More

    Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Switzerland. Photos and a brief description.

    About Switzerland

    Man-made and natural monuments make Switzerland attractive for tourists. Modern architecture, ancient castles and cathedrals, waterfalls and lakes, mountain peaks, glaciers – all this diversity is located on a relatively small territory of the country. Picturesque views open from any snow-capped peak, and each city has its own unique flavor.

    The tourist infrastructure is well developed throughout the country. Traveling in Switzerland is easy even for independent travelers. Hiking trails are laid along the slopes of the mountains for tourists who prefer active recreation. Lovers of antiquity go on excursions to the historical sites of the old cities. Do not forget about winter entertainment. Winter sports enthusiasts come to the slopes of the Titlis and Riga mountains, where modern trails are laid for them.

    Top Cities to Visit in Switzerland

    Top Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

    Matterhorn

    The 4,478-meter-high mountain in the shape of a pyramid of four faces is one of the most recognizable in the world. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come just to see it. Many are climbers and are trying to conquer the peak. However, it is recommended to assess your strength before climbing – the mountain is dangerous with its rocky steep slopes. For skiers, there are trails at an altitude of 4 km.

    Matterhorn
    Old Town (Zurich)

    Old Town (Zurich)

    A cozy place in Zurich near the Limmat River. It is notable for the ancient buildings of the IX century with painted walls. The remains of ancient Roman baths have been preserved. In the old town there are the most famous churches of the city – Fraumünster and St. Peter's Cathedral. The clock face of the cathedral is considered the largest in Europe. In the park area near the lake there are picnic areas and a beach in the center there are many elite shops of world-famous brands.

    Old Town (Bern)

    The historical part of Bern has been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1983. There are many medieval buildings in it. Bern Cathedral impresses tourists with its bell tower – its height is just over 100 meters. Bern Bridge was built in the XIII century, its length is more than 50 meters. Famous objects to see in the Old Town are the clock tower of Zittglogge, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Nidegg Church.

    Old Town (Bern)
    Lake Geneva

    Lake Geneva

    The clear water of the lake is very cold. It warms up only in July. Nevertheless, there are many beaches on the shores of the lake. Tourists can take advantage of boat and yacht rentals. People come here to admire the wonderful views of the snow-capped Alps, dense vegetation and vineyards, to breathe clean mountain air. Resorts built on the shore of the lake are deservedly popular.

    Firvaldstet Lake

    The lake is located in the central part of Switzerland, near the Alpine mountains of Riga and Pilate. Its second name is known – "the lake of the four forest cantons". The lake is formed by glaciers and consists of four parts. They are connected by small straits. Water walks on the lake are popular among tourists, they allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the shores – the emerald-colored forest, snow-white mountain slopes and clear clear water.

    Firvaldstet Lake
    Kapellbrücke (Lucerne)

    Kapellbrücke (Lucerne)

    Wooden covered bridge in Lucerne. It is considered the oldest bridge of this type in Europe – built in 1365. Its length is more than 200 meters. Previously, the bridge was part of the city's defenses. Under the roof of the bridge there are paintings depicting fragments from the history of the country. In the middle of the bridge is the Wasserturm Tower. It was built a few years before the bridge – in 1300. Now it is occupied by a souvenir shop.

    The Dying Lion (Lucerne)

    The monument was erected in honor of the fallen soldiers of the palace guard – the guards of Louis XVI. In 1792, his troops betrayed him and joined the siege of the Tuileries Palace. Only a few hundred Swiss Guards remained to protect the ruler. They died at the hands of the rebels, not even defending themselves by order of the king – he did not want to harm his people. The bas-relief carved in the rock depicts a lion covering the coats of arms of France and Switzerland with his body.

    The Dying Lion (Lucerne)
    Chillon Castle

    Chillon Castle

    Located on the rocks of the lake, a bridge leads to the shore from the castle. Visitors celebrate the luxury of this castle. The ceilings of the halls are decorated with paintings, and the ceiling of the Festive Hall is made in the form of an underwater part of the ship. The columns are made of oak, many halls are decorated with coats of arms of Bernese officials. One of the halls now houses a museum of weapons. The castle has collections of tinware and elegant antique furniture.

    Palais des Nations (Geneva)

    An architectural complex in the Ariana Park in Geneva. Its construction began in 1929 and lasted almost 10 years. Several famous architects worked on the project of the building, they erected a magnificent structure in the neoclassical style. The size of the Palais des Nations is second only to the famous Versailles. It is the residence for many international organizations – the UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD. More than 100,000 tourists visit the palace every year.

    Palais des Nations (Geneva)
    The Fountain Is Up To (Geneva)

    The Fountain Is Up To (Geneva)

    In 1886, the history of this fountain began – then it was just a jet of water, a side effect of the hydraulic motors of factories and mills. On weekends, the pressure was relieved with the help of this fountain, releasing water back into the lake. The spectacle of a 30-meter jet turned out to be interesting for the residents of Geneva, and in 1951 the fountain was built directly in the lake. Its height is 147 meters – it is one of the largest fountains in the world.

    Bear Pit (Bern)

    The heraldic symbol of the city of Bern is a bear, and a special place for their maintenance was founded in the XV century. The cathedral is a long moat adjacent to the Bear Park. Viewing terraces are equipped for visitors, and it is also safe to observe animals from the Nideggbrücke Bridge. Animal rights activists have been trying for several years to improve the conditions of keeping bears – now they are close to their natural habitat.

    Bear Pit (Bern)
    Zurich Zoo

    Zurich Zoo

    It was founded in 1929. Over the years of its existence, it has undergone several large-scale reconstructions. At this time, the inhabitants of the zoo do not live in cages, but in an area that mimics the natural habitat. The zoo's landscape design is admirable. The collection of the park is growing, it presents more than 2000 animals. Including animals from the Red Book, for example, royal penguins and giant turtles.

    Monastery of St. Gall (St. Gallen)

    A monument of history and architecture, included in the UNESCO list of protection. Within its walls is one of the oldest libraries in the world. It began to be collected at the time of the foundation of the monastery – in the VII century. Currently, the library's collections number almost 200,000 books. Since its foundation, the monastery building has changed its appearance, some of the medieval structures have been destroyed. Impressive Baroque temples were built instead.

    Monastery of St. Gall (St. Gallen)
    Monastery of St. John (Mustiair)

    Monastery of St. John (Mustiair)

    The Carolingian monastery is located in the village of Mustair. A well-preserved monastery was founded in the XIII century. At the same time, the walls of the building were painted with frescoes, which were completely hidden by new wall paintings in the XII century. This was discovered only during the restoration in the XX century. UNESCO has taken this series of ancient images under its protection. Tourists can visit the monastery as part of an organized excursion group.

    Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Geneva)

    The elegant and, at the same time, strict building of the Cathedral of Geneva is made in different architectural styles. It combines elements of Gothic, neoclassicism and Romanticism. This is largely due to the duration of construction. It began in the middle of the XII century and lasted about 150 years. During the restoration work, the remains of the IV century church were discovered – it was in its place that the Saint-Pierre Cathedral was erected.

    Saint-Pierre Cathedral (Geneva)
    Lausanne Cathedral

    Lausanne Cathedral

    Gothic Cathedral in Lausanne, built in the XIII century. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is why it is sometimes called the "Swiss Notre Dame". The cathedral is decorated with stained glass windows, elaborate stucco, bas-reliefs. Especially noteworthy is the Rose Window – a unique stained glass window of the XIII century. During the Reformation, the cathedral was partially destroyed, many valuables were stolen. The restoration of the unique architectural appearance of the cathedral continues to this day.

    Cathedral of Basel

    The stone Cathedral in Basel, founded in the IX century on the site of wooden churches of the VII century. However, it did not stand for long – it was destroyed during the invasion of the Hungarians. The construction of the next building of the cathedral was completed by the XI century, it survived military operations, uprisings and an earthquake. The cathedral was built of sandstone and white limestone. There are many Gothic details in its appearance, including two pointed towers with a height of more than 60 meters. The facades of the cathedral are decorated with sculptures.

