25 Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Switzerland has a way of making everything look effortless. The trains glide, the mountains pose, the lakes sparkle like they’re auditioning for a screensaver. I should know — I lived here for a few years, and even then I never managed to see it all. Every weekend was a new excuse for an adventure: one more cable car, one more cheese tasting, one more photo that looked too perfect to be real.

This is a country where you can have breakfast by a lake, lunch on a glacier, and fondue by candlelight before bed. From llama treks in the Jungfrau region to riding the world’s steepest railway, here are the 25 best things to do in Switzerland — a mix of icons, oddities, and those little local experiences that make you fall head over hiking boots for the place.

➡️ If you’re still planning your route, check out my guide to the 30+ Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland — it’s packed with stunning stops that pair perfectly with this list.

1. Ride the Glacier Express

The Glacier Express isn’t really an “express” anything — and that’s exactly the point. It takes almost eight hours to crawl from Zermatt to St. Moritz, sliding through deep valleys and past villages so neat they look hand-painted.

Settle into your seat by the panoramic window, order a glass of crisp Valais wine, and just watch Switzerland unfold outside like a living travel documentary. The train winds through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels — every one seems to open onto a view better than the last.

Somewhere between Andermatt and Chur you’ll realise you’ve stopped checking your phone. It’s that kind of journey — slow, cinematic, and the definition of why trains are better than planes.

➡️ Hop aboard the slowest express in the world – Glacier Express Scenic Train Experience → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

2. See the Matterhorn in Zermatt

You don’t really see the Matterhorn — it appears, and suddenly you forget how to breathe. Sharp, solitary, and perfectly triangular, it’s the mountain that defines Switzerland. No surprise it ended up on a Toblerone wrapper — though trust me, it’s even more impressive than the chocolate.

The best way to meet it face to face is on the Gornergrat Bahn, a little cogwheel train that rattles and chugs its way up through pine forests and wildflower meadows. Then, just when you think you’ve peaked, the Matterhorn bursts into view. It’s the kind of reveal that makes the whole carriage fall silent.

If you’ve got energy to spare, hop off and hike down to Lake Riffelsee — on a calm day you’ll catch that perfect mirror reflection everyone posts on Instagram (minus the filter). Then reward yourself with a fondue and a glass of Fendant back in Zermatt’s old town. Because if you’re going to eat melted cheese anywhere, it might as well be with a view like that.

➡️ Take the Gornergrat train for that postcard view – Zermatt: Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway Ticket → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

3. Cross the World’s Longest Suspension Bridge

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk on air — or at least above a very large drop — head for the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge near Zermatt. Stretching almost half a kilometre across a deep alpine valley, it’s officially the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.

The first few steps are wobbly, and your legs will definitely notice, but halfway across you’ll forget the nerves and just stare. Below, the valley plunges away; above, glaciers glint in the sunlight. It’s equal parts thrilling and peaceful — like standing in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by every shade of green and grey the Alps can dream up.

If you fancy earning your bragging rights properly, tie it into a section of the Europaweg Trail. Bring good shoes, water, and maybe don’t look down until you’re halfway across.

4. Ride the Steepest Cogwheel Train in the World

The Pilatus cogwheel train doesn’t just climb a mountain — it clings to one. From Alpnachstad, bright red carriages chug their way up slopes so steep you’ll swear the laws of physics are being tested. At one point, you tilt almost 50 degrees skyward — the steepest cogwheel climb in the world — with Lake Lucerne glittering far below.

The higher you go, the quieter it gets, until all you can hear is the hum of the engine and the soft clang of cowbells drifting across the hills. At the summit, grab a table on the terrace café for a hot chocolate and a view so good you might forget to drink it.

If you’re visiting in summer, combine it with the Golden Round Trip — up the cogwheel, down by cable car to Kriens, and across the lake by steamer. It’s a full day of pure Swiss perfection.

➡️ Ride the Pilatus railway and cruise back across Lake Lucerne → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

5. Wander Lauterbrunnen Valley (Tolkien’s Real-Life Rivendell)

If fairytales had zip codes, they’d start here. Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of those places that feels more like a painting than a destination — sheer cliffs on both sides, wildflower meadows below, and waterfalls tumbling from what feels like the sky itself.

Staubbach Falls is the famous one, spilling gracefully over the edge of the cliff right above the village. But the real secret is inside the mountain. Follow the path into the Trümmelbach Falls, where glacial meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau crashes through a maze of tunnels and caverns. It’s loud, damp, and oddly hypnotic — the kind of place that makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.

Take the funicular up to Mürren afterwards for the full alpine panorama. On a sunny day, it’s hard to imagine anywhere prettier. And don’t skip the café stop — apple strudel and hot chocolate always taste better at altitude.

➡️ Explore Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls and mountain trails → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

6. Cruise on Lake Geneva

I’ve done more cruises on Lake Geneva than I can count, and somehow it never gets old. The water changes colour with the weather — in the morning it’s steel blue, by afternoon it’s sparkling turquoise, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a golden sunset glowing over the vineyards.

Hop aboard one of the old Belle Époque steamers — all polished wood and brass details — and drift between Lausanne, Vevey, and Montreux. There’s something wonderfully slow about it: the soft hiss of the engine, the clink of wine glasses, and that lazy rhythm that makes you forget the rest of the world exists.

If you decide to hop off in Évian or Thonon-les-Bains on the French side, don’t forget your passport. Technically, you’ve crossed a border, and I once watched a very confused tourist have to sail straight back for theirs.

Glass of chilled Chasselas in hand, the Alps reflected in the water — it’s one of those moments that quietly steal the show.

➡️ Sail between vineyard-lined towns on a vintage steamer → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

7. Take the Free Bicycles in Zurich

One of my favourite surprises in Switzerland? You can actually grab a bike in Zurich for free. Yep — just leave a small deposit at one of the Züri rollt stands and off you go, pedalling along the Limmat River like you’ve lived there for years.

I love starting near the main station, cruising past the cafés and under the bridges until you hit Lake Zurich. You’ll see locals sunbathing on the quays, kids jumping into the water, and impeccably dressed cyclists who somehow manage to make riding in heels look easy.

Stop for an espresso at Im Viadukt, one of the coolest converted railway arches in Europe, or roll down to one of the wooden Badi (swimming decks) for a dip. Zurich is sleek and expensive, sure, but this little slice of local life costs absolutely nothing — and it’s the best way to see a softer, greener side of the city.

➡️ Pick up a free Züri rollt bike and ride the river

8. Visit CERN in Geneva

Geneva might look all calm and collected on the surface — watch shops, lakeside strolls, polished cafés — but underneath it, quite literally, scientists are smashing atoms together. Welcome to CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider and some of the biggest “what even is the universe?” questions you’ll ever hear.

Even if you haven’t thought about physics since school, it’s a fascinating stop. The Microcosm exhibition is still open and brilliantly interactive, explaining what actually happens inside that enormous underground ring where particles zip around at near-light speed. You can peer into old experiments, press lots of buttons, and pretend (quite convincingly) that you understand quantum theory.

I left feeling both very small and oddly inspired — proof that Switzerland’s not just mountains and chocolate; it’s curiosity on a global scale.

➡️ Explore the birthplace of the World Wide Web at CERN

9. Visit a Cheese Factory in Gruyères (and Chocolate Too!)

If you could bottle the smell of Switzerland, it would be part mountain air, part melted cheese, and part chocolate. You get all three on a day trip to Gruyères — the medieval town that lends its name to the country’s most famous cheese.

Start at La Maison du Gruyère, where copper vats bubble away as cheesemakers stir, strain, and flip enormous wheels with quiet precision. The whole place smells gloriously nutty and warm, and by the end you’ll have a new respect for anyone who can lift one of those 35kg rounds without breaking a sweat.

