Once you consider Switzerland a number of issues that spring to thoughts are nice chocolate and the notorious Swiss Alps.
Though very true, Switzerland has a lot to supply any traveler. There are such a lot of fairly cities and cities to go to. From the various markets with an abundance of contemporary and native produce to the historic buildings, cathedrals, and museums.
Enterprise away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and cities and you’ll immerse your self in nature with the various hikes and walks alongside the lakes or within the rolling hills that Switzerland has to supply.
With a lot to see and do in Switzerland, you could possibly spend many weeks and months exploring the gorgeous nation. If time is proscribed, our checklist of the very best cities to go to in Switzerland will assist you determine the place to go to from cities to some bigger cities which have over 5000 in inhabitants.
15 Most Lovely Cities in Switzerland to Go to
Our prettiest cities in Switzerland information will assist you determine when and the place to go to and benefit from your keep in Switzerland.
From the must-see locations the place you possibly can take pleasure in and pattern a few of Switzerland’s best meals and wine to probably the most scenic metropolis in Switzerland or the very best nature cities in Switzerland – this checklist covers all of them!
1. Lausanne
– Contributed by LifePart2 & Past –
Lausanne, the second largest metropolis on Lake Geneva, situated within the French-speaking a part of Switzerland, is a stupendous metropolis to find.
Lausanne is a superb base for a metropolis break, that includes a stunning previous city, gorgeous mountain and lake views, fascinating museums, lakeside walks, and scrumptious meals and wine.
Start your go to to Lausanne with a visit to the previous city, uncover the various city squares and markets, and admire the gorgeous buildings. Go to the cathedral and climb to the highest of the bell tower for excellent views throughout the town.
Step away from the previous city’s most important streets and wander the beautiful backstreets.
Tip: Put on comfy footwear; a few of the roads within the historic middle are steep.
Love museums and artwork galleries? Then don’t miss the brand new stylish artwork district at Platform 10 close to the town’s practice station.
Head all the way down to the lake and take a stroll alongside the Ouchy Promenade that runs alongside Lake Geneva. Admire the vistas throughout the lake, particularly when the mountains come into sight.
Go to the superb Olympic Museum and the varied parks alongside the lakefront.
Don’t miss the close by stunning UNESCO Lavaux vineyards, only a brief practice experience away. You’ll want to strive the native wine; it’s glorious.
Lausanne can be a wonderful base from which to go to close by Vevey, the place Charlie Chaplin lived, and Montreux, well-known for its jazz pageant.
2. Bern
– Contributed by Megan Starr –
Bern, usually neglected as probably the most stunning locations to go to in Switzerland, is not like many different European capitals. It’s fairly small, with a stunning quaint Outdated City middle that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
There are over six kilometers of arcades- stunning coated walkways- that home retailers, cafes, and eating places. Wander by way of these elegant streets and search for a few of the eleven Renaissance-era fountains scattered all through the city.
Switzerland’s tallest cathedral is situated in Bern. This stunning Gothic-style constructing is dwelling to some masterpieces, together with sculptures depicting the Final Judgment and an intricate stained-glass window named the Dance of Demise.
Don’t miss a cease on the Zytglogge, the city clock, which incorporates an incredible astronomical clock as nicely.
The river flowing by way of the town, the Aare, offers pure magnificence to the already-lovely city. You possibly can even swim in its blue-green waters in the summertime.
For panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside, head to the Rosegarten which is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Bern.
Perched on a hill, you possibly can take pleasure in breathtaking views with the scent of roses and irises throughout you within the spring and summer season.
Take pleasure in each the sweetness inside and outside by stopping by the Museum of Positive Arts. There you’ll find an intensive assortment of fantastic paintings spanning from the Center Ages to immediately.
3. Zurich
– Contributed by Wyld Household Journey –
Zurich is famend for its gorgeous pure magnificence and its iconic structure. Town is surrounded by mountains and boasts a number of lakes, together with Lake Zurich and the Limmat River, which runs by way of the guts of the town.
This gorgeous mixture of water and mountains offers a shocking backdrop to the town and provides breathtaking views securing its place as the most effective metropolis in Switzerland to go to.
Among the most stunning buildings in Zurich embody the Grossmunster cathedral, which is thought for its twin towers, and the Fraumunster church, which is known for its stained glass home windows.
