If you consider Switzerland a couple 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 recent 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 would spend many weeks and months exploring the gorgeous nation. If time is proscribed, our listing of the perfect cities to go to in Switzerland will make it easier to resolve 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 make it easier to resolve when and the place to go to and take advantage of your keep in Switzerland.
From the must-see locations the place you possibly can get pleasure from and pattern a few of Switzerland’s best meals and wine to essentially the most scenic metropolis in Switzerland or the perfect nature cities in Switzerland – this listing covers all of them!
1. Lausanne
– Contributed by LifePart2 & Past –
Lausanne, the second largest metropolis on Lake Geneva, positioned within the French-speaking a part of Switzerland, is a gorgeous metropolis to find.
Lausanne is a superb base for a metropolis break, that includes a stunning outdated city, gorgeous mountain and lake views, fascinating museums, lakeside walks, and scrumptious meals and wine.
Start your go to to Lausanne with a visit to the outdated city, uncover the various city squares and markets, and admire the gorgeous buildings.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 nice views throughout the town.
Step away from the outdated city’s essential streets and wander the beautiful backstreets.
Tip: Put on comfy footwear; a number of the roads within the historic heart 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 prepare 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 become visible.
Go to the superb Olympic Museum and the assorted parks alongside the lakefront.
Don’t miss the close by stunning UNESCO Lavaux vineyards, only a brief prepare trip away. Remember to attempt the native wine; it’s wonderful.
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 competition.
2. Bern
– Contributed by Megan Starr –
Bern, usually ignored as one of the stunning locations to go to in Switzerland, is in contrast to many different European capitals. It’s fairly small, with a stunning quaint Outdated City heart that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
There are over six kilometers of arcades- stunning coated walkways- that home retailers, cafes, and eating places. Wander by these elegant streets and search for a number of the eleven Renaissance-era fountains scattered all through the city.
Switzerland’s tallest cathedral is positioned in Bern. This stunning Gothic-style constructing is house to some masterpieces, together with sculptures depicting the Final Judgment and an intricate stained-glass window named the Dance of Loss of life.
Don’t miss a cease on the Zytglogge, the city clock, which incorporates an incredible astronomical clock as nicely.
The river flowing by the town, the Aare, provides 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 get pleasure from breathtaking views with the scent of roses and irises throughout you within the spring and summer time.
Take pleasure in each the wonder inside and outside by stopping by the Museum of Tremendous Arts. There you will see that an intensive assortment of fantastic art work spanning from the Center Ages to in the present day.
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 the center of the town.
This gorgeous mixture of water and mountains supplies a shocking backdrop to the town and presents breathtaking views securing its place as among the finest metropolis in Switzerland to go to.
A few of the most stunning buildings in Zurich embrace the Grossmunster cathedral, which is understood 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 widespread actions in Zurich, there are a lot of outside leisure alternatives accessible, equivalent to mountain climbing, biking, and swimming within the lakes.
Town can be house to a number of parks, together with the Zurichhorn Park, which is a well-liked spot for picnicking and stress-free. Moreover, there are a lot of procuring and eating choices, in addition to a vibrant nightlife scene.
General, Zurich is a gorgeous metropolis that gives a variety of cultural, pure, and leisure points of interest, making it a preferred vacation spot for vacationers from all around the world and among the finest 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 could possibly 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 number of the most gorgeous Belle Epoque villages in your complete nation.
Today it’s the epicenter for Jazz, each July gaggles of Jazz lovers flock to Montreux to attend the annual Jazz Pageant, the second largest on this planet.
Other than Belle Epoque villages and the Jazz competition the tiny village is ignored by the gorgeous island-castle Chateau de Chillon, a languorous 10-minute stroll from the town heart takes you proper to the entrance gate of the fort.
Vacationers who’ve time ought to think about taking one of many Belle Epoque steamboats departing from Montreux and stopping within the wine area of Lavaux or Lausanne.
Alternatively spend money on the Golden Cross Prepare ticket and take a – you bought it – Belle Epoque prepare trip, full with excessive tea!
5. Basel
– Contributed by Conversant Traveller –
Lovely Basel usually will get ignored 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 fairly riverside setting on the banks of the Rhine.
Wandering by the historic outdated city is like taking a journey again in time, with all of the cobbled streets and sleepy squares you would 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 embrace the medieval minster, which stands proudly overlooking the town.
