Switzerland is deeply connected to Alpine culture and is a popular destination for nature lovers. But not only do they get their money’s worth on a holiday, Switzerland has a lot more to offer. In this article, we will take a closer look at which destinations are most worthwhile. Whether it’s a great summer on the beach or a winter on the ski slopes, Switzerland has a wide range of leisure activities to offer.
Please keep in mind that you need a vignette when using the motorways in Switzerland. You can get these, for example, from the renowned provider Vignetteswitzerland.com
1. Experience exciting cities
Switzerland may be small, but it has an incredibly diverse selection of cities. No matter where you stop, each of the settlements has its own culture. There is no real favorite, if you have time, you should definitely stop by each of the cities and visit the many sights. Here are a few tips for the best excursion destinations.
Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and therefore the perfect first destination for a trip. There is a lot to experience here alone, you can spend several days here without any problems and make use of the wide range of offers. If you like to stay in the fresh air, you should visit Leipzig Zoo , the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich or the Chinese Garden. For those interested in culture, there is the National Museum Zurich, the Kunsthaus and the Opera House. For young and old football fans, the FIFA Museum is also absolutely worth a visit.
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a small but very cozy city. At the same time, it relies on centuries-old tradition, but is also an important centre for education within Switzerland. A leisurely walk through the old town should be part of it, along the way you can visit many of the city’s museums, including the Natural History Museum or the Chocolarium. The old city library should also be on the list and will amaze you with its architecture and thousands of books.
Bern
You should also not underestimate Bern , a small but fine city in the middle of Switzerland. Its old town is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perfect for a stroll through the city. Along the way, you’ll also see the famous Zytglogge, the oldest clock tower in Switzerland and the symbol of the city. Otherwise, you have the choice between many different museums, be it the Einstein Museum, the Alpine Museum of Switzerland or the Museum of Communication.
Geneva
The city of Geneva is the gateway between Switzerland and France. The influence of the neighboring country is correspondingly great here, both on the language and on the general culture. Here you can find particularly delicious dishes and culinary highlights that combine Swiss and French cuisine.
2. Swimming fun on Lake Constance or Lake Geneva
On hot summer days, the Swiss are also drawn to the bathing lakes. The country has a wide range of them to offer, but the two biggest ports of call are probably Lake Constance on the German-Austrian border or Lake Geneva in the south of the country. Along the southern shore of Lake Constance, there are a lot of small towns that are worth a visit, all of which have their own unique connection to the lake. Lake Geneva is mainly characterized by its proximity to France, so it is something for all those who want to spend their holidays further away from the German border.
3. Chillon Castle near Montreux
There is also another highlight to be found directly on Lake Geneva. This is a medieval moated castle and one of the most popular sights in Switzerland. For a small entrance fee, the castle can be explored in its entirety, whether alone or with a guided tour of the castle. The building itself is impressive and offers a glimpse into the Middle Ages. In addition, there is a unique alpine panorama, which is an unforgettable photo motif for the album or social media.
4. Climb the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is the highest mountain in the Alps and probably the best destination in Switzerland for hikers. It and the surrounding mountains can be found in the south of the country, on the border with France. Here you have a choice of different hiking trails that lead up and around the mountain and offer an incredibly great view. To get started, it is worth visiting the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt. If you don’t want to hike, you can use one of the many cable cars to reach good vantage points as well.
In winter, the area is also a stronghold for skiers and snowboarders. There are countless rides, from easy to difficult. The region also offers many accommodation options for all the winter tourists. Even a short trip across the border to France is no problem.
5. With the Bernina Express through Switzerland
If you want to see the Swiss Alpine landscape from a different perspective, you should definitely book a trip on the Bernina Express. The route leads through the southeast of the country, between Chur and Tirano. On the way there is a fantastic landscape to marvel at, which you would not otherwise experience. The route leads over 196 bridges and through 55 tunnels and offers a lot of variety for passengers from all over the world. The large panoramic windows of the railway are specially designed for the train carriages. And if you haven’t had enough of it yet, you can stop by its big sister, the Glacier Express, and enjoy an even longer train journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz . It’s best to book tickets online to get the best prices and not be left empty-handed during the high season.