    Cathedral of Basel
    Grossmunster Cathedral (Zurich)

    Grossmunster Cathedral (Zurich)

    The cathedral, located in Zurich. It was built in the Romanesque style in the XIII century and this style has been preserved to the present. In the Middle Ages, the interior of the castle was modified in the Gothic style, but later they were removed. The cathedral towers offer panoramic views of Zurich, and the bell tower is open to the public in summer. Once a month, a night tour is conducted, which immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

    Swiss National Museum (Zurich)

    The museum building resembles a small castle with dozens of turrets, a courtyard and a park. It is located on an island between the Limmat and Zil rivers. The museum's collection is extensive. It presents works of art from different eras – both modern masters and antiquity. There are many exhibits from the Middle Ages – household items, weapons, costumes, coins, a collection of knightly culture. The expositions are decorated in historical interiors.

    Swiss National Museum (Zurich)
    Kunsthaus (Zurich)

    Kunsthaus (Zurich)

    A major art museum in Zurich. The works of Swiss artists are mainly presented. But there are also collections of works by Munch and Giacometti. In addition to paintings, such art objects as sculptures, graphics, photographs are presented. The collections of the museum's library contain more than 250,000 publications devoted to contemporary art. Reproductions of famous paintings can be purchased at the souvenir shop.

    Olympic Museum (Lausanne)

    It was opened in 1993. 1,500 exhibits are dedicated to the Olympic Movement. In the interactive halls there are information screens telling about the history of the Olympics, famous athletes, about the emergence of the Paralympic Games. In a separate hall, a video with a description of Olympic medals is shown, there is also a collection of personal belongings of famous athletes. The museum is located on the terrace of the embankment in a picturesque park.

    Olympic Museum (Lausanne)
    Swiss Museum of Transport (Lucerne)

    Swiss Museum of Transport (Lucerne)

    The museum has one of the largest collections of all types of transport in Europe. There are more than 3,000 exhibits on the territory of the complex. Means of transportation by air and water, by road and rail, as well as in space are presented. An interactive locomotive simulator exhibit attracts attention, where you can control a train. On the territory of the museum there is a planetarium, an IMAX cinema, a collection of works by Hans Erni.

    CERN Museum (Geneva)

    Museum of a large research center. It is located in two buildings, one of which, the Sphere of Science and Innovation, is an unusual spherical structure with a diameter of 40 meters and a height of 27 meters. The pavilions offer to learn the secrets of the Universe, to learn about the research of elementary particles, to feel the atmosphere of the Big Bang. Unusual seminars are held for children, for example, how to make strawberry ice cream with liquid nitrogen.

    CERN Museum (Geneva)
    Ballenberg Museum

    Ballenberg Museum

    Dedicated to the Swiss national architecture. This is an open-air park. Its area is 66 hectares – the inspection of the park will take a whole day. Economic and residential buildings of different eras, starting from the XV century, are presented. They recreate the way of life and lifestyle of the era presented. In the workshops you can learn about the national crafts of the peoples of Switzerland. There are also public old buildings – a hospital, a barber shop.

    Gruyere Castle

    It is considered the most visited castle in Switzerland. It was founded in the XIII century, in the XV — it was converted into a fortress. In the XIX century, the Brow and Balloon dynasty became the owners of the castle. They changed the style of the castle, making it more attractive in appearance. In the XX century, the castle was bought into the ownership of the municipality, and the authorities decided to arrange a museum in it. Recreated the atmosphere of the Middle Ages – hearth, fireplace, spit, stone stove, objects of the knights of the Golden Fleece.

    Gruyere Castle
    Fortifications of Bellinzona

    Fortifications of Bellinzona

    A complex of fortifications consisting of fortress walls and castles of Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castelgrande. They are included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites. The castles are located on rocky peaks and are well-preserved examples of Alpine defensive architecture of the Middle Ages. Castelgrande is the oldest castle, Sasso Corbaro is the highest, and Montebello is considered the most beautiful, according to tourists.

