Switzerland is one of the most visually spectacular countries on earth. The combination of the Alps, the lakes, the beautifully preserved medieval cities, and the extraordinary precision of Swiss infrastructure makes it a destination that consistently exceeds expectations. From the iconic Matterhorn to the art museums of Basel, the chocolate factories of Gruyères, and the world's most scenic train journeys, here's the best of Switzerland.
Top Natural Attractions in Switzerland
The Matterhorn (Zermatt) — The most iconic mountain in the Alps and one of the most recognisable peaks in the world. The Matterhorn rises 4,478 metres above the car-free village of Zermatt. You can hike to viewpoints, take the Gornergrat railway for panoramic views, or (for experienced mountaineers) attempt the summit. The reflection of the Matterhorn in the Riffelsee lake is one of the great landscape photographs in the world.\n\nJungfraujoch — Top of Europe — A railway journey from Grindelwald or Wengen to the Jungfraujoch station at 3,454m — the highest railway station in Europe. The views over the Aletsch Glacier (the longest glacier in the Alps) are extraordinary. Book tickets in advance and go on a clear day.\n\nLake Geneva (Lac Léman) — The largest lake in Western Europe, shared between Switzerland and France. The northern shore (Lausanne, Montreux, Vevey) is lined with vineyards, Belle Époque hotels, and the Chillon Castle. The Lavaux vineyard terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site) above the lake are spectacular.\n\nRhine Falls (Rheinfall) — The largest waterfall in Europe by volume, near Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. The falls are 150m wide and 23m high. Boat trips to the central rock are available in summer.
Best Things to Do in Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and financial capital — a clean, efficient, and surprisingly enjoyable city with world-class museums, excellent restaurants, and easy access to the Alps.\n\nAltstadt (Old Town) — Zurich's medieval old town, with the twin towers of the Grossmünster church, the Fraumünster (famous for its Chagall windows), and the Lindenhügel hill with views over the city and the lake.\n\nKunsthaus Zürich — One of the finest art museums in Switzerland, with an exceptional collection of Swiss and international art from the Middle Ages to the present. The new extension (opened 2021) is the largest art museum in Switzerland.\n\nLake Zurich — Swimming in Lake Zurich from the city's lidos (outdoor swimming areas) is a quintessential Zurich summer experience. The Seebad Enge and the Strandbad Mythenquai are the most popular.\n\nBahnhofstrasse — Zurich's famous shopping street, one of the most expensive in the world. The luxury watch and jewellery shops are legendary. The Sprüngli café and confectionery at Paradeplatz is the best place in Zurich for chocolate and Luxemburgerli (small macarons).
Best Swiss Train Journeys
Switzerland has the finest railway network in the world — punctual, scenic, and comprehensive. Several routes are internationally famous as scenic journeys in their own right.\n\nGlacier Express — An 8-hour journey from Zermatt to St Moritz (or vice versa), crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through the heart of the Swiss Alps. One of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Book well in advance.\n\nBernina Express — A UNESCO World Heritage railway from Chur to Tirano (Italy), crossing the Bernina Pass at 2,253m. The views over the Morteratsch Glacier and the Bernina massif are extraordinary.\n\nGolden Pass Line — A scenic route from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken and Zweisimmen, passing through the Bernese Oberland and the Pays-d'Enhaut. The panoramic cars offer exceptional views.\n\nSwiss Travel Pass — If you plan to use Swiss trains extensively, the Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, plus free entry to many museums. It is expensive but can offer good value for active travellers.
Swiss Food and Chocolate
Swiss cuisine is a blend of French, German, and Italian influences, reflecting the country's three main linguistic regions.\n\nFondue — Melted cheese (typically Gruyère and Emmental) served in a communal pot, eaten by dipping bread on long forks. The quintessential Swiss winter dish. Best eaten in a mountain restaurant after a day of skiing or hiking.\n\nRaclette — Melted cheese scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions. Another Swiss classic, particularly popular in the Valais region.\n\nSwiss chocolate — Switzerland produces some of the finest chocolate in the world. Lindt, Toblerone, and Nestlé are the international brands, but the best Swiss chocolate comes from artisan chocolatiers — Läderach, Sprüngli, and Favarger are among the finest. The Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc (near Gruyères) offers excellent tours.\n\nRösti — A Swiss potato dish similar to a hash brown, served as a side dish throughout German-speaking Switzerland. The Rösti Graben (Rösti Ditch) is the informal name for the cultural divide between German and French-speaking Switzerland.