Constructed-in the enduring 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 beneath, Munsterplatz is one other colourful spot that’s usually used as a backdrop for summer time festivals.
Don’t miss the vivid crimson Rathaus which was previously a Renaissance palace. It’s one of the elaborate city halls you’ll ever see, with murals adorning the partitions.
Lastly, as you stroll across the heart, hold an eye fixed out for the basilisk water fountains. This legendary beast is the heraldic image of Basel and infrequently pops up across the metropolis.
6. Lugano
– Contributed by Collectively in Switzerland –
In case you are searching for a gorgeous metropolis within the Ticino canton of Switzerland, discover yourselves contemplating Lugano. Positioned solely a brief direct prepare trip away from both Milan or Zurich, Lugano is the picturesque house location to only 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 beneath all the best way to the town.
Lake Lugano can be giant sufficient to get pleasure from a ship journey for a couple of hours, through some smaller connecting villages to Lugano equivalent to Morcote and Gandria.
Town itself has quite a few retailers, from excessive vary decisions to little native boutiques. It is nice to go to throughout a particular occasion too, as the town has an incredible environment.
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 tremendous eating needs to be at Osteria Trani, a stunning wine cellar model restaurant with wonderful recent 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, good for a late picnic or to look at the sundown. There may be even just a little seaside on the finish to swim if it is heat sufficient!
7. Lucerne
– Contributed by The Directionally Challenged Traveler –
Lucerne could also be ignored when in comparison with the high-profile cities and landmarks that Switzerland is understood for, however this small city definitely makes up for its measurement in persona, character, and culinary choices – together with scrumptious fondues.
Together with its charming persona, Lucerne additionally presents gorgeous pure magnificence.
You will need to make the most of this by occurring a ship tour round Lake Lucerne, mountain climbing up Mount Pilatus for an unbeatable vista, or simply stress-free and studying a e book surrounded by breathtaking views.
The Swiss Alps present a jaw-dropping background to Lucerne.
Remember to go to the enduring Chapel Bridge, constructed all the best way again in 1783! Lake Lucerne is on the coronary heart of the town and supplies gorgeous views regardless of the place you might be within the metropolis.
Apart 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 continues to be a bustling metropolis. Conventional Alpine homes line the streets of Outdated City, whereas Glacier Backyard exhibits what the town was like in the course of the Ice Age.
Make certain to not fill ALL your time with admiring the great thing about Lucerne, make sure you get pleasure from a drink at an area pub or store for a standard Swiss memento – like chocolate!
It doesn’t matter what you resolve to do or the place you go to in Lucerne, you may be impressed by the great thing about the town making it one of the stunning cities in Switzerland to go to.
8. Thun
– Contributed by Jan Adventures –
One of many cities that always goes ignored 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 prepare from the town of Zurich in 90 minutes.
Highlights of Thun embrace strolling by 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 presents wonderful views of the encircling mountains and lake.
There’s a historic museum within the tower room displaying artifacts from the previous 800 years.
The most effective 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 time presents many sports activities alternatives together with browsing on the river instantly within the city.
Why not take one of many many boat cruises on Lake Thun, which is the biggest 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 enduring 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 plenty 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 certain 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 likewise 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 coloration waters mixing (one is obvious, one is milky white)!
10. Sion
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
This is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Switzerland to go to in the event you get pleasure from tradition and historical past. Two outstanding hills stand up in the midst of the city, every with a medieval fort constructed on prime.
It’s due to the 2 medieval castles on the hills overlooking Sion, that you could spot this fascinating city from far-off.
Courting again to the thirteenth century, Tourbillon Fort boasts excessive stone partitions and towers. To go to and see the fort up shut you will have to climb the steep stairs to achieve the highest. It’s this steep terrain that surrounds the fort round that naturally defends the spectacular construction.
On the other hill, dealing with the fort, 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 wonderful wine farms to discover in Sion.
11. St. Gallen
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
12. St. Moritz
– Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers –
St. Moritz is just not solely one of many prettiest locations to go to in Switzerland, but it surely has additionally been host to 2 winter Olympics.
It goes with out saying that St. Mortiz is a widespread vacation spot in the course of the winter the place guests can get pleasure from the whole lot from bobsledding to skating to snowboarding.
Nonetheless, extra surprisingly, it is usually one of the visited locations in Switzerland all year long with its stunning lakes and luxurious forests the place guests can get pleasure from water sports activities and mountain climbing in the course of the summer time.
