Switzerland is a dream destination for many travelers. It has beautiful mountains, clean lakes, and charming villages. The country is famous for its cheese, chocolate, and watches. But Switzerland is more than that. It offers peaceful nature, fun activities, and rich culture. Whether you go in summer or winter, there is always something to enjoy.
In this blog, I will share the 10 best things to do in Switzerland. These ideas are perfect for solo travelers, families, and couples. If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Take a Scenic Train Ride on the Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is one of the most famous train journeys in the world. It runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz. The ride takes about 8 hours and passes through the Swiss Alps.
You’ll see mountains, rivers, valleys, and tunnels. The train has large windows so you can enjoy every view. There is also a dining car where you can eat while watching the scenery. It’s a slow but beautiful ride. Perfect for relaxing and taking photos.
Visit the Matterhorn in Zermatt
The Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world. It has a sharp peak and stands near the town of Zermatt. You can’t climb it unless you are a trained mountaineer, but there are many ways to enjoy it.
You can take the Gornergrat train to get a great view. Or you can ride a cable car to the Glacier Paradise. There are also many hiking trails nearby. In winter, the area becomes a ski resort. Zermatt is also a car-free village, which makes it even more peaceful.
Explore the Old Town of Lucerne
Lucerne is a pretty city by the lake. Its old town is full of narrow streets, painted buildings, and small shops. You can walk around and enjoy the history and beauty of the place.
One of the best spots is the Chapel Bridge. It is a wooden bridge with a roof and painted panels. Nearby, there is a tall water tower and a lovely lakeside walkway. You can also take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne for amazing views of the mountains.
Ride a Cable Car to Mount Titlis
Mount Titlis is a popular mountain near the town of Engelberg. You can reach the top by taking a series of cable cars. The final ride is in a rotating gondola. It gives a full 360-degree view of the snow and peaks.
At the top, you can walk through the Glacier Cave. You can also try the Cliff Walk, which is a hanging bridge. It is thrilling and gives a view of the deep valley below. Snow is there even in summer, so wear warm clothes.
Visit Interlaken for Adventure Sports
Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland. It sits between two lakes and near many mountains. You can try skydiving, paragliding, canyoning, and bungee jumping here.
For something less wild, you can go hiking, take a boat ride, or enjoy the view from Harder Kulm. The town itself is small but lively. It’s a good base to explore the nearby Alps like Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch.
Enjoy Chocolate Tasting in Geneva or Zurich
Switzerland is known for its chocolate. Big brands like Lindt and Toblerone are made here. But you’ll also find many small chocolate shops that make handmade sweets.
In Geneva or Zurich, you can take chocolate tours. These tours teach you how chocolate is made. You get to taste different types and learn about the history. You can also visit chocolate museums or take a chocolate-making class.
Cruise on Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Europe. It lies between Switzerland and France. You can take a boat cruise from cities like Geneva, Lausanne, or Montreux.
The boat moves slowly and shows you castles, vineyards, and snowy peaks. One famous stop is Château de Chillon. It is an old castle right on the lake, near Montreux. Inside, you can see old rooms, dungeons, and towers. It feels like stepping back in time.
Ride the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is another scenic train in Switzerland. It travels between Chur in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. It crosses high mountain passes and runs through pretty villages.
The views are stunning. You’ll pass glaciers, lakes, and forests. In winter, the snow makes everything magical. The train has big windows for perfect views. It’s a good option if you want to see a mix of Switzerland and Italy.
Explore the Capital City Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland. It is a small but charming city. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk under long stone arcades, visit the Zytglogge clock tower, and enjoy local cafés.
The Aare River runs through the city. In summer, locals float down the river in swimsuits. There are also museums, gardens, and the bear park. Bern is a quiet city, perfect for a slow and relaxing visit.
Try Swiss Cheese in Gruyères
Gruyères is a small town famous for its cheese. The cheese here is rich and tasty. You can visit La Maison du Gruyère, a cheese factory. It shows how the cheese is made and aged.
After the tour, you can taste fresh cheese and buy some to take home. The town also has a medieval castle and beautiful mountain views. For something different, you can visit the HR Giger Museum, which has strange and interesting art.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is full of beauty, peace, and fun. From mountains to lakes, from cities to villages, every place has something special. You can travel by train, hike through forests, taste cheese and chocolate, or just sit and enjoy the view.
These 10 things to do in Switzerland give you a mix of adventure, culture, and nature. You don’t need to rush. Just take your time and enjoy each moment. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, Switzerland always has more to discover.