20 Unique Places to Visit in Switzerland + What to Expect (with photos & tips)

Full List of the Top Places to Visit in Switzerland

Without further due, here’s the full list of the 20 best places to visit in Switzerland:

1. Zermatt
2. Basel
3. Lucerne
4. Mount Pilatus
5. Grindelwald
6. Interlaken
7. Trummelbach Falls
8. Gimmelwald
9. Jungfrau Mountain
10. Aletsch Glacier
11. Gelmersee Lake
12. Sonogno
13. Ascona
14. Lugano
15. Chillon Castle
16. Montreux
17. Geneva
18. Chur
19. Bern
20. Limmat river

So here are the top places to visit in Switzerland. For more details about each of these best places in Switzerland, keep reading below to see what to expect in each place, with photos and tips! 👇

Your Guide to The 20 Best Switzerland Places to Visit

To be honest, there are so many amazing places in Switzerland it was hard to stop to 20. But I had to keep it short and include the places that are unique for what they offer.

Each place you’ll find in the list below is much worth a visit. For each place, you’ll discover detailed descriptions of what to expect by travelers who experienced the place.

Let’s jump right to it!
 

1. Zermatt

– by Cecily from Groovy Mashed Potatoes

Whether it’s summertime or wintertime, Zermatt is one of the most magical places to visit in Switzerland. The mountain town sits up high in the Alps and has picture-perfect views of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn.

If you love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, you’ll want to visit Zermatt during winter. The beautiful town has some of the best skiing in the world. Ski down the mountainside and don’t miss stopping in at Chez Vrony for some bubbling cheese fondue for lunch.

After your day of skiing, unwind and have a glass of wine at Elsie’s Wine and Champagne bar, a cozy locals’ joint.

If snow and cold temperatures aren’t your thing, there are many wonderful things to do in Zermatt in summer. During the daytime, head off on a hike through the alpine meadows. The Five Lakes Trail is one of the best hikes for its breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding landscape.

Afterwards, shop the boutiques in town or have some downtime back at the spa in your hotel. Zermatt is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, easy to visit even if you only spend 48 hours in Switzerland.

2. Basel

– by Heather from Conversant Traveller

The cultural city of Basel sits on the banks of the River Rhine up in northwestern Switzerland. It’s not far from the French border and makes a great stopover for anyone exploring the Alsace region.

The medieval Old Town takes center stage on the south bank of the river, with charming cobbled streets, colorful architecture, and grand buildings everywhere you turn. Start your explorations at Marktplatz and check out the 16th-century town hall, which is a striking red color with lots of ornate decoration.

Then head over to the Gothic sandstone cathedral that keeps watch over the city at Münsterplatz. Once inside, if you look closely, you’ll discover the tomb of Erasmus (the Dutch theologist)! Climb 250 steps up the cathedral tower for sweeping panoramas out over the city and even towards the Black Forest – it’s one of the best things to do in Basel.

Travel back in time as you hop on board the traditional Münsterfähre Rhine Ferry, where the boatman still pulls the tiny vessel across the river by a rope. It’s a fun way to cross the water, especially in summer. Something else to look out for are the basilisk fountains which are dotted about the city. They’re icons of Basel, and one even turns water into beer every new year!

A long weekend is enough time to see the main highlights, which include several museums and of course plenty of traditional restaurants serving cheese fondue. Transport is super smooth, with an excellent train and tram network whisking you off to wherever you want to go.

3. Lucerne

– by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Lucerne is often an overlooked destination while it might be the most beautiful city in Switzerland. This smaller city has plenty of personality, charm, and -of course- fondue, to please any visitor!

There are many things to do in Lucerne, including hiking up the Swiss Alps, taking a boat ride around Lake Lucerne, visiting the islands in the middle, and visiting the Chapel Bridge.

There are also several islands in the middle which can be reached by boats or ferries. One of them is named Reichenau Island, and it’s home to the Chapel Bridge, a famous place in Switzerland. Another island is Rietli Island, which is home today to the Museum of Art and Culture.

At the heart of the city is Lake Lucerne, surrounded by Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus. You can take a gondola to the top of these mountains for a birds-eye view. While you’re awestruck by the view, don’t forget about the impressive history of the area. Lucerne was the main trading route of the Roman Empire. Later, Napoleon made Lucerne his empire’s capital.

