Must-see places in Switzerland
Zurich
As it’s the central hub of the Swiss train network – and home to the country’s biggest international airport – Zurich is generally the first stop for tourists. And thanks to its efficient public transport system, you can enjoy the sights even on a short stay.
Located at the northern tip of Lake Zurich with views of the distant Alps, Switzerland’s largest city offers visitors plenty to see. In the Old Town (Aldstadt), for one, you have the Kunsthaus Zürich: a Swiss-centric museum with a vast art collection that ranges from the Middle Ages to the modern.
Fraumunster Church dominates the skyline and boasts stained glass windows by the artist Marc Chagall. Cross Münsterbrücke Bridge and stroll down Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s answer to New York’s 5th Avenue. This upscale shopping street is one of the world’s most expensive and is cool to check out, even for just a bit of window shopping. Make sure to stop by Confiserie Sprüngli on Paradeplatz to sample their world-famous handmade chocolates.
If the weather is nice, take a boat tour on Lake Zurich and enjoy fantastic views of the city and the Alps. Tours depart from the waterfront at Burkliplatz; you can choose one that takes you to the northern tip of the lake, or through the lake from Zurich to Rapperswil – a historic town near the lake's south-eastern end. Rapperswil itself is worth a visit, with its medieval alleys, beautiful rose gardens and Rapperswil Castle, a Swiss heritage site. Other options include a boat trip along the Limmat River for a closer look at Zurich's historic bridges and riverfront buildings.
Lucerne
From Zurich, hop on a train for a short ride to Lucerne for a paddle-steamer tour around Lake Luzern, or a cable car ride up Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of Mountains” and once scaled by author Mark Twain. If you are a fan of Picasso, don’t miss the Rosengart Museum, which along with works by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, features over 300 pieces by Classic Modernist artists.
Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland’s second biggest city and has its own pretty Old Town, Rue du Perron, as well as lakeside views. Geneva has a lot of parks; special mention goes to the English Garden (Jardin Anglais) on Lake Geneva, which you can reach downhill from the Old Town. Another must is Jet d'Eau – a popular Geneva landmark alongside the flower clock (L'horloge fleurie), and one of the largest fountains in the world. Shooting a 140-metre-high plume into the air, at the point where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River, it is visible throughout the city.
Zermatt
From Geneva, take a train to Zermatt, home to the famous Matterhorn Mountain (Mont Cervin), which allegedly inspired the triangular shape of Toblerone chocolate. The train will pass along Lake Leman and cross the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 11th century and covers the lower slopes of the mountainside.
Then stop off at Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva, and be as inspired as Victor Hugo and Lord Byron by this impressive structure at the foot of the Alps. Alternatively, ride the train from Zurich straight to Zermatt via Sierre, and enjoy the spectacular views along the way.
