Swiss Landmarks Bucket List: Top 22 Places to See in 2025

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

Matterhorn
Matterhorn

Symbolizing the Swiss Alps, its iconic pyramid shape is a mountaineering marvel.

You probably know it from it’s former appearance on the Toberlone 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! With the highest railway station in Europe that 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

aletsch glacier
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

Montreux Lake
Montreux Riviera

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.

Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge

chapel bridge lucerne
The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne

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.

chapel bridge paintings
Chapel Bridge Paintings

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

Bern’s Old Town

Bern Rosengarten View
Views from the Bern Rosengarten

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 spent time living there and invented his three most famous theories in one year! Crazy guy indeed :>

DISCOVER BERN’S OLD TOWN

Zermatt’s Gornergrat Railway

Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway
Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway

Nothing screams panoramic views of the Matterhorn than the Gornergrat. And it is an absolute must-see if you are heading to Zermatt.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GORNERGRAT

Interlaken’s Harder Kulm

If you are around Interlaken then why not head up to this viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the Jungfrau region.

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

Swiss national park near Zernez

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 the more popular areas of Switzerland.

SEE THE SWISS PARKS

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls in Switzerland
Rhine Falls

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Europe’s largest waterfall near Schaffhausen is a great day trip from Zurich with a fun excursion by boat tour to the rock in the middle.

SEE THE RHINE FALLS

Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen

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 Tolkein’s Rivendell, and when you visit, you will see why!

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUTERBRUNNEN

Zurich’s Grossmünster

zurich grossmunster
Grossmunster, Zurich

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 something I have never seen elsewhere in the world.

SEE THE BEST VIEWS IN ZURICH

Basel’s Basel Minster

basel minster
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

Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne

road signs switzerland

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 MUSEUM

Lake St. Moritz

White Turf

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.

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.

SEE THE SCHILTHORN

Lausanne’s Olympic Museum

Lausanne-Olympic-Museum
Olympic Museum

If you are in the Lake Geneva area, there are some world-class, one-of-a-kind museums in the area, like the Olympic Museum. It celebrates the history of the Olympic Games with interactive exhibits.

Gruyères Castle

Gruyeres
Gruyères

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 cross the famous Landwasser Viadukt, which you have more than likely see 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GENEVA

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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