Among the 8 lovely countries that have grown in the shades of the Great Alps, Switzerland is perhaps the most beautiful one. Small bits of towns by the shores of some quiet and peaceful blue lakes, snowy mountain peaks blending in with the clouds are no longer dreams but everyday reality in this country. Famous for its diplomatic influences and elite life styles, Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries of Europe. Here, some of the absolute best train rides and mountain adventures await the tourists. Although it is not easy to limit Switzerland by a list but here are the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland to help you plan your Switzerland trip.
10. Interlaken
Becoming more and more popular among the tourists since the 1800, Interlaken is quite small but charming town. The kind of place where one can feel the splendid nature away from all the rush. Laying in the midst of three most famous mountains of Switzerland the Eiger, the Jungfrau and the Monch, this town will give you some spectacular mountain sceneries. It is also famous for producing great quality Swiss watches. Popular things to do in Interlaken include paragliding, bicycle riding or partaking in spa treatments.
09. Lucerne
The city of Lucerne is the best place for the tourists to get taste of the whole package of Switzerland. A quality city life, cultural and historical heritages, splendid architectures and mind blowing sceneries, the city has it all. Considered as one of the prettiest cities of the entire world, Lucerne is one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland. The city lies on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by Mount Pilatus and Rigi of the Swiss Alps. The famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower can be found in many portraits, wallpapers and picture frames around the world.
08. Lugano
The picturesque city of Lugano lies on the shores of Lake Lugano surrounded by the Lugano Prealps Mountains. For its growing popularity among the celebrities, it is often called the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”. In the summer this place becomes quite an attraction for its warm and sunny weather and hosts the popular musical festival called the Lugano Festival. Among its other attractions are a number of old cathedral, libraries and museums. With history dating back to the 9th century, this place is of great cultural and historic significance. Thus, Lugano is one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.
07. Bern
Renowned for its cleanliness and quality lifestyle of its people, Bern with many medieval structures all around is another location that tourists should not miss visiting. It is one of wealthiest cities in the entire Europe. Among its countless tourist attractions there are Zytglogge, the famous clock tower with moving puppets, Munster a 600 year old Cathedral, the Holy Ghost Church and some 16th century fountains. Hospitable accommodations and great shopping centers ensure the visitors have a delightful experience. So, Bern is one of the top places to visit in Switzerland.
06. Montreux
In the heart of Swiss Riviera lies Montreux, a peaceful and charming town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here the biggest attraction in this small town is Chateau de Chillon, often called an island castle just outside the city right by the blue waters of the lake. It is quite easily one of the most visited castles in Europe. The beauty of this city is described in the poems of Lord Byron. The history of the town dates back 6th century along with its many Roman structures. The Freddie Mercury statue, Châtelard Castle and St. Vincent church are some of its other attractions always crowded with tourists.
05. Geneva
Also known as a global city, Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland. Home to Red Cross committee, several important agencies of the United Nations and many other international organizations, this city has utmost political and diplomatic significance. The presence of people from all around the world gives this city a vibrant and multicultural touch, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland. Often called the city of parks, Geneva has many neatly kept parks with splendid gardens inside which live up to the reputation of “Peace Capital”.
04. Jungfrau Region
One of the most popular and most visited areas in great Alpine range is the Jungfrau Region. In both summer and winter, this place is a small heaven for the adventurers, mountain climbers, skiers, back packers and all kind of tourists. Covering the beautiful towns of Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen Jungfrau offer some of the most distinctive sights in all of Switzerland. Also the Jungfrau railway offers the visitors an unforgettable scenic Train Ride, one that is arguably the best in the world. So, you can’t leave out Jungfrau Region from this list of top places to visit in Switzerland.
03. Lake Geneva
Switzerland is home to some beautiful lakes and Lake Geneva is the kind of lake that can be seen in postcards and wall portraits. Lying in the course of the Rhone River, it is one of the largest lakes of Europe and is shared by France and Switzerland. Aside from the Geneva city, there are many peaceful towns on different shores of the lake. A few days stay in some of these towns can be a dream come true as one can have some amazing cruises and in the peaceful breezy lake while enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps. All these things make Lake Geneva one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.
02. Zermatt
Zermatt is the small city by one of the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps, Matterhorn. It is this mountain peak that often symbolizes Switzerland. It has many friendly yet steep slopes that make it one of the best places for skiing and mountaineering in the entire Europe. The peaceful city at its base is brings great delight to the tourists. A city where Fuel driven cars are not allowed and fascinating cable cars take the visitors to the mountains sites. With a population of not more than 6000, this spectacular town and The Matterhorn can offer you the winter adventure of a lifetime. And you can’t find any list of top places to visit in Switzerland without the presence of Zermatt.
01. Zurich
Located in north central Switzerland by the Lake Zurich is the largest city of Switzerland, Zurich. To visit Switzerland without visiting Zurich is simply missing out Switzerland’s best. Zurich is a place where the heavenly nature and the busy city life blends together like nowhere else and undoubtedly takes the first spot in this list of top places to visit in Switzerland. A picturesque city with a peaceful lake and snowy mountain peaks in distance. Founded by the Romans, this city is 2000 years old and very rich in cultural and historical heritage. Housing more than 50 museums including the Swiss National Museum and 100 art galleries, this city is a treat for the eye and for the mind. One of the wealthiest cities on Europe, Zurich has a quality of life like no other and an unfathomable desirability to people around the world.
These are the top places to visit in Switzerland that you should keep in mind while making your Switzerland trip plan.
Author: Tajirul Haque
Tajirul Haque is a travel enthusiast and freelance travel writer on Upwork. Having written hundreds of travel articles on so many travel destinations around the world for his clients, Tajirul started Top Travel Lists back in September 2014. Travel writing is his passion and he always loves to write about a new destination as it allows him to know about more beautiful places the planet has to offer. He is always available for freelance travel writing opportunities.