No matter what you decide to do in Lucerne, you won’t be disappointed.

4. Mount Pilatus

– by Rachel from Means to Explore

Easily accessible from Lucerne, Mount Pilatus is a beautiful and easy introduction to the Swiss Alps. Switzerland’s excellent train system means Lucerne is only a short ride away from many other major Swiss cities. Upon arrival in the city center, it’s a quick train or gondola ride up to the Mount Pilatus summit.

Views from the top of Mount Pilatus are simply stunning. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Lucerne and the lake below, or hike out to the Tomlishorn, the highest point of Mount Pilatus, to be surrounded by mountain peaks.

For the adventurous types, consider a hike down the mountain through alpine meadows full of Swiss cows and their tinkling bells. Or, perhaps the adrenaline junkies would prefer to paraglide down.

A Mount Pilatus Golden Tour is the best way to experience the mountain from all sides in one unforgettable day out in the Alps. Tickets can be purchased online or at the wharf ticket kiosks right outside the central train station in Lucerne.

On the Golden Tour, you’ll first take a ferry across the lake and just make out the gondolas zipping up the far side, looking like ants from your viewpoint below. Next, ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train up the mountainside, taking in stunning views of the lake from above and getting an up-close view of the cows in the meadows. Finally, float down the mountain through its green alpine forests on cable-car gondolas.

Or, do it in reverse: gondolas up, cogwheel train down, and ferry back to Lucerne! Whatever you choose, you won’t regret a visit to Mount Pilatus.

5. Grindelwald

– by Neha from Revolving Compass

Grindelwald is a famous resort town in Switzerland which gets very popular in the skiing months. With the backdrop of snow capped mountains almost all through the year, the green fields and sparse houses of Grindelwald make it a picture perfect little town – right out of fairy tales.

Staying here can be a costly affair particularly in the busy winter months. But, the good news is that Grindelwald can easily be visited on a day trip from Lucerne, Interlaken and many other nearby places.

Just take a local train and get down at the cute little Grindelwald train station. Cross the road and climb up to the green grassland. On a sunny day, it makes a perfect place to spread a mat, take out your picnic basket and enjoy your day with your family and friends. This is exactly how we enjoyed the beauty of Grindelwald on our trip to Switzerland.

You can also window shop through the main street of Grindelwald or just wander through the streets. Chances are high that you’ll meet some local residents. And that makes for a perfect opportunity to interact with them and learn a little more about the history of this beautiful town that ranks in the most beautiful places in Switzerland.

6. Interlaken

– by Yulia from Miss Tourist

Interlaken translates to “between lakes” which is a literal definition of the traditional mountain resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.

But these aren’t just any lakes: Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are some of the most picturesque blue lakes in Switzerland and the town’s location amongst the dramatic peaks of the surrounding mountains brings adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.

Just a short magical train ride away you’ll find the adrenaline junkies playground that is The Lauterbrunnen Valley. With some of the steepest, tallest walls in the mountain chain, walking through this postcard perfect valley you’ll see over 70 waterfalls cascading down while paragliders and base jumpers soar above you.

Some of the other gems in this list like Trummelbach and Grindelwald are also within easy reach of here making Interlaken the perfect base to explore the entire region with day trips.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing holiday by the lake or looking for an action packed trip of a lifetime, there are plenty of amazing places to stay in Interlaken.

Most people arrive here by train so it’s helpful to note that Interlaken has 2 train stations: Interlaken Ost is the main station and the main shopping street of the town connects it with Interlaken West which is slightly smaller. But it’s worth checking which one is closer to your hotel if you don’t want to walk too far with your luggage!

7. Trummelbach Falls

– by Shweta from Zest In A Tote

Even with high expectations, the beauty of Lauterbrunnen Valley with its beautiful alpine meadows and thundering waterfalls shines through. And amongst the 72 waterfalls in the valley, Trummelbach Falls is the most amazing.

Trummelbach Falls are Europe’s largest subterranean water falls. They drain the enormous glacial walls of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau with up to a spectacular 20,000 liters of water per second. All this water comes gushing down what feels like being inside an enormous cave.

Swiss engineering allows you to go up a mountain via an elevator, tunnels, platforms plus 200 steps to take you to different viewpoints to see these spectacular waterfalls up close. Do remember that the area gets wet with all the water and is quite noisy. It’s an easy walk though I would encourage you to wear proper shoes for walking comfort.

