Switzerland offers snow-capped peaks, clear lakes, and graceful cities set against dramatic alpine scenery. You can enjoy a mix of charming old towns, efficient modern life, and easy access to nature in every direction.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Why visit Switzerland?
What to expect
Expect well-connected cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, linked by scenic trains that run with precision. You will find lakeside promenades, mountain resorts, and quiet valleys within a few hours of one another.
Plan your trip
Use Switzerland as a base to explore the Alps and neighbouring European countries, with strong rail and road links. Plan ahead for seasonal highlights, from winter snow to summer hikes and lake escapes.
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich Old Town
Wander through Zurich's cobbled Altstadt, with its riverfront views, historic churches, and elegant boutiques.
Ride scenic mountain railways
Take a cogwheel train or cable car into the Alps for sweeping views, alpine villages, and year-round snow on selected peaks.
Cruise on Swiss lakes
Board a boat on lakes such as Zurich, Geneva, or Lucerne to see mountains, vineyards, and lakeside towns from the water.
Visit Swiss museums and galleries
Discover art, design, and history museums in Zurich and other major cities, many housed in striking modern or historic buildings.
Enjoy alpine hiking trails
Follow clearly marked trails through meadows and forests, with mountain huts and viewpoints dotted along popular routes.
Winter sports in the Alps
Head to alpine resorts for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on well-managed slopes and trails.
Panoramic train journeys
Take a panoramic train across high passes and deep valleys, with large windows framing glaciers, rivers, and peaks.
Experience Switzerland's way of life
Getting around
It is easy to travel across Switzerland by train, tram, and bus, with coordinated timetables and simple connections. From Zurich, you can reach lakeside towns, mountain regions, and other key cities in just a few hours.
Local life & culture
Daily life balances work, nature, and culture, with parks, lakes, and neighbourhood cafes close at hand. Multilingual regions give each area a distinct character, reflected in architecture, festivals, and local traditions.
Where to unwind
Relax by the lakeside promenades, in quiet city parks, or at alpine spas surrounded by mountain views. Many mountain resorts and rural valleys offer peaceful walking paths and serene lookout points.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
You can sample dishes built around cheese, potatoes, and hearty mountain ingredients, along with fine chocolates and baked treats. Different regions highlight their own favourites, from alpine comfort food to refined city classics.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Zurich and other cities, you will find relaxed cafes, lakeside restaurants, and modern bistros serving both Swiss and international flavours. Food halls and neighbourhood spots make it easy to try a variety of styles in one area.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy meals with lake or mountain views, rooftop terraces in the cities, or dining rooms in historic buildings. Many destinations offer restaurants where the setting is as memorable as the menu.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Zurich offers central shopping streets and malls where international brands sit alongside local designers. You will also find modern shopping centres near major train stations for convenient browsing.
Markets & local crafts
Look out for weekly markets, seasonal fairs, and craft stalls where you can find handmade items, regional products, and design pieces. Cities and mountain towns alike host markets that reflect local traditions.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, illuminated shopping streets and late-opening boutiques invite evening strolls. Around festive seasons, night markets and decorated squares add an extra glow to the retail experience.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Switzerland has four seasons, with notable differences between lowland cities and higher mountain areas. Winter (December to February, peak season) brings cold weather, with average temperatures around 0–5°C (32–41°F) in the cities and colder conditions in the Alps, ideal for winter sports. Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November, shoulder season) are milder, with city temperatures typically 8–18°C (46–64°F), fewer crowds, and colourful scenery. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm in the lowlands, with averages around 18–28°C (64–82°F), while higher altitudes stay cooler, making this a popular time for hiking and lake activities.