When it comes to exploring any place in the world, what truly makes it worth visiting is if it’s serene, gorgeous, and easily accessible. And while there are quite a few places in the world, if there’s one country that deserves instant attention, it’s Switzerland. Possessing a landscape that many marvel over, Switzerland has it all; from mighty mountains that soar over the clouds to lush green forests, Switzerland is one of the most wonderful places on earth. And if you’re in Switzerland, you know that it has over a hundred spots that are worth visiting. But, if you would truly like to make your trip to Switzerland extremely cherishable and unforgettable, you cannot miss these top 10 places to visit in Switzerland:

Top 10 Places to Visit in Switzerland

1. Jungfraujoch

Nicknamed as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is an Alpine wonderland that holds true to its name. It gets its name from the ethereal view that it bestows your eyes; a sweeping view of the Swiss valleys below against an icy backdrop makes for quite a stunning scenery. Jungfraujoch is one of the hidden gems of Switzerland and surprises people with its immense beauty; this wonderful place is technically a glacier saddled between two mountains. One of Switzerland’s best places and its highest attraction, Jungfraujoch may not be for the faint of heart but if you do wind up at this gorgeous place, you’ll know why it deserves attention. And don’t let the high altitude put you off; once reached, you’ll find plenty of activities that suit even kids. From tobogganing, mountain climbing, hiking and much more, Jungfraujoch truly has it all. But if you’re looking for something that’s beyond mind-blowing, there’s one experience you cannot miss, the Jungfrau railway. Taking the Jungfrau railway isn’t like taking your average train;  the train climbs up to a whopping 3454 meters above sea level to reach the highest railway station in Europe! The train takes you along on an enthralling journey and moves at a careful speed around glacial cliffs, allowing you to catch some of the most breath-taking glimpses in the world. In Jungfraujoch, perhaps one of the most amazing experiences is exploring the Ice Palace, a carved section inside an actual glacier. It is decorated and furnished with ice sculptures so beautiful that they put even Elsa to shame. For adventure seekers, this hidden gem also has a zipline; and if you’re in the mood for something much more observatory, you can head over to the Sphinx Observatory.

2. Interlaken

You might know Interlaken as one of Switzerland’s most iconic resort towns, but Interlaken has a much enriching history that goes way back. Once popular only for watch-making, Interlaken has come a long way. One of the most wonderful places in Switzerland, Interlaken was first considered a tourist destination in the early 1800s when people started to realize how refreshing a breath of air at Interlaken was and started pouring in from Switzerland to take a relaxing time off. Soon, the buzz of Interlaken’s beauty spread across Switzerland and then beyond; and the rest is history. You’ll find Interlaken conveniently situated between the infamous Swiss lakes, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz; which means when you’re in Interlaken, you’re already getting a lot more to explore than most places in the country. Whether it’s boating, swimming, biking around the lakes or taking a cool hike, this hidden gem shows you exactly why it is one of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland.

What makes Interlaken even more special is its unique location which gives you spectacular views of the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau Swiss mountains. The surrounding Bernese Operland Alps are also a popular basecamp. You can even sign up for woodcarving school. Don’t forget to try raclette, a special Swiss cheese dish when you’re there.

3. Rhine Falls

Another breath-taking place that makes its name in the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland is Rhine Falls, a majestic waterfall that gushes near Schaffhausen and is Europe’s largest waterfall. Imagine sitting near the stepping-stones of the Rhine Falls and listening to the pleasant gurgling of water as you munch on Swiss dishes. If it sounds like heaven, you know you’re at the right place. When you visit Rhine Falls, you won’t only be making a trip to the waterfall itself but all natural landmarks nearby; from exploring medieval riverside castles to boating around the mystical river basin, Rhine Falls is a remarkably diverse place to be. One of the most popular point at Rhine Falls is a large boulder which expertly balances itself in the middle of the river at the top of the falls. People love to come near this boulder and capture stunning photos. One of the most impressive things about this wonderful place is its various viewing points which sit smugly over the falls; any traveller standing there feels like they are hovering above the falls. For those who are bringing the kids along, Rhine Falls is only a stone’s throw from a children’s playground and even houses a historical and an adventure trail for history buffs and adrenaline seekers.