Then wander up to the fairytale village itself — all cobblestones, flower boxes, and fondue pots bubbling in café windows — before heading to nearby Maison Cailler in Broc. It’s Switzerland’s oldest chocolate factory, and yes, the tasting room is exactly as dangerous as it sounds. You’ll leave in a happy cocoa haze, wondering if it’s possible to survive on truffles alone.

➡️ Combine cheese and chocolate on a Gruyères day tour → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

10. Ride the Solarbob in Langenbruck

Switzerland has a knack for mixing sustainability with fun, and the Solarbob in Langenbruck is proof that the Swiss can make even tobogganing eco-friendly. It’s a solar-powered coaster that winds 1,000 metres down a hillside — part thrill ride, part science project, and completely addictive.

You sit in a little cart, control your own speed, and zip down through forests and meadows powered entirely by sunlight. No snow, no fuel, no queues — just clean air, pine trees, and the sound of your own laughter echoing off the hills.

It’s meant for kids, but let’s be honest — the adults are usually the ones who scream the loudest. Opening times depend on the weather, so it’s always worth checking before you set off — the Swiss may be efficient, but they can’t control the rain.

➡️ Race downhill on Switzerland’s solar-powered toboggan → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

11. Trek with Llamas in the Jungfrau Region

If you’ve ever wanted to go hiking but secretly wished someone else would carry your bag, llama trekking in the Jungfrau region is your dream day out. These gentle, long-lashed creatures plod patiently beside you through wildflower meadows and pine-scented trails, occasionally pausing to stare at you with the kind of slow, knowing look only llamas can pull off.

They’re surprisingly calming company — quiet, curious, and blessed with a much better sense of direction than most tourists. But a word of warning: avoid standing directly in front of them when they start humming. That’s llama language for “I’m about to sneeze,” and trust me, it’s… memorable.

The views of the Eiger and Jungfrau peaks along the way are the perfect backdrop, and the pace is leisurely enough that you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of gasping for air. It’s half hike, half therapy session — and entirely good fun.

➡️ Go hiking with llamas in the Swiss Alps → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

12. Hike the Aletsch Glacier Trail

If you want a walk that feels like the edge of the world, head for the Aletsch Glacier. It’s the longest glacier in Europe — more than 20 kilometres of slow-moving ice that snakes through the Bernese Alps, gleaming like glass under the sun.

Take the cable car up to Eggishorn and you’ll get a view so vast it’s hard to wrap your head around. You can see the curve of the glacier stretching into the horizon, surrounded by serrated peaks that make even seasoned hikers stop mid-sentence. It’s one of those views that make you realise just how small you are — and how spectacular nature can be.

The Aletsch Glacier Trail itself is well-marked and relatively easy, though you’ll want decent boots and plenty of water. There’s something mesmerising about walking beside all that ancient ice, listening to it crack and shift as it slowly creeps down the valley. It’s peaceful, powerful, and just a little bit humbling.

➡️ Take the cable car to Eggishorn for jaw-dropping glacier views → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

 13. Go Paragliding Over Interlaken

Some experiences make you feel alive in the moment — paragliding over Interlaken is one of them. It starts innocently enough: a short drive up to the launch point at Beatenberg, a few deep breaths while they strap you in, and then… you’re running straight off a mountain.

For a few seconds your stomach flips, the ground disappears, and then suddenly you’re just floating — weightless, calm, and surrounded by views so unreal they almost look painted. Below you, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz glimmer like twin sapphires, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

It’s surprisingly peaceful up there — no noise, no rush, just the sound of the wind and your heartbeat catching up. You can even steer for a few moments if your pilot lets you, which feels equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

When you land back in town, still grinning, grab a drink in Höhematte Park and watch the next wave of colourful canopies drifting down from the sky. It’s the perfect spectator sport.

