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Switzerland

Look beyond the chocolate, cuckoo clocks and yodeling – contemporary Switzerland, land of four languages, is all about once-in-a-lifetime journeys, heart-racing Alpine pursuits and urban culture.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Stiftsbibliothek
Northeastern Switzerland
If the greatest masterpieces on earth are wrought for the glory of God, St Gallen’s Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), is like a living prayer. Religious…
Jungfraujoch
Bernese Oberland
This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…
Swiss National Park
The Engadine
When an environmentally on-the-ball land like Switzerland has just one national park, you can bet it’s a good one. Huddled away in the far southeast of…
Aletsch Glacier
Valais
If ever a view in Switzerland is going to leave you dumbstruck (and there are a few great ones to choose from!), it will surely be the infinite swoop of…
Château de Chillon
Montreux
If ever a castle could fit the fairy-tale bill, the dashingly handsome Château de Chillon would be it, with its moat, double ramparts and riot of turrets…
Zentrum Paul Klee
Bern
Bern’s answer to the Guggenheim, Renzo Piano’s architecturally bold, 150m-long wave-like edifice houses an exhibition space that showcases rotating works…
Castelgrande
Ticino
Rising dramatically above the Old Town, this medieval stronghold is Bellinzona’s most visible icon. Head up Salita San Michele from Piazza Collegiata, or…
Rheinfall
Northeastern Switzerland
Ensnared in wispy spray, the thunderous Rheinfall might not give Niagara much competition in height (23m), width (150m) or even flow of water (700 cu…

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Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

12 of the best things to do in Switzerland

Curated by Kerry Walker

Rütli Meadow
Central Switzerland
Perched on hillside above Lake Uri's western shore, this meadow is the legendary cradle of Swiss democracy. It was here that the Oath of Eternal…
Kunstmuseum
Bern
Bern's Museum of Fine Arts houses Switzerland’s oldest permanent collection, ranging from an exquisite early Renaissance Madonna and Child by Fra Angelico…
Furka Pass
Valais
Marking the cantonal frontier with Uri is the vertiginous Furka Pass (2431m), the run up to which offers superlative views over the fissured Rhône glacier…
Mönchsjochhütte
Bernese Oberland
At Mönchsjochhütte, 3650m up into the mountains, you’ll share your dinner table and dorm with hardcore rock climbers, psyching themselves up to tackle…
Jungfraujoch
Bernese Oberland
This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…
Aletsch Glacier
Valais
If ever a view in Switzerland is going to leave you dumbstruck (and there are a few great ones to choose from!), it will surely be the infinite swoop of…
Berner Altstadt
Bern
Bern’s flag-bedecked medieval centre has 6km of covered arcades and cellar shops and bars descending from the streets. After a devastating fire in 1405,…
BärenPark
Bern
A popular etymological theory is that Bern got its name from the bear (Bär in German), when the city’s founder, Berthold V, duke of Zähringen, snagged one…
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Zermatt
Views from Zermatt’s cable cars are all remarkable, but the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the icing on the cake. Ride the world's highest-altitude 3S…
Fiesch & Eggishorn Cable Car
Valais
The Aletsch Glacier is a mind-boggling sight and riverside Fiesch on the valley floor is a top place to access it. From the village, ride the cable car up…
Zytglogge
Bern
Bern’s most famous Old Town sight, this ornate clock tower once formed part of the city’s western gate (1191–1256). Crowds congregate to watch its…
Münster
Bern
Bern’s 15th-century Gothic cathedral boasts Switzerland’s loftiest spire (100m); climb the 344-step spiral staircase for vertiginous views. Coming down,…
Swiss National Park Centre
The Engadine
At the hands-on Swiss National Park Centre, an audioguide gives you the low-down on conservation, wildlife and environmental change. Staff can provide…
Ice Palace
Bernese Oberland
Tunnels of ice polished as smooth as cut glass lead through the so-called Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, which offers a frosty reception at minus 3°C…
Museum Jean Tinguely
Basel
Designed by leading Ticino architect Mario Botta, this museum showcases the playful, mischievous and downright wacky artistic concoctions of sculptor…
Zentrum Paul Klee
Bern
Bern’s answer to the Guggenheim, Renzo Piano’s architecturally bold, 150m-long wave-like edifice houses an exhibition space that showcases rotating works…
Kindlifresserbrunnen
Bern
Bern is home to 11 decorative 16th-century fountains depicting historic and folkloric characters. The most famous is Kindlifresserbrunnen (Ogre Fountain),…
Swiss National Park
The Engadine
When an environmentally on-the-ball land like Switzerland has just one national park, you can bet it’s a good one. Huddled away in the far southeast of…
Rhône Glacier
Valais
Coming from Valais, the mesmerising Rhône Glacier is first seen from the tiny hamlet of Gletsch. This glacier is the source of the Rhône River, which…
Tellskapelle
Central Switzerland
On Lake Uri's eastern shore, this chapel is covered in murals depicting four episodes in the Tell legend, including the one that’s supposed to have…
Corippo
Ticino
Blink and you'll almost certainly miss this pint-sized hamlet, which looks as though it would topple down the terraced hillside with the slightest puff of…
Einstein-Haus Bern
Bern
Housed in the humble apartment that Einstein shared with his young family while working at the Bern patent office, this small museum includes a 20-minute…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Looking to visit the heady Swiss Alps? Here are the best things to do in Switzerland’s glorious alpine region.

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Things to Know

With four languages, dizzying mountain peaks and thriving cities, Switzerland has a lot on offer. Here's what you need to know before you go.

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Transportation

Traveling in scenic Switzerland is a joy. Here are the best ways to get around.

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Visa Requirements

Stunning Switzerland is a joy to visit and rightly beloved by travelers, but its entry requirements aren't always obvious. Here's what you need to know.

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Money and Costs

Want to explore Switzerland for less? Follow these tips for traveling through the alpine country on a budget.

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Best Road Trips

Switzerland is full of incredible landscapes, and the best way to see them up close is on a road trip. Here are seven of our absolute favorites.

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Traveling with Kids

Exploring Switzerland with kids is child’s play. Find the perfect activities with this guide to the top things to do as a family.

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