{"id":43938,"date":"2025-07-01T17:09:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T15:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.winalist.fr\/blog?p=43938"},"modified":"2025-07-01T17:09:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T15:09:11","slug":"what-to-do-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.winalist.com\/blog\/switzerland\/what-to-do-switzerland","title":{"rendered":"What To Do in Switzerland: Breathtaking Places"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering what to do in Switzerland? Let\u2019s start strong: epic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, postcard villages\u2026 and yes, surprisingly great wine. Wineries in Switzerland<\/a> are still a hidden gem, from sipping bold Merlot in Ticino to tasting crisp whites overlooking Lake Geneva, the experience is as good as the views. Planning a summer getaway or just craving fresh air and adventure? Ride a cogwheel train through jaw-dropping scenery, stroll through medieval towns, or kick back by the lake with chocolate in one hand and fondue in the other. From UNESCO castles to panoramic cable cars and dreamy alpine meadows, Switzerland is packed with unforgettable things to do, and the best part? You don\u2019t have to choose just one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the best things to do in Switzerland?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1- Marvel at the Matterhorn & Zermatt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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You\u2019ve seen it on chocolate bars, now meet it in real life, the mighty Matterhorn is every bit as legendary as you\u2019d expect. Towering above the stylish resort town of Zermatt, this jagged alpine icon is pure drama. Hop on the Gornergrat Railway or the Sunnegga funicular for front-row views that\u2019ll have your camera working overtime. If you're up for it, hit the hiking trails or get closer to the action near the Gornergrat Glacier. Visiting Switzerland without seeing the Matterhorn? That\u2019s like skipping dessert, simply not an option.
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2- Wander the old town of Bern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bern <\/strong>may be the capital, but it feels more like a charming time capsule. With its cobbled streets, covered arcades, and that iconic Zytglogge clock tower chiming away, the old town oozes medieval magic. You\u2019ll find gothic architecture, colorful fountains, and cozy caf\u00e9s around every corner, plus some seriously stunning views of the Aare River curling around the city like a ribbon. Add in world-class museums and a laid-back vibe, and you\u2019ve got a city that\u2019s as easy to love as it is to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to uncover the city\u2019s best spots? Check out our guide to the top things to do in Bern<\/a>, medieval charm has never looked so good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3- Take a boat on Lake Lucerne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lake Lucerne is straight out of a dream, deep blue waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, and charming villages that feel like they belong in a storybook. Hop on a panoramic boat cruise or ride the world\u2019s steepest cogwheel railway up to Mount Pilatus from Alpnachstad, both offer next-level views. In the heart of it all, Lucerne<\/strong> adds the charm with its famous Chapel Bridge, the moving Lion Monument, and a lakeside promenade that lights up during summer festivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to make the most of this picture-perfect spot? Dive into our guide on the best things to do in Lucerne Switzerland<\/a>!
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4- Explore Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Perched right on the edge of Lake Geneva near Montreux<\/strong>, Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon is the kind of castle that makes you stop and stare. Turrets, stone walls, reflections dancing on the water, it\u2019s no wonder this place tops every must-see list in Switzerland. Step inside and it only gets better: ancient murals, shadowy dungeons, and centuries of history waiting around every corner. It\u2019s medieval magic, with a serious view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curious to explore more lakeside legends? Here\u2019s our guide to the top things to do in Montreux in Switzerland<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5- Soar to Pilatus by cable car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Ride to the top of Mount Pilatus <\/strong>by cable car from Kriens or hop on the world\u2019s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, either way, the views will leave you speechless. From the summit, you\u2019ll get sweeping panoramas of Lake Lucerne and the Central Swiss Alps that feel almost unreal. Whether you're hiking, snapping photos, or just soaking it all in, Pilatus is one of the best spots in Switzerland to catch a sunrise you won\u2019t forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6- Walk through the Lauterbrunnen Valley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lauterbrunnen<\/strong> is what you imagine when someone says \u201cSwiss Alps\u201d, towering cliffs, green meadows, wooden chalets, and no less than 72 waterfalls spilling into the valley. It\u2019s pure magic. From here, jump on a cable car or train to explore the stunning Jungfrau Region, hike up to car-free M\u00fcrren or Wengen, or follow the sound of rushing water to the Tr\u00fcmmelbach Falls hidden inside the mountain. It\u2019s also your perfect launchpad for adventures in Interlaken and Grindelwald, if you can tear yourself away from the view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7- Step into medieval times at Stein am Rhein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Stein am Rhein <\/strong>looks like it was lifted straight from a fairy tale. With its brightly frescoed buildings, cobbled streets, and peaceful riverside setting, it\u2019s one of Switzerland\u2019s most charming medieval villages. The old town is full of character, perfect for browsing local crafts, snapping dreamy