Switzerland has a whole bucket load of landmarks and attractions that you can fill three lists with.
But these are some of the top ones you should put on your list :>
The Matterhorn
Symbolizing the Swiss Alps, its iconic pyramid shape is a mountaineering marvel.
You probably know it from its former appearance on the Toblerone Chocolate, but this mountain epitomizes everything about Switzerland and is a must-see.
👉👉 JUST HEAD TO ZERMATT
Château de Chillon
Perhaps the most popular castle in Switzerland, this medieval fortress perched on the shores of Lake Geneva, offers a glimpse into Swiss history.
It’s an easy day trip from Montreux and one of the many reasons to visit this stunning mountain-lined lake!
👉👉 VISIT CHATEAU CHILLON
Jungfraujoch
Everyone knows the Jungfraujoch. Also marketed as the “Top of Europe”.
And there is a good reason for it, too! It is the highest railway station in Europe, which requires a train trip through one of Switzerland’s highest peaks.
You get breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding mountains, as well as year-round snow.
👉👉 CHECK OUT THE JUNGFRAUJOCH
Aletsch Glacier
The largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Aletsch Glacier is also visible from the Jungfraujoch.
But, the best views are to be hand from the top of the ridge above Fiesch and around Bettmeralp.
👉👉 LEARN ABOUT ALETSCH
Lake Geneva
Known for its Jet d’Eau fountain and lakeside promenades in Geneva, Lake Geneva actually stretches for miles.
It is the home of Evian water, but more importantly, it is also the home of Lausanne, Montreux, and Vevey, three memorable cities and towns at the northern end of the lake.
👉👉 THINGS TO SEE IN GENEVA
Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge
You have probably seen pictures of Lucerne’s covered wooden bridge.
It is an icon of the city and dates back to the 14th century.
It is a pleasure to stroll across at any time of the year, allowing you to admire the paintings overhead that describe this city’s history.
This is just the beginning of your adventures in Lucerne as you make your way around the city and discover all the hidden gems it has to offer.
👉👉 CHECK OUT MY LUCERNE GUIDE
1-3 DAYS IN LUCERNE: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2026
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
Bern’s Old Town
The capital of Switzerland is more than just “another city. It is also a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved medieval architecture.
Einstein also famously lived there and invented his three most famous theories in one year! Crazy guy indeed :>
👉👉 DISCOVER BERN’S OLD TOWN
Zermatt’s Gornergrat Railway
Nothing screams panoramic views of the Matterhorn than the Gornergrat.
And it is a fabulous day-trip if you are heading to Zermatt, with epic views, a fun train ride, great hiking opportunities and more.
👉👉 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GORNERGRAT
Interlaken’s Harder Kulm
If you are in Interlaken, why not head up to this viewpoint for stunning vistas of the Jungfrau region?
INTERLAKEN REGION UNCOVERED: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE (UPDATED FOR 2026)
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Interlaken, Grindelwald & Lauterbrunnen area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $35
It is a quick 7-minute ride and conveniently located a short walk from Interlaken Ost. Plus, it is included in many of the local Regional Train Passes :>
👉👉 LEARN ABOUT HARDER KULM
Swiss National Park
Switzerland’s only national park is rich in Alpine flora and fauna and offers stunning views of the surrounding Alps, as well as a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of Switzerland’s more popular areas.
👉👉 SEE THE SWISS PARKS
Rhine Falls
Want To Save This For Later?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Europe’s largest waterfall near Schaffhausen is a great day trip from Zurich, with a fun boat tour to the rock in the middle.
And it’s only 1 hour from Zurich too!
👉👉 SEE THE RHINE FALLS
Lauterbrunnen Valley
This stunning valley is known for its 72 waterfalls (although I could not find them all), including the iconic Staubbach Falls and the Trummelbach Falls.
It is also renowned as the inspiration for Tolkien’s Rivendell, and when you visit, you will see why!
👉👉 LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUTERBRUNNEN
THE PERFECT DAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN: ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
Stop stressing about what to do and how to get there
ONLY $18
Zurich’s Grossmünster
The most iconic building in Switzerland is also worth a visit for the climb up the Karlsturm tower.