If you don’t have a car ride, just take the bus to “Trummelbachfalle” stop. This is not quite suitable for very young kids (below 5 years), but teens would love the thundering experience! If you are visiting Switzerland with kids, there are many other activities to enjoy.

8. Gimmelwald

– by Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

Hoards of tourists visit Lauterbrunnen Valley each year, but only few people venture further into the valley, and very few will visit the charming mountain village of Gimmelwald.

Part of the charm of Gimmelward is how much effort it takes to reach the village. First, you must take the train to Lauterbrunnen (and ensure you sit in the front half of the train, as the second half goes someplace else). Then it’s a bus to Stechelberg and finally a gondola ride up to Gimmelwald. If you’re wondering how a mountain village can be worth so much effort, here is why.

Nestled on the side of a steep mountain, Gimmewald is home to the cozy Mountain Hostel. The hostel is run by a family who also run a small restaurant on the main floor. The food is delicious and the atmosphere friendly.

When you step out of the hostel, you can take the trails to other small villages nestled on the mountainside. Or, head up the mountain for hiking trails that lead to expansive vista points and hidden waterfalls.

One of the best activities in Gimmelwald is paragliding. Once strapped into the harness with your guide, you’ll simply step off the mountain and the wind will catch the parasail. From there, you’ll see Lauterbrunnen Valley in a way none of the other tourists did. You’ll fly by the steep valley walls and pass by long, thin waterfalls undetectable from the ground.

The mountain views, hiking trails, paragliding and cozy accommodations make Gimmewald the best Swiss village you’ve never heard of!

9. Jungfrau Mountain

– by Christina from Travel2Next

Switzerland’s Jungfrau region is home to 3 of the country’s highest mountains: the Monch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau. The Jungfraujoch, the 3,454 meter-high section of the range that connects the Monch with the Jungfrau, is known as the “Top of Europe”.

The view from the top is breathtaking, with soaring peaks and the Aletsch Glacier. It’s a magical alpine wonderland of snow and ice.

Inside the mountain, there’s a complex of shops, restaurants and a short cinematic experience called the Jungfrau Panorama. There’s an elevator up to the Sphinx Terrace, where the view is simply stunning. An underground tunnel allows visitors to walk out onto the Aletsch Glacier where there’s a winter fun park with activities like skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Fortunately, ordinary travelers are able to access the ‘Top of Europe’ easily as Europe’s highest train station is at Jungfraujoch. It’s also the location of Europe’s highest post office.

Visiting the Jungfraujoch can be done as a day trip and is a wonderous journey by train. Actually, the only way to get there is through a series of trains or the new Eiger Express gondola from Grindelwald. Take a tip and sit on the right side of the train from Kleine Scheidegg or Lauterbrunnen for stunning valley views.

10. Aletsch Glacier

– by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

If you’re an avid hiker and are looking for a hidden gem in Switzerland, the 23km-long Aletsch Glacier should be your next destination. The view of this longest glacier in the Alps is absolutely stunning. It’s not all about its enormous mass of ice, but also you can get a closer view of the gorgeous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.

Hiking Aletsch Glacier will offer an incredible scenic view that you should try to do when traveling in Switzerland. It can be accessed easily by train or car or you can visit this place as a day trip from Geneva.

Whenever you visit Aletsch Glacier, the road is always windy. It’s recommended to drive to Betten Talstation to avoid the windy roads and take a gondola ride to the Bettmerhorn and enjoy the fantastic view of the mighty Aletsch Glacier.

The hiking trail can be a bit challenging because it requires going down 300 meters and then back up, but it’s worth the effort. You can constantly enjoy the glacier view on the trail. The unique dark lines of rubble and dirt make this glacier special; there is no doubt why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 3 hours hike from Bettmerhorn to Fiescheralp is highly recommended but if you want to see the headwalls of the glacier, you have to go 3-4 km more to get the amazing view of the headwalls.

On your way, enjoy your lunch in the Gletscherstube. It’s like heaven to taste hot chocolate in the chilly weather, especially if you’re a Swiss chocolate lover, you must check out this restaurant.