There are additionally a number of museums, together with the Swiss Nationwide Museum, which showcases the nation’s historical past and cultural heritage.
By way of common actions in Zurich, there are various outside leisure alternatives accessible, corresponding to mountain climbing, biking, and swimming within the lakes.
Town can be dwelling to a number of parks, together with the Zurichhorn Park, which is a well-liked spot for picnicking and enjoyable. Moreover, there are various buying and eating choices, in addition to a vibrant nightlife scene.
General, Zurich is a stupendous metropolis that provides a variety of cultural, pure, and leisure sights, making it a preferred vacation spot for vacationers from everywhere in the world and the most effective locations to go to in Switzerland.
4. Montreux
– Contributed by Veggie Wayfarer –
Alongside the coasts of Lake Geneva, on the coronary heart of the Swiss Riviera within the French-speaking Vaud area of Switzerland, lies the storybook city of Montreux.
With a mere 25.000 inhabitants, one would assume this city was a sleepy hamlet, nothing might be farther from the reality. The extraordinary microclimate and scenic location have ensured Montreux was firmly planted on the map as a resort city for the wealthy and the well-known since way back to the 19th century.
A stroll alongside the shoreline of Lake Geneva leads you previous a few of the most gorgeous Belle Epoque villages in your complete nation.
Lately it’s the epicenter for Jazz, each July gaggles of Jazz lovers flock to Montreux to attend the annual Jazz Competition, the second largest on this planet.
Apart from Belle Epoque villages and the Jazz pageant the tiny village is neglected by the gorgeous island-castle Chateau de Chillon, a languorous 10-minute stroll from the town middle takes you proper to the entrance gate of the fortress.
Vacationers who’ve time ought to contemplate taking one of many Belle Epoque steamboats departing from Montreux and stopping within the wine area of Lavaux or Lausanne.
Alternatively put money into the Golden Cross Practice ticket and take a – you bought it – Belle Epoque practice experience, full with excessive tea!
5. Basel
– Contributed by Conversant Traveller –
Lovely Basel usually will get neglected in favor of the extra well-known Swiss cities, which makes it all of the extra interesting.
Right here, it’s the colourful structure that catches the attention, coupled with a reasonably riverside setting on the banks of the Rhine.
Wandering by way of the historic previous city is like taking a journey again in time, with all of the cobbled streets and sleepy squares you could possibly want for.
The buildings right here all have totally different coloured window shutters, with matching exterior woodwork and porches. All shades of the rainbow appear to be represented, particularly within the conventional district of Grossebasel.
High sights in Basel embody the medieval minster, which stands proudly overlooking the town.
Constructed-in the long-lasting native crimson sandstone, the cathedral is extremely photogenic. Climb up the tower for far-reaching views out throughout the rooftops – you possibly can see the Black Forest on a transparent day.
Down under, Munsterplatz is one other colourful spot that’s usually used as a backdrop for summer season festivals.
Don’t miss the vivid crimson Rathaus which was previously a Renaissance palace. It’s probably the most elaborate city halls you’ll ever see, with murals adorning the partitions.
Lastly, as you stroll across the middle, preserve an eye fixed out for the basilisk water fountains. This legendary beast is the heraldic image of Basel and sometimes pops up across the metropolis.
6. Lugano
– Contributed by Collectively in Switzerland –
In case you are in search of a stupendous metropolis within the Ticino canton of Switzerland, discover yourselves contemplating Lugano. Positioned solely a brief direct practice experience away from both Milan or Zurich, Lugano is the picturesque dwelling location to simply over 62,000 individuals.
Lugano is especially distinctive to go to since its surrounded by the gorgeous Monte Bre and Monte San Salvatore, each seen from the lakeside promenade strolling space.
From each mountains, you possibly can expertise gorgeous long-distance views in direction of the Alps in addition to under all the best way to the town.
Lake Lugano can be giant sufficient to take pleasure in a ship journey for a number of hours, by way of some smaller connecting villages to Lugano corresponding to Morcote and Gandria.
Town itself has quite a few retailers, from excessive vary selections to little native boutiques. It is nice to go to throughout a particular occasion too, as the town has an incredible ambiance.
For a spot to eat, most locations will serve one thing Italian, since Lugano is a part of the Italian talking canton of Ticino.
