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 in a relatively small territory of the country. Picturesque views can be seen from any snow-covered 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. For those who prefer active recreation, hiking trails are laid along the slopes of the mountains. Lovers of antiquity go on excursions to the historical sites of old cities. Don't forget about winter fun. Winter sports lovers come to the slopes of the Titlis and Riga mountains, where modern tracks have been laid for them.
The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles / day
What to see and where to go in Switzerland?
The most interesting and beautiful places to visit, photos and a short description.
Matterhorn
The mountain is 4478 meters high in the form 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 try to conquer the summit. However, it is recommended to evaluate your strength before climbing - the mountain is dangerous for its rocky steep slopes. For skiers, trails are laid at an altitude of 4 km.
Old Town (Zurich)
A cozy place in Zurich near the Limmat river. It is noteworthy for the ancient buildings of the 9th century with painted walls. Remains of ancient Roman baths have been preserved. The old town is home to the city's most famous churches - Fraumünster and St. Peter's Basilica. The cathedral's clock dial is considered the largest in Europe. In the park area near the lake there are picnic areas and a beach, and in the center there are many high-end shops of world famous brands.
Old Town (Bern)
The historic part of Bern has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1983. It contains many medieval buildings. Berne Cathedral amazes tourists with its bell tower - its height is just over 100 meters. Bern Bridge was built in the 13th century and is over 50 meters long. Notable sightseeing spots in the Old Town are the Zytglogge Clock Tower, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Niedegg Church.
Lake Geneva
The clear water of the lake is very cold. It warms up only in July. However, there are many beaches on the shores of the lake. Tourists can take advantage of the rental of boats and yachts. People come here to admire the wonderful views of the snow-capped Alps, dense vegetation and vineyards, breathe in the clean mountain air. Resorts built on the shore of the lake are deservedly popular.
Lake Lucerne
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. Small straits connect them. Among tourists, boat trips along the lake are popular, they allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the shores - an emerald-colored forest, snow-white mountain slopes and clear clear water.
Chapelbrücke (Lucerne)
Wooden covered bridge in Lucerne. It is considered the oldest bridge of this type in Europe - it was built in 1365. Its length is more than 200 meters. Previously, the bridge was part of the city's fortifications. There are paintings depicting fragments from the country's history under the roof of the bridge. The Wasserturm Tower is located in the middle of the bridge. It was built several 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, he was betrayed by the troops and joined the siege of the Tuileries Palace. Only a few hundred Swiss guards remained to defend the ruler. They died at the hands of the rebels, not even defending themselves on the orders of the king - he did not want harm to his people. The bas-relief carved into the rock depicts a lion covering the coats of arms of France and Switzerland with its body.
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 the underwater part of the ship. The columns are made of oak, many rooms are decorated with the coats of arms of Bernese officials. One of the halls now houses a weapons museum. The castle houses a collection of pewter dishes and fine antique furniture.
Palais des Nations (Geneva)
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 seat of many international organizations - UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD. More than 100,000 tourists visit the palace annually.
Fountain Same Cue (Geneva)
In 1886, the history of this fountain began - then it was just a stream of water, a side effect of the operation of the hydraulic motors of factories and mills. On weekends, this fountain was used to relieve pressure, releasing water back into the lake. The sight of the 30-meter jet turned out to be interesting for the inhabitants of Geneva, and in 1951 the fountain was arranged 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 the bear, and a special place for keeping them was founded in the 15th century. The cathedral is represented by a long moat adjacent to Bear Park. There are observation terraces for visitors, and you can also safely observe the animals from the Niedegbrücke Bridge. For several years, animal rights activists have been trying to improve the conditions for keeping bears - now they are close to their natural habitat.
Zurich zoo
Founded in 1929. Over the years, it has undergone several large-scale reconstructions. At this time, the inhabitants of the zoo do not live in cages, but in the territory that imitates the natural habitat. The zoo's landscape design is admirable. The park's collection is growing, with over 2000 animals represented. Including animals from the Red Book, for example, king penguins and giant turtles.
Monastery of St. Gall (St. Gallen)
Monument of history and architecture, included in the UNESCO protection list. Within its walls is one of the oldest libraries in the world. They began to collect it at the time of the foundation of the monastery - in the 7th century. At present, the library stock numbers almost 200,000 books. From the moment of its foundation, the building of the monastery changed its appearance, part of the medieval buildings was destroyed. Instead, imposing baroque temples were built.
Monastery of Saint John (Mustair)
The Carolingian monastery is located in the village of Mustair. A well-preserved monastery was founded in the 13th 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 20th century. UNESCO has taken this series of ancient images under its protection. Tourists can visit the monastery as part of an organized excursion group.
Cathedral Saint-Pierre (Geneva)
The elegant and, at the same time, austere building of the Cathedral of Geneva is made in different 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 12th century and lasted for about 150 years.During the restoration work, the remains of a IV century church were discovered - it was in its place that the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre was erected.
Lausanne Cathedral
Gothic cathedral in Lausanne, built in the XIII century. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, therefore it is sometimes called "Swiss Notre Dame". The cathedral is decorated with colored stained-glass windows, skillful stucco molding, and bas-reliefs. Especially noteworthy is the Rose Window - a unique stained glass window from the 13th century. During the Reformation, the cathedral was partially destroyed, and many valuables were stolen. The restoration of the unique architectural appearance of the cathedral is still going on.
