The top 10 things to do in Switzerland

A scenic paradise, Switzerland offers travelers a variety of adventure and relaxation opportunities. With its ravishing Alpine scenery and quaint villages bursting with storybook charm, Switzerland is hard to beat. But where to start? We’ve listed the best things to do in Switzerland for your convenience.

This landlocked nation is surrounded by snow capped Swiss Alps, sparkling blue lakes, emerald valleys, glaciers, and idyllic medieval towns. World-class international resorts can be found nestled among mountain valleys and lakes, offering hiking trails, mountain biking, mountain climbing, paragliding, a world-famous ski resort, and tobogganing among other activities. Explore places like the Swiss National Park, Switzerland’s largest city Zurich, and Lake Geneva and get exploring with our selection of things to see while visiting Switzerland.

Continue reading for some of the most interesting things to do in Switzerland or check out our ultimate guide to Switzerland for more practical information, such as visas, currency and the best time to travel.

Our top 10 recommendations for Switzerland

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland but aren't sure where to go or what to do? Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Switzerland.

Get up close and personal with the Rhine Falls

Schaffhausen's Rhine Falls are definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Switzerland. The place is famous for being breathtakingly adventurous and attracts many visitors who want to get close to the falls through boat trips, viewing platforms, and even an adventure trail.

Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the gushing water while sitting on a platform or taking a boat ride to the rock in the middle of the falls. The falls are located on the High Rhine river near Zurich.

Visit a medieval castle on the banks of Lake Geneva

Chillon castle is one of the world's most visited historic buildings in Switzerland. Located on the banks of Europe’s largest Alpine lake, Lake Geneva, this waterside castle is well worth exploring. It is home to 25 buildings and three courtyards, protected by high walls.

Apart from just admiring the beauty and stunning scenery surrounding the castle, you can even book it for a special event such as weddings. Imagine that!

Immerse yourself in nature at the Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park is the oldest Alps reserve, founded in 1914 in the Engadine Valley. Located right on the border with Italy, the park is home to more than 170 square kilometers of stunning Alpine scenery, rivers, mountains, and limestone cliffs. Perfect for nature lovers!

In winter, the mountains are blanketed in snow, providing stunning views from the many cross-country ski trails.

Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and is located on a peninsula in the River Aare, and its medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With panoramic views of the city from its tower, visitors can stroll along the cobbled center that exudes old world charm and simply feel what it was like back in the days.

Along with the 16th century fountains, the Zytglogge medieval clock tower with puppets, and a rose garden (Rosengarten), there is no opportunity to get bored in the Swiss city of Bern.

Take a scenic train journey to the highest train station in Europe

The Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland is Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters above sea level. The Jungfraujoch offers a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps and the journey there is one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland.

As you travel along the Kleine Scheidegg pass, you'll be able to see the mountains Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch. The Great Aletsch glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps with 23 kilometers, and can be seen from the summit. If you’re planning to take a train ride, check out the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, or GoldenPass Line with Interrail or Eurail.

List to traditional music in Lucerne

Known for its music concerts, the quintessential Swiss village Lucerne attracts renowned musicians, tourists, and locals each year during the annual International Music Festival. Concerts are held in one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world at the Cultural and Convention Center.

But that’s not the only thing this medieval town has to offer. One of the most popular attractions to visit in Switzerland is located here, the gorgeous Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century. Travelers can also take a cable car ride to Mt. Pilatus for some stunning mountain views or admire the sparkling blue Lake Lucerne.

Soak up Swiss culture in Zurich

The city of Zurich is the largest in Switzerland, a major transportation hub, and an ideal place to start your trip. The city lies astride the Limmat river at the northwestern end of Lake Zurich. This affluent banking capital boasts more than meets the eye.

Over 50 museums and 100 art galleries await visitors away from the office building and shopping boutiques. An elegant Gothic château that houses the Swiss National Museum is within walking distance of Zurich's central station.

Take a stab at skiing at Grindelwald

The picturesque glacier village of Grindelwald in the Jungfrau region is a great starting point for mountain skiing adventures. A popular ski-resort in Switzerland, it is nestled at the base of snow-covered mountains.

In the heart of the lush Grindelwald valley, you'll find the bodmiARENA, a winter sports hotspot where people can try out various sports within a safe environment. In Switzerland, skiing in bodmiArena is one of the most popular activities, especially for children.

Explore the Swiss Grand Canyon

This gorge in the Rhine valley between Reichenau and Ilanz has earned the name of Swiss Grand Canyon for good reason. In the Alpine region, it is regarded as one of the most spectacular landscapes.

Along the Rhine are several hiking and biking trails that offer excellent opportunities for picnicking, building stone mounds, and dipping your feet in the gushing water.

Don’t miss the iconic Matterhorn mountain while visiting Switzerland

Last but not least, something not to be missed on your visit to Switzerland is the Matterhorn, Switzerland's iconic pointed peak is one of the highest mountains in the Alps. You might recognize the shape from the Swiss chocolate bar Toblerone!

Located on the border with Italy, this legendary mountain rises to 4478 meters. Each summer, thousands of experienced climbers visit this area. At the foot lies the charming town of Zermatt, an international resort where motorized vehicles are banned, and you’ll have to get around with horse-drawn carriage rides.

Have we convinced you to visit Switzerland and add some of these amazing things to do to your bucket list? What are you waiting for? Read everything you need to know before you book your flights in our ultimate guide to Switzerland or check if you need a visa using our handy visa checker.