➡️ Soar above Interlaken’s lakes and mountains → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

14. Visit the Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls aren’t the tallest or the widest in the world — but they’re definitely among the most dramatic. You hear them before you see them: that deep, thundering roar that makes your chest vibrate. Then you round a corner, and there it is — 150 metres of churning white water crashing over the rocks like an unstoppable force.

Visit in late spring or early summer, when the snowmelt is at its peak and the falls are at their loudest. You can walk across a viewing bridge to feel the spray on your face, or take one of the little boats that inch their way right into the mist. It’s part thrill ride, part nature documentary — and it’ll ruin every other waterfall for you.

Afterwards, wander up to Schloss Laufen, the medieval castle perched above the falls, for panoramic views and a coffee break with a serious backdrop. If you’ve got time, pop over to Stein am Rhein nearby — it’s a fairytale village with painted frescoes on every house.

➡️ Take a boat right into the mist of the Rhine Falls → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

15. Discover Zermatt Beyond the Matterhorn

Most people come to Zermatt for the Matterhorn, but the town itself has a way of stealing the show. Once you’ve ticked off that postcard-perfect mountain view, slow down and wander through the cobbled lanes lined with old wooden chalets darkened by centuries of alpine sun. The air smells faintly of pine and fondue — a combination that somehow feels perfectly normal here.

Down by the river, you’ll find cosy cafés serving apple pie with mountain views and shop windows filled with Swiss watches and cuckoo clocks you’ll never need but will definitely want. Hike to the Gorner Gorge for its wild turquoise rapids and echoing canyon walls, or take the cable car up to Klein Matterhorn for views that stretch all the way into Italy.

What I love most about Zermatt is that it’s completely car-free — you get around on foot, by e-bike, or in tiny silent electric taxis that look like they belong in a toy set. It’s peaceful, clean, and somehow even more beautiful when the sun sets and the peaks turn pink.

16. Explore Bern’s Old Town

For a capital city, Bern is surprisingly laid-back — the kind of place where people float down the river on their lunch break instead of rushing through traffic. Its old town curves gently around the Aare River, lined with arcades, fountains, and honey-coloured buildings that glow in the late afternoon sun.

Start at the Zytglogge, Bern’s medieval clock tower. When the hour strikes, a tiny parade of figures bursts into action — it’s kitschy, charming, and exactly the kind of thing the Swiss do brilliantly. From there, wander through the covered arcades (great for shopping in the rain), then head up to the Rosengarten for panoramic views over the rooftops and distant Alps.

On a warm day, grab a waterproof bag and join the locals for a float down the Aare. You’ll drift past old bridges, leafy banks, and the occasional swan, emerging back into town sun-dazed and grinning. It’s easily one of the coolest “city activities” in Europe.

➡️ Join a guided walking tour of Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

7. Admire the Art and Architecture in Lucerne

Lucerne is one of those cities that feels effortlessly photogenic — a lake that mirrors the mountains, a medieval bridge covered in flowers, and swans that somehow seem to pose for photos. It’s the kind of place that makes you reach for your camera before you’ve even finished your coffee.

Start with the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) — it’s 14th-century, wooden, and decorated with colourful paintings that tell Lucerne’s story in miniature. Cross over to the Lion Monument, carved into a rock face to honour fallen Swiss Guards; it’s surprisingly moving, especially in the quiet of the morning.

Then trade history for modern beauty at the Rosengart Collection, where Picassos and Matisses hang in what used to be a bank. If you fancy a drink with a view, take the funicular up to Château Gütsch — it looks like a fairytale castle, and the terrace is perfect for sunset cocktails as the city lights flicker below.

➡️ Take a guided walking tour and cruise to see Lucerne’s highlights → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

18. Step Inside Chillon Castle

There’s something wonderfully dramatic about Chillon Castle. It is right on the edge of Lake Geneva, surrounded by glassy water and backed by snowy peaks — the kind of place that makes you stop mid-step just to stare.