4. Geneva

Historical, remarkable, and extremely beautiful, Geneva is a name known to many. Home to the International Red Cross Committee, the European Headquarters of the United Nations, and the humble abode of 20 international organizations, Geneva is a goldmine for politics and history enthusiasts. But while you may think this city where international influences reign supreme, Geneva is more than just its historical narrative. A place that’s truly one of the hidden gems of Switzerland, Geneva is an underrated place to be when it comes to vacations. Jet d’Eau is an iconic destination that many travellers head towards just to see it shoot up the enormous fountain of water from the Lac Léman waterfront. If you make your way to the Old Town, you’ll stumble across the towers of Cathédrale St-Pierre, the tallest in the area. The cathedral itself boasts a beautiful architecture which will tickle some people in the right spot. And, if you’re a sucker for old-timey photographs or simply love capturing buildings, this is the best place to be. If you get tired of walking around, simply heal those sore feet by taking a boat ride on the Geneva Lake.

One of the few more things that mark Geneva in the list of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland is its green initiative. Promising to protect its environment and the city, Geneva practices healthy initiatives and is nicknamed the “City of Parks” because about 20% of its land is devoted to parks. For environmentalists and naturalists, Geneva is a fine place to be!

5. Zermatt

An unbelievably beautiful municipality, Zermatt is one of the few hidden gems in Switzerland where you feel completely at home. Zermatt is extremely popular among the locals and tourists alike for its impressive location; neighboring the mighty Swiss mountain Matterhorn, Zermatt boasts one of the best skiing and mountaineering points in Switzerland. It’s also easily accessible to everyone; cable cars whisk you to the top skiing points and if you’re in Zermatt to take a hike, the same cable car gives you some of the most magnificent views you’ll ever see. For those who love touring a city on foot, Zermatt has quite a few amazing stops to make along the way. In fact, walkers will love Zermatt because it does not permit gasoline cars to drive and requires battery-operated vehicles to run within the city only. This leaves plenty of space for people to explore and the city is so ergonomic, it doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to reach one place from another. Tourists exploring the city love to pop in the boutiques and pick out trendy winter clothes. For those who consider themselves gourmands, Zermatt has an extensive line of restaurants and cafes waiting to give you a taste of their mouth-watering cuisine. This little ski resort may be small, but it offers a lot to do. From enjoying scenic train rides to working up your muscles and scaling tough skills, Zermatt is a place everyone loves.

6. Bern

Believe it or not, Switzerland has a place for everyone. So far, you’ve seen great lakes and wonderful places to ski. But, if you’re hoping to see a city that’s enriched with culture and history in this list of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland, you might have just hit the jackpot. Bern is one of the most historical cities in Switzerland and this medieval beauty gives you a glimpse into the inspiring history of the Swiss in great detail. Bern dates back to at least the 12th century; but as far as historians are concerned, Bern became a part of the Swiss Confederacy around the 16th century. Today, Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland and serves as an important cultural, historical and tourist attraction. Bern is also home to some of the most impressive architecture you’ll see; those who are obsessed with the art will know how unique and intricate the architecture in Bern is. In fact, Bern is one of the few places in Switzerland where you’ll find Gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture. One of the few popular architectural beauties include the Munster or the Basil Minster, a gothic church. The Cathedral of Burn, Französische Kirche or the French Church and Bundeshaus or the Federal Palace are some of the few favorites of tourists.

You might have heard of Zytglogge, but if you haven’t, you’ll be glad to know now. The Zytglogge is a massive clock tower in Switzerland; but what makes it special and known isn’t the medieval tower’s architecture or history, but its elaborative show of moving puppets. You’ll also familiarize yourself with the Bear, Bern’s heraldic symbol and will see several kept in open-air pits.

Last but not the least, Bern’s shopping district in Old Town is so vast, it’s considered the longest covered shopping area in Europe. Talk about ‘shop till you drop’!

