Why visit Switzerland?
Switzerland is known for its dramatic Alps, serene lakes, and picture-perfect towns. You can explore cities, villages, and wild landscapes in a single trip.
What to expect
From Zurich and Geneva to Interlaken and Zermatt, Switzerland blends modern urban life with easy access to the mountains. Efficient rail and cableways bring panoramic views within reach.
Plan your trip
You can combine city breaks, rail journeys, and alpine escapes in one itinerary. Switzerland also works well as a base for visiting neighbouring France, Germany, Italy, and Austria.
Discover Switzerland
Discover Switzerland
Top experiences in Switzerland
Explore lakeside Zurich
Stroll the Old Town, relax by Lake Zurich, and discover world-class museums and galleries in Switzerland's largest city.
Ride a panoramic mountain railway
Take a scenic train into the Alps for sweeping views of snowy peaks, deep valleys, and traditional Swiss villages.
Cruise the Swiss lakes
Board historic boats on lakes such as Zurichsee, Lucerne, or Geneva for calm water journeys between pretty shore towns.
Walk alpine trails
Follow well-marked paths through meadows and forests to lookout points with views of glaciers and jagged summits.
Discover Swiss art and design
Visit museums and galleries that showcase Swiss architecture, graphic design, and contemporary art in major cities.
Enjoy winter sports resorts
Head to mountain resorts for skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and winter walks on groomed paths.
Take a scenic train across the country
Book panoramic rail journeys that cross high passes, tunnels, and viaducts linking lakes, cities, and alpine plateaus.
Visit historic old towns
Wander cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, fountains, and towers in Swiss heritage cities.
Experience Switzerland's way of life
Getting around
Switzerland has one of the world's most integrated public transport networks, with trains, trams, boats, and buses running to a precise timetable. A single ticket often covers several transport modes, making it easy to move between cities and mountains.
Local life & culture
Daily life feels orderly yet relaxed, with a strong appreciation for nature, timekeeping, and craftsmanship. You will notice four national languages across different regions, along with varied traditions, festivals, and building styles.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in lakeside parks, peaceful mountain villages, and spa towns with thermal baths. Many resorts offer wellness hotels, quiet walking paths, and viewpoints easily reached by cable car or short hikes.
A taste of Switzerland
National dishes & specialties
Signature Swiss dishes highlight mountain ingredients such as cheese and potatoes, with fondue and rösti well known around the world. Different regions add their own touches, drawing influence from neighbouring countries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Zurich, you can find casual cafés, brasseries, and international eateries close to business districts and shopping streets. Food halls and neighbourhood bistros make it easy to sample different flavours in one area.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, many restaurants offer lake or mountain views from terraces and large windows. You can also dine in restored historic buildings, on boats, or at panoramic venues reached by funicular or cable car.
Retail therapy in Switzerland
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major Swiss cities feature compact shopping districts with department stores, boutiques, and lifestyle centres. In Zurich, many shops cluster along central streets and around the main station, making it easy to browse on foot.
Markets & local crafts
Across the country you can find markets selling local crafts, textiles, and gourmet products, especially in cities like Zurich, Bern, and Basel. Mountain towns often showcase handmade items that reflect alpine traditions and materials.
Evening retail scene
In central districts, illuminated windows and well-kept streets create a calm evening atmosphere. While many shops close earlier than in some countries, selected areas in major cities stay lively with late-opening stores, cafés, and riverside promenades.
Best time to visit Switzerland
Peak season: June to August, with warm summer days around 18–28°C (64–82°F) in the lowlands, ideal for hiking, lake activities, and city sightseeing.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with mild temperatures around 10–20°C (50–68°F), fewer crowds, and colourful spring or autumn landscapes.
Low season: November to March, when lowland temperatures often sit between -2–8°C (28–46°F), cities feel quieter, and high-altitude resorts focus on winter sports.