21 Best things to do in Switzerland

Planning a trip to Switzerland? You’ve come to the right place.

As I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, Switzerland has a LOT going on. It may be a relatively small country, but there are so many iconic spots here that it’s easy to get swept up and try to do way too much. We learned that the hard way, so now we’re here to break down the absolute best things to do in Switzerland and deliver all the practical details to make planning a breeze.

There’s definitely something for everyone on this list, from active kayak adventures to chocolate tasting and must-see highlights like the Matterhorn. Ready to plan your perfect Swiss adventure? Let’s go!

Things to do in Switzerland

1. Visit Jungfraujoch 

I think we’ve all googled Switzerland and been greeted with photos of seemingly endless craggy, snow-dusted peaks! So if you’ve seen these types of photos, there’s a good chance that they were taken at Jungfraujoch, also known as “the Top of Europe.” It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits 3,454 meters above sea level, and it’s home to the highest railway station in Europe – how cool is that?

Of course, half the fun of Jungfraujoch is getting up here! Reaching the top requires a scenic train ride through the Bernese Alps, which will take you through cute alpine villages before climbing up into the dramatic, icy landscape. Then, when you arrive, you can visit the Sphinx Observatory and enjoy panoramic views of the Aletsch Glacier, and explore the world-famous Ice Palace.

Now, you can stay in the Jungfrau region, and it’s absolutely stunning. However, if you’re short on time, it’s also possible to visit Jungfraujoch on a day trip from Zurich or Lucerne. It takes about 3.5-4 hours to get here from either destination, so we do recommend going for a guided option rather than trying to do it yourself. We visited on this full-day trip from Zurich, or you can also book this well-rated tour from Lucerne. 

However you decide to visit Jungfraujoch, do be sure to check the weather forecast before booking! Clear skies make a massive difference, and it’d be a shame to trek all the way here and then not be able to see anything.

2. Explore Lucerne’s Old Town

Exploring Lucerne’s Old Town is easily one of our favorite things to do in Switzerland. It’s just so dang pretty that it’s impossible not to fall in love with it! The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings, and the town is split in two by the Reuss River. And as if that weren’t enough, you’ve also got lush mountains in the background – it’s just gorgeous.

Speaking of the river, it’s crossed by the iconic Chapel Bridge. It’s a covered wooden bridge lined with flower boxes, dating back to the 14th century, making it the oldest pedestrian bridge in Europe! So naturally, walking across this bridge is a must, and from there, you can just wander the Old Town to your heart’s content. The area is super compact and easy to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cute cafes around where you can stop for snacks and coffee in between.

Still, if you’d like a more structured way to explore Lucerne, we think that this walking tour is an excellent way to dive into its history. You can even add a boat cruise or a cheese tasting experience to really get the most out of your time here! 

In fact, we highly recommend getting out on the lake. We found that a quick cruise on Lake Lucerne gave us a totally different perspective on the town, and we loved seeing the Alps rising up dramatically in the distance. 

Switzerland is a country made up of pretty towns, but Lucerne really does take the cake. It definitely deserves a spot on your Swiss itinerary! 

3. See the Matterhorn in Zermatt 

The Matterhorn is an iconic symbol of Switzerland, so you can’t miss the chance to see this sharp, dramatic peak – and the best place to do that is from the charming town of Zermatt! This car-free town is full of wooden chalets and cozy restaurants, and in winter you’ll often see horse-drawn carriages rolling through the streets. It’s primarily a ski town, but we love it for its fun, outdoorsy vibe year-round!

One of our favorite things to do here is to head up the Matterhorn Viewpoint for sunset. It’s more of a steady uphill walk than a full-on hike, and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the top. But despite being fairly low-effort, it’s high reward because the views of Zermatt are just amazing from here, and it only gets better when the sky starts to turn pink. The trail is also really well-groomed, even during winter, so you’ll need hiking shoes with good grip but no specialist gear to get up there.

And for even bigger views, be sure to hop on the Gornergrat Railway. Round-trip tickets cost roughly €105, and the ride itself is epic as the train climbs up to over 3,000 meters! The panoramic views get better and better as the ride goes on, and then at the top, the scenery really does feel endless. There’s a hotel, a restaurant, and multiple bars up here, so we recommend planning to spend a few hours eating and enjoying the views – this isn’t the type of experience you want to rush! 

Related Read: Planning a visit to Zermatt in the warmer months? Check out our 2 to 3-day Zermatt summer itinerary for the perfect mix of mountain adventures, scenic views, and local experiences.

4. Ride the Glacier Express 

If you love scenic train journeys, then riding the Glacier Express needs to be high on your Switzerland bucket list! This legendary route runs between St. Moritz and Zermatt, cutting straight through the heart of the Swiss Alps. And despite the name, it’s actually the slowest express train in the world. Trust me, this is a positive thing because it means you get way more time to soak in those amazing views.

In fact, the full journey takes around eight hours, so this is a full-day activity. That may sound pretty long, but the scenery kept us rapt as we passed deep gorges, alpine meadows, snowy mountains, and the cutest little mountain villages. The train has large panoramic windows, so you really do feel immersed in the scenery the entire time. 

We think the ideal way to do the Glacier Express is to build it into a longer trip and spend time in both St. Moritz and Zermatt. But we’re realists, and we know that that’s not always possible! So if you’re short on time, you can still experience this iconic train ride on a guided day trip from Zurich. It’s a long day, but it takes the stress out of planning connections and lets you focus on the views.

And if you can, reserve seats in advance, especially in summer. This is one of Switzerland’s most popular experiences for a reason!

5. Taste Swiss Chocolate 

Eating an unreasonable amount of chocolate was one of the main reasons we traveled to Switzerland in the first place! It’s pretty much obligatory here because the country is world-renowned for its exceptional chocolate. In fact, Swiss chocolate-making dates back to the 19th century, and the country is responsible for some pretty major innovations in the field. Did you know that the Swiss actually invented milk chocolate?

In fact, Switzerland is also the home of Lindt chocolate, and you can even visit the Home of Chocolate in Zurich! This is a huge, interactive chocolate museum with a giant chocolate fountain worthy of Willy Wonka himself, and tons of tasting opportunities. As I’m sure you can imagine, this is a really popular thing to do, so we highly recommend buying tickets in advance during busy periods, which you can do here.

We also did this chocolate tour in Geneva and had a blast! It combines a ton of chocolate tastings with a guided walk through the city’s historic center, and a boat cruise on Lake Geneva. It’s actually one of the most fun walking tours we’ve ever done! 

And you can also find some amazing Swiss chocolate in local supermarkets. There are tons of reputable brands to choose from, but we went home with our suitcases full of Frey and Callier bars. Or for something a bit more upmarket, Laderach specialty stores are also dotted throughout the country, and you can often find them at airports.

6. Explore Bern’s UNESCO Old Town

I’ll be honest, we actually didn’t expect to love Bern as much as we did! It’s the de facto capital of Switzerland, but it doesn’t get as much hype as other Swiss cities, like Zurich and Lucerne, and so we thought it might be a little boring. But hey, we’re always happy to admit when we’re wrong! 

Bern’s Old Town is what really won us over. It dates back to medieval times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. It does ooze charm, though, and we highly recommend making a beeline to see the Zytglogge, a 13th-century clock tower with little moving figures that perform every hour. 

After that, just wander around as you see fit! The Old Town has long sandstone arcades to explore, which are lined with shops and cafes, and they allow you to explore while staying covered if the weather turns. 

We also highly recommend walking down towards the Aare River, which boasts ridiculously bright turquoise water. I probably don’t have to tell you that it’s rare to see a capital city with such clean river water! And the locals here definitely take advantage of that. In fact, on a warm day, you’ll see lots of Bern residents enjoying a float down the river.

7. Go paragliding in the Alps

Paragliding is one of the most iconic adventure activities Switzerland offers. If you’re even just toying with the idea of going, my advice would be to take the plunge and do it! On a clear day in Interlaken, it’s so lovely to see the colorful paragliders floating overhead, and it’s hard not to feel tempted to give it a go yourself!

Once you get up there yourself, you’ll definitely understand why this is such a popular activity. Interlaken boasts two bright turquoise lakes on either side of town and huge alpine peaks rising up in the distance, so the views from the air are nothing short of epic. If you’d like to get a slice of this action, you can book this top-rated flight here!

Alternatively, you can also go paragliding right in front of the Matterhorn with this 20-minute flight. As well as amazing mountain views, you’re also in with a good chance of spotting wildlife as you soar through the air.

And there’s no need to be nervous about paragliding, because both flights are tandem, which means you’ll be strapped in with an experienced pilot. After a short safety briefing, all you need to do is take a few quick steps down a grassy slope, and suddenly, you’ll find yourself airborne! When I went paragliding, I was really nervous about the launch process, but it was a lot easier than I thought and nowhere near as scary.

If you’re keen to go paragliding, we’d definitely recommend booking your flight earlier in your trip because this is a weather-dependent activity. If conditions aren’t right, you may need to reschedule, so it’s smart to leave yourself a bit of a buffer.

8. Take a cable car up Mount Pilatus 

If you’re staying in Lucerne, then you don’t need to commit to a full-on expedition to get those big Swiss mountain views. Instead, you can head up to Mount Pilatus on the cable car and take all of the hard work out of it! 

To get there, you can catch a bus from Lucerne to Kriens, and then hop on the cable car up. The gondola ride is half the fun, especially when you transfer to the larger panoramic cable car near the top, which is known as “the Dragon Ride”. We loved watching Lake Lucerne shrink below us while the mountains seemed to get bigger and bigger. 

Once you get to the top of Mount Pilatus, there are a few walking trails you can stroll along, but you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. We spent somewhere between 2 and 3 hours checking out the viewpoints and grabbing a drink while we took in the views. 

We found it fairly easy to figure out transport ourselves, but if you’d rather take all the work out of it, you can book this day trip from Lucerne. And if you don’t have time for an overnight stay in Lucerne, you can take this summer day trip from Zurich, which includes Pilatus as well as a scenic lake cruise.

And as always with mountain trips in Switzerland, check the weather before you go. Clear skies really do make all the difference!

9. Learn Swiss history at the Swiss National Museum

If you’re spending time in Zurich and need a break from mountains and chocolate, then the Swiss National Museum is absolutely worth a visit! Even if you’re not a huge museum person, the building alone is super impressive, so it’s worth stopping by to snap a photo or two here. It looks more like a fairytale castle than a museum! 

Plus, the museum sits right next to Zurich’s main train station, so it’s very easy to access. Then inside, the exhibitions walk you through Switzerland’s history from prehistoric times all the way to the present day. There’s everything from medieval armor and historic weapons to traditional Swiss costumes and design exhibits. We especially liked the sections that explain how Switzerland developed its political system and neutrality, because it gives you much more context for the country you’re exploring.

Tickets cost around 10 CHF for adults (roughly €11), which feels pretty reasonable considering how much there is to see. If you’re visiting during peak season or on a rainy day, it’s smart to buy tickets online in advance to skip the queue! Going earlier in the morning or in the late afternoon is also a good way to avoid the crowds.

10. Enjoy the Lavaux Wine Region 

When most people think of Switzerland, they picture mountains, but the neatly lined vineyards of the Lavaux wine region are just as worthy of a visit in our book! This UNESCO-listed region stretches between Lausanne and Montreux, and as wine lovers, we were completely enchanted by it.

The vineyards here are built into steep terraces overlooking Lake Geneva, which means the views are ridiculously beautiful. I don’t think I could ever get tired of seeing the rows of vines in the foreground, with bright blue water behind them, and then the Alps rising up in the distance! 

And of course, you can’t come all this way and not do a tasting – it’s simply not allowed! A few great spots to check out are Domaine Bovy, Domaine Croix Duplex, and the vineyards around Terrasses viticoles de Lavaux – Cully. There are lots of different wines to try, but the local Chasselas white wine is the star attraction here, and sipping a glass while gazing out over the lake is the ultimate way to experience Lavaux, if you ask me. 

