A list of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Switzerland: Zermatt, Mürren, Schilthorn, Lugano, and many more! The best Switzerland travel inspiration for your next trip!
Let me put it this way: for any nature lover out there, if there is only ONE country you could visit in Europe, I’d make that SWITZERLAND. You will definitely not regret it!
After having spent 3 weeks in the Canadian Rockies, I thought I’ve seen it all. The mountains, lakes and the views were absolutely gorgeous, don’t get me wrong.
But there just is something about the Swiss Alps and the fairytale scenery that just gets you staring in awe and thanking all the gods and the universe for allowing you to experience such beauty. 😀
In this relatively small country, you will find breathtaking panoramic views of 4.000m high peaks, you can walk on glaciers, hike with the sound of cowbells in your ears, or lay on the beach of Lake Lugano with a cocktail in your hand.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to live in Switzerland for a while, so I got to experience the lifestyle and the country a little bit more than the usual tourist.
Here are my top 21 most beautiful and unique places to visit in Switzerland which you absolutely SHOULD NOT MISS.
21 UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT IN SWITZERLAND
1. ZERMATT
If you could travel to only ONE place in Switzerland, make that ZERMATT. The home of one of the most picturesque mountains in the world, The Matterhorn.
There is nothing quite like it anywhere else on earth, so visiting Zermatt and hiking around this gorgeous mountain should definitely be on your bucket list.
You will love the ski resort vibe (even in summer, as you can ski here all year round), the spectacular sites, and the great adventures this little village offers.
Check out my 10 most exciting things to do in Zermatt, and if you’re traveling in summer – the best summer adventures. This post will show you the perfect 2-day itinerary for Zermatt.
2. SCHILTHORN
Schilthorn is a mountain peak in the Swiss Alps and one of the best spots in Europe for breathtaking 360 panoramic views of 4.000m / 13.000 feet peaks around.
It is located at 2.970m above sea level, in the Lauterbrunnen region in Switzerland, close to Interlaken, and it is a “MUST-SEE before you die” kinda place!
Curious to know more? Have a look here at why you need to add Schilthorn to your bucket list asap!
3. MÜRREN
A fairytale village in the heart of the Swiss Alps!
Mürren is a car-free mountain resort, on top of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, at 1.638m (5.374ft) above sea level.
The moment you step out of the train station you will feel like you can almost touch the peaks of the Alps surrounding it: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
This is the perfect stay for hiking in the Jungfrau region as well as visiting Schilthorn Piz Gloria. I’ve created a special travel guide dedicated to Mürren, so you can make the most of your time there.
4. GORNERGRAT & GORNER GLACIER
Take in the 360 panoramic views and breathe in the fresh air at 3.100m! The Gorner Glacier is the 3rd longest glacier in the Alps and it is bordered by several 4.000m summits, which makes for an impressive sight.
This is the end stop of the Gornergrat Bahn (from Zermatt) and, as you step out, you are immediately blown away by the spectacular views all around.
Pro tip: pack a jacket and some sunscreen! 😉
5. STOOS
Another must-see place in Switzerland is Stoos, a small mountain resort, and its Fronalpstock peak (1.922m) which offers spectacular views of at least 5 lakes. It can be reached by the steepest funicular in the world (from Schwyz) and afterward by cable car.
It is also a perfect place for hiking. The best one is the Stoos ridge hike from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock for incredible views of the turquoise lakes. It is a gorgeous (but sometimes difficult) 2 and a half hour hike. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are afraid of heights.
6. LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY
Another magical place to visit in Switzerland is the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It definitely deserves a few days of your holiday, that is, if you’re into fairytale-like kind of views. 😉
Even the great J.R.R Tolkien has apparently been mesmerized by the beauty of the region which is said to have been the inspiration for the famous Rivendell of The Lord of the Rings. How’s that for a fun fact for my fellow LOR fans?! Once you’re there, you really do see the resemblance.
7. BIRG (SCHILTHORN THRILL WALK)
Birg is the cable car stop on the way to Schithorn and is actually one of my favorite and unique places to visit in Switzerland. I’d always come back here.
What makes it so special is the above-the-clouds view of the 3 mountain peaks(Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) but also the BIRG THRILL WALK. This is such an amazing adventure! (not recommended if you are afraid of heights).
8. WALENSEE
This is truly a spectacular place to visit in Switzerland. Back when I was living there, I always made sure to take all my friends & family to visit this beautiful lake.
Wallensee is one of the largest lakes in the country, bordered by high mountains and it’s located about an hour away drive from Zürich. I absolutely love the view and the crystal waters. You can even swim in the lake in summer, but be prepared, it’s pretty cold.
Also, the weather might not always be perfect, but the views are gorgeous either way. 😉
9. ZÜRICH
If you’re more into city trips, then make sure to add Zürich to your travel bucket list. It is a picturesque, medieval city perfect for a weekend trip.
