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:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-swiss-national-park-PLACESSWITZERLAND1023-a9bcfae7dfb444228ea44ce9b224669d.jpg?ssl=1 "20 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland—From Charming Mountain Villages to Glamorous Cities")
20 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland—From Charming Mountain Villages to Glamorous Cities
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Switzerland’s natural beauty and breadth are astounding—snowcapped mountains with some of the world’s best skiing, verdant valleys speckled with wildflowers, and quaint cities filled with cultural attractions and world-class restaurants.
“Switzerland is small, yet we have four official languages, and every single one of the 26 cantons (states) is unique and has something different to offer,” says Catja-Camilla Straub, the tour guide behind Gatya Goes. “There are different ways to explore and experience Switzerland, and there is something for everyone’s interests: the outdoors, activities, luxury, a large number of festivals, food, culture, and history.”
Ready to see it your way? Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Interlaken
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Tucked between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is well known as an adventure lover’s paradise. It offers the chance to hike or ski in the stunning Swiss Alps, paraglide over the lakes, and skydive with views of the postcard-worthy landscape. You’ll find traditional chalets and chocolate shops in the town, and there’s a unique alpine botanical garden that you can visit by taking a five-minute train to Wilderswil and a 50-minute cogwheel train from there to Schynige Platte.
Lavaux Vineyards
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Wine lovers will adore Lavaux, home of the nation’s largest contiguous vineyard area. The vineyard terraces here, a UNESCO World Heritage site, span nearly 2,000 acres along the shores of Lake Geneva. The grapes blanket the rolling banks, giving you gorgeous views to enjoy while you sip on Chasselas, the wine of the region. One of the best ways to tour the terraces is by train. The aptly named Train des Vignes transports passengers through the vineyards, from Vevey to Puidoux-Chexbres, once an hour.
Stoos
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Want to feel like you’re on top of the world? Head to Stoos, which perches on a plateau at the base of the Fronalpstock in central Switzerland. Though the village is at the foot of the mountain, it’s still 4,265 feet above sea level. The entire (car-free) town is adorable, but the coolest part is its funicular railway—which holds the record as the steepest on earth—that takes guests some 2,400 feet high in under 10 minutes.
Zermatt
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Winter is one of the best times to visit Switzerland and this mountain resort’s time to shine. Zermatt is in the shadow of the Matterhorn. arguably the top tourist attraction in Switzerland. This is another car-free village that combines rustic charm with high-end amenities, including some of the best skiing in Europe. Of course, guests can explore the mountains all spring, summer, and fall by hiking and biking, or just enjoy the town’s fantastic year-round shopping opportunities.
Geneva
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Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland, a sprawling cultural hub on beautiful Lake Geneva. The city is renowned for its international organizations like the United Nations Office at Geneva and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Travelers can find luxuries galore, including high-end watch shops selling some of the most exclusive pieces in the world.
Mount Rigi Kulm
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Make your way to the top of Mount Rigi for a 360-degree vista that takes in three countries. The mountain, located between Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug, offers views of Switzerland, France, and Germany; you can reach the top by taking a train or hiking all the way. There are cute mountain hotels nearby, but you can also make Rigi a day trip from Zurich. It’s only an hour’s drive from the city.
Lake Lucerne
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Lake Lucerne offers some of Switzerland’s most fantastic views. The glittering lake stretches for 44 square miles with sweet villages and the city of Lucerne on its shores. You can spend your trip hiking around the deep, famously blue water, experiencing the lake on a cruise, or staying at any number of fantastic hotels to take in the scenery. Whether you’re an outdoorsy type or would rather sit lakeside with a cup of tea, Lake Lucerne is a good choice for first-timers in Switzerland.
Rapperswil-Jona
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Just northeast of Lake Lucerne is Lake Zurich, and on it is the municipality of Rapperswil-Jona, also called the “town of roses.” Every spring and summer, this place erupts in vibrant, fragrant blooms. Rapperswil-Jona is perhaps equally known for its medieval architecture. It has its very own castle surrounded by gardens brimming with—what else?—roses.
