Swiss mountain landscape

Switzerland

Holidays in Switzerland - small country, big experiences

Welcome to Switzerland! This small country in the centre of Europe will capture your heart. Snow-capped four-thousand-metre peaks in the canton of Valais, Mediterranean flair in Ticino and idyllic Alpine valleys in the Bernese Oberland: the ‘Confoederatio Helvetica’ offers impressive geographical diversity in a very small area. This is also reflected in its culture and cuisine. Did you know that there are four official national languages in Switzerland? These are German, French, Italian and Romansh. Each of the 26 cantons has its own customs and specialities.

Whether it's a hiking holiday or a weekend city break - Switzerland has something for everyone. Visit the UN headquarters in Geneva and conquer the ski slopes of Verbier. Follow in Albert Einstein's footsteps in Bern and enjoy a fondue with a view of the lake in Lucerne. For shopping fans, Zurich's famous Bahnhofstrasse is a must. However you organise your travel programme, you will find the perfect souvenir everywhere: in the form of the finest Swiss chocolate.

The 15 most worthwhile excursion destinations in Switzerland

  • Zermatt
    Zermatt lies at the foot of the world-famous Matterhorn. The car-free village is a paradise for skiers and hikers. To enjoy the best view of the ‘Toblerone Triangle’, take the Gornergrat train.
  • Luzern
    The Chapel Bridge and the marvellous Lake Lucerne are rightly Lucerne's landmarks. But did you know that the city harbours further treasures? Stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town, discover the majestic Lion Monument and treat yourself to a local speciality with the Birnenwegge.
  • Morcote
    Beautiