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10 Places You Have to Go in Swizerland (According to Travel Bloggers!)

Matterhorn Zermatt

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Switzerland is such a fantastic little country. Even though on a map it may look tiny, it is absolutely packed with things to do and places to see. I only got to visit a few places while I was in Switzerland, though, so I figured that it was time to bring in the big guns – the travel bloggers! So, in answer to the question of where to go in Switzerland, here are 6 places that travel bloggers say you can’t miss!

Where to Go in Switzerland

Let’s start off with a place that really surprised me.

Bern

by Addie of Addie Abroad

Bern Switzerland River

Even though Bern is Switzerland’s captial city, it’s often looked over when people are planning their trips to Switzerland. But in my opinion, that really shouldn’t be the case. I spent one full day there this past spring and absolutely loved it. Now let me convince you why you should go as well.

If you didn’t know it, you would never guess that Bern is Switzerland’s capital. In fact, I would argue that Bern is just about the most charming capital that I’ve ever been in. The winding streets and plentiful fountains give so much more character than the bustling streets and angry commuters of most big city capitals that I’ve been to.

If you cross the river and climb a hill up to the Rose Garden, you’ll be greeted with the most amazing view you’ve ever seen. Roofs spread out below you, and if you’re lucky it’ll be clear enough to see mountains bordering the city in the distance.

Walk back down the hill and wave to the Bern Bears as you head back into the center of the city. Spend your afternoon wandering, fountain-spotting (Bern’s most famous one is the Kindlifresserbrunnen – an ogre eating children), or eating cheese and chocolate to your heart’s content.

If science or history is your jam, you might want to check out Einstein’s House or the Bern Historical Museum, which has a permanent exhibit on the famous physicist.

No matter what you end up doing though, Bern is certainly worth at least a day of your time. I’m sure you’ll be just as charmed by this little capital city as I was.

Baden

by LC of Birdgehls

Baden Switzerland Mountains

Baden is a town which is situated around twenty minutes from Zürich by train. It’s a lot quieter than other cities of Switzerland, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a heck load of things to do there.

Baden is surrounded by all sorts of nature, particularly in the form of lush, green forests. When in Switzerland do as the Swiss do and go for a hike! If you head out in the summer, it’s worth taking some food with you, so that you can stop for a picnic, or even a BBQ.

There are also lots of vineyards and farms just outside the town border. Farmers will leave their wares outside the front of their properties along with honesty boxes. You can buy milk, fresh cream, strawberries, jam and even plum schnapps!

Baden has a delightful Old Town that is very much intact. You can wander down the cobblestone roads, taking in the delightfully pastel-coloured houses. Stop at a local café and indulge in some people watching, or head on down to the river that intersects the town.

Like many small towns in Europe, Baden boasts its own castle. Stein Castle is in ruins, but it’s well worth marching up to the very top of the structure, as it offers unparalleled view of Old Town Baden and beyond.

Crans Montana

by Alaine of Travel with Alaine

Mountains Crans Montana Switzerland

Crans Montana is a sleepy ski town nestled in the Valais region with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The surrounding villages are typical Swiss style villages dotted with wooden chalet houses. I spent a little more than a year living there. With stunning views of the alps, it was hard not to fall in love with the place.

During high ski season (approximately December-March) the town comes alive with activity. Après ski parties at places like Zerodix, Le pub, Pacha, Constellation, Leo’s bar, etc. are certainly plentiful. To soak up the alcohol, gourmet burger places like Burger Lounge and Montana Diner are the perfect complement. Or if you prefer Swiss fare, like fondue, raclette, or rosti, then Petite Paradis, Restaurant Vieux Moulin, Boulangerie Gerber & Cie are solid choices for typical Swiss food. Due to the proximity of Italy to Switzerland, this southwestern region of Valais/Wallis has quite a number of excellent Italian restaurants and eateries. My favorite places in Crans Montana for Italian food are Molino’s, La Piccolina, and Oliveto.