photos, and soaking up the slow pace of life along the Rhine. Plus, it\u2019s just a short trip from the roaring Rhine Falls, making it a sweet combo of culture and nature in one go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8- Catch panoramic views from Mount Rigi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nicknamed the \u201cQueen of the Mountains,\u201d Mount Rigi delivers views that are nothing short of royal. Hop on the historic rack railway from Vitznau or take a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne, then climb to the summit by cogwheel train, the journey is part of the magic. At the top, you\u2019ll find endless hiking trails, flower-filled meadows, and panoramic views that stretch across lakes and Alps in every direction. It\u2019s pure Swiss bliss, with a touch of old-school charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9- Explore Interlaken between lakes and mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Interlaken isn\u2019t asking, it\u2019s telling you to get outside and live a little. Wedged between two insane-looking lakes and surrounded by mountains that practically scream \u201cclimb me,\u201d this place is pure Swiss adventure. Go paragliding, hit the trails, hop on a train to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, it\u2019s all right there, no overthinking required. And when you\u2019re done chasing waterfalls or flying over valleys, you\u2019ll still have time to grab a beer by the lake and soak it all in. Interlaken doesn\u2019t do boring, and neither should you.
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10- Visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lausanne<\/strong> is where lakeside beauty meets city swagger. Built on three hills above Lake Geneva, it delivers big views, a vibrant cultural scene, and just the right amount of edge. Wander the elegant old town, sip wine on a sunny terrace, or dive into Olympic history and bold architecture all in one afternoon. And just outside the city? Rolling vineyards that look like they\u2019ve been painted into the landscape. Art, food, wine, and lake vibes, Lausanne makes it all look easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a stop here? Don\u2019t miss our guide to the top things to do in Lausanne Switzerland<\/a>, it's got all the good stuff lined up for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11- Experience the best of Zurich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Zurich<\/strong> may be Switzerland\u2019s biggest city, but it still knows how to keep things effortlessly cool. It\u2019s got the polished charm you\u2019d expect, think historic old town, high-end shopping, lakefront strolls, but scratch the surface and you\u2019ll find creative energy everywhere. Hidden bars, cutting-edge galleries, riverside hangouts, and street food markets give the city a pulse that\u2019s anything but stiff. Take a dip in a lake lido, explore the artsy vibes of Z\u00fcrich-West, or grab a coffee in a caf\u00e9 that used to be a factory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to see the fun side of Switzerland\u2019s financial capital? Dive into our guide to the best things to do in Zurich<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12- Explore the Lavaux Vineyards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Just under 3 hours from Zurich by scenic train (a.k.a. your moving window to paradise), Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are what wine-fueled dreams are made of. This UNESCO-listed wonder clings to the hills above Lake Geneva like it\u2019s showing off, and honestly, it kind of is. Wander through sun-soaked stone terraces, soak in the ridiculous views of the Alps and the lake, and pop into local cellars where the wine flows and the pace of life drops to \u201cvacation mode.\u201d Lavaux isn\u2019t just pretty, it\u2019s your excuse to sip Swiss wine with zero guilt and maximum views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13- Visit Geneva's vineyards and the old town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Geneva brings more to the table than luxury watches and diplomatic meetings. Step outside the city and you\u2019ll find yourself in the middle of rolling vineyards that are very much part of French-speaking Switzerland\u2019s charm. Sip your way through crisp Chasselas or smooth Pinot Noir at local estates that know exactly what they\u2019re doing. Back in town, the old twn is packed with character, winding alleys, open-air caf\u00e9s, hidden courtyards, and plenty of museums to wander into<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy our latest guide and dive into the best things to do in Geneva Switzerland<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Good to Know before visiting Switzerland<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What are the must-do things in Switzerland?<\/h3>
Switzerland offers something for every traveler. Must-do activities include riding the Glacier Express scenic train, exploring historic cities like Lucerne and Bern, visiting the Matterhorn in Zermatt, taking a boat trip on Lake Geneva, and enjoying Swiss chocolate and cheese tours. Don't miss hiking in the Swiss Alps, relaxing in alpine spas, and experiencing the country's world-famous efficiency and natural beauty.<\/div><\/div>

What should you do in Zurich?<\/h3>
Zurich is Switzerland\u2019s largest city and a cultural hub. Visit the Old Town (Altstadt), explore the Kunsthaus Zurich (Art Museum), enjoy a boat ride on Lake Zurich, and shop along Bahnhofstrasse. Don\u2019t miss the Swiss National Museum and relax at the Lindenhof hill for panoramic views. For nightlife, head to Zurich West, and for nature, take a trip up Uetliberg Mountain.<\/div><\/div>

What is the best thing to do in Switzerland in winter?<\/h3>
Winter in Switzerland is magical. Top activities include skiing in resorts like Verbier, Zermatt, and St. Moritz, sledding and snowshoeing in the Alps, visiting Christmas markets in Basel and Montreux, taking the scenic Bernina Express through snow-covered landscapes, and relaxing in thermal baths such as Bad Ragaz or Leukerbad.<\/div><\/div>

What are the best hotels in Switzerland?<\/h3>
Top accommodations include: