Whether your interests are the majestic mountains of the Alps, scenic trains, touring lakes or exploring Swiss cities, Switzerland has something extraordinary for every traveller.
Our Switzerland travel guide lists attractions and activities for the main and more famous Swiss leisure destinations. We recommend travelling by train since it offers absolute freedom and flexibility — wake up, have breakfast, take a quick train to another city for a museum visit or shopping, and be back in time for dinner.
As your Switzerland travel guide, we believe that a mountain excursion and a lake excursion on a boat are an absolute must for every Swiss visit. There are even combo experiences where you travel on a train, a boat and a cogwheel train in one and the same trip.
Must DoSwiss Mountain Excursions
A mountain excursion should be part of every Switzerland vacation. Switzerland takes a large part of the Alps and there are many mountain adventures awaiting. Take a cogwheel train or cable cars and enjoy the view over mountains, lakes and many times deep into neighbouring countries and regions.
Travellers will be able to enjoy the highest cable car, ride the steepest cogwheel train and change trains at the highest train station in Europe — the Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres above sea level.
By WaterLake Excursions in Switzerland
Rides on Swiss lakes are included with a Swiss Rail Pass and every lake has its own shipping company. Like trains and tramways, public transportation on Swiss lakes is equally reliable and coordinated. A boat ride on a sunny day is a priceless experience that makes your stay in Switzerland even more special.
Probably the most scenic cruise is on Lake Lucerne on a historic paddle wheel steamer — a journey that captures the very heart of Switzerland.
Iconic RoutesSwiss Scenic Trains
The highlight — and recommended for every Switzerland vacation — is a ride on one of Switzerland's scenic trains. You can travel on panoramic trains on fascinating routes and experience the most breathtaking alpine landscapes. Most of these scenic trains circulate in the Alpine region and require a prior seat reservation.
This is, in our opinion, the best thing to do in Switzerland for tourists. The Chocolate Train is a full day tour to the cheese factory in Gruyères and the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc.
Taste SwitzerlandChocolate + Cheese Making
Switzerland is home to world-famous cheese and chocolate brands. There is a long tradition of chocolate and cheese making and many factories are open to the public. Famous chocolate brands include Toblerone, Lindt and Läderach. You will find more than 400 different varieties of cheeses including Emmentaler, Gruyère and Appenzeller.
Chocolate Factories
Visit Cailler in Broc or Lindt in Kilchberg for a behind-the-scenes look at Swiss chocolate making.
Cheese Cellars
Tour the Gruyères cheese factory and taste over 400 varieties of authentic Swiss cheese.
The Chocolate Train
A full-day guided tour combining a scenic train ride with visits to cheese and chocolate factories.
Gruyères Village
Explore the medieval village of Gruyères, home to a stunning castle and centuries of cheese tradition.
Swiss CraftsmanshipWatch Making
For centuries, Switzerland has been world-renowned for its watches. Watchmaking began in Switzerland in the second half of the 16th century — initially concentrated in Geneva, it soon spread over the Jura Mountains to other regions. In the 17th century, entire families in the canton of Neuchâtel were employed in the watchmaking industry.
Watchmaking can still be found in these areas today. Important museums include the International Museum of Horology in La-Chaux-de-Fonds and the Watch Museum in Le Locle.
Summer ActivitiesHiking + Biking in Switzerland
Switzerland has a network of over 65,000 km of marked hiking trails. In virtually every corner of the country there are paths and sights to be discovered. Paths are signposted with yellow markers which are easy to understand and follow.
Bikers will find spectacular single trails around the Alps, across hills and along lakes. A network of designated bike lanes can be found in and between larger cities. If you are wondering what to do in Switzerland while staying active, hiking brings unmatched views and rewards.
Winter ActivitiesSkiing + Snowboarding in Switzerland
Winter sports enthusiasts will find excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities all over the Alps of Switzerland. You will discover a great variety of winter resorts which offer skiing and snowboarding for all tastes and ages. A few resorts are connected with each other for even greater fun and more kilometres of slopes.
Zermatt
Home to the iconic Matterhorn and year-round skiing at some of the highest altitudes in Europe.
Verbier
One of the largest ski areas in the world, known for challenging off-piste terrain and vibrant après-ski.
St. Moritz
The glamorous birthplace of alpine winter tourism, offering world-class skiing and luxury mountain experiences.
Grindelwald
Perfectly positioned beneath the Eiger, with access to the vast Jungfrau ski region.