Discover
Switzerland
Pristine alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and unparalleled luxury mountain resorts.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the highest summits in the Alps, renowned for its near-symmetrical pyramidal peak. Standing at 4,478 meters, it has become an iconic emblem of Switzerland and a dream destination for mountaineers worldwide. The surrounding alpine landscape offers unparalleled vistas that captivate visitors year-round. Its sheer rock faces and dramatic presence make it an unforgettable sight.
Best Time
July to September for hiking; December to April for winter sports.
Insider Tip
Take the Gornergrat Bahn early...
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, shared between Switzerland and France. Its crescent-shaped expanse is framed by the majestic Alps and the gentle slopes of the Jura mountains. The tranquil waters are bordered by elegant promenades, historic vineyards, and luxurious estates. It serves as a breathtaking centerpiece for several prominent Swiss cities.
Best Time
May to October for pleasant weather and boat cruises.
Insider Tip
Book a private sunset cruise...
Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch is famously known as the 'Top of Europe', housing the highest railway station on the continent at 3,454 meters. Visitors are transported through the heart of the Eiger mountain to reach a mesmerizing world of eternal ice and snow. The observation deck offers sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. This marvel of engineering provides unparalleled access to the high alpine environment.
Best Time
Year-round; clear days are essential for the best views.
Insider Tip
Reserve your train tickets well...
Chateau de Chillon
Chateau de Chillon is an architectural masterpiece perched on a rocky island near the shores of Lake Geneva. This historic water fortress served as the residence of the Counts of Savoy and is Switzerland's most visited historic monument. The castle's remarkably preserved medieval walls, grand halls, and atmospheric dungeons tell tales of centuries past. Its romantic setting has inspired renowned poets and writers throughout history.
Best Time
April to October to enjoy the surrounding lake and pleasant weather.
Insider Tip
Arrive early in the morning...
Lucerne Old Town
The Old Town of Lucerne is a meticulously preserved medieval core that exudes charm with its narrow cobblestone streets and historic squares. Situated on the banks of the Reuss River, it is famous for its vibrant fresco-painted buildings and historic guildhalls. The iconic Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge adorned with 17th-century paintings, serves as its centerpiece. It is a picturesque enclave that captures the essence of classic Swiss heritage.
Best Time
May to September; or December for the magical Christmas markets.
Insider Tip
Walk the Musegg Wall for...
Interlaken
Nestled between the emerald waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a premier resort town surrounded by towering alpine peaks. It has served as a retreat for royalty and aristocrats since the 19th century, maintaining its status as a high-end destination. The town boasts elegant grand hotels, expansive parks, and flower-lined promenades. It is the ultimate gateway to the spectacular Bernese Oberland.
Best Time
June to September for outdoor activities and clear lakes.
Insider Tip
Take the funicular up to...
Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe, presenting a majestic display of nature's raw power near the town of Schaffhausen. Spanning 150 meters in width, the roaring waters plunge over a dramatic limestone drop, creating a misty spectacle. The historic Laufen Castle overlooks the falls, adding a touch of romance to the thunderous natural wonder. The sheer volume of rushing water is a mesmerizing sight that commands awe.
Best Time
May to June when the water flow is at its peak due to melting snow.
Insider Tip
Take the boat line number...
Bern Old Town
The Old Town of Bern is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its exceptional preservation of medieval architecture. Built on a narrow hill surrounded on three sides by the Aare River, its layout has remained largely unchanged since the 12th century. The district is characterized by six kilometers of covered limestone arcades, elegant Renaissance fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. It stands as one of the most coherent historical cityscapes in Europe.
Best Time
May to September for pleasant walking weather and river swimming.
Insider Tip
Join the locals for a...
Zermatt
Zermatt is a world-renowned, car-free alpine resort town nestled deep in the Matter valley, sitting at the foot of the legendary Matterhorn. Known for its charming wooden chalets and pristine environment, it exudes an atmosphere of exclusive alpine luxury. The village is surrounded by a third of the 4,000-meter peaks in the Alps, making it an epicenter for high-altitude exploration. It perfectly balances rustic Swiss charm with world-class, high-end amenities.
Best Time
December to April for skiing; July to September for hiking.
Insider Tip
Book a table at a...
Lake Lugano
Located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, Lake Lugano offers a stunning Mediterranean flair nestled within the Swiss Alps. The lake's deep, glacial waters weave through lush, forested mountains, creating a dramatic and exotic landscape. The shores are dotted with picturesque villages, sub-tropical gardens, and elegant villas that reflect the region's unique cultural blend. It is a place where Swiss efficiency meets effortless Italian elegance.
Best Time
April to October to enjoy the subtropical climate.
Insider Tip
Take the funicular up Monte...
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a stunningly picturesque village set in a lush green valley against the dramatic backdrop of the Eiger North Face. Often referred to as the 'Glacier Village', it is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in the Jungfrau region. The village features classic Swiss chalets cascading down the hillsides, surrounded by an amphitheater of towering alpine peaks. It serves as a breathtaking gateway to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth.