A advice for some high-quality eating ought to be at Osteria Trani, a stunning wine cellar fashion restaurant with glorious contemporary dishes made with seasonal delights.
One factor to not miss in Lugano is a stroll within the park. Parco Ciani is the prettiest park by the lakeside, excellent for a late picnic or to look at the sundown. There’s even somewhat seaside on the finish to swim if it is heat sufficient!
7. Lucerne
– Contributed by The Directionally Challenged Traveler –
Lucerne could also be neglected when in comparison with the high-profile cities and landmarks that Switzerland is thought for, however this small city definitely makes up for its measurement in character, character, and culinary choices – together with scrumptious fondues.
Together with its charming character, Lucerne additionally provides gorgeous pure magnificence.
You will wish to benefit from this by occurring a ship tour round Lake Lucerne, mountain climbing up Mount Pilatus for an unbeatable vista, or simply enjoyable and studying a guide surrounded by breathtaking views.
The Swiss Alps present a jaw-dropping background to Lucerne.
Do not forget to go to the long-lasting Chapel Bridge, constructed all the best way again in 1783! Lake Lucerne is on the coronary heart of the town and offers gorgeous views irrespective of the place you’re within the metropolis.
Aside from pure magnificence, there are additionally loads of issues to do in Lucerne.
Whereas the town is without doubt one of the oldest in Europe, Lucerne remains to be a bustling metropolis. Conventional Alpine homes line the streets of Outdated City, whereas Glacier Backyard exhibits what the town was like through the Ice Age.
Make certain to not fill ALL your time with admiring the fantastic thing about Lucerne, make sure to take pleasure in a drink at a neighborhood pub or store for a conventional Swiss memento – like chocolate!
It doesn’t matter what you determine to do or the place you go to in Lucerne, you may be impressed by the fantastic thing about the town making it probably the most stunning cities in Switzerland to go to.
8. Thun
– Contributed by Jan Adventures –
One of many cities that usually goes neglected when visiting Switzerland is Thun.
This tucked away vibrant metropolis is located on the northwest finish of Lake Thun and is a photographer’s delight with its reflecting waters, colourful structure, and coated wood bridges.
Thun is close to the favored city of Interlaken within the central a part of Switzerland. You possibly can attain the city by practice from the town of Zurich in 90 minutes.
Highlights of Thun embody strolling by way of the Outdated City cobblestone streets, alongside the lakeside paths, and over the coated wood bridges.
A must-do is to go to the landmark Thun Fort, the place the tower was constructed within the late twelfth century and provides wonderful views of the encompassing mountains and lake.
There’s a historic museum within the tower room displaying artifacts from the previous 800 years.
Top-of-the-line suggestions is to have a pleasant lunch on one of many outside restaurant terraces by the Aare River. You’ll see swans and canoes on the river whereas consuming a scrumptious meal.
Thun is price visiting in any season, however summer season provides many sports activities alternatives together with browsing on the river straight within the city.
Why not take one of many many boat cruises on Lake Thun, which is the most important lake within the Bernese Oberland space? The genuine paddle steamer boats will take you on a scenic tour of the deep blue lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
Don’t neglect to incorporate Thun in your subsequent go to to Switzerland!
9. Geneva
– Contributed by 24 Hours Layover –
Nestled by the Alps with views of Mont Blanc, Geneva is considered one of Switzerland’s most stunning cities.
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is ideal for a stroll, the place you possibly can see the long-lasting Jet d’eau water fountain, Europe’s highest water fountain with water jetting 140 metres into the air – it’s one of many greatest Instagram spots in Geneva!
Wandering across the lake you’ll additionally discover some stunning seashores in addition to the outside baths Bains de Pâquis that are beautiful!
The Outdated City of Geneva is extremely stunning, stuffed with historical past, beautiful structure and lots of picturesque sights.
Stroll amongst the gorgeous buildings and cobbled streets, admire the Outdated Arsenal and see the cannons that had been used to defend Geneva towards assaults.
Additionally, be sure that to take a look at the gorgeous fountain reverse Resort les Armures and go to the Outdated City partitions – there are many viewing platforms to see the fabulous panoramas and conventional Swiss homes.
The Flower Clock on the sting of the Jardin Anglais is one other stunning sight in Geneva. Till 2005 it was the world’s largest flower clock with over 6,500 flowers making up the clock face!