Skiing in Crans Montana

Skiing in these mountains are a bit challenging at time because these are big mountains and it helps to brush up on your skills and fitness levels before coming here otherwise you might be sore at the end of your first ski day. Though the allure of the big mountain views might entice you to take multiple breaks throughout the day to soak it all in. Picture worthy moments are plentiful because the Swiss countryside is postcard perfect. Your friends and family will think you’re living in a postcard!

The ski stations are located in Crans, Montana, and Aminona. I recommend renting your ski or snowboard equipment as close to the ski stations as possible unless you have a car because walking with gear up slippery steps and slopes with snow and ice isn’t fun and a bit risky.

Other activities in this town include ice skating, bowling, luxury shopping, cross country skiing, a casino, a cinema, spa activities (in the nearby town of Leukerbad there are the thermal baths where you can soak all day nestled among the mountains), golf, hiking trails, and mountain biking trails in the summer months.

I miss this quaint town dearly and the fresh mountain air.

Interlaken

by Jub of Tiki Touring Kiwi

Interlaken Switzerland Mountains

Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland, reminding me so much of Queenstown back in my homeland New Zealand. The first time I saw the cartoon like blue rivers meandering through the city is when I knew I was going to like this place as it was so fresh off the alps.

I hiked on my two full days in Interlaken before retiring back to the campervan in the evening which is always a favourite activity of mine. There are dozens of hiking trails offering views over the city of varying distances. You’ll find the trails right along the edges of the city, so there’s no need to plan in advance.

If I had some more money in my hand, my Interlaken bucket list would include paragliding which I saw people doing off the mountain above me, and maybe a sneaky helicopter ride over the alps.

The other reason I loved Interlaken was everything Swiss about it. If I had a home to bring things back to I would have brought Swiss chocolate, a Swiss army knife, and a Swiss watch – all found throughout the city. Ah, the small things that make a city awesome and me smile.

One museum I visited was Jungfau Park, founded by Erich von Daniken. He is a believer in some crazy stuff, like aliens an ancient astronauts, and having read one of his books in the days leading up to our arrival, it made for an interesting visit. He is one interesting person and the museum does make you question many of your beliefs.

Lauterbrunnen

by Janine of Fill my Passport

Rapid Stream in Lauterbrunnen Valley in Swiss Alps, Switzerland.

All trips to Switzerland need to include some time in Lauterbrunnen. I’m sure it isn’t the first city that comes to mind when booking a Swiss vacation, but it really should be. The 360-degree vantage point of the surrounding Alps, the fresh air, the waterfalls, the local food…they all prove that this quaint village should have a spot on your itinerary.

Can you believe that this little village became known in the 1200’s? Since then it has blossomed into a must-see destination attracting thousands of visitors yearly.

This village has something to all your vacation needs. Enjoy Swiss cuisine? Look no further than the Hotel Oberland, a local accommodation and restaurant in the heart of the village. They have killer Cheese fondue unlike anywhere else! I cannot stress enough how delicious this fondue was, served with an assortment of veggies and breads for dipping. They even have gluten-free options for special diets.

Looking for something special to do while here? Head up Jungfrau Mountain, one of the highest Alps in the country! Take the special mountain train all the way up to the observatory deck. Once there, enjoy the mountain museum, various ice sculptures, cafes, educational videos, a life-size snow globe, and more. If you have a little extra time after exploring, buy a postcard and mail it from the top! They have a special mailbox and an exclusive postmark for mailing it there.

There really is so much more to see in this beautiful Swiss village. I hope you seriously consider adding Lauterbrunnen to your beautiful European vacation.