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 flooring 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 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 time.
Its excellent location, on the finish of the Matter Valley and beneath the world-famous Matterhorn, makes it merely distinctive!
One other plus of the resort village: the historic heart of Zermatt is car-free and may solely be reached by prepare.
Inside Zermatt, free electrical buses run, and varied gondolas take guests to picturesque Matterhorn viewpoints within the surrounding nature.
After a scenic 30-minute prepare trip 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 utterly 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 unbelievable mountain lakes, a few of which could be reached instantly by gondola or on stunning hikes.
The Matterhorn Glacier Path for instance leads by an unreal space of stones and ice. Leftovers of the melting Theodul Glacier.
The 5-lake hike, on the opposite valley website, passes 5 stunning mountain lakes, providing the good Instagram-photo motifs and in summer time refreshing cooling.
14. Interlaken
– Contributed by Journey with Co –
Interlaken, which 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 presents 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 a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Interlaken. For instance, the city presents a whole bunch of enjoyable and thrilling mountain climbing trails, simply accessible by following the yellow indicators which are in all places.
One must-do hike is to the highest of More durable Kulm, a close-by mountain that gives 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 gorgeous sq., an outdated church and plenty 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 encircling 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 below the radar, and that’s simply one of many explanation why it needs to be in your bucket listing.
Asona sits alongside the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and boasts the nice and cozy Mediterranean local weather and scenic views that entice guests from many elements of Switzerland.
Worldwide tourism has been rising in Ascona though this city continues to be off the overwhelmed path for many vacationers.
Ascona boasts a colourful outdated city with a outstanding clock tower, small shops, and gelato retailers alongside the cobblestone streets that appear to be cities in northern Italy.
The most effective issues to do in Ascona is visiting the botanical backyard positioned in the midst of Lake Maggiore that may be visited by boat. The backyard is house to many tropical vegetation which are in a position to survive due to the nice and cozy Mediterranean local weather.
The city boasts a tranquil environment and genuine expertise whereas the surroundings right here can rival that south of the border in locations like Lake Como.
It’s additionally an ideal leaping level for visiting Valley Maggia and Valley Verzasca, a number of the most scenic alpine valleys in southern Switzerland.
FAQ In regards to the Most Lovely Swiss Cities
Discover beneath solutions to a number of the most continuously requested questions.
1. What’s the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland?
Lucerne is for me by far essentially the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland to go to. As vehicles usually are not allowed within the city, strolling by 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 essentially the most quintessential Swiss metropolis.
2. Is Bern essentially the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland?
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, does make it to the highest 5 of essentially the most stunning cities in Switzerland however with the powerful competitors, Lucerne will get the primary spot as essentially the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland.
Bern is quite small and relaxed in comparison with different cities in Switzerland. Courting again to medieval instances, this metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site with cobbled streets and a medieval clock tower, Zytglogge, which has transferring puppets.
3. Which metropolis is best 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 way smaller and as beforehand talked about, extra relaxed and laid again with heaps of historic buildings and websites.
As to which is best, it actually will depend upon what you get pleasure from or need to do when visiting the perfect metropolis in Switzerland. I might positively suggest that you simply tick each off your bucket listing of the perfect cities to go to in Switzerland.
4. Is Lucerne higher than Lugano?
Lucerne is our prime decide for essentially the most stunning metropolis in Switzerland as it’s the true essence of Switzerland in surroundings, landmarks, and tradition. Lugano may be very near the Italian border so has some influences from its Italian neighbor.
Lucern can be greater and has extra retailers, actions, and museums to go to in comparison with Lugano.
5. Ought to I’m going to Geneva or Zurich?
Though Geneva is just like Zurich in some ways it’s dearer which is why plenty of vacationers and locals desire to go to Zurich. It’s nonetheless one of many prettiest cities in Switzerland nonetheless we might suggest spending a day or two in Geneva in comparison with 3-5 days in Zurich.
Last Ideas
This listing of essentially the most stunning Swiss cities is a superb information that can assist you compile your subsequent Swiss trip and journey bucket listing. Which metropolis do you assume is the prettiest metropolis in Switzerland?
If you wish to discover extra of Switzerland make sure you take a look at our Switzerland Journey Information to offer you extra inspiration and concepts about the place to journey when visiting Switzerland.