Another thing that we love about this wine region is how easy it is to explore without needing a designated driver. You can actually explore on foot, thanks to the vineyard walking trails, as long as you have comfy shoes on! Or you’ve got the Lavaux Express, a scenic tourist train that stops at many of the area’s best wineries and viewpoints.

11. Visit St Moritz

St Moritz showcases a decidedly glamorous side of Switzerland, so if you’re in the mood for luxury, this is where you’ll find it. This resort town is known for its 5-star hotels and designer boutiques, and it has also hosted the Winter Olympics not once, but twice! 

But St Moritz isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s surrounded by the Engadin Valley, which is packed with hiking and biking trails, so it’s the ultimate outdoor adventure spot during the summer. And when the weather’s good, you can also get out on the lake for windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Meanwhile, in the winter, skiing is a big draw in St Moritz, but that’s not all that there is to do. You can also go sledding or even ice skate on the frozen lake – talk about a Christmas card come to life! We also love visiting the Segantini Museum for a dose of culture to warm up between outdoor adventures, and the shopping here is also seriously good if you’re in need of a little retail therapy.

And one experience that’s worth doing any time of year is taking the St Moritz–Corviglia Funicular up into the mountains. The views are incredible, and it gives you instant access to hiking trails in summer and ski runs in winter.

Related Read: Looking for another country to explore? See our blog on the Best Things to do in the Netherlands for more outdoor adventure, amazing food, and historic sights!

12. Go adventuring in Interlaken

Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland. It sits between two bright turquoise lakes and has huge alpine peaks rising up all around it, so the scenery here is truly next-level. The entire town basically feels like one big outdoor playground! 

We’ve already talked about paragliding here, and that’s probably the most iconic thing to do. Seeing Interlaken from above really does make you appreciate just how dramatic the landscape is, but flying overhead is far from the only way to soak in the beauty of this town. We think that this guided canyoning tour is a brilliant way to dive into the action during the summer months, as it takes you rappelling down waterfalls and zooming down natural rock slides. In short, it’s a blast.

And if hiking is more your thing, you’re spoiled for choice. The Hardergrat Trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the region, but the ridgeline views over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun make it more than worth it. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more manageable, the Schynige Platte Ridge Trail is a fantastic option. It’s much more doable for most travelers, but you still get those sweeping alpine views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

13. Hike in Lauterbrunnen Valley 

Hiking in the Lauterbrunnen Valley stopped us in our tracks! Switzerland has no shortage of dramatic scenery, but this place takes it to the next level. So if you love hiking as much as we do, be sure to make time to spend a few days exploring this incredible area. There are 72 waterfalls here, so there’s certainly a lot to see!

The little town of Lauterbrunnen sits right at the base of it all and makes the perfect starting point for exploring. We loved staying here as it was super scenic and central, and it was just a 1 km walk to Staubbach Falls. Admittedly, it was almost all uphill, but it was still very manageable.

If you want to see more, Trümmelbach Falls is another must. These are Europe’s largest underground waterfalls, and they’re tucked inside the mountain, so you walk through tunnels and platforms to view them while the water crashes around you. It’s a very unique experience, and we consider it an absolute must while you’re in the area.

In fact, you can even kill two birds with one stone by hiking the 8.5-km (5.2-mile) loop trail that links Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls, plus several smaller waterfalls along the way. It takes roughly half a day to complete and gives you a real feel for why this valley is so special.

14. Spend some time in Grindelwald 

We already knew Grindelwald would be pretty, but we were really impressed when we saw it for ourselves. It’s often described as an “alpine playground”, and this label certainly fits this mountain village. 

Probably the most popular thing to do here is to head up to Grindelwald First, a mountain summit and adventure destination. You can reach it via cable car, and once you’re at the top, you can take on the famous First Cliff Walk. This is a metal walkway that hugs the side of the mountain and delivers some very impressive views! And if you’re keen for some proper hiking, you can also head out and explore the trails around Männlichen, which are manageable for most travelers.