Lucerne

by Paroma of Year of the Monkey

Lucerne Swtizerland

Switzerland comprises of picture postcard perfect towns and Lucerne is one of the popular ones to spend some time at. Thanks to the meticulously punctual Swiss trains, you can make a quick day trip to this Alpine town without much difficulty. Once you land at the train station, you will be greeted with the sight of Lucerne’s famous lake and wooden bridge. The bridge is adorned by painted triangular wooden blocks, dating back to the 17th century AD, by local painter Hans Heinrich Wägmann and depict events from Lucerne’s history.  The famous water tower of Lucerne is right next to the bridge and is a complete misnomer because it was once used as a torture chamber (not any more, thankfully).

Cross the bridge towards old town and you will be greeted with the typical European city offerings such as old building facades with painted murals, cobbled streets and city squares.

Owing to the military roots of the city and Catholicism, many of these murals depicts holy figurines or war soldiers. The other major attraction of the city is the dying lion, which the famous American author, Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”. This sculpture, also known as the Lion monument /Lion of Lucerne, was designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and sculpted in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It honors the valor the Swiss Guards who were killed in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

When in Lucerne, stop by “Change Makers” a small boutique in the city to pick up a Swiss/local souvenir, Laderach or Max for some famous Swiss chocolates and the charming Mill’Feuille restaurant for a bite to eat.

Finally, Lucerne is flanked by the towering Swiss Alps peaks of Pilates and Rigi, of which Mount Pilates is a mere 45 min away. If you have enough time on your hands, do try to visit it via the cogwheel train, supposedly the steepest train ride in the world.

Mürren

by Tarah of Fit Two Travel

Murren Switzerland

Mürren is the perfect Swiss village located high above sea level, only accessible by the cable car. With gorgeous views of three towering mountains, and a population of a mere 450 people. the small farming village on the way to the Schilthorn peak, is the perfect escape from reality.

With no cars driving through the village, it was the like a movie! You can enjoy breakfast with a 360 degree view of the mountains at the revolving restaurant at the Schilthorn, parasail through the mountains, or eat some delicious fondue with the gorgeous scenery.

With 32 miles of trails to enjoy, a hike to Gimmelwald is the perfect mid-day activity. Everywhere you go in Mürren is picture perfect! This is the place to go for the gorgeous Switzerland scenery! 

Rhine Falls

By Genie of Gallivanting Bean

Rhine Falls Switzerland

Rhine Falls or Rheinfall is a must see for anyone who is in Switzerland. It’s the largest plain waterfall in all of Europe! So yes, it’s a very very large waterfall. It’s located in Neuhausen am Rheinfall and pretty easy to get to from Zurich. It’s about a one hour by train from Zurich to the falls. You can take the train from Zurich’s main station going towards Schaffhausen and get off at Neuhasen. After getting off the train, there will be signs to guide you the rest of the way to the falls.

Rhine Falls is like nothing you’ve ever seen or experienced before. Photos online don’t do it justice at all. Since the waterfall isn’t too high it seems a little underwhelming in photos. But in person it’s definitely not underwhelming at all. You’re watching gallons upon gallons of water rush down with killer velocity.

There’s a platform there that you can stand on which sits right above the bottom of the falls. It’s really an amazing experience to see and feel that much power flowing right underneath your feet. Surprisingly, the water barely touches you on that platform. It’s like having some sort of magical barrier between you and the white waters. The water levels can be high and the waters can be round after some rain. But, if conditions permit you can take a boat tour out and get up close to the falls. And some tours even dock at a rock that sits in the center of the falls!

Zermatt

By Kat of Finding Malokoko

Matterhorn Zermatt

Almost completely surrounded by mighty Alpine mountains, with snowy peaks and glaciers over 4,000 metres above sea level, Zermatt is a lovely town full of cosy chalets just three hours train ride from Zürich. With its scenic high altitude skiing pistes it is one of the country’s best ski resorts offering winter sport activities basically throughout the year and serving as a starting point for hiking and mountaineering in the summer months. The easiest way to get spectacular views on the mountains is to take a nearby cable car ride up to the Klein Matterhorn station, the highest viewing platform in Europe.