7. Grindelwald

No, this isn’t the Grindelwald from Harry Potter but it’s equally fascinating and magical. The largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald is a mountainous town which boasts breath-taking views and scenery and is considered one of the most popular places in Switzerland. With an icy exterior that would make Narnia blush and an alpine quality that makes it the perfect holiday destination all year round, Grindelwald will show you why it’s considered one of the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland. It also sports a rocky terrain which serves as a test of endurance and strength for many rock-climbers, but you’ll also find relatively easier cliffs to climb. Tourists also love to take a simple hike across the resort town and take in the luxurious beauty of nature. Grindelwald is also a wonderful place for social media bloggers because it has a lot of accessible mountain peaks that give people Instagram worthy photographs. If you get bored of taking in the scenery and want to take your vacation up a notch, you can try to ski, or toboggan run in one of the many hidden gems of the city. Lastly, if you’re in a romantic mood or love ice sculptures, visit the World Snow Festival where sculptures and figurines await your audience.

8. Lausanne

A city considered extremely fortunate for its unique location, Lausanne sits right on the shore of Lake Geneva, an hour away from Geneva city and gives an amazing view of both the Swiss and the French Alps. Lausanne is also one of the most popular cities in Switzerland but not for the reasons you think; the city is home to two major universities and is a gateway to major skiing areas. For students, architectural and history enthusiasts, Lausanne has great appeal. Lausanne is divided into several districts but the district of Cité is perhaps the most famous one. Cité has a portion called the “Old Town,” shared by Geneva and includes castles, churches, cathedrals, major buildings, and several historical sites. Among these unmissable sites is Palais de Rumine, a 19th century building boasting a Florentine Renaissance style and is home to not one, not two, but five different museums! Those looking for an educational trip know where to head.

Literature aficionados and enthusiasts will also recognize Lausanne from the works of infamous writers, poets and playwrights including Lord Byron, Perce Bysshe Shelley, and Ernest Hemingway. Surely, Lausanne is a place of diverse experiences!

9. Zurich

It is pretty much impossible to talk about Switzerland and to not include Zurich in the top 10 places to visit in Switzerland. Zurich is, after all, one of the most famous cities in Switzerland and is the country’s largest city too. An important center for finance and economy, Zurich does come across as a business hub, but you’ll be surprised to know how far-reaching its social scene is. Never without the hustles and bustles of society, Zurich’s streets are reminiscent of a busy New York street; minus the rude crowd, and plus the extraordinary scenery. Zurich’s streets constantly see action; from hosting Pride parades to Europe’s largest street rave, Zurich is a place where youngsters, activists and enthusiasts thrive. And if you ever get overwhelmed by the extraversion of Zurich, you can head over to the charming scenery of the Old Town of the city; and maybe stop for a sandwich or two at the lakeside of Lake Zurich. The same lake is also an incredible way to explore the city; just take a boat and the only work you’ll have to do is take photographs. There are some attractions you cannot miss including the FIFA World Football Museum, which hits home for football fans and anyone who’s into sports. To make your trip even more refreshing, go for an Aperol Spritz (cocktail) after a summer walk.

10. Matterhorn

An iconic emblem of the Swiss Alps, the Matterhorn is a name known to most rock-climbing enthusiasts. Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks of the Alps. The name Matterhorn is derived from the German words Matte, meaning meadow, and Horn, meaning peak. But while this gorgeous beauty is a recommended place to sight-see, only expert climbers are encouraged to try it out as it is as deadly as it is impressive. In fact, it is so dangerous, that between 1865 to 1995, five hundred alpinists are known to have died there.

 

The top 10 places in Switzerland show you that it truly is a place of wonder. From impressively heightened mountain peaks that give your strength a challenge to peaceful, serene, and family-friendly attractions, Switzerland seems to have it all. And when you’re looking for the hidden gems of Switzerland, you’ll find these places to do just the trick. From alpine skiing at Jungfraujoch to spending lakeside time at Interlaken or learning about Swiss history at the several cathedrals and museums, Switzerland seems to be made for everybody. All you need to do now is book your next vacation in Switzerland and you’ll be having fun for ages!