11. Gelmersee Lake

– by Kat from Wandering Bird

Gelmersee Lake is located high in the Swiss Alps and is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful lakes you’ll ever see. The water is a deep clear turquoise and it’s surrounded by picturesque mountains. It’s the perfect place for a quiet picnic, or a day spent hiking.

There are 2 ways to reach the lake: you can either walk up the (very steep) mountain, or ride up the Gelmerbahn Funicular. Because it’s so hard to reach, it’s very quiet and easy to get photos without other people in them. There’s plenty of parking and if you’re campervanning in Switzerland you can stay overnight in the car park if you wish.

The Gelmerbahn Funicular is one of the steepest mountain railways in Europe. The gradient is 106% and it goes backwards (yes, you sit going BACKWARDS) up the mountain.

If you ride the funicular up, there are several routes for you to take to walk back down again. Paths are steep but well-marked- just check the weather carefully before you go. Alternatively, take the funicular back down again. A one-way ride takes about 20 minutes and you need to buy times tickets before you go up, so be sure to plan in advance and work out how much time you need.

Another thing you need to know before going : there are no facilities, toilets or cafe up at Gelmersee Lake, so remember to take food and water with you.

Also, don’t miss the suspension bridge, near the ticket office. It’s free to walk across and take photos on the views are spectacular down the valley. It’s a big drop, so not for anyone who doesn’t like heights, but it’s a great photo spot if you do.

12. Sonogno

– by Carolyn from Holidays to Switzerland

Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley in the canton of Ticino is well known for its famous Roman arched bridge (the Ponte di Salti) at Lavertezzo, but at the end of the valley lies the small hamlet of Sonogno which should not be missed.

Nestled beneath a backdrop of rocky mountains, Sonogno’s main square is surrounded by picturesque stone houses, a museum, a couple of restaurants and a small shop. It’s the perfect place to sit and admire the craftsmanship of the builders of days gone by.

As you stroll around the village’s cobbled streets, keep an eye out for the house whose facade features an 18th century peasant version of The Last Judgement. Another historical piece, the village’s old oven, is still in use today.

From the center of the village, a path alongside the river, takes you to the impressive Cascata Froda (Froda Falls) which plummet over the cliff face into a crystal clear pool below. At 100 meters high, they’re the highest falls in the valley and there are numerous vantage points from where you can enjoy the view.

You can return from the falls to the village by the same route or take a rockier path along the other side of the river. This route passes through a slightly more wooded area and provides ample opportunity to get close to the river. If hiking or mountain biking are your thing, there are plenty of trails that can be explored nearby, too.

Most visitors to the Verzasca Valley come on a day trip (it’s one of the top things to do in Ascona and Locarno) but if you’d prefer to stay longer, there are a number of guesthouses and apartments in which you can stay.

Sonogno can be reached by car or by bus from Tenero with train connections to and from Locarno.

13. Ascona

– by Sophie from Solosophie

One of the most charming towns in the Italian speaking part of Italy is that of Ascona, a pretty as a postcard lakeside settlement that lies in the shadows of snow-capped mountains.

Lying on the shore of Lake Maggiore, the town of Ascona is most famous for its Old Town (referred to locally as the ‘Borgo’) and its plethora of Italianate architecture. When it comes to important buildings in Ascona, not to be missed is the church of San Pietro e Paulo, which dates back to the 13th-century.

Thanks to its enviable position close to the water, highlights of the Swiss town include a number of water-based activities including sailing on the lake and taking a boat ride to the picturesque Brissago Islands.

Adventure lovers should also note that the lake region provides ample hiking opportunities, so walkers should be sure to pack their walking boots. Nearby, the equally charming town of Locarno is also well worth a visit and even boasts its own Christmas market during the winter.

The distance between the 2 towns is only 2km, thus meaning a gentle twenty minute walk along a fairly flat terrain. Locarno is also where the closest train station to Ascona can be found and travel by train is by far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Switzerland!

14. Lugano

– by Daria from The Discovery Nut

Lugano is the largest town in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino located along the shores of the eponymous Lake Lugano that boasts a mix of Mediterranean flair, Swiss culture, and wonderful landscapes.

Ticino has long been one of the most popular places among travelers from Switzerland who come here to enjoy warmer weather and a different culture. Indeed, this part of the country is a great place to visit during shoulder seasons, thanks to plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures.

Whether you decide to visit Lugano in summer, fall or winter, you’ll have a plethora of activities to enjoy from outdoors to culture and food. For example, mid-to-late spring is a perfect time for hiking in the surrounding mountains where you can see wildflowers and gorgeous panoramic views. Take a cable cat to Monte Bre to enjoy the 360-free views of Lugano and Bernese Alps in the distance.

If you have enough time, make sure to take a boat ride along Lake Lugano and visit several small towns located on its shores such as Gandria and Morcote.

If you simply want to enjoy the city, take a stroll along Lugano’s downtown full of beautiful architecture and historic buildings. Another great option is the green park Cívico Ciani that provides a perfect escape from the city with its tree-lined walkways, fountains and flower beds. Or take a stroll to the cathedral of San Lorenzo located on the hill above the city.

No matter what you choose to do in Lugano, you’ll have a great time!

15. Chillon Castle

– by Jonny from In Faraway Lands

Chillon Castle is one of the best castles in Switzerland you can visit. It’s a stunning medieval castle scenically located on a small rocky island on the eastern shores of Lake Geneva and has been around for almost a thousand years.

The castle itself and the location make it worth a visit and in fact, it’s the most visited historic building in Switzerland, so don’t miss out. The views of the surrounding Alps make it even a more spectacular place to be.

Inside the 2 walls of the castle, you can see 25 rooms and 3 courtyards and wall paintings dating back to the 14th-century. Be sure to see the medieval dungeons as they’re an eerie place to see with lots of history.

If you enjoy wine then be sure to taste the Clos de Chillon wine which is made there by the castle. There’s an excellent cafe called Café Byron that overlooks the castle and makes for a great place to relax and have a drink and food while there.

The castle is open throughout the year and is easy to get to being only a few kilometers south of the town of Montreux. Have a read of Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” before visiting the castle to get in the mood.

16. Montreux

– by Tracy from Tracy’s Travels in Time

The beautiful Swiss town of Montreux is located on the banks of Lake Geneva (or Lac Leman). This quaint town with its medieval streets and old buildings is a popular travel destination due to its picturesque views, history and famous festivals.

A visit to Montreux would not be complete without enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of the area. Take a stroll along the Lakeside Promenade for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. From Montreux, you can easily reach Chillon Castle by foot or public transportation (bus, boat or train).

For fans of Freddie Mercury, a selfie with his statue in Montreux would be a must-do. The statue was erected in 1992 to mark the place where he composed his song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Freddie lived in the town for a few years and it’s said was inspired to write the song while looking at the view of the lake and mountains.

Montreux hosts several music festivals throughout the year, including jazz, blues and rock festivals. The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the most famous jazz festivals in the world and has been taking place every year in early July for over fifty years. It was originally created in 1967 to celebrate local tourism and saw modest beginnings, but is now a massive event that attracts thousands of visitors each year and features both international and local performers.

One last tip: plan to take a boat ride from Montreux across the lake, the views are beautiful and it’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Don’t forget to take a book about Switzerland with you to perfect your journey.

17. Geneva

– by Dymphe from Dymabroad

Geneva is the second largest city in the country and the largest city in the French part of the country. You can find here some amazing things to do and see.

One of these things is Lake Geneva, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. You can walk along the lakefront while enjoying the views of the lake. Also, it’s possible to do a boat cruise on the lake. From the lake, you can also see the Alps, which is an incredible sight to see!

What’s great in Geneva is that there are lots of parks everywhere in the city. In fact, the city is one of the greenest cities in Europe. These parks are a great place if you want to relax while being in the city.

Another one of the best things to do in Geneva is walking through the Old Town. This is the oldest part of the city where you can admire picturesque streets, churches, historic houses and lovely shops.

But what makes Geneva famous is that many international organizations are located in the city. For example, you find the headquarters of the United Nations here.

Going there in winter? Check out this Geneva guide of the the best things to do in winter.

18. Chur

– by Cosette from KarsTravels

Chur is a beautiful city in the Eastern part of Switzerland. As the oldest city of Switzerland, it’s a unique place to visit. 9,000 years B.C. there was a settlement in the same place as Chur is located now.

Chur is surrounded by mountains and has numerous old buildings that are worth a visit. Stroll along Chur’s Old Town and admire the facades of the historical buildings. The city center is car-free, so walking around can be done carefree. Chur is a perfect addition to 4 Days in Switzerland.

