19 Breathtaking Places To Explore In Switzerland

10. Basel

Basel was a jewel — I found a city of charming medieval streets, fine historic buildings, and stunning Rhine River views, yet also brimming with cosmopolitan energy, contemporary creativity, and a lively cultural scene. I adored its mix of old-world charm and cutting-edge art and design.

Divided by the Rhine, it was easy to reach on an hour’s direct train from Zurich, and I spent three relaxing days at the elegant 4-star Hotel Märthof Basel. From the red sandstone Basel Minster and cobbled Old Town to the world-class Kunstmuseum, avant-garde Fondation Beyeler, and the lively Rhine promenade, my day ended perfectly at the intriguing Tinguely Museum gazing at its whimsical works by Jean Tinguely.

My highlights… 

• Stopping by the Bonne Maman Basel cake shop, I loved the unique Chai and tart-sweet quince cupcakes, with the warm spice aroma of cinnamon and cardamom in the air!

11. St Moritz

I found St. Moritz to be absolutely breathtaking — this legendary upscale ski resort, beloved by royals and A-listers, had it all, snowy peaks, the glassy Lake St. Moritz, and chic streets lined with chalets and luxury hotels. What I loved most though, was the mix of natural alpine beauty and effortless glamour.

From my previous stop in Zernez I drove 40 minutes deeper into the idyllic Engadine Valley and based myself for three days at the stylish 4-star Art Boutique Hotel Monopol. I just have to mention this wasn’t a cheap place by any means (especially during high season) and I found luxury pricing on everything from ski passes to lattes.

I hit the world-class Corviglia’s slopes, ice sailed and skated the spectacular frozen lake, took the historic Bernina Express through jaw-dropping peaks, admired Segantini’s ethereal art, dined at the opulent Badrutt’s Palace, and rounded it off with St. Moritz’s legendary spas.

• Location: Engadine Valley in the eastern part of the country, in the canton of Graubünden
• Population size: around 5,000
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Partying at the iconic King’s Social House – I lost myself to DJ Bob Sinclar’s uplifting house music with a bubbly Negroni Sbagliato in hand!

12. Lake Constance

I really enjoyed my trip to Lake Constance — a large, picturesque freshwater lake with sparkling waters framed by green hills, quaint lakeside towns, and historic buildings set against the Swiss and German Alps. I loved how serene it felt — and the picture-perfect landscapes made it even more special.

I drove two hours from Zurich to the Swiss-German border and spent three beautiful days at the Instagrammable 4-star Hotel Bora HotSpaResort. I spent my time paddle boarding on the sparkling lake, visiting medieval Konstanz Cathedral, cruising to the enchanting Mainau Island, exploring the romantic Meersburg Castle, wandering Lindau’s pretty harbor, and cycling the well-marked Bodensee-Radweg soaking in the gorgeous lakeside views at the same time!

My favourite highlights… 

• Cycling along the Bodensee-Radweg — it was amazing to see I got to see Germany, Austria, and Switzerland all in one ride, with the fresh lake breeze in the air!

13. Wengen

Wengen like something out of a storybook — I discovered a car-free Swiss mountain village of postcard-perfect chalets, emerald alpine meadows, and charming streets framed by dramatic waterfalls and panoramic views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. I loved its peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere with a cozy alpine vibe.

I took the train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and then the Wengernalp Railway up to Wengen, where I spent three days at the trendy 4-star Braunbär Hotel & Spa. 

I rode the year-round winding Wengernalp Railway and saw stunning Jungfrau views, took the famous Jungfraujoch Railway to Europe’s highest station, soared high up on the thrilling Männlichen Cable Car, and sipped on Apfelschorles in cozy chalets and mountain bars. During the winter I found it was known for its excellent skiing on the legendary Lauberhorn slopes and lively apre-ski vibe.

My highlights… 

• Enjoying a Bio herb sauna infused with juniper and a soothing Kneipp foot pool while gazing at the incredible mountain views at Silberhorn Hotel.

14. Grindelwald

Grindelwald wowed me with its breathtaking beauty — one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts, with traditional chalets, sprawling meadows, and alpine forests all set beneath the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. I was totally taken in by its cozy Swiss atmosphere mixed in with a strong adventurous spirit! 

I took a three hour train from Zurich Airport to Grindelwald (with a stop at Bern) for a five-day stay at the stunning 4-star Bergwelt Grindelwald – Alpine Design Resort. I skied the pristine Grindelwald-First slopes, snowshoed the panoramic First–Grosse Scheidegg trail. I also soaked up the fine alpine views from the cable cars, explored the charming Grindelwald Museum, and even tried the adrenaline-filled First Flyer and First Glider rides.

• Location: Central part of the country (Bernese Oberland region around 20 kilometres from Interlaken)
• Population size: around 3,800 
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Traveling by train through the 7-kilometer tunnel carved into the Alpine rock, I listened to the steady clatter of wheels against the rails before emerging to seriously Insta-worthy mountain views

15. Lake Oeschinen

Oeschinen Lake was a stunning hidden gem — its vibrant turquoise waters framed by towering peaks, rolling green meadows, and the rustic Oeschinen Alpine Inn made it feel wonderfully remote and unspoilt. The tranquil atmosphere and how immersed in nature I felt made it feel even more special!

I took the train from Interlaken to Kandersteg and based myself for three days at the beautiful 4-star Waldhotel Doldenhorn. A cable car carried me up to the lake, where I hiked where I gazed at mountain views, cruised its shimmering, clear waters, swam in the cool alpine lake, and admired the towering Oeschinenhorn and Blüemlisalp peaks. I just found out that cable car only ran from May to October, so off-season visits would mean a long, steep hike up. 

• Location: Central part of the country, Bernese Oberland region, near the town of Kandersteg
• Size: 1.115 km² (0.43 sq miles)
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights…

• Dining on a delicious Rösti which was a traditionally made large, crispy potato pancake at the Oeschinen Alpine Inn – I also washed it down with a warming Schümli Pflümli (a Swiss plum schnapps). 

16. Brienz

I was completely charmed by Brienz — a picturesque Swiss village with a scenic lakeside setting, traditional wooden houses carved with intricate detail, and a heavenly alpine backdrop of towering peaks and lush greenery. I was won over by its tranquil, quaint, and slow-paced vibe.

I took a 20-minute train from Interlaken and spent two days at the romantic 4-star Grandhotel Giessbach. From the Swiss Woodcarving Museum and a cruise on emerald Lake Brienz to hiking the majestic Brienz Rothorn, gazing at the cascading Giessbach Falls, and strolling the picture-perfect village streets.

• Location: Central part of the country (in the Bernese Oberland region of the country)
• Population size: around 3,090 
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• I loved strolling along Brunngasse, often called one of Switzerland’s prettiest streets, admiring the 18th-century wood-carved chalets dotted with red geraniums and purple petunias boxes and the faint scent of pine and woodsmoke in the air!

17. Seebergsee

Seebergsee was another hidden gem — a scenic mountain lake with clear waters, rolling green meadows, and snow-capped peaks, complete with a rustic alpine chalet that made it feel wonderfully remote. I really enjoyed its peaceful, almost zen-like atmosphere, far removed from the bustle.

I made a 1.5-hour drive from Zurich into the Simmental Valley for a perfect day trip of hiking around Seebergsee, venturing onto trails with breathtaking alpine panoramas, and visiting the village of Boltigen. I just have to mention that the access roads were narrow and winding, and I heard from locals that the winter or early spring snow may block the last stretch, requiring a longer hike in.

• Location: Western part of the country (in the Bernese Oberland region, near the town of Boltigen)
• Size: 15 acres across
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Hiking the Seebergsee Circular Trail from Zwischenflüh, I passed pine-scented forests, wildflower meadows, and tinkling cowbells before reaching the emerald lake shimmering beneath the Bernese Alps! 

18. Jungfraujoch

Known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and I thought it was absolutely breathtaking — with panoramic views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks and vast glaciers that gave it an exhilarating, almost otherworldly feel.

I took the Jungfrau Railway from Wengen through Kleine Scheidegg and spent the day at Jungfraujoch — admiring the panorama from the Sphinx Observatory, exploring the glittering Ice Palace, stepping onto the Glacier Plateau, visiting the Alpine Sensation, and enjoying the terrace views before capping it off with snow tubing. I have to admit, it wasn’t cheap — the ticket alone cost around CHF 200 (€210) return, but honestly, the views made it worth every cent!

My personal highlights… 

• Riding the dramatic high-speed lift through the heart of the Eiger for 117 meters, I shot up to the observatory’s summit in seconds, my ears popping as the mountain walls blurred past! 

19. Spiez

Spiez was a wonderful under-the-radar gem — an impossibly pretty town on the glacial Lake Thun with traditional alpine-style houses draped in flower boxes, vineyards tumbling down the hillsides, and the Alps rising in the background. It had a quaint, quiet village feel, there was no nightlife or glitzy shopping here but I personally think that’s what made it feel especially charming!

I reached Spiez in an hour from Bern and spent three days at the beautifully located 4-star Belvédère Strandhotel and spent it discovering the gothic Spiez Castle, the medieval Church of Spiez, the charming lakeside promenade, wine-tasting in the vineyards, and heading out on a serene Lake Thun cruise. 

• Location: Central part of the country (Bernese Oberland region, on the northern shore of Lake Thun around 30 minutes from Thun by car).
• Population size: around 12,810 
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights…