernina Railway Experience and Glacier Express, operated by Rhaetian Railway. Bernina, also known as the Bernina Express or Bernina Red Train, follows a UNESCO World Heritage-designated route between Chur, St. Moritz, and Tirano, Italy. As of this writing, a round-trip adult ticket from Chur to Tirano is around $185 (156 euros) — with no seat reservations — and a trip back-and-forth between St. Moritz and Tirano is $95 (80 euros).

For another popular tourist route that you can also connect to in both St. Moritz and Chur, the Glacier Express is a gorgeous choice and winds its way up to Zermatt, with the option of a Swiss culinary experience like no other while you take in the views. Fares start at around $260 (208 Swiss francs), including a seat reservation, for a second-class journey all the way from St. Moritz to Zermatt and back. Excellence Class, which runs around $960 (762 Swiss francs), includes a five-course meal and special perks.

Take a trip through time on the vintage steam locomotives of the Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke (DFB), with a half-day journey between Realp and Furka Pass Summit offering a short but sweet glimpse into history. Treno Gottardo also traverses snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes. For those on a budget, there are also plenty of options via standard public transportation that are a little kinder on the bank account, like the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex).

Thanks to a giant shelf of rock that has withstood thousands of years of continuously rushing water as the softer ground around it wore away, Rhine Falls is continental Europe's most powerful waterfall. Located on the High Rhine between Schaffhausen and Zürich, just a few miles south of the German border, the thundering rush of the river is not only a reminder of nature's inherent power but also a wonderful place to see historic castles, experience unique boat rides, and take in the surrounding scenic landscape. 

During the summer, thanks to snowmelt, Rhine Falls can move at an impressive 158,500 gallons per second. The falls are amazing to see from the water, aboard a tour like Rhyfall Mändli. The sleek river boats get you up-close to the falls on 15-minute round-trip excursions, or choose a half-hour audio tour option. Truly immerse yourself in the rushing spectacle during the 30-minute Rock Experience, with the opportunity to actually climb Middlerock, which sits amid the falls.

If you'd prefer to stay on land, head to one of the overlook platforms that offer great views of Rhine Falls from perches on both sides. Be forewarned: Although you will be on land, it is possible that you will still get wet. Day tours are also a wonderful way to take in the surrounding area, with guided tours departing regularly from Zürich. While you're here, head up to Schloss Laufen, or Laufen Castle, for exceptional views of the falls, fine dining on a picturesque outdoor terrace, and insights into the landmark's 1,100-year history.

Known fondly as the "Queen of the Mountains," Mount Rigi is a centrally located gem in Switzerland that's easy to reach from any direction. It's a popular destination for day trips from Lucerne, as it takes less than an hour to drive there, and public transportation links are also available. Lace up your boots and head out on some of the mountain's gorgeous hiking trails, a few of which are accessible to visitors of all abilities. The beautiful Rigi Känzeli Hiking Tour is a great first outing at only about 1.2 miles round-trip, suitable for those in wheelchairs or those pushing a stroller. Another easy route that will take you a bit farther is the Rigi First to Rigi Scheidegg section of a former rail route known as The Rigi Panorama Path. This portion is just about 4 miles out-and-back, but the total length of the trail is a loop covering about 8.6 miles, giving you a more moderately challenging option if you choose to take it.

For beautiful views from unique points, hop into a cable car or aboard one of two cogwheel trains. And when you're ready to relax, head to the Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad, which features mineral and steam baths, a pool, and a sauna. Special combi tickets like the Hike & Relax package include your choice of a cable car or cog ride and a visit to the baths. Nothing beats taking in panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from the relaxing atmosphere of an outdoor pool.

Bern's early history can be traced to the 12th century, when the hill site on the Aare River began to grow into an organized municipality. Today, Bern's Old City is home to structures that have survived from as long ago as the 1400s, making this an iconic destination you shouldn't skip on a trip to Switzerland. One particularly remarkable characteristic of the Old City is its more than 3 miles of ancient arcades, along with its charmingly narrow alleys and beautiful river crossings. You'll also notice colorful street signs marking your location; these date from France's occupation of Bern in 1798, when color-coding was used to help French soldiers navigate to different districts.

The Old City of Bern consists of Upper and Lower parts, the latter of which is usually what people think of when you refer to the "Old City." Look for the amazing Zytglogge, or clocktower, with its enormous face and quaint passageway underneath. The district of Matte is also encompassed by the Lower Old City, with its quaint old houses and their distinctive rooflines situated along the Aare. From there, don't miss views over the city and up toward the mountains of the Bernese Oberland from the viewing deck of Bernese Minster, which boasts the highest church tower in Switzerland. There are 344 steps up the top, but you won't regret it. Afterward, treat your culinary tastes with dinner at one of a number of Michelin-recognized restaurants like Wein & Sein, Noumi, or Zoe. For the more budget-minded or just to grab a good drink, take in a wonderful view over the city from the Attika Rooftop Bar at Hotel Bern.

Among countless memorable destinations and things to do in Switzerland, we compiled this list from personal experience and research on a number of regional tourism sites like MySwitzerland, JungfrauRegion, EuropeTravelBureau, and RailEurope. For specific information about cities and attractions, we consulted individual government-run tourism websites to get the most up-to-date and accurate information. We also made sure to consider visitors' honest reviews and ratings for attractions and experiences on sites like Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide.com, Google, and Reddit. Comparing the information from all of these sources, we were able to compile a comprehensive list of all the most unmissable places to see in the beautiful country of Switzerland.