Zürich is the largest city in Switzerland and an important financial center. You’ll love walking along the old town streets, having a coffee by the Zurich lake or shopping on the famous Bahnhofstrasse. This is the main shopping street, leading from the Zürich central station all the way to the lake, and home to all the biggest luxury shops.
10. INTERLAKEN
A renowned town for the impressive mountain scenery and a must on your Switzerland itinerary.
Interlaken is often the starting point for many mountain adventures such as visiting Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe), Schilthorn, the Lauterbrunnen region, and more. It’s a gorgeous location to visit in any season, but I’d say it’s particularly impressive in winter and summer.
11. MONTREUX
If you’re a jazz fan, then this is THE place for you.
Montreux is a charming little Swiss town on the shore of Lake Geneva and home of one of the biggest jazz festivals, held in July. It is located in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, Canton de Vaud, just one hour drive from Geneva.
Trust me, you’d want to drive there, as you’ll be going along the lake the entire time and the view is stunning.
12. SPIEZ
Another unique place to visit in Switzerland is Spiez. The quiet, old town, bordering the turquoise Lake Thun offers spectacular views and tranquility rarely found in other places.
It is considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful bays and will delight you with historical sites, beautiful mountain scenery, and many cultural activities.
We’ve only spent a few hours here, visiting the village but it’s definitely a place where I’d like to return.
13. MATTERHORN GLACIER PARADISE
The Glacier Paradise is such an incredible adventure! Experience the amazing 360 panoramic views at the highest viewing platform in the Alps (3.883m)! You can reach it by cable car from Zermatt.
From this point, you would be able to see 38 four thousand meter high peaks as well as 14 glaciers. That is if the weather permits. If it’s cloudy (as in our case), don’t worry, the ride there is STILL absolutely amazing! Definitely, one of the most spectacular cable car rides I’ve ever taken!
14. LUCERNE
Lucerne is a gorgeous medieval city and famous tourist destination, located about one hour’s drive from Zürich. You will love walking through the colorful old town and stepping on the famous Kapellebrükke (Chapel Bridge, built in 1333) over the river Reuss.
It is also a great starting point for many adventures, such as visiting mount Pilatus or Stoos.
15. ST. MORITZ
Well, we couldn’t have a list of the best and most unique places to visit in Switzerland without mentioning the beautiful Saint Moritz.
This posh mountain resort is a top winter destination (350km of pistes) but has plenty to offer visitors in summer as well. It is a famous spa resort due to its mineral springs.
Fun fact: St. Moritz hosted the Winter Olympics not once, but twice!
16. JUNGFRAUJOCH – TOP OF EUROPE
This has got to be one of Europe’s most popular attractions and definitely a place worth seeing during your holiday in Switzerland.
Jungfraujoch is the highest located train station in the world, at 3.454m, with an observatory even higher at 3,571m. It is located between the Mönch and Jungfrau mountains which make for spectacular views all around.
Getting there can be pricey (Switzerland isn’t cheap!): the ticket price is 235 CHF / person in the peak season (June- August) but it’s definitely worth it.
17. GSTAAD
Gstaad is an upscale Swiss mountain resort and famous winter holiday destination for royals and celebrities. Think of it as the Capri of Switzerland. 🙂
It also offers great hikes in summer so it’s a perfect destination for couples and families looking for the tranquility of nature and fresh mountain air.
18. LUGANO
Probably my favorite city in all of Switzerland! Located in the Southern, Italian-speaking part of the country (Ticino), Lugano is a gorgeous town on the shores of the namesake Lake.
You will definitely see the Mediterranean influences in its architecture, climate, and cuisine.
Have a walk by Lugano lake and then pop into the main square for a pizza. And do not miss the gelato, it’s delicious!
This is where I’ve spent my 26th birthday and I’ll never forget the full night cruise on a party boat until 5 am in the morning! 😀
19. LAUSANNE
Another city not to be missed during your holiday in Switzerland! You can find beautiful Lausanne in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, very close to Geneva.
It is an old, medieval city, bordering Geneva Lake and offers beautiful views of the mountains around it.
Lausanne is a perfect place for wine lovers, the city has the largest number of vineyards in the country and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20. ANDERMATT
A charming and picturesque Swiss village, in the heart of the Alps. Apparently also a favorite of the German poet Goethe.
You’ll find here 500km of hiking trails and many fun activities for the whole family. Make sure to visit the Schöllenen Gorge and Devil’s Bridge. And how about goat trekking? Have a look HERE to learn all about this beautiful region.
21. RHINE FALLS
And last but not least, an impressive site to check out is the Rhine Falls. Did you know this is actually the most powerful waterfall in Europe?
You will find it at Rheinfallquai, close to Schaffhausen, easily reachable by car or train from Zurich.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best 21 unique places to visit in Switzerland and hopefully it gave you some good ideas for your next trip! Happy travels! 🙂
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