Inside, the stone corridors are cool and echoey, with the faint smell of wood smoke and history. It’s also really cold in there, even in summer, so bring a jumper unless you want to experience medieval living conditions firsthand. You’ll wander through vaulted halls, dungeons, and turreted rooms with arched windows that frame the lake like a painting.

My favourite part is the underground prison, where Lord Byron once carved his name into the wall — a bit of rockstar graffiti that’s somehow survived for centuries. Step outside again and the sunlight feels twice as warm.

19. Visit the Appenzell Cow Parade

If you want to see Switzerland at its most charming — and slightly chaotic — time your trip for the Appenzell Cow Parade (Alpabfahrt). It’s when the cows come home, literally, after a summer of grazing in the high pastures. Farmers lead their herds down into the village, each cow decorated with flower crowns, ribbons, and enormous clanging bells that echo off the hillsides.

It’s loud, joyful, and completely irresistible. You’ll find market stalls selling local cheese, cured meats, and kirsch schnapps (because of course you will), while traditional bands play and everyone seems to know everyone. The farmers wear their bright red waistcoats and yellow trousers, looking like they’ve stepped out of a postcard.

Just don’t stand too close when the herd passes through — those bells are heavy, and the cows don’t stop for selfies.

20. Listen Out for Alphorn Players

Every now and then in the Alps, you’ll hear a deep, haunting note echo across the valley — that’s the Alphorn, Switzerland’s original mountain soundtrack. It used to be a way for herders to call cows home; now it’s mostly played for the sheer joy of hearing that sound bounce between the peaks.

You’ll often spot Alphorn players at summer festivals or scenic lookout points like Grindelwald, Interlaken, or Appenzell, standing in traditional dress, horn pointed towards the sky. It’s both theatrical and strangely moving — the kind of sound that gets under your skin and makes you feel instantly peaceful.

If you stumble across a performance, stop for a while. There’s something timeless about that long, low note rolling through the air as the mountains throw it back.

21. Soak in the Thermal Baths at Vals

If heaven had an architect, it might be Peter Zumthor. He designed the Therme Vals, and it’s not just a spa — it’s an experience. The whole building is carved from local quartzite stone, all cool greys and soft light that make it feel more like a cathedral than a wellness centre.

You slip into pools of warm mineral water surrounded by stone walls and mountain silence. Every sound is muffled — footsteps, voices, even thoughts. The air smells faintly of minerals and cedar wood, and the water feels so silky you could stay there for hours. When you finally step outside to the open-air pool, steam curling into the alpine air, it’s hard not to just float and grin.

If you need to reset after all that hiking, this is the place. It’s peaceful, grounding, and impossibly beautiful in that minimalist Swiss way.

22. Wander Through the Lavaux Vineyards

There’s something almost meditative about walking through the Lavaux vineyards. Terraced rows of vines cascade down towards Lake Geneva, each one catching the light differently as the sun moves. You’ll pass stone walls, sleepy villages, and the occasional winemaker leaning on a fence, happy to offer you a taste straight from the cellar.

The whole region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why — it’s a patchwork of gold and green with the Alps shimmering across the lake. You can hike it, cycle it, or just meander from one tasting terrace to the next, sipping Chasselas (the local white wine) and pretending you live there.

If you only do one thing, walk the stretch between Lutry and Saint-Saphorin — it’s ridiculously pretty, with little cafés hidden among the vines and trains trundling quietly along the edge of the lake below.

23. Go Tobogganing in Summer at Oeschinensee

Who says tobogganing is just for winter? At Oeschinensee, high above Kandersteg, you can hurtle down a twisting metal track on a toboggan even when the sun’s blazing. The views alone are worth the trip — the Oeschinen Lake glows turquoise against jagged peaks and wildflower meadows, so you’ll probably be grinning before you even start moving.

The track runs for 750 metres, and you control your own speed — full throttle for the brave, gentle cruise for the rest of us. It’s one of those joyful, slightly ridiculous experiences that makes everyone feel like a kid again.

Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the lake (the water’s glacier-fed, so “refreshing” is an understatement), or grab a plate of rösti at the mountain restaurant and watch others zoom by.

