Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland offers snow-dusted peaks, serene lakes, and neatly kept cities, all within a compact and well-connected landscape. You can move from storybook villages to lively urban streets in a single day, with rail lines and trails opening up mountain and lakeside views.
What to expect
You will find finance and culture in Zurich, lakeside elegance in Geneva, and mediaeval charm in Bern, while Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt serve as classic gateways to the Alps. The country blends German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences, giving each region its own character.
Plan your trip
Switzerland works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that link several regions by train or car. It is also a practical base for exploring neighbouring France, Italy, Germany, and Austria, thanks to efficient cross-border rail networks.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore Zurich Old Town
Wander cobbled lanes, riverside promenades, and historic squares filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes along both banks of the Limmat River.
Ride a panoramic mountain railway
Take a cogwheel train or cable car from hubs like Lucerne or Interlaken for sweeping Alpine views and easy access to marked hiking trails.
Cruise the Swiss lakes
Board historic boats on lakes Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, or Thun to see mountains, vineyards, and lakeside towns from the water.
Walk on a glacier or skywalk
Visit viewpoints such as Jungfraujoch or Mount Titlis, where observation decks, glacier paths, and suspension bridges reveal high-Alpine scenery.
Tour Swiss museums and galleries
Explore art and design collections in Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne, from modern and contemporary works to interactive science and transport museums.
Ride scenic trains
Journey on renowned routes like the Glacier Express or Bernina line, crossing viaducts and valleys in wide-windowed carriages.
Visit storybook villages
Stroll through wooden-chalet villages such as Zermatt, Grindelwald, and Wengen, with flower-decked balconies and traditional Alpine architecture.
Relax in thermal spas
Unwind in warm mineral pools at spa towns such as Leukerbad or Vals, often with outdoor baths facing the surrounding mountains.
Experience Switzerland’s way of life
Getting around
Switzerland is easy to explore using its integrated rail, bus, and boat network, with regular services connecting cities, lakes, and mountain resorts. Scenic trains and well-marked hiking and cycling routes help you slow down and enjoy the landscape at your own pace.
Local life & culture
In Switzerland, daily life often centres on the outdoors, from lunchtime walks by the lake to weekends in the mountains. Each linguistic region has its own festivals, architecture, and traditions, yet punctuality, discretion, and attention to detail feel consistent wherever you go.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on quiet lakeside promenades, in mountain meadows, or at thermal baths set deep in Alpine valleys. Many resorts offer gentle walking paths, wellness hotels, and viewpoints that are accessible without technical hiking experience.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Switzerland is known for dishes built around cheese and Alpine produce, such as fondue, raclette, and rösti. You will also find regional sausages, hearty mountain plates, and refined chocolate and pastry traditions in cities and villages alike.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In the main cities, you can eat in relaxed brasseries, lakefront cafes, and neighbourhood bistros serving both local and international flavours. Food halls and railway-station arcades often gather bakeries, takeaways, and sit-down options in one convenient place.
Signature & scenic dining
In Switzerland, memorable meals often come with a view, whether it is a glass-fronted restaurant on a mountain peak or a terrace above a lake. Many hotels and countryside inns focus on seasonal ingredients and pair them with wide windows or garden settings.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Zurich and other major cities feature compact shopping districts where department stores, boutiques, and watch and jewellery houses sit side by side. You also find modern malls on city edges, bringing fashion, homewares, and services together under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Weekly markets in cities and small towns highlight cheeses, cured meats, bread, and seasonal produce from nearby farms. Regions such as the Bernese Oberland and central Switzerland are known for wooden crafts, textiles, and other handmade souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets in Zurich and other cities stay softly lit, with many boutiques and department stores opening into the early evening. In the festive season, Christmas markets and decorated shopping avenues add a cosy atmosphere.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Peak season: June to August, when lowland temperatures often range from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F), and lakes and outdoor terraces are at their busiest.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with milder days between about 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F), fewer crowds, and changing mountain colours.
Low season: November to March in the cities, where temperatures commonly sit between -2°C and 8°C (28°F to 46°F), while mountain resorts may be lively with winter sports.