Switzerland blends Alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, and historic cities with efficient transport and a strong sense of calm. You can move from glacier views to lakeside promenades and mediaeval old towns in a single trip.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Why visit Switzerland?
What to expect
You will find compact cities such as Zurich and Geneva, resort towns in the Bernese Oberland and Valais, and scenic villages around lakes and mountain passes. Expect punctual trains, well-marked hiking routes, and a welcoming multilingual culture.
Plan your trip
Use Switzerland as a base to explore the wider Alpine region, with excellent cross-border rail links to France, Italy, Germany, and Austria. With organised infrastructure and clear seasonal contrasts, it is easy to build an itinerary that balances cities, mountains, and lakes.
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich Old Town
Wander cobbled streets along the Limmat River, browse independent boutiques, and pause on quiet squares that reveal the citys mediaeval roots beside a modern financial centre.
Ride a mountain railway
Take a cogwheel train or cable car into the Alps, where panoramic viewing platforms and waymarked trails open onto glaciers, rocky peaks, and meadows dotted with chalets.
Cruise the Swiss lakes
Board a classic paddle steamer or modern boat on lakes such as Zurichsee, Geneva, or Lucerne for calm scenic journeys between waterfront towns and vineyards.
Visit Lucerne and its wooden bridge
Stroll along the Chapel Bridge and lakeside promenade, then step into compact streets framed by alpine views and carefully preserved frescoed facades.
Discover the Jungfrau region
Base yourself in villages like Interlaken or Grindelwald to access high-altitude viewpoints, year-round snowfields, and a dense network of hiking and skiing routes.
Tour Swiss cities by train
Use fast, frequent trains to link Zurich with Basel, Bern, Geneva, and Lausanne, combining museums, galleries, and lakefront walks without needing a car.
Follow scenic drives and passes
If you prefer the road, drive carefully over mountain passes and through valleys where rest stops often double as viewpoints over peaks, dams, and villages.
Experience Switzerlands way of life
Getting around
The Swiss rail network links almost every city, town, and resort with timed connections to buses, boats, and mountain railways, so you can rely on public transport for most journeys. For remote valleys, mountain passes, or flexible day trips, rental cars and regional buses fill the gaps.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves at a measured pace, with a strong emphasis on order, privacy, and respect for shared spaces. You will encounter German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences across different cantons, reflected in languages, festivals, and architectural styles.
Where to unwind
Relax at lakeside promenades, forest trails near most cities, or traditional spa towns with thermal baths set against mountain backdrops. In resort areas, quiet walking paths and panoramic benches make it easy to slow down between more active days.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Cheese-based dishes such as fondue and raclette, along with rösti and refined chocolate, are widely available, with variations between German-, French-, and Italian-speaking regions. Mountain villages and rural cantons often showcase hearty recipes shaped by alpine farming traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne you will find relaxed brasseries, bistros, and contemporary cafes that mix local ingredients with global flavours. Railway stations and neighbourhood centres often host convenient eateries ideal for quick meals between connections.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, look for restaurants with lake or mountain views, including venues on hotel terraces, hilltops, or by the water. Some trains and boats also offer dining services, pairing regional menus with changing panoramas outside your window.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Lausanne feature modern shopping centres and department stores where you can browse international labels alongside Swiss brands. Many hubs are directly connected to main railway stations, making it easy to shop between journeys.
Markets & local crafts
Weekly markets in cities such as Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne showcase fresh produce, local cheeses, and handmade items, while smaller towns offer crafts ranging from woodcarving to textiles. Alpine regions often specialise in practical, well-crafted goods inspired by mountain life.
Evening retail scene
In larger cities, central streets and station districts stay active into the evening, with illuminated arcades and boutiques paired with nearby cafes and bars. Around the lakes, waterfront promenades often combine relaxed evening walks with chances to pick up gifts and souvenirs.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Winter (December to February, low season in cities, peak season in ski resorts) typically ranges from about -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) in lowland areas, with colder conditions and heavy snowfall in the Alps for winter sports. Spring and autumn (March to May, September to early November, shoulder season) bring changeable weather between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 64°F), with blooming valleys or colourful foliage and fewer crowds. Summer (June to August, peak season) usually ranges from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) in the lowlands, with cooler temperatures in the mountains, making it popular for hiking, lake activities, and city sightseeing.