Go up the tower in St Pierre’s Cathedral for an unimaginable birds-eye view of Geneva and in addition go to the Viaduct de la Jonction – a preferred place for photographers. That is the place the Rhone and Arve rivers meet, and it’s fascinating to see the totally different colour waters mixing (one is evident, one is milky white)!
10. Sion
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
This is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Switzerland to go to should you take pleasure in tradition and historical past. Two distinguished hills stand up in the midst of the city, every with a medieval fortress constructed on prime.
It’s due to the 2 medieval castles on the hills overlooking Sion, that you may spot this fascinating city from distant.
Relationship again to the thirteenth century, Tourbillon Fort boasts excessive stone partitions and towers. To go to and see the fortress up shut you have to to climb the steep stairs to succeed in the highest. It’s this steep terrain that surrounds the fortress round that naturally defends the spectacular construction.
On the other hill, going through the fortress, sits the fortified church, Valère Basilica. Inside you’ll discover a 500-year-old organ—one of many oldest functioning organs on this planet!
There are additionally loads of different historic monuments and glorious wine farms to discover in Sion.
11. St. Gallen
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
12. St. Moritz
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
St. Moritz just isn’t solely one of many prettiest locations to go to in Switzerland, nevertheless it has additionally been host to 2 winter Olympics.
It goes with out saying that St. Mortiz is a common vacation spot through the winter the place guests can take pleasure in all the pieces from bobsledding to skating to snowboarding.
Nonetheless, extra surprisingly, it’s also probably the most visited locations in Switzerland all year long with its stunning lakes and luxurious forests the place guests can take pleasure in water sports activities and mountain climbing through the summer season.
St.Moritz is surrounded by mountains with jagged peaks and spectacular glaciers making it one of many prime mountain locations on this planet.
This city of St.Moritz is made up of two elements: St. Moritz Unhealthy and St. Moritz Dorf.
St. Moritz Unhealthy sits on the valley ground and has extra inexpensive lodging while St. Moritz Dorf overlooks and has a shocking view of the beautiful lake.
This is without doubt one of the greatest nature cities in Switzerland to go to!
13. Zermatt
– Contributed by Mountain climbing the Alps –
One of the vital stunning cities in Switzerland is Zermatt.
The small mountain village within the south of Valais is a well-liked vacation spot for winter sports activities lovers within the chilly season and hikers and outside lovers in summer season.
Its excellent location, on the finish of the Matter Valley and under the world-famous Matterhorn, makes it merely distinctive!
One other plus of the resort village: the historic middle of Zermatt is car-free and might solely be reached by practice.
Inside Zermatt, free electrical buses run, and numerous gondolas take guests to picturesque Matterhorn viewpoints within the surrounding nature.
After a scenic 30-minute practice experience from Zermatt, you attain the viewing platform on the 3100m Gornergrat, from which you’ll be able to admire not solely the Matterhorn however a complete of 29 different four-thousand-meter peaks in addition to the Gorner Glacier.
With approx. 12km it’s the third-largest glacier within the Alps.
Even increased and fully totally different is the view from the best mountain railway station in Europe.
On the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, at 3883m.a.s.l., you possibly can even see 38 four-thousand-meter peaks and 14 glaciers.
Moreover, round Zermatt there are incredible mountain lakes, a few of which could be reached straight by gondola or on stunning hikes.
The Matterhorn Glacier Path for instance leads by way of an unreal space of stones and ice. Leftovers of the melting Theodul Glacier.
The 5-lake hike, on the opposite valley web site, passes 5 stunning mountain lakes, providing the excellent Instagram-photo motifs and in summer season refreshing cooling.
14. Interlaken
– Contributed by Journey with Co –
Interlaken, that means “between lakes,” is a city in central Switzerland surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped mountain tops and between two stunning blue lakes.
The clear climate provides an unimaginable view of the well-known 4158-meter-high Jungfrau mountain, which is the gateway to the Jungfrau Area, famend for its highest mountain tops within the Swiss Alps.
Though it’s fairly small, there are various enjoyable issues to do in Interlaken. For instance, the city provides lots of of enjoyable and thrilling mountain climbing trails, simply accessible by following the yellow indicators which can be in every single place.
