This is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with attractive and picturesque views of landscapes, historic towns, and cities across the country attract tourists and visitors alike. From breathtaking mountain slopes to the cultural ferment of the cities to the calm, lovely lakes and villages, There are so many great places in Switzerland that I think it is necessary to introduce the most outstanding of them here:
Zurich: Switzerland’s Largest City
With a population of around 415,000 and set in a valley amidst the beautiful Albis hills, this old city on the lake of the same name is all about financial, high-end shopping, and culture. Altstadt is the historic district with cobblestone roads, well-preserved architecture, and a high concentration of cafés and shops. Zurich is also rich in museums and galleries, such as the Swiss National Museum, Kunsthaus Zurich, and Rietberg Museum. Its main drag, Bahnhofstrasse, is home to one of the world´s biggest concentrations of luxury brands and shops.
Zermatt: A Mountain Lover’s Paradise
Situated at the foot of the Matterhorn and boasting superb Alpine views, this car-free town is a paradise for lovers of the nature and the outdoors and is a doorway to a plethora of skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, reachable via cable car, is Europe's highest cable car station. Apart from all that, there´s delicious chocolate, air and flower-bedecked streets lined with small shops, cafes and traditional Swiss chalets.
Lucerne: History and Nature
Known as Luzern by the majority German-speaking locals, this small city in the country´s center (pop. 83,000) is decorated with history, culture, and stunning nature. Highlights include the 19th-century Lion Monument, a vivid rock-hewn relief commemorating the Swiss Guards who lost their lives in Paris during the French Revolution, as well as medieval landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, and the Musegg Wall. Nearby Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus provide the natural beauty of the outdoors and much entertainment, from boat riding to hiking and paragliding. Because of its size, it´s relatively easy to explore on foot and thus get the feel of its charm and romance.
Interlaken: Switzerland´s Alpine Capital
Another German-speaking mountain-lover´s mecca, this town of just under 6,000 between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is considered by many the hub of Swiss tourism. It´s of course supremely picturesque and also offers thrilling activities like paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, and canyoning. Interlaken is also a good jumping-off point for visiting the rest of the Bernese Oberland region, including the Jungfrau region, whose star is the Jungfraujoch, the peak dubbed “The Top of Europe.” There are also several sightseeing train tours, such as the GoldenPass Line and the Jungfrau Railway, affording spectacular views of the Alps.
Geneva: Diplomacy and Culture
Astride the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland´s French-speaking region, the country´s second largest city (pop. 204,000) boasts international status, wonderful dining and culture, and beautiful surrounding landscapes. Home to International organizations such as the International Red Cross and various agencies of the United Nations, it´s also strong in cultural offerings, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres. The city's very walkable Vielle Ville (old town) is Switzerland´s largest, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture (including the imposing 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral). Another important landmark is the Jet d’Eau, a fountain whose water shoots 140 meters high. And don´t forget the lake itself, with shores perfect for strolling, lake cruises, and a variety of boats available for rent, from rowboats to motorboats and yachts.
There are of course many other marvelous destinations, such as capitial Bern, cultural powerhouse Basel, the Grisons (aka Graubünden, home to St. Moritz), and beautiful Italian-speaking Ticino region. But these five are the most iconic, and where anyone who wishes to get to know Switzerland should start.
And finally, here´s an excellent travel hack: If you're still finalizing your travel plans, and have an itinerary that involves several countries, it can be helpful to have a dummy ticket which will enable you to show that you have a confirmed ticket to the next destination while at the same time allowing you to change your plans as you wish.
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