The stained glass windows are also quite modern and unique, and I have never seen anything like them elsewhere in the world.
👉👉 THE BEST WALKING TOURS IN ZURICH
Basel’s Basel Minster
Another worthwhile cathedral to see in Basel is the Basel Minster.
Located in the heart of Basel, it is a Gothic-style cathedral with unique red sandstone walls.
👉👉 DISCOVER BASEL
Lake Lucerne
While you are in Lucerne, you absolutely have to make the most of Lake Lucerne. It is surrounded by mountains and offers scenic boat cruises and hiking trails.
There are also a huge range of mountains to visit in the area. Enough, in fact, to keep you busy for a week!
👉👉DISCOVER LUCERNE
1-3 DAYS IN LUCERNE: A FIRST-TIMER'S GUIDE FOR 2026
Everything you need to know when planning a trip to the Lucerne Area.
AFFORDABLE AT ONLY $29
Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne
And while you are in Lucerne, you have to pop into the Transport Museum. It showcases the history of Swiss transportation with interactive exhibits and the largest range of huge vehicles I have ever seen. Kids and adults alike with love it.
👉👉 SEE THE TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Lake St. Moritz
Famous for winter sports and the annual “White Turf” horse race on ice, St Mortiz and the whole valley round is a hotspot for water sports and stunning scenery.
The region it is located in, Engadine, is also famous for it’s stunning lakes, National Park and scenery!
👉👉 DISCOVER ST MORITZ
Schilthorn
A great alternative to the Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn is famous as the home of James Bond.
It is accessible by cable car from Mürren and offers panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau and makes for a great day out from anywhere in Switzerland.
👉👉 SEE THE SCHILTHORN
Lausanne’s Olympic Museum
If you are in the Lake Geneva area, there are some world-class, one-of-a-kind museums, like the Olympic Museum.
It celebrates the history of the Olympic Games with interactive exhibits.
Gruyères Castle
A medieval castle overlooking the town of Gruyères, famous for its cheese and nearby Callier Chocolate Factory.
👉👉 LEARN ABOUT GRUYERES
Bernina Express
Most of you know about the Glacier Express. The slowest express train in Switzerland!
But a close second is the Bernina Express, which takes you across the Swiss Alps from Chur to Tirano, Italy, and crosses the famous Landwasser Viadukt, which you have more than likely seen above.
👉👉 LEARN ABOUT THE BERNINA EXPRESS
United Nations Office at Geneva
An international landmark promoting peace and diplomacy, the UN office in Geneva is another of those unique places you only get to see in Switzerland.
Dear Ashley,
Thank you for sharing all the information about Switzerland. I love nature, and I am planning a 10-12 day journey to explore this beautiful country. My itinerary includes Interlaken, Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Jungfraujoch, St. Moritz, Montreux, and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
I will be arriving in Zurich with a friend, and we plan to stay 2-3 days in each city to fully enjoy the natural beauty. We would also love to include at least one hiking experience in our trip.
Could you please advise us on our itinerary and guide us on the must-visit places in each city? Additionally, we would appreciate your recommendations on the best time to visit Switzerland.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Have been to some of these places before , and will go back . Well done ! Thank you for all the information .
Thank you so much Ashley. I need a tour guide because I will be coming alone. Tell me the best time, the hotels and at a budget holidayhow much would it cost me to visit the 22 places. How or where can I apply for a tour guide and how much would it cost me roughly
I made a tour to Rheinefalls that’s all but I would visit it again. Thank you truly again for the information.
We’ve been to over half of them. Last month we were on Lake Lucerne & to the Schilthorn & others not on your list but also beautiful or charming.
I really enjoyed reading about your favorite places in Switzerland. I was born and grew up in Lausanne but left when I was 22. I’ve been lucky to go back many times over the years and I visited all but one of your favorite places. (did not visit the museum of transportation.). Every time I go back, I visit the Olympic museum, which changes constantly. Château de Chillon is my favorite castle. I visited it many times with my children and friends who came along with me.