Things to see and do in Switzerland

No peak is more iconic than the Matterhorn, the jagged pyramid that defines the Swiss skyline. It towers over Zermatt, a car-free village that perfectly preserves its alpine charm with weathered wooden chalets and narrow lanes. You can take the Gornergrat railway—Europe’s highest open-air rack railway—to a viewpoint at 10,134 feet for a breathtaking vista of the peak and the surrounding glaciers. Whether you are there for world-class skiing or summer trekking, the Matterhorn remains an essential pilgrimage for every mountain lover.

Lucerne is often considered the heart of Switzerland, situated on the shores of a sprawling, fjord-like lake.The city’s landmark is the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), a covered wooden bridge dating back to the 14th century, adorned with historic interior paintings.After exploring the medieval Old Town, board a vintage paddle steamer for a cruise across the water.The surrounding mountains, including Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi, provide a dramatic backdrop that has inspired poets and travelers for centuries.

A journey on the Jungfrau Railway takes you to the highest train station in Europe, located at 11,332 feet. From the Sphinx Observatory, you can look out over the Aletsch Glacier—the longest glacier in the Alps—and see across the border into France and Italy. The experience is like entering a world of eternal ice, featuring an Ice Palace carved directly into the glacier. The nearby villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, with its 72 thundering waterfalls, are the perfect gateways to this high-alpine wonderland.

As the capital of Switzerland, Bern is a city of quiet dignity and incredible preservation. Built on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Aare River, its medieval center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk under miles of 15th-century arcades (Lauben), watch the astronomical clock (Zytglogge) strike the hour, and visit the Bear Park, which has been a symbol of the city for centuries. The relaxed pace and sandstone architecture make Bern one of the most charming and walkable capitals in Europe.

Often called the "slowest express train in the world," this legendary rail journey connects St. Moritz and Zermatt. Over the course of eight hours, the train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, offering panoramic views of deep gorges, remote valleys, and snowy peaks. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you don't miss a single highlight, including the Landwasser Viaduct and the Oberalp Pass. It is the ultimate way to experience the vastness of the Swiss Alps in total comfort.

Located on a rocky islet near Montreux, the Château de Chillon is Switzerland’s most visited historic building. This water castle, with its medieval frescoes and subterranean dungeons, served as the inspiration for Lord Byron’s famous poem. After touring the castle, stroll along the flower-lined promenade of Montreux, known for its Mediterranean microclimate and world-famous Jazz Festival. The view across Lake Geneva to the French Alps is particularly stunning at sunset.

Positioned between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland. It serves as the perfect base for paragliding, skydiving, or simply taking a funicular up to Harder Kulm for a view of the "Big Three" peaks: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The region is a hiker's dream, with hundreds of miles of trails through wildflower meadows and past turquoise glacial meltwater that looks almost too bright to be real.

Stretching for nearly 20 miles along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux vineyards are a masterpiece of human ingenuity. These stone-walled terraces date back to the 11th century and are famous for their Chasselas white wine. You can walk or bike through the vineyards from village to village, stopping at local cellars for tastings while enjoying a panoramic view where the green vines meet the blue lake and the white mountains.

As the birthplace of winter alpine tourism, St. Moritz is synonymous with glamour and high-altitude sports. Located in the sun-drenched Engadin Valley, the town sits at 6,000 feet and has hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Beyond the luxury boutiques and five-star hotels, the region offers incredible cross-country skiing, the world’s only natural ice bobsled track, and stunning summer hikes around the Upper Engadin lakes.

In the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Switzerland meets the Mediterranean. Palms and citrus trees grow along the shores of Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, and the architecture takes on a pastel-colored, southern flair. Visit the Three Castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO-listed fortress system, or take a boat to the Brissago Islands to see exotic gardens. It is the perfect region for those who want Swiss efficiency paired with a relaxed "dolce vita" atmosphere.

Near the town of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls are the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. While they aren't the highest, the sheer volume of water crashing over the rocks is awe-inspiring. You can take a boat to the central rock for a firsthand look at the power of the river, or stand on the viewing platforms at Laufen Castle. In the evening, the falls are often illuminated, creating a magical display of mist and light.

For lovers of history and architecture, the Abbey of St. Gallen is a must-see. Its Baroque cathedral is magnificent, but the true treasure is the Abbey Library, one of the oldest and richest libraries in the world. The interior is an explosion of Rococo art, housing nearly 170,000 precious books and manuscripts, some of which are over a thousand years old. The surrounding old town, with its decorative oriel windows, adds to the scholarly and historic atmosphere of the city.