24. Take the Train to Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe)

Some train rides are scenic — this one is legendary. The Jungfraujoch Railway climbs to 3,454 metres, making it the highest train station in Europe, and it’s hard not to grin like a kid as you watch the world drop away behind you.

You start in Kleine Scheidegg, winding past meadows and waterfalls before diving straight into the mountain itself. The tunnel burrows through the Eiger, with windows cut into the rock so you can peek at the glacier far below — a little preview before the grand finale.

At the top, step out into the snow and breathe that thin, icy air. There’s a viewing platform, an Ice Palace carved entirely out of frozen tunnels, and the kind of panoramic view that makes you forget about your fingers going numb. The glacier sparkles, the peaks stretch forever, and it’s easy to see why they call it the “Top of Europe.”

➡️ Ride the Jungfraujoch train to Europe’s highest station → Check prices / Availability / Book it!

25. Eat Your Way Around Switzerland

Switzerland might be famous for its scenery, but honestly — the food deserves its own standing ovation. It’s hearty, local, and deeply comforting, especially after a long day in the mountains.

Start with fondue moitié-moitié, that bubbling mix of Gruyère and Vacherin that turns even the chilliest night into a party. Then there’s raclette, where melted cheese is scraped straight onto potatoes and pickles — simple, rustic, and absolutely addictive.

In the German-speaking regions, you’ll find rösti, those golden, crispy potatoes that pop up at breakfast, lunch, and dinner because the Swiss are smart enough to know you can never have too much fried potato. Around Zurich, try Zürcher Geschnetzeltes — thin strips of veal in a creamy white wine sauce, usually served with rösti on the side.

Down in Ticino, things get more Italian: think saffron risotto, polenta, and merlot enjoyed in a shady grotto tucked into the hillside. And don’t miss the mountain huts where hikers refuel with Alplermagronen — cheesy pasta with onions, bacon, and apple sauce. Trust me, it sounds odd, but it works.

FAQs About Visiting Switzerland

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

It depends on what you’re after. May to September is perfect for hiking, lakes, and wildflower meadows, while December to March is ski season — all snow, fondue, and fairy lights. Autumn is underrated though: fewer crowds, golden vineyards, and crisp mountain air.

Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

If you’re planning to visit more than a couple of cities or take scenic trains like the Glacier Express, absolutely. It covers trains, boats, and most buses, plus discounts on mountain lifts and free entry to loads of museums. It’s one of the easiest ways to get around without ever having to think about tickets.

Do I need cash in Switzerland?

Most places take cards, even market stalls, but it’s handy to carry a bit of cash (Swiss Francs, not euros) for smaller mountain cafés or self-service huts where card machines can be temperamental.

Is Switzerland expensive to visit?

Yes — there’s no sugar-coating it. But there are ways to keep costs down: travel with a pass, picnic with supermarket goodies (Coop and Migros are great), and stay in smaller mountain guesthouses instead of big hotels.

What food should I try in Switzerland?

Don’t leave without trying fondue, raclette, rösti, and Alplermagronen. In Ticino, order polenta or risotto, and if you’re near a lake, go for fresh perch fillets. Whatever you do, eat like the locals — hearty, seasonal, and always with a view.

Can I visit Switzerland without a car?

Definitely. The trains are famously punctual, clean, and scenic — it’s part of the experience. Even remote villages are usually connected by bus or mountain cableway. The Swiss transport network is honestly one of the best in the world.

Switzerland has a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it’s the clean mountain air, or the sound of cowbells echoing across a valley, or that first sip of wine as the sun sets over the lake — but once you’ve been, you’ll always want to come back. I lived here for a while, and even after years of exploring, it still surprises me. Every region feels like a new story, a new postcard waiting to happen.

So take the train, eat the cheese, climb the mountains, and don’t rush it. Switzerland rewards slow travel — the kind where you actually stop to listen to the quiet.

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