Discover Switzerland
Cities & Villages
From lakeside towns to car-free alpine villages, discover the Swiss destinations we know best and why each deserves a place on your itinerary.
The Beauty of Swiss Diversity
- Compact by design: world-class cities, alpine peaks and lakeside villages are all within a few hours by train.
- The most scenic rail network on earth — the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass link the highlights end to end.
- Four cultures in one country: German, French, Italian and Romansh traditions, food and architecture.
- Effortless to travel: punctual trains, boats and cable cars reach almost every village on this page.
- Every season delivers — summer hiking, autumn colour, winter snow and spring bloom.
- Travel with confidence: safe cities, clean public spaces and a welcoming atmosphere make Switzerland easy to explore.
Cities
The urban highlights and travel hubs we build journeys around.
Zurich
Lakeside metropolis and gateway to the Swiss highlights.
- Wander the medieval Old Town (Altstadt) and the boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse.
- Cruise Lake Zurich or swim at a lakeside badi in summer.
- Switzerland’s culture capital — the Kunsthaus, Landesmuseum and a lively café scene.
Basel
Switzerland’s art capital on the Rhine, where three borders meet.
- Home to nearly 40 museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler.
- Float or stroll along the Rhine, then explore the red-sandstone Old Town.
- A cross-border base — Germany and France are minutes away.
Bern
The UNESCO-listed capital with six kilometres of covered arcades.
- Explore the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See the Zytglogge astronomical clock and the riverside Bear Park.
- Swim or drift down the turquoise Aare in summer like the locals do.
Lucerne
Postcard lake town and springboard to Central Switzerland’s peaks.
- Cross the flower-lined Chapel Bridge over the Reuss.
- Ride up Mount Pilatus or Rigi for panoramic alpine views.
- Set sail on Lake Lucerne aboard a historic paddle steamer.
Interlaken
Adventure hub cradled between two lakes below the Jungfrau.
- Sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau above.
- Gateway to Jungfraujoch — the "Top of Europe" — by cogwheel railway.
- Paragliding, canyoning and lake cruises on the doorstep.
Lugano
Mediterranean flair, palm-lined promenades and Italian-Swiss style.
- Stroll the lakeside promenade and Parco Ciani beside Lake Lugano.
- Ride the funicular up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for sweeping views.
- Enjoy Italian-speaking Switzerland — piazzas, grotti and la dolce vita.
Zermatt
Car-free Alpine village beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
- Stroll chalet-lined streets with Matterhorn views.
- Ride the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic alpine scenery.
- A year-round destination for hiking and skiing.
Montreux
Elegant lakeside town framed by vineyards, mountains and Lake Geneva.
- Walk the lakeside promenade overlooking Lake Geneva.
- Visit the iconic Château de Chillon.
- Known for vineyards, mild weather and jazz heritage.
St. Moritz
Switzerland’s legendary mountain resort where luxury meets adventure.
- Enjoy luxury shopping, dining and alpine hospitality.
- Explore the lakes and landscapes of the Engadin Valley.
- A premier destination for skiing and outdoor pursuits.
Geneva
Cosmopolitan lakeside city blending international influence with Swiss charm.
- Explore the historic Old Town and St. Pierre Cathedral.
- See the Jet d'Eau and stroll the lakefront.
- Discover museums, gastronomy and global heritage.
Villages
Alpine hamlets and hidden corners worth the detour.
Grindelwald
Glacier village at the foot of the Eiger North Face.
- Ride the Eiger Express gondola toward Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch.
- Walk the First Cliff Walk and fly back on the First Flyer zip line.
- A classic base for Bernese Oberland hiking and skiing.
Lauterbrunnen
The valley of 72 waterfalls that inspired Tolkien’s Rivendell.
- See the Staubbach Fall tumble almost 300 metres past the village.
- Take the cable car to car-free Mürren and Schilthorn (Piz Gloria).
- One of the most photographed valleys in the Alps.
Wengen
Car-free balcony village with front-row Jungfrau views.
- Reachable only by cogwheel railway from Lauterbrunnen.
- Sun terraces facing the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
- Home to the legendary Lauberhorn downhill ski race.
St. Moritz
Alpine glamour and turquoise lakes in the Engadin.
- The start (or finish) of the Bernina Express to Tirano, Italy.
- Chic resort with mineral springs, designer shopping and winter sport.
- Larch forests, high lakes and Engadin sgraffito houses all around.
Gruyères
Medieval hilltop town famous for its cheese and castle.
- Wander the car-free cobbled lanes to the 13th-century château.
- Watch cheese being made at La Maison du Gruyère.
- Pair it with nearby Broc for a Swiss chocolate tour.
Appenzell
Painted facades and rolling green hills of eastern Switzerland.
- Colourful hand-painted houses line the village square.
- Gateway to the Alpstein range and the Ebenalp cliff inns.
- Living folk traditions, alpine cheese and embroidery.
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