Switzerland offers snow-capped Alps, serene lakes, and picture-perfect villages alongside dynamic cities like Zurich and Geneva. You can enjoy a blend of outdoor adventure, design-forward urban life, and quiet alpine charm in one trip.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Why visit Switzerland?
What to expect
Expect efficient public transport, well-marked hiking trails, and cities that sit right beside lakes and mountains. Days can start with museum visits and shopping, then end with sunset views over peaks and historic old towns.
Plan your trip
Use Switzerland as a base to explore the wider Alpine region, with easy rail and road links into neighbouring countries. Build in time for both the major cities and a few smaller mountain or lakeside towns to experience the country’s full variety.
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich’s old town and lakefront
Stroll through Zurich’s cobbled Altstadt, then walk or cruise along Lake Zurich for views of church spires backed by distant mountains.
Ride scenic mountain railways
Take cogwheel trains or cable cars up to famous viewpoints, where you can step out to wide panoramas of the Alps in every season.
Cruise Switzerland’s lakes
Board historic boats to glide across lakes framed by hills, vineyards, and storybook towns, with easy stops at piers along the way.
Follow urban art and design trails
Discover converted industrial districts, contemporary galleries, and design shops that showcase Switzerland’s modern creative edge.
Walk alpine and lakeside trails
Choose gentle lakeside paths or more demanding mountain hikes, all clearly signed and often reachable directly from train or cable car stations.
Enjoy winter snow activities
In winter, ski, snowboard, or simply take in the snow on easy winter walking routes and sledging runs in well-equipped resorts.
Discover Swiss museums and heritage sites
Visit museums dedicated to art, history, and science, as well as well-preserved castles and riverside fortifications in major towns.
Experience Switzerland’s way of life
Getting around
Switzerland’s rail network links airports, cities, and mountain areas with frequent, reliable services, often timed to meet boats and buses. You can also use scenic panoramic trains and regional passes to move smoothly across the country.
Local life & culture
Life in Switzerland balances precision and calm, with four language regions adding variety in architecture, customs, and everyday rhythm. You will notice a strong outdoor culture, with locals heading to the water, forests, and hills in all seasons.
Where to unwind
Relax at lakeside promenades, quiet alpine villages, or spa towns set among mountains and forests. Many resorts offer wellness centres with pools and saunas, perfect after a day of walking, sightseeing, or snow activities.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Swiss favourites include rich cheese-based dishes and hearty mountain fare that vary between the German-, French-, and Italian-speaking regions. Different cities and valleys take pride in their own specialities and local ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, you will find everything from cosy bistros to contemporary restaurants, alongside global flavours. Smaller towns often blend relaxed cafés with modern takes on traditional recipes.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy meals in venues with sweeping lake or mountain views, or in historic buildings with atmospheric interiors. In many resorts, panoramic terraces and hilltop restaurants turn lunch or dinner into a memorable part of the landscape.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Zurich and other major cities host modern shopping centres where you can find international labels, Swiss watchmakers, and lifestyle brands in one place. Many are directly connected to major train stations for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Look out for weekly markets and artisan shops selling local crafts, textiles, and regional products in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne. Alpine towns often feature boutiques with handmade goods and seasonal specialties.
Evening retail scene
In larger cities, central shopping streets stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and nearby cafés and bars. Around the festive season, special markets and extended opening hours add a brighter night-time atmosphere.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Winter (December to February) is peak season in many mountain resorts, with average temperatures from -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) in lower areas and colder conditions at higher altitudes, ideal for snow activities and alpine scenery, making it a peak season. Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) are shoulder season, with milder temperatures around 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), fewer crowds, and changing colours in forests and vineyards. Summer (June to August) is another peak season, especially around lakes and mountains, with average temperatures between 18°C and 28°C (64°F to 82°F) in many cities and valleys, great for hiking and outdoor events.