    Gornergrat Railway

    The cog railway of the Zermatt resort. The laying of the toothed rail allows the trains to overcome large climbs. Gornergrat allows trains to climb to the mountain spurs of the same name at a height of 3089 meters. The angle of elevation in some areas is 20 °. The length of the road is 9 km, the travel time is about 20 minutes. Along the route of the train there are four tunnels, two bridges and a covered 700-meter gallery.

    Gornergrat Railway
    Rhaetian Railway

    Rhaetian Railway

    The Swiss railway network. The section of the road that crosses the Alps is considered one of the most picturesque in the world. The most beautiful areas are at the same time the most inaccessible. Advanced engineering technologies were used for the construction of the railway along them. For example, a unique railway bridge has been built, 65 meters high and 136 meters long. It consists of 6 arches laid between the steep slopes of the mountains.

    Trummelbach Waterfall

    A mountain waterfall consisting of 10 cascades. The height of the waterfall is 150 meters. The uniqueness of the waterfall is given by its location – it is located inside the Black Monk Mountain. The inspection is carried out from specially built lighted tunnels in the mountain faults, which can be reached by elevator. Every year, the waters of the waterfall erode about 20 tons of rocks. The sand and clay of them give the water a special milky hue.

    Trummelbach Waterfall
    Rhine Waterfall

    Rhine Waterfall

    One of the largest plain waterfalls in Europe. Its width is 150 meters, height – 23 meters. There are several viewing platforms near the waterfall. The most interesting site is considered to be located on a rock in the center of the waterfall. You can get to it by boat from the pier at the Vert Castle. To enjoy the full power of the waterfall, experienced tourists are advised to come to it during the period of high water in late spring or summer.

    Lavo Terraced vineyards

    Back in the days of the Roman Empire, grapes began to be grown in this place. Stone-fortified terraces were built on the shores of Lake Geneva. Now it is one of the main wine-growing regions of the country. The walking route through the vineyards can include a visit to the cellar, wineries, studying the culture of wine drinking in a restaurant and wine tasting. Many local wines are not brought to Russia because of the high price.

    Lavo Terraced vineyards
    Alech Glacier

    Alech Glacier

    This unique accumulation of ice is included in the UNESCO list. It is the largest glacier in the Alps, with an area of 86 km2 and a length of 24 km. The appearance resembles a large man-made road formed by the movement of ice along the slopes of the valley. During the year, the glacier overcomes about 200 meters. You can get to it by high-altitude railway, as tens of thousands of travelers do every year.

    Titlis

    One of the highest mountain peaks in Switzerland. Its height is 3238 meters. The mountain is covered by a glacier. Mount Titlis is popular among lovers of skiing and tobogganing, especially the foot of the mountain in the canton of Nidwalden is popular. There are special tracks of different levels of difficulty. You can climb up on cable lifts, as well as by rail. Walking along the 100-meter bridge over a 500-meter chasm is popular.

    Titlis
    Pilatus

    Pilatus

    The mountain range, the highest point on it is the Tomlishhorn peak with a height of 2128 meters. The railway leads to it – steep and winding. Travelers come here to enjoy the beautiful views and beautiful nature. The mountain slopes are covered with dense coniferous forest, and the top of the mountain is hidden in clouds. The ascent offers views of Lake Lucerne and the peaks of the Alps. There are hiking trails, some of them pass through grottos and caves.

    Riga mountain

    One of the most popular tourist routes of the country is a hiking climb to the Riga mountain with a height of 1798 meters. From the top of the mountain there is a view of the 13th lake, the Alps and the Swiss plateau. You can climb to the top by one of two railways, or by cable car. Toboggan and ski trails are laid on the slopes of the mountain. For tourists there is all the necessary infrastructure – hotels, restaurants and cafes, equipment rental.

    of Riga