Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Switzerland

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Switzerland

Switzerland is attractive for tourists because of its man-made and natural monuments. 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 can be seen from any snow-covered peak, and each city has its own unique flavour.

The tourist infrastructure is well developed throughout the country. Travelling in Switzerland is easy even for independent travellers. For those who prefer active holidays, there are hiking routes along the slopes of the mountains. Fans of antiquity go on excursions to the historical sites of old towns. Do not forget about winter entertainment. Winter sports enthusiasts come to the slopes of the Titlis and Riga mountains, where modern tracks are laid out for them.

Top Cities to Visit in Switzerland

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

Matterhorn

 4.8/5

3311 reviews

The 4478 metre high mountain, shaped like a pyramid of four faces, is one of the most recognisable in the world. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come just to see it. Many are mountaineers and try to conquer the summit. However, it is recommended to assess your strength before climbing – the mountain is dangerous with its rocky precipitous slopes. There are 4 kilometres of slopes for skiers.

Steakhouse Old Town

 4/5

887 reviews

Zurich’s cosy neighbourhood near the Limmat River. It is notable for ancient buildings of the IX century with painted walls. Remains of ancient Roman baths have been preserved. In the old town are the most famous churches of the city – Fraumünster and St Peter’s Cathedral. The clock face of the cathedral is considered to be the largest in Europe. In the park area near the lake there are picnic areas and a beach, and in the centre there are many luxury shops of world famous brands.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM

UNESCO - Bern Old Town

 4.7/5

4548 reviews

The historic part of Bern has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1983. It is home to many medieval buildings. Bern Cathedral amazes tourists with its bell tower – its height is just over 100 metres. The Bern Bridge was built in the XIII century, its length is more than 50 metres. Famous objects to see in the Old Town are the Zitglogge clock tower, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Nydegg Church.

Open time

Lake Geneva

 4.7/5

2452 reviews

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 hire. People come here to admire marvellous views of snow-capped Alps, dense vegetation and vineyards, to breathe clean mountain air. Resorts built on the shores of the lake are deservedly popular.

Lake Lucerne

 4.8/5

1322 reviews

The lake is located in central Switzerland, near the alpine mountains of Rigi and Pilat. It is known by its second name, “the lake of the four forest cantons”. The lake was formed by glaciers and consists of four parts. They are connected by small straits. Boat trips around the lake are popular among tourists; they allow them to fully appreciate the beauty of its shores – emerald-coloured forest, snow-white mountainsides and clear, clean water.

Chapel Bridge

 4.7/5

28999 reviews

A wooden covered bridge in Lucerne. It is considered to be the oldest bridge of this type in Europe – it was built in 1365. Its length is more than 200 metres. Earlier the bridge was part of the city’s defences. 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. It is now occupied by a souvenir shop.

Open time

Lion Monument

 4.4/5

19526 reviews

The monument was erected in honour of the fallen soldiers of the palace guard, Louis XVI’s guards. 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 on the king’s orders – he did not want to harm his people. The bas-relief carved into the rock depicts a lion covering the emblems of France and Switzerland with its body.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Chillon Castle

 4.7/5

18705 reviews

Located on the cliffs of the lake, a bridge leads to the shore from the castle. Visitors comment on the luxury of the castle. The ceilings of the halls are decorated with paintings, and the ceiling of the Celebration Hall is in the form of an underwater part of a ship. The columns are made of oak, and many of the halls are decorated with the coats of arms of Bernese officials. One of the halls now houses a weapons museum. The castle displays collections of pewter crockery and fine antique furniture.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Palais des Nations

 4.6/5

3540 reviews

An architectural complex in the Ariane 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 neoclassical style. The size of the Palace of Nations is second only to the famous Versailles. It is a residence for many international organisations – the UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD. More than 100,000 tourists visit the palace every year.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

The Geneva Water Fountain

 4.7/5

15914 reviews

The history of this fountain began in 1886 – back then it was just a jet of water, a side effect of the hydraulic motors of factories and mills. On weekends, the fountain was used to relieve pressure by releasing water back into the lake. The sight of the 30-metre-long jet was of interest to the people of Geneva, and in 1951 the fountain was installed directly in the lake. At 147 metres high, it is one of the largest fountains in the world.