But it is not all about sports and being active. Zermatt is known to be a foodie paradise, home to a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants as well, so it is easy to spoil yourselves with delicious local delicacies like the famous cheese fondue, raclette, Swiss chocolate, mountain cheese and other.

Another thing we love is the fact that the whole town is a car free zone. Due to no traffic the air is clean, there is a massive noise reduction, the atmosphere in the town is pleasantly relaxed and everything is easily navigated on foot.

Booking a train ride on the Glacier Express train which connects Zermatt to St. Moritz is also a wonderful experience providing amazing views and a great way to get to or out of Zermatt.

And lastly, my favourite city in the entire world:

Zurich

by Addie of Addie Abroad

Zurich Switzerland Lindenhof

Zurich is perhaps my favourite place in the world. It’s the city that my grandmother grew up in, and that I always long to return to. And why, you ask? Because it’s everything. Zurich is simultaneously beautiful old town Europe and vibrant young city. It might have a bad rep as a banking city, but it is clearly so much more than that.

Start your time in Switzerland’s largest city by taking a free walking tour of the historic downtown – or set out on your own! Zurich’s streets are perfect for getting lost in. Just take a turn down a random alleyway and see where it leads.

Be sure to head up to the Lindenhof for views of the city. Or if you’re looking for something a little bit more high up, take the 20 minute train ride up Zurich’s own mountain: Uetliberg! There, you’ll find sweeping vistas of Zurich and the surrounding areas. If cities aren’t really your thing, it’s pretty much the perfect escape. Or you can always take a boat ride on Lake Zurich.

But even if cities aren’t your thing, you’re sure to love Zurich because it hardly feels like a city. Even though it has the museums, trendy nightlife, and theatre scene that any self-respecting city does, you start to recognize streets and landmarks after only a few hours – making you feel almost like a local. And the Swiss flags lining the streets make it feel so much more festive than many dingy cities.

Whether you love museums, wandering European Old Towns, or discovering trendy new eateries, Zurich has something to offer everyone.

Have you ever been to Switzerland? If so, where is the one place you thing you absolutely cannot miss during your time there? If not, where do you think you’d like to go? Let’s talk about where to go in Switzerland in the comments down below!

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Want to know where to go in Switzerland? Take it from the pros - the travel bloggers! Check out this post for 10 places in Switzerland that you just can't miss.

Addie

Addie Gray is a recent college grad and a passionate solo female traveler. Having traveled to more than 20 countries, she now shares her knowledge on budget travel, solo female travel, and travel photography.

7 Comments

  1. My great grandparents are from Zurich. Our family had reunions every year at Bear Lake in Utah. They loved the area and called it “Little Switzerland.” My grandfather and his brothers would sit around the bonfire at night and would sing and yodel for hours. I have always been proud of my Swiss heritage but haven’t been able to visit yet.

  2. Switzerland is wonderful! I miss it so much. Some places I’ve also really enjoyed visiting: Zermatt, Leukerbad for the thermal baths, Visp and Brig for wandering while you’re waiting for your train because you missed your train connection, Sion, Montreaux, Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, and Zurich of course.

  3. Interlaken, Zermatt and Zürich are definitely high on my list but let’s be honest, Switzerland seems like such a fairytale country that I don’t even think it matters where you visit – I bet you’ll get to experience fabulous nature and stunning views anyway 😉

  4. Great list! Been to many of these when I was younger, but earlier this year we went to Lucerne and absolutely enjoyed it, but there were definitely too many tourists for such a small town! #WanderfulWednesday

  5. Learned a lot reading this post! So many wonderful places in Switzerland. I have only been to Lucern and almost make it to Basel a month ago. I have plans to visit the country in the future. #wanderfulwednesday

  6. This is a lovely guide! I would definitely have also included Ticino, especially the beautiful town of Ascona and, of course, Montreux and the Lavaux Vineyards. Happy to contribute in the future, I’m local! My blog is exclusively about the very best of ????????, check it out swissblisstravel.com

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