BRB... booking the next flight to Switzerland ✈️🇨🇭
Majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and charming villages - Switzerland is a literal postcard-perfect destination, and we're not kidding when we say it feels like a place plucked straight from a fairytale. Once you step foot in this beautiful country, you’ll understand why so many travelers dream of crossing this country off their bucket list. If you’re visiting for the first time and don’t want to miss out on anything, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best places in Switzerland that you must visit during your trip - just add these spots to your Europe itinerary!
But before we get into the must-visit destinations, we’ll introduce you to a Klook Tip first that will surely help make your trip fuss-free! Get a Swiss travel pass — your one and only handy pass that’ll take you to many places in Switzerland via several transportation modes. Read on below to know more.
What you need to know about the Swiss Travel Pass
Don’t want to deal with several pesky stubs every time you get from one place to another? Purchasing individual transportation tickets for each destination won’t be a hassle with a Swiss travel pass. It’s an all-in-one pass that gives you unlimited rides on trains, boats, buses, and more, which means you actually spend less compared to buying tickets for each. And it doesn’t stop there!
Score discounts on Switzerland tour package tickets to some of the country’s top destinations like Glacier 3000, Gornergrat, and Harder Kulm. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card to learn more about the Swiss travel pass and where to buy, redeem, and how to activate it.
Top 10 best places to visit in Switzerland
1. Jungfraujoch
Truly an Alpine wonderland of its own, Jungfraujoch makes its way to the top of our list (no pun intended). Also known as the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located between two mountains - Jungfrau and Monch - and is home to the highest railway station in the world. The scenic train journey up is one you definitely shouldn't miss! At the top, plenty of attractions await you as well — visit the beautiful Ice Palace, go hiking across the glacier, explore Jungfrau Mountain, or dine at sky-high eateries with panoramic views!
2. Lucerne
If we had to pick only one town to visit, Lucerne would be a clear winner. This beautiful city epitomizes a picturesque Swiss town, with the sparkling blue Lake Lucerne taking center stage, flanked by majestic mountains and medieval buildings. From historical churches and waterfront promenades to famous landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, one day is simply not enough to explore this old town as it is jam-packed with plenty of exciting things to see and do.
Klook Tip: For those running on limited time, sneak in a quick half-day trip to Mount Titlis to experience the world’s first fully rotating cable car.
Of course, we highly recommend squeezing in more activities when you can with some Switzerland tour packages, such as going up Mount Pilatus for thrillseekers who want to brave the steepest cogwheel railway! Standing almost 7,000 feet tall, you'll get stunning vistas of Lucerne and the surrounding alpine landscape from up here.
3. Lauterbrunnen
The literal Swiss village of our dreams, Lauterbrunnen Valley has got to be one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. Situated in a stunning valley amidst the Swiss Alps, the picturesque village is surrounded by rocky cliffs and 72 beautiful waterfalls, including the famous Trümmelbach Falls and Staubbach Falls. No matter the season, there are many things for you to do here — chase waterfalls, challenge yourself with a hike, go skiing, or even paraglide across the alpine meadows! From Switzerland’s Lauterbrunnen, you can book a tour by train to Jungfraujoch to reminisce on your favorite Korean dramas by visiting some locations where Crash Landing On You was filmed.
4. Interlaken
As its name indicates, the traditional resort town of Switzerland’s Interlaken is situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It looks straight out of a postcard, with crystal blue lake waters and the mighty Alps surrounding it. This quaint town is also a literal paradise for those who love the great outdoors. Apart from the stunning alpine landscapes, this Swiss playground has a wide variety of adventure sports.
Imagine paragliding through the skies while taking in views of the Alps or embarking on a scenic jet boat adventure! Our professional captain will make sure you, your friends, and your family have the ride of your lives as you zip through Switzerland’s Interlaken Lake to Giessbach Waterfalls.
Klook Tip: For a more cool, calm, and collected experience, try escaping from the hustle n bustle of Interlaken with a peaceful Alpine retreat. There, you’ll find a restaurant at the top of Harder Kulm that serves as a romantic dinner spot or entertainment for interesting folklore.