Open time

Bear Pit

 4.4/5

13496 reviews

The heraldic symbol of the city of Bern is the bear, and a special place to keep them was founded back in the 15th century. The cathedral is represented by a long moat adjacent to the Bear Park. There are viewing terraces for visitors, and it is also safe to watch the animals from the Nidegbrücke Bridge. For several years, animal rights activists have been striving to improve conditions for the bears – now they are closer to their natural habitat.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Zoo Zürich

 4.6/5

25542 reviews

It was founded in 1929. Over the years it has undergone several large-scale reconstructions. Nowadays, the zoo inhabitants live not in cages, but on the territory imitating the natural habitat. The design of the zoo’s landscape is admirable. The park’s collection is growing, with more than 2000 animals. This includes animals from the Red Book, such as king penguins and giant tortoises.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Abbey of Saint Gall

 4.7/5

3508 reviews

A monument of history and architecture, included in the UNESCO protection list. It houses one of the oldest libraries in the world. It began to be collected at the time of the monastery’s foundation – in the 7th century. Currently, the library’s funds number almost 200,000 books. Since its foundation, the monastery building has changed its appearance, some of the medieval structures were destroyed. In their place, impressive Baroque temples have been built.

Open time

Convent of St. John Müstair

 4.6/5

715 reviews

The Carolingian monastery is located in the village of Mustair. The well-preserved monastery was founded in the 13th century. At that time the walls of the building were painted with frescoes, which were completely hidden by new wall paintings in the XII century. It 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 organised tour group.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

St Pierre Cathedral

 4.5/5

7108 reviews

The graceful yet austere building of the Geneva Cathedral has a variety of architectural styles. It combines elements of Gothic, neoclassicism and Romanism. 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 works, the remains of a 4th century church were discovered – it was in its place that Saint-Pierre Cathedral was built.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:30 PM

Lausanne Cathedral

 4.6/5

5583 reviews

Gothic cathedral in Lausanne, built in the 13th century. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is why it is sometimes called the “Swiss Notre Dame”. The cathedral is decorated with coloured stained glass windows, skilful stucco, bas-reliefs. Especially notable is the Rose Window – a unique stained glass window of the XIII century. During the Reformation period the cathedral was partially destroyed and many valuables were stolen. The restoration of the unique architectural appearance of the cathedral is still in progress.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Basel Minster

 4.6/5

7140 reviews

The stone cathedral in Basel was founded in the 9th century on the site of wooden churches dating back to the 7th 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 actions, uprisings and earthquake. The cathedral is made of sandstone and white limestone. It has many Gothic details, including two pointed towers over 60 metres high. The facades of the cathedral are decorated with sculptures.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Grossmünster

 4.5/5

8008 reviews

Cathedral located in Zurich. It was built in the Romanesque style in the 13th century and this style has been preserved to the present day. During the Middle Ages, the interior of the castle was modified in the Gothic style, but later they were removed. The cathedral towers offer a panoramic view of Zurich, and the bell tower is open to the public in summer. Once a month there is a night tour, which immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:30 – 5:00 PM

Swiss National Museum

 4.5/5

7764 reviews

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. There are works of art from different epochs – both modern masters and antiquity. A lot of exhibits from the Middle Ages – household items, weapons, costumes, coins, a collection of knight culture. The expositions are decorated in historical interiors.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kunsthaus Zürich

 4.6/5

6221 reviews

A major art museum in Zurich. Mostly works by Swiss artists are represented. But there are also collections of works by Munch and Giacometti. In addition to paintings there are such objects of art as sculptures, graphics, photographs. The museum’s library has more than 250,000 publications on contemporary art. Reproductions of famous paintings can be purchased in the gift shop.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Olympic Museum

 4.6/5

8178 reviews

Opened in 1993. 1500 exhibits are dedicated to the Olympic movement. The interactive halls have information screens telling about the history of the Olympics, famous athletes and the emergence of the Paralympic Games. In a separate hall a video with the description of Olympic medals is shown, there is also a collection of personal belongings of famous athletes. The museum is located on the embankment terrace in a picturesque park.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Swiss Museum of Transport

 4.6/5

10997 reviews

The museum has one of the largest collections of all types of transport in Europe. There are more than 3000 exhibits on the territory of the complex. There are vehicles for travelling by air and water, on roads and railways, as well as in space. The interactive exhibit – locomotive simulator, where you can drive a train, attracts attention. The museum has a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a collection of Hans Erni’s works.

Open time

Globe of Science and Innovation

 4.6/5

2271 reviews

Museum of a major research centre. 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 metres and a height of 27 metres. The pavilions offer to learn about the mysteries 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 using liquid nitrogen.

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Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum

 4.7/5

5805 reviews

Dedicated to Swiss national architecture. It is an open-air park. Covering an area of 66 hectares, it takes a whole day to explore the park. There are farm and residential buildings from different epochs, starting from the 15th century. They recreate the life and way of life of the epoch. In the workshops you can learn about the national crafts of the Swiss peoples. There are also public old buildings, such as a hospital and a hairdresser’s shop.

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Gruyères Castle

 4.6/5

10288 reviews

It is considered to be the most visited castle in Switzerland. It was founded in the 13th century, and in the 15th century it was converted into a fortress. In the 19th century, the Bovy and Balland dynasty became the owners of the castle. They changed the style of the castle, making it more attractive externally. In the XX century the castle was bought by the municipality and the authorities decided to organise a museum in it. The atmosphere of the Middle Ages has been recreated – a hearth, a fireplace, a spit, a stone oven, and items of the Knights of the Golden Fleece.

Open time

Castles of Bellinzona

 4.7/5

4380 reviews

A complex of fortifications consisting of the fortified walls and castles of Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castelgrande. They are on the UNESCO heritage list. The castles are situated on rocky peaks and are well-preserved examples of Alpine defence architecture from the Middle Ages. Castelgrande is the oldest castle, Sasso Corbaro is the highest and Montebello is considered the most beautiful by tourists.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Gornergrat Railway

 4.7/5

4099 reviews

The toothed railway in the Zermatt resort. The toothed track allows trains to overcome large ascents. The Gornergrat allows trains to climb to the mountain spurs of the same name at an altitude of 3,089 metres. The angle of ascent on some sections is 20°. The length of the railway is 9 kilometres and the journey time is approximately 20 minutes. There are four tunnels, two bridges and a covered 700-metre gallery on the train’s route.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Golden Pass Railway

 4.5/5

2452 reviews

Switzerland’s railway network. The section of track that crosses the Alps is considered one of the most scenic in the world. The most beautiful sections are also the most difficult to access. Advanced engineering technologies were used to build the railway along them. For example, a unique railway bridge, 65 metres high and 136 metres long, was built. It consists of 6 arches spanning between steep mountain slopes.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 4:30 PM

Trümmelbach

 4.6/5

663 reviews

A mountain waterfall consisting of 10 cascades. The height of the waterfall is 150 metres. The uniqueness of the waterfall is due to its location – it is located inside the Black Monk Mountain. The waterfall is viewed from specially built illuminated tunnels in the mountain rifts, which can be accessed by lift. Every year the waters of the waterfall erode about 20 tonnes of rocks. Their sand and clay give the water a special milky colour.

Rhine Falls

 4.7/5

68960 reviews

One of the largest plain waterfalls in Europe. It is 150 metres wide and 23 metres high. There are several viewing platforms near the waterfall. The most interesting one is the one located on the rock in the centre of the waterfall. It can be reached by boat from the pier at Werth Castle. To enjoy the full power of the waterfall, experienced tourists recommend visiting the waterfall during the high water period in late spring or summer.

Open time

Lavaux Vinorama

 4.5/5

807 reviews

As far back as Roman times, grapes began to be grown in the area. On the shores of Lake Geneva, stone-fortified terraces were built. It is now one of the country’s main wine-growing areas. A walking tour of the vineyards can include a visit to a cellar, wineries, learning about the wine drinking culture in a restaurant and wine tasting. Many local wines are not brought to Russia because of the high price.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Aletsch Glacier

 4.8/5

267 reviews

This unique accumulation of ice is a UNESCO-listed glacier. It is the largest glacier in the Alps, with an area of 86 km² and a length of 24 kilometres. Its appearance resembles a large man-made road formed by the movement of ice along the slopes of the valley. The glacier covers about 200 metres per year. It can be reached by high-mountain railway, as tens of thousands of travellers do every year.

Titlis

 4.7/5

2190 reviews

One of the highest mountain peaks in Switzerland. Its height is 3,238 metres. The mountain is covered by a glacier. Mount Titlis is popular among skiing and tobogganing enthusiasts, especially popular at the foot of the mountain in the canton of Nidwalden. There are special tracks of different levels of difficulty. You can get to the top by cable lifts and also by railway. Walks on the 100-metre bridge over the 500-metre abyss are popular.

Mount Pilatus

 4.8/5

3305 reviews

A mountain range, the highest point on it is Tomlicehorn peak at 2128 metres. It is reached by a steep and winding railway. Travellers come here to enjoy the wonderful views and beautiful nature. The mountain slopes are covered with dense coniferous forest, and the top of the mountain is hidden in the clouds. As you ascend, you can enjoy views of Lake Lucerne and the peaks of the Alps. There are hiking trails, some of which pass through grottoes and caves.

Rigaflex AG

 5/5

7 reviews

One of the country’s popular tourist routes is a hike up Mount Rigi, which is 1,798 metres high. From the top of the mountain you have a view of 13 lakes, the Alps and the Swiss Plateau. You can climb to the top by one of the two railways or by cable car. There are toboggan and ski tracks on the slopes of the mountain. There is all the necessary infrastructure for tourists – hotels, restaurants and cafes, equipment hire.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed