Switzerland Travel Guide
Alpine peaks, scenic trains and lakeside towns
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Switzerland is compact and well connected, so it works well for trips built around trains, mountain railways and boat rides. In the Swiss Alps you can stay in places such as Zermatt (Matterhorn), the Jungfrau region around Interlaken, Lucerne and St. Moritz, and reach lakes, glaciers and meadows quickly.
Summer is for hiking and lake towns, winter is for skiing and snow villages. It is an expensive destination, so planning transport passes and the season carefully matters.
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Search stays in SwitzerlandWhy go
Scenic mountains
The Matterhorn, the Jungfrau massif and the Bernese Alps.
Excellent public transport
Trains, buses and boats connect towns, valleys and mountain stations.
Four-season destination
Hiking, lakes and wildflowers in summer; skiing and snow villages in winter.
Famous scenic trains
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are classic routes.
Thermal baths and spas
Alpine spa towns offer relaxation after active days.
Where to stay
Zermatt
A car-free village below the Matterhorn, good for hiking and skiing. See stays in Zermatt
Interlaken and the Jungfrau region
Gateway to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Murren. See stays in Interlaken and the Jungfrau region
Lucerne
A lakeside old town with Chapel Bridge and day trips to Mount Pilatus and Rigi. See stays in Lucerne
Zurich
The largest city, with a lakefront, old town and museums. See stays in Zurich
Lugano and Ticino
An Italian-flavoured region with lakes and warm weather. See stays in Lugano and Ticino
St. Moritz and the Engadin
Famous for skiing, high-altitude lakes and luxury hotels. See stays in St. Moritz and the Engadin
Top sights and things to do
Matterhorn views
Cable cars and trains from Zermatt reach several viewpoints.
Jungfraujoch
A high-altitude rail station and glacier area, often called the Top of Europe.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
A glacial valley with waterfalls and village hiking.
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
A medieval covered wooden bridge, rebuilt after a fire in 1993.
Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle
A lakeside castle near Montreux.
Glacier Express
A long scenic rail route between Zermatt and St. Moritz or Davos.
Hike mountain trails
Well-marked paths from easy valley walks to alpine routes.
Ride a scenic train
Panoramic trains run on several routes. Reserve seats where needed.
Take a lake cruise
Boats operate on Lucerne, Thun, Brienz, Geneva and others.
Visit a Swiss chocolate or cheese experience
Tours and tastings in various regions.
Soak in thermal baths
Leukerbad, Bad Ragaz and Scuol are popular spa towns.
Ski or snowboard
Large areas such as Zermatt, Verbier, St. Moritz and the Jungfrau region.
Tours and skip-the-line tickets in Switzerland
Small-group tours, entry tickets and day trips, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
See activitiesDay trips from Switzerland
Compare guided excursions by reviews, duration and price.
Browse day tripsPractical tips
- Look at the Swiss Travel Pass for trains, buses and boats. Mountain lifts are often discounted rather than free, so compare options for your itinerary.
- Book scenic trains and seat reservations early in summer and winter.
- Check mountain weather and webcams before buying expensive lift tickets.
- Pack layers and waterproofs, even in summer.
- Tap water is generally safe to drink, and many towns have public fountains.
- Plan around opening dates. Many mountain lifts and hotels close in the shoulder seasons.
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FAQs
How many days do I need in Switzerland?
Seven to ten days lets you combine two or three bases, such as Lucerne, the Jungfrau region and Zermatt.
When is the best time to visit Switzerland?
June to September for hiking and lakes, December to March for skiing.
Is Switzerland expensive?
Yes, it is among the pricier destinations in Europe. Travel passes, picnic lunches and self-catering stays help.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?
It can be for trips with many train, bus and boat journeys. Compare it with point-to-point tickets for your route.
Do I need a car?
Usually not. Public transport is efficient and many mountain villages are car-free.