Basel Cathedral
Stone Cathedral in Basel, founded in the 9th century on the site of the 7th century wooden churches. However, it did not last long - it was destroyed during the invasion of the Hungarians. The construction of the next building of the cathedral was completed by the 11th century; it survived military operations, uprisings and an earthquake. The cathedral was built of sandstone and white limestone. Its appearance has many Gothic details, including two pointed towers over 60 meters high. The facades of the cathedral are decorated with sculptures.
Grossmünster Cathedral (Zurich)
Cathedral located in Zurich. Built in the Romanesque style in the XIII century and this style has been preserved to this day. In the Middle Ages, changes were made to the interior of the castle in the Gothic style, but later they were removed. The towers of the cathedral offer a panoramic view of Zurich; in the summer, the bell tower is open for visiting. Once a month, a night tour is held, which immerses tourists in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Swiss National Museum (Zurich)
The building of the museum resembles a small castle with dozens of turrets, an inner courtyard and a park. It is located on an island between the rivers Limmat and Zil. The collection of the museum is extensive. It presents works of art from different eras - both by modern masters and antiquity. There are many exhibits from the Middle Ages - household items and household items, weapons, costumes, coins, a collection of knightly culture. Decorated expositions in historical interiors.
Kunsthaus (Zurich)
A major art museum in Zurich. Mostly works by Swiss artists are presented. But there are also collections of works by Munch and Giacometti. In addition to paintings, such objects of art as sculptures, graphics, photographs are presented. The museum's library contains more than 250,000 publications devoted to contemporary art. The souvenir shop sells reproductions of famous paintings.
Olympic Museum (Lausanne)
Opened in 1993. 1,500 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 room, they show a video describing the Olympic medals, and 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.
Swiss Transport Museum (Lucerne)
The museum contains one of the largest collections of all types of transport in Europe. More than 3000 exhibits are located on the territory of the complex. Means of transportation by air and water, by road and railways, as well as in space are presented. An interactive exhibit attracts attention - a simulator-locomotive, 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 major 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, learn about the research of elementary particles, and feel the atmosphere of the Big Bang. There are unusual workshops for children, such as how to make strawberry ice cream using liquid nitrogen.
Ballenberg Museum
Dedicated to Swiss national architecture. This is an open-air park. Its area is 66 hectares - the inspection of the park will take a whole day. Household and residential buildings from different eras, starting from the 15th century, are presented. They recreate the way of life and way of life of the presented era. In the workshops you can learn about the national crafts of the peoples of Switzerland. There are also old public buildings - a hospital, a hairdresser.
Castle Gruyères
It is considered the most visited castle in Switzerland. Founded in the XIII century, in the XV - it was converted into a fortress. In the 19th century, the Bovey and Balland 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 property of the municipality, and the authorities decided to arrange a museum in it. The atmosphere of the Middle Ages has been recreated - a hearth, a fireplace, a spit, a stone oven, items of the knights of the Golden Fleece.
Fortifications of Bellinzona
A complex of fortifications, consisting of the walls and castles of Sasso Corbaro, Montebello and Castelgrande. 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 tallest, and according to tourists, Montebello is considered the most beautiful.
Gornergrat railway
Cogwheel railway in the resort of Zermatt. The toothed rail spacer allows trains to climb large gradients. Gornergrat allows trains to rise to the mountain spurs of the same name to a height of 3089 meters. The ascent angle in some areas is 20 °. The length of the road is 9 km, the travel time is approximately 20 minutes. On the route of the train there are four tunnels, two bridges and a covered 700-meter gallery.
Rhaetian Railway
Switzerland's railway network. The section of the path that crosses the Alps is considered one of the most scenic in the world. The most beautiful areas are also the most difficult to access. For the construction of the railway, advanced engineering technologies were used along them. For example, a unique railway bridge was built, 65 meters high and 136 meters long. It consists of 6 arches between the steep slopes of the mountains.
Trummelbach Falls
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. Inspection is carried out from the illuminated tunnels specially built 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 from them give the water a special milky hue.
Rhine Falls
One of the largest flat waterfalls in Europe. Its width is 150 meters, height - 23 meters. There are several viewing platforms near the waterfall. The most interesting site is located on a rock in the center 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 are advised to come to it during the high water season in late spring or summer.
Terraced vineyards of Lavaux
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 visits to the cellar, wineries, the study of the culture of wine drinking in the restaurant and wine tasting. Many local wines are not brought to Russia due to the high price.
Aletsch glacier
This unique ice accumulation 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. The glacier overcomes about 200 meters per year. You can get to it by high-mountain 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 with a glacier. Mount Titlis is popular with alpine skiing and tobogganing enthusiasts, especially the foot of the mountain in the canton of Nidwalden. There are special tracks of different difficulty levels equipped there. You can go upstairs using cable cars, as well as using the railway. Walking on the 100-meter bridge over a 500-meter abyss is popular.
Pilatus
The mountain range, the highest point on it is the Tomlishorn peak with a height of 2128 meters. A steep and winding railway leads to it. Travelers come here to enjoy wonderful views and beautiful nature. The slopes of the mountains are covered with dense coniferous forest, and the top of the mountain is hidden in the clouds. Ascending offers a view of Lake Lucerne and the peaks of the Alps. There are hiking trails, some of which go through grottoes and caves.
Riga
One of the most popular tourist routes in the country is the pedestrian ascent of the 1798 meter high Rigi Mountain. The top of the mountain offers views of 13 lakes, the Alps and the Swiss plateau. You can climb to the top by one of two railways, or by cable car. On the slopes of the mountain there are toboggan and ski trails. For tourists there is all the necessary infrastructure - hotels, restaurants and cafes, equipment rental.