Best Time
December to March for skiing; June to October for hiking.
Insider Tip
Take the First Cliff Walk...
Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the deepest and most spectacular valleys in the alpine world, famously known as the 'Valley of 72 Waterfalls'. Enclosed by massive, vertical rock walls and snow-capped peaks, it looks like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel. The valley floor is a serene expanse of pristine alpine meadows, dotted with traditional wooden farmhouses. The sheer cliffs create a dramatic landscape that has inspired writers and artists for centuries.
Best Time
May to September when the waterfalls are most powerful and paths are clear.
Insider Tip
Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a...
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is widely celebrated as the slowest express train in the world, offering an extraordinary 8-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Traveling between the premier resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the train traverses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. Its panoramic, glass-domed cars provide unobstructed, sweeping views of deep gorges, pristine alpine lakes, and towering peaks. It is a triumph of railway engineering.
Best Time
Winter for magical snowscapes or summer for lush green valleys.
Insider Tip
Book the Excellence Class well...
St. Moritz
St. Moritz is the birthplace of alpine winter tourism and remains one of the most exclusive and glamorous resort towns in the world. Situated in the Engadin valley, it is blessed with abundant sunshine and a sparkling alpine lake. The town is famous for its grand luxury hotels, high-end designer boutiques, and pristine, snow-covered polo fields. It is a legendary playground for royalty, celebrities, and the international elite.
Best Time
December to March for elite winter sports and social events.
Insider Tip
Visit Muottas Muragl at dusk...
Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps, a colossal river of ice winding through the high mountains of the Valais region. Spanning over 20 kilometers, it holds a staggering 11 billion tons of ice, creating a profound and majestic frozen landscape. It is the centerpiece of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage site. The sheer scale and ancient beauty of this immense ice flow are a testament to nature's grandeur.
Best Time
June to October for hiking and glacier tours.
Insider Tip
Take the cable car to...
Oberhofen Castle
Oberhofen Castle is a breathtakingly romantic fortress situated directly on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Thun. With its iconic water tower reaching into the lake and impeccably manicured English-style gardens, it is one of the most photographed castles in Switzerland. The castle's interior spans multiple centuries, featuring elegant dining rooms, a Turkish smoking lounge, and medieval chapels. It flawlessly embodies the fairy-tale aesthetic of Swiss history.
Best Time
May to October when the castle and gardens are fully open to the public.
Insider Tip
Arrive by scenic boat across...
Mount Rigi
Mount Rigi, affectionately known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', offers one of the most spectacular panoramic viewpoints in central Switzerland. Surrounded by three different lakes, the summit provides sweeping, unobstructed views stretching across the Swiss plateau to the Black Forest and the high Alps. It holds the distinction of having the first mountain railway in Europe, which opened in 1871. The mountain's gentle slopes make it a beloved destination year-round.
Best Time
Year-round; spectacular for summer hiking or winter wellness retreats.
Insider Tip
Soak in the outdoor heated...
Gruyeres
Gruyeres is a remarkably preserved medieval town perched on a scenic hill in the canton of Fribourg. Famous worldwide for its namesake cheese, the town is a picturesque enclave of cobblestone streets, traditional chalets, and a magnificent 13th-century castle. The surrounding lush, rolling green hills provide a quintessential Swiss pastoral backdrop. It is a place where culinary tradition and medieval history are wonderfully intertwined.
Best Time
May to September for green pastures, or winter for cozy fondue experiences.
Insider Tip
Visit the HR Giger Museum...
Montreux
Montreux is a glamorous resort town located on the sheltered shores of Lake Geneva, framed by steep alpine peaks. It is world-renowned for its exceptionally mild microclimate, Mediterranean-style promenades lined with exotic flowers, and its legendary annual Jazz Festival. The town has a rich history as a haven for famous artists, musicians, and writers, including Freddie Mercury and Charlie Chaplin. It exudes an aura of artistic sophistication and historic luxury.
Best Time
July for the Montreux Jazz Festival, or September for the grape harvest in nearby Lavaux.
Insider Tip
Take the GoldenPass panoramic train...
Ruinaulta (Swiss Grand Canyon)
The Ruinaulta, often referred to as the Swiss Grand Canyon, is a spectacular, dramatic gorge carved by the Rhine River in the canton of Graubünden. Formed by a massive prehistoric rockslide, it features sheer white limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters of the river below. The gorge is largely inaccessible by road, preserving its wild, untouched, and intensely pristine natural environment. It is a hidden geological masterpiece of the Swiss landscape.
Best Time
May to October for river rafting and hiking.
Insider Tip
Hike to the 'Il Spir'...
Travel Tips for Switzerland
- 1.
Buy a Swiss Travel Pass
- 2.
Try fondue and raclette
- 3.
Carry Swiss Francs for small purchases