5. The Matterhorn
The Matterhorn and its iconic pointed peak earned its status for being one of the highest Alpine mountains and the most photographed one (fun fact: it's the mountain peak featured on Toblerone chocolate’s packaging!). We personally love trekking up in the springtime when the weather is just perfect. You’ll see the meadows in full bloom on your way up. At the foot of the Matterhorn is the idyllic village of Zermatt, known for its chalets and horse-drawn carriage rides. Riding a cable car from Zermatt to Breuil-Cervinia in Italy is also one of the best things for first-timers in Switzerland!
6. Lake Geneva
In a country of picture-perfect lakes, it doesn’t get much more impressive than Lake Geneva. This Alpine lake is one of the largest in Europe and has an enchanting backdrop of the Swiss Alps reflected on the lake's calm waters as well. Be treated to this stunning view from the lakeside towns of Geneva on the western shores and Montreux on the east.
In Geneva, the famous Jet d'Eau fountain shoots up water at an impressive 140-meter height from the middle of the lake, while the imposing medieval castle, Chateau de Chillon, stands tall along the rocky coast near Montreux.
7. Rhine Falls
Whether or not chasing waterfalls is your thing, visiting Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) in Schaffhausen is a must-do when in Switzerland. Spanning 130 meters wide and a 25-meter high, you can admire this spectacular waterfall from several viewing decks. In August, the falls also host a spectacular firework display that attracts visitors from around the country as part of Switzerland’s National Day celebrations.
8. Bern
Looking for a spot that’s rich in history and brimming with nature? Bern’s got you covered on both things. Prepare your cameras as you go sightseeing around Bern’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will wow anyone. With traditional houses made of stone, quaint alleyways, rose gardens, and an impressive Clock Tower to match, Bern looks straight out of a fairytale book! Fun fact: Bern is also called the ice cream capital of Switzerland!
Learning about Bern is even more fun with a self-guided Switzerland tour, where you get to join a scavenger hunt and solve riddles as you uncover more fascinating facts. So tag your friends and family along on this venture!
9. Lake Lugano
Hop on a swanky yacht ride from Milan across Lake Lugano, a breathtaking lake that lies on the Switzerland-Italy border in Lugano, Ticino. Dubbed the Monte Carlo of Switzerland, this lakeside city is famous for its quasi-Mediterranean landscape, art-deco buildings, and Hollywood star sightings. The best way to explore the area is none other than by touring the glacial lake by boat or a white steamer or simply by going on a stroll along the shore.
You can also book a Switzerland tour package to see Swissminiatur, located on the shore of Lake Lugano, where size really does matter — because it’s a small world, after all! This open-air museum is where you can experience big fun with tiny versions of 120 of Switzerland’s most famous buildings, landmarks, and cable cars.
10. Zurich
We can't make a list of the top places in Switzerland without including the lively town of Zurich. The city is famous for being Switzerland's cultural and economic center and the country's largest city! Home to beautiful castle-like architecture like the Swiss National Museum, rich history, and the most luxurious shopping streets in the world, this city is definitely a must-visit.
If you want to get away from the city for a bit, the nearby Lake Zurich has easy hiking trails you can embark on for a breath of fresh air. Of course, no Zurich trip is complete without going to the largest Lindt Chocolate Shop. Admire the tallest chocolate fountain you’ve ever seen! Here, you can browse through their wide variety of assortments or even make your exclusive chocolate bar. Make sure to bag some treats for the sweetest souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
Traveling to Europe soon? ✈️
Grüzie, bonjour, ciao! From the majestic landscapes of Switzerland to the iconic landmarks of the United Kingdom, it's time to say hello to Europe on your next epic adventure. Don’t worry, we’ve done the most stressful part of any trip for you!
And hey, if you’re wondering what the convenient way is to travel to different countries in Europe, it’s by train. You can plan out your routes and book your train tickets right away! Now get to booking and pack your bags. Happy travels!