Ticino
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If you love to tick off UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit Ticino. This Italian-speaking area of Switzerland is home to the Bellinzona castles and Monte San Giorgio, a mountain that UNESCO calls “the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period.” In the summer, you can dive in Lake Maggiore; in the winter, you can take to the mountains for a ski trip. The history here is worth exploring in any season.
Montreux
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Montreux is one of the best small towns in Switzerland. Positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva, it’s loved for its palm-lined promenade, castles, and gorgeous alpine vistas. It’s also the place to be in early July, when it hosts the annual Montreux Jazz Festival. This event—historically seeing performances from such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, and Prince—is worth the trip alone.
Quinten
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Quinten is the perfect hamlet for pedestrians. If you’re a big fan of walking, you’ll love that you can see just about everything on foot. The entire community is car-free and offers spectacular views of the vineyards overlooking the Churfirsten mountain range and Lake Walen. You can wander around the lovely terraced neighborhoods all day.
Appenzell
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Want another car-free adventure? Head to the picturesque town of Appenzell in northeast Switzerland. The small community of just 7,000 full-time residents is known for its handmade cheeses, best enjoyed on a picnic out in the rolling green hills. Naturally, pastoral Appenzell is home to many cows, and you can see them ceremoniously parade the streets, often in flower crowns, a couple times a year when they move to and from their winter pastures.
Gruyères
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If you’re into cheese, you’ve likely heard the name Gruyère before. Visit its namesake town in southwest Switzerland to dig into the cheese-making tradition. In between cheesy feasts, wander through the medieval streets and visit the 13th-century Gruyères Castle surrounded by a bucolic landscape. This is hands down one of the most beautiful parts of Switzerland.
Oeschinen Lake
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Like many places in Switzerland, Oeschinen Lake is flanked by snowcapped peaks and alpine meadows, and offers more than its fair share of outdoor fun, including hiking, biking, and winter ice fishing. This part of the Bernese Highlands intersects with the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch nature preserve, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zurich
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A major hub for expats from all over Europe and beyond, Zurich is the largest and “most vibrant” city in Switzerland, Straub says. The city may be best known for its banking and shopping, but it “actually has a rich history dating back to the Romans.” And it’s been called the “smartest city” because of all the economic and technological advancements that come out of it. Staub recommends taking in the sights and learning everything you can on a guided tour with a local, such as her private walking and photo tour.
St. Moritz
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Find a little slice of luxury in St. Moritz. The high-end town marries some of the best skiing and shopping in the world. It’s got glitz, glamour, and plenty of bona fides to back up its reputation as a winter sports heaven—like hosting the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympic Games. For some real pampering, book your stay at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, a high-society haunt since 1864.
Rhine Falls
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Feel the power of nature at Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe and one of the most beautiful falls in the world. Visitors can marvel at the thunderous waters from viewing platforms, and those feeling more adventurous can take boat tours for a closer experience. Just make sure to wear something waterproof.
Bern
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Switzerland’s capital offers an enticing mix of old and new. Bern retains much of its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets in the 12th-century Old Town, now the setting for world-class dining venues, boutiques, and beer gardens. One of its famous historical markers is the Zytglogge (clock tower) that dates back to 1191. Be there on the hour to see the clock’s mechanical figures come to life, and consider climbing to the observation platform for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Lugano
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Find a little taste of Italy in Lugano, the largest Italian-speaking city in Switzerland. The Swiss city offers gorgeous promenades to stroll, along with delicious Italian-influenced restaurants and an unbeatable art scene.
Swiss National Park
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The country’s incredible natural beauty is fully on display at Switzerland’s only national park. Located in Engadin Valley, Swiss National Park encompasses 65 square miles and contains 62 miles of trails. While hiking, you’ll get awe-inspiring views of the Alps and probably catch a glimpse of the park’s wildlife, which includes marmots, ibexes, and golden eagles.
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