Switzerland offers dramatic Alps, serene lakes, and charming cities, all within a compact and well-connected country. You can enjoy outdoor adventure, historic old towns, and relaxed lakeside living in one trip.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Why visit Switzerland?
What to expect
From Zurich and Geneva to Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt, Switzerland blends efficient transport with diverse landscapes. Expect orderly cities, pristine nature, and a strong focus on quality in everything from design to daily life.
Plan your trip
Switzerland is ideal as a stand-alone destination or a gateway to wider Europe, with excellent rail links to neighbouring countries. Combine city breaks with alpine escapes, and use the country’s reliable public transport to explore at your own pace.
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich’s Old Town and lakefront
Wander the cobbled streets of Zurich’s Altstadt, then stroll or cruise along Lake Zurich for wide views of the city and distant mountains.
Ride mountain railways and cable cars
Head to alpine resorts such as Jungfraujoch, Pilatus, or Titlis for scenic rail journeys and cable car rides above glaciers, valleys, and traditional villages.
Cruise Switzerland’s lakes
Take a classic paddle steamer on lakes such as Lucerne, Geneva, or Thun, and see vineyards, forests, and mountain peaks from the water.
Discover Swiss museums and galleries
Visit Zurich’s art museums, the museums of Basel, or focused collections on design, transport, and watchmaking across the country.
Tour chocolate and watchmaking regions
Travel to factory visitor centres and workshops to learn how Swiss chocolate and timepieces are crafted, often with tastings or demonstrations.
Enjoy scenic train journeys
Board iconic services such as the Glacier Express or Bernina line to cross high passes, deep valleys, and picturesque villages in comfort.
Experience winter sports and summer hiking
Ski, snowboard, or snowshoe in winter, then return in summer for well-marked hiking trails, mountain biking, and lakeside swimming spots.
Experience Switzerland’s way of life
Getting around
Switzerland’s integrated rail, bus, and boat network makes it easy to cover both cities and alpine regions without a car. Frequent, punctual services link Zurich with lakeside towns and mountain gateways, with scenic rail routes adding to the experience.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Switzerland balances precision and calm, with a strong respect for nature, tidy public spaces, and well-kept towns. Distinct German-, French-, Italian-, and Romansh-speaking regions give each area its own character, festivals, and traditions.
You can relax by lakes in Zurich, Lucerne, or Lugano, or retreat to spa towns and mountain resorts with fresh air and panoramic views. Well-marked walking paths, forest trails, and riverside promenades invite gentle time outdoors in every season.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Switzerland is known for fondue, raclette, rösti, and refined chocolate, with each region adding its own twist. Mountain areas often feature hearty cheese-based dishes, while major cities showcase lighter, modern interpretations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Zurich you will find everything from cosy cafés to contemporary bistros and international kitchens, often near the lake and river. Other cities such as Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne offer relaxed spots where Swiss flavours sit alongside Mediterranean and global cuisines.
Signature & scenic dining
Across Switzerland, you can dine in restaurants with sweeping lake or mountain views, or at refined addresses in historic city centres. Scenic train journeys and some mountain peaks also offer memorable meals paired with impressive panoramas.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Zurich, modern shopping centres and department stores bring together international labels, Swiss brands, and lifestyle goods under one roof. Similar malls and mixed-use districts in cities such as Geneva and Basel make it easy to combine shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Weekly markets in Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern showcase seasonal produce, flowers, and regional items, while design stores highlight Swiss-made homeware and accessories. In alpine regions, you will find small shops selling local crafts, textiles, and traditional souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
In major Swiss cities, central streets and shopping districts stay lively into the evening, with illuminated façades and late-opening boutiques on selected days. Around lake promenades and old towns, you can browse independent shops before settling into a nearby bar or café.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Winter in Switzerland, from December to February, is the peak season for snow sports, with lowland temperatures around 0–5°C (32–41°F) and much colder conditions in the mountains, especially at night (peak season). Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to early November, bring milder days of roughly 8–18°C (46–64°F), fewer crowds, and colourful landscapes, ideal for sightseeing and hiking at lower elevations (shoulder season). Summer, from June to August, is warm in the cities and lakeside regions at about 18–28°C (64–82°F), with cooler temperatures in the high Alps, making this a popular time for hiking and lake activities (peak season).