The Martinskirche (St. Martin’s Church) dominates the vista of Chur. It has a distinctive spire and clock face. Other buildings and spots on a tour of Chur should be the Obere gasse, St. Lucius Church, the bischöflicher Hof, the Rathaus and the Regierungsplatz.

Next to beautiful buildings, Chur is also rich with museums like the Graubünden Art Museum. The art in this museum ranges from the 18th century to modern times. Other museums are the Bündner Naturmuseum (natural history) and the Rätisches museum.

The mountains surrounding Chur are in the winter perfect for ski fun and in the summer for hiking. To get the picture-perfect postcard view of Chur, go to Haldenhüttli.

19. Bern

– by Sarah from CosmopoliClan

Hugged by the turquoise Aare river and encompassed by a backdrop of rolling green hills and white mountain peaks lies the inviting Swiss capital.

Bern is a place that sparks the imagination. The city’s most striking features are the postcard panoramas, whether you overlook the city from the balcony behind the Bundeshaus, from the Münsterplattform that lies in the shadow of Bern’s gothic cathedral or from the convivial Rosengarten across the Aare river.

It’s easy to discover Bern on a day trip. As a visitor, you instantly feel welcome thanks to the waving flags of all 26 cantons that adorn the Spitalgasse, the main street leading to the Zytglogge.

This picture-perfect astronomical clock puts up an enchanting animation every hour at the heart of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. It’s packed with charming eye-catchers such as the centuries-old ornate water fountains, the vaulted cellars that house lively cafés and the elegant arcades that guarantee a carefree shopping experience in any weather.

Take the Senkeltram which connects uptown Bern to the historic Matte quarter with its timbered houses that were once the home of local craftsmen and workers. From there, it’s just a short stroll to the Bärengraben or Bear Pit where you can meet the city’s resident bears, the animals after which the city was named.

20. Limmat River

– by Džangir Kolar from Dr Jam Travels

In Zurich, one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland, there’s an annual event: swim on the Limmat river or Limmatschwimmen. It’s forbidden to swim on this river because of traffic, except on this day. Usually, it’s on the last weekend of school summer vacation in August.

It has a long tradition since 1945, first as competition from the local club and late is opened to the public. The limit number of participants to 4,500 people and 20 CHF tickets are sold in minutes. On the black market, they can reach the price of 150 €.

This swim starts at noon and lasts until 4:30pm. It starts at the beginning of the river Limmat and it’s 2 km-long. You’ll need around 40 minutes if you’re not competing. You’ll get one yellow inflatable animal and float slowly to finish and enjoy Zurich sightseeing from a different perspective. Your belongings can be delivered at the finish or you can take them with you in a waterproof bag. You’ll get a warm cup of coffee or soup there and a medal as a souvenir.

In any case, if you’re staying in Zurich at that time of the year, attending this event is definitely the most unique way to discover the city!

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So here are they, the 20 best places to go in Switzerland!

I hope you’ve found your next destination in this guide. If you’re planning to go, then the last part will be helpful to you. 👇

Best Time to Visit Switzerland

With the wide range of activities, tourist attractions and beautiful cities in Switzerland to visit, you’ll have a blast there regardless of the season. But depending on your travel style, one season might be better for you.

🌸 Spring (March to June): Spring is a best time to go to Switzerland. The trees are blooming, the meadows are greening and the water temperature of the lakes remains mild. It’s the perfect time to go hiking or swimming without being bothered by crowds of tourists. 

☀️ Summer (June to September): In summer, Switzerland becomes a paradise for hikers. Temperatures can reach 28°C in July and August, so it’s a nice destination to escape suffocating heat. Note that it’s during this time of the year that rainfall is the most important, especially in the south of the country, but it’s rarely heavy. 

🍂 Fall (September to December): Fall is another best time to visit Switzerland for hiking. Swimming is also quite possible in late September or early October, and bars and restaurants stay open very late too. A great season to avoid the crowds. 

❄️ Winter (December to March): In winter, the weather is cold and dry with temperatures around 2 to 7°C. The Jura and Alpine mountain regions in the southwest of the country are covered with snow and are a delight for skiers. Definitely the best season to visit Switzerland if you want to ski and have some fondue!

I hope you enjoy your trip to Switzerland; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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