Grindelwald is also a fantastic base for exploring the wider Jungfrau region, whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter. So, of course, heading up Jungfraujoch is a must if you plan on spending a few nights here! And if not, you can still experience the magic of this area on a day trip from Zurich. It’s a long day, but it’s a great way to see one of Switzerland’s most scenic regions without having to move hotels.

15. Ski in the Swiss Alps

If you’re into winter sports, then I’m sure that skiing in the Swiss Alps is already on your bucket list! And rightly so, because this area more than lives up to the hype. The scenery alone is incredible, but the quality of the slopes and next-level infrastructure also contribute towards making this a world-class ski destination.

And best of all, skiing here is more accessible than you might think. There are plenty of options, depending on your budget and skill level. Luxurious Zermatt is easily one of the most sought-after ski destinations in the country, and you can even book private ski lessons here to sharpen up your skills. I mean, if you’re going to get personalized coaching anywhere, you may as well do it on this epic terrain! 

St Moritz is also very much associated with high-end travel, but you’ve also got Grindelwald, which is definitely more affordable and family-friendly. It offers excellent skiing for all levels and plenty of jaw-dropping views, but the overall vibe is more laid back than upscale and polished.

And wherever you choose, skiing in Switzerland is about so much more than just the sport! Zermatt in particular has an amazing apres-ski scene, and if you’re in Grindelwald, you just have to check out the famous Bus Stop Bar after hitting the slopes. There are even hot pools where you can soothe your muscles with a nice warm dip. 

16. Relax in hot springs

In between all of this hiking, skiing, and adventuring, I’m willing to bet you’ll be craving a little downtime. Switzerland does relaxation very well (in fairness, Switzerland does everything well!), so why not build a little time for wellness into your itinerary? I don’t know about you, but soaking in thermal waters with mountain views always helps me to recharge my batteries! 

The town of Baden is famous for its 18 hot springs, so it’s definitely the place to be if you’re after a proper spa day. Many of the thermal baths sit along the Limmat River, and the whole area feels very zen! Baden’s Old Town is also car-free and very charming, so it’s a lovely place to wander before or after your soak. There are several top-rated spas here, and we’d highly recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends or during winter.

Another fantastic option is Leukerbad in the Valais region. It’s home to the largest thermal resort in the Alps, so it really does offer a full-on mountain spa escape. Nothing beats sitting in a steaming outdoor pool while snow-covered peaks surround you! 

17. Take a scenic train journey

We’ve already talked about the Glacier Express, but Switzerland is just built for scenic train travel, so we’re giving it its own heading! Even regular train routes here feel more like sightseeing tours, while the designated scenic lines really are next level. 

One of the most famous scenic train rides in Switzerland is the Bernina Express. This UNESCO-listed route runs from Chur all the way to Tirano, and its slogan is “from glaciers to palm trees”, which should tell you everything you need to know! For the start of the journey, you’ll be surrounded by snow-capped peaks, then by the end you’ll find yourself rolling into Italy amongst blue skies and palm trees – what a contrast! 

Then there’s the Luzern–Interlaken Express, which is technically a regional route, but the scenery is extra special. The train passes waterfalls and epic turquoise lakes, so it’s definitely not just your average commute.

And if you’re a true train enthusiast, you can go all in with the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. This route loops around the country and connects several of the most beautiful panoramic lines, giving you a completely different way to experience Switzerland. The train really is part of the adventure here!

18. Marvel at Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is a dramatic peak in a country chock full of dramatic peaks! It’s the tallest of the Alps, and it totally dominates the landscape – so much so, in fact, that on a clear day you can even see it from Geneva. How crazy is that?

However, if you want the full Mont Blanc experience, we definitely think it’s worth heading to Chamonix, a resort town that sits right at the foot of the mountain. It’s an hour’s drive from Geneva, so it’s very doable as a day trip, and Chamonix itself is a cool alpine town that’s well worth checking out. It actually has a super interesting mountaineering history and, as you can imagine, the views of Mont Blanc are super close-up and dramatic! 