One must-do hike is to the highest of More durable Kulm, a close-by mountain that provides an incredible view of the city and the lakes. It is also nice to discover the world referred to as Unterseen, which is the historic a part of Interlaken. I
t has a stupendous sq., an previous church and lots of beautiful wood buildings on the banks of the blue river.
One other unimaginable expertise in Interlaken is taking a 1 hour and 15-minute boat journey over the lake referred to as Brienzersee to the city of Brienz.
Through the boat cruise, you may be amazed by the clear blue water and the gorgeous views of the encompassing mountains.
In conclusion, Interlaken is a superb vacation spot for outside lovers, providing an ideal mix of outside actions, scenic magnificence, and journey.
15. Ascona
– Contributed by The Discovery Nut –
Positioned in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, Ascona is a hidden gem of Switzerland.
Whereas most vacationers go to Lake Como in Italy, which is simply throughout the border, Ascona is flying quietly beneath the radar, and that’s simply one of many explanation why it ought to be in your bucket checklist.
Asona sits alongside the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and boasts the nice and cozy Mediterranean local weather and scenic views that appeal to guests from many elements of Switzerland.
Worldwide tourism has been rising in Ascona though this city remains to be off the crushed path for many vacationers.
Ascona boasts a colourful previous city with a distinguished clock tower, small shops, and gelato retailers alongside the cobblestone streets that appear like cities in northern Italy.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Ascona is visiting the botanical backyard situated in the midst of Lake Maggiore that may be visited by boat. The backyard is dwelling to many tropical vegetation which can be capable of survive due to the nice and cozy Mediterranean local weather.
The city boasts a tranquil ambiance and genuine expertise whereas the surroundings right here can rival that south of the border in locations like Lake Como.
It’s additionally a terrific leaping level for visiting Valley Maggia and Valley Verzasca, a few of the most scenic alpine valleys in southern Switzerland.
FAQ In regards to the Most Lovely Swiss Cities
Discover under solutions to a few of the most ceaselessly requested questions.
1. What’s the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland?
Lucerne is for me by far probably the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland to go to. As vehicles are usually not allowed within the city, strolling by way of this medieval city to view the historic buildings and coated bridges, is the easiest way to see it.
As one of many prime historic locations in Switzerland, with well-known landmarks just like the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, Lucerne is Switzerland on an image postcard and probably the most quintessential Swiss metropolis.
2. Is Bern probably the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland?
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, does make it to the highest 5 of probably the most stunning cities in Switzerland however with the powerful competitors, Lucerne will get the primary spot as probably the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland.
Bern is slightly small and relaxed in comparison with different cities in Switzerland. Relationship again to medieval occasions, this metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Website with cobbled streets and a medieval clock tower, Zytglogge, which has shifting puppets.
3. Which metropolis is healthier to go to Bern or Zurich?
Each cities are nice to go to. Zurich is a a lot bigger, cosmopolitan metropolis that has a big number of retailers, eating places, and museums. Whereas Bern, is far smaller and as beforehand talked about, extra relaxed and laid again with heaps of historic buildings and websites.
As to which is healthier, it actually will rely on what you take pleasure in or wish to do when visiting the very best metropolis in Switzerland. I’d positively advocate that you just tick each off your bucket checklist of the very best cities to go to in Switzerland.
4. Is Lucerne higher than Lugano?
Lucerne is our prime decide for probably the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland as it’s the true essence of Switzerland in surroundings, landmarks, and tradition. Lugano could be very near the Italian border so has some influences from its Italian neighbor.
Lucern can be larger and has extra retailers, actions, and museums to go to in comparison with Lugano.
5. Ought to I am going to Geneva or Zurich?
Though Geneva is much like Zurich in some ways it’s costlier which is why loads of vacationers and locals desire to go to Zurich. It’s nonetheless one of many prettiest cities in Switzerland nevertheless we might advocate spending a day or two in Geneva in comparison with 3-5 days in Zurich.
Remaining Ideas
This checklist of probably the most stunning Swiss cities is a good information that will help you compile your subsequent Swiss trip and journey bucket checklist. Which metropolis do you suppose is the prettiest metropolis in Switzerland?
If you wish to discover extra of Switzerland make sure to have a look at our Switzerland Journey Information to present you extra inspiration and concepts about the place to journey when visiting Switzerland.
