Switzerland

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Zurich. Image of Zurich, capital of Switzerland, during dramatic sunset.; Shutterstock ID 160155083; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: LP.com Destination Galleries

Shutterstock / Rudy Balasko

Why visit 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.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Switzerland

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your Switzerland trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Swiss Bliss: Lakes of Lucerne and Lugano in 8 Days

highlights

  1. 1 Riding the world’s steepest funicular to the mountain town of Stoos
  2. 2 Admiring Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the summit of Mount Rigi
  3. 3 Visiting Switzerland’s only island botanical park at the Gulf of Ascona’s Brissago Islands
from $3,710

per person

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Switzerland

Discover the best attractions in Switzerland from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Travel Guides

Switzerland travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From biking and hiking to wildlife watching, experience the best of the Swiss Alps with this guide to the top things to do.


Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Whether you’re looking to hike, ski, swim or sample city life, these are the best times to visit Switzerland.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

Transportation

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


Read full article

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.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

Money and Costs

Switzerland is one of the world’s most expensive places, it’s true. Follow these tips to get the most out of this beautiful nation for less.


Read full article

Traveling with Kids

Visiting Switzerland as a family is wonderland of adventure for all ages. Start planning now with our guide to the top things to do and where to go.


Read full article

Best Places to Visit

Switzerland's sky-piercing landscapes and idyllic towns could have been dreamed up by a particularly imaginative child. Find your way to these 11 spots.


Read full article

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Switzerland

Switzerland and beyond