Chamonix sits very close to the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy. Technically, though, it’s in France, and so you’ll need to bring your passport with you; otherwise, you won’t be able to get there! 

If you want to rent a car to get from Geneva to Chamonix, we highly recommend Discover Cars. We’ve used them all over Europe (and beyond!) to rent cars, as they make it so easy to find competitive prices and reputable providers. Or if you’d rather not drive, this full-day tour includes return transport, plus a thrilling cable car ride and a visit to the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier.

19. Visit Rhine Falls

Switzerland may be famous for its mountains, but the Rhine Falls prove that it can do waterfalls as well. In fact, this is the largest waterfall in Europe! When you’re standing in front of it, you can actually feel the force of the water, which makes it a very memorable place to visit.

The falls sit near the pretty town of Schaffhausen, just 40 minutes north of Zurich. You don’t need a ton of time to visit the falls, so you can easily tick it off in half a day and spend the rest of your time exploring the city. It definitely offers a different type of scenery from what you’ve probably seen so far, and it’s nice to take a trip that doesn’t require much planning. 

You can drive from Zurich to Rhine Falls or take the train. Once you arrive, there are walking paths and viewing platforms on both sides of the river that allow you to admire the falls from different angles. Still, to make it memorable, we booked this half-day tour from Zurich because it also included a boat ride, which allowed us to get as close to the falls as possible! We loved feeling the spray on our faces, and hearing the roar of the thundering waters really drove home just how powerful these falls are. 

20. Enjoy Swiss fondue 

Trying proper Swiss fondue is practically a rite of passage when visiting Switzerland, but if you’re going to do it, you need to do it right! 

This iconic dish is usually made by melting Gruyère and Emmental with white wine and garlic, then serving it hot. Then you spear bread, baby potatoes, or pickled vegetables with a long fork and dunk them into the bubbling cheese – delicious.

Unsurprisingly, fondue is a popular dish in the colder months. It’s a very social way to eat, so on a cold night it’s very comforting to sit around the table, talking and eating, and trying not to lose your bread in the pot! In fact, there are often forfeits imposed for this “crime”, which might be some type of dare or having to buy the next round of drinks.

We joined this guided food tour in Zurich, which proved to be the perfect introduction to fondue. We got to indulge as a group at a traditional fondue spot, and even learn about the history of this famous Swiss dish. It was so much fun, and we also got to visit a local deli and some street food spots, giving us a great overview of the city’s food scene.

21. Kayak on Lake Brienz

Last but definitely not least, let’s talk about Lake Brienz. This is easily one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland because it’s a crazily bright shade of turquoise. It almost doesn’t look real, especially on a clear, sunny day! 

Best of all, Lake Brienz is easy to reach from Interlaken or even Grindelwald, which makes it a very doable addition to your itinerary. And while it’s lovely to admire from the shore, we really think the best way to experience it is by getting out on the water. 

We had such a blast kayaking here. As we paddled across the lake, we had the most amazing, unobstructed views of the steep mountains and gorgeous blue water. It’s the perfect thing to do on a summer’s day in Switzerland. 

We went with this tour, which is a popular option during the summer months. However, during the winter, you can book this option instead, which includes warm winter gear and the chance to watch the mist rising from the lake first thing if you choose a morning departure. It’s magical, and it’s nice to see the lake when it’s quieter and more atmospheric.

And don’t worry if you’re not an experienced kayaker. The tours are beginner-friendly, and the guides make you feel totally comfortable before you set off. 

Related Read: Want to wake up surrounded by mountains? Read our guide on where to stay in the Swiss Alps here before booking your trip.

Thanks for reading!

Switzerland is truly a bucket list destination. Whether you’re visiting during the winter for world-class skiing, during the summer for epic hiking, or are here to enjoy historic cities and cheese and chocolate-filled days, there’s plenty to fill your time.

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, check out our other Europe blogs. As long-time travelers, we love sharing our favorite destinations and travel tips with fellow adventurers. Here are a few helpful resources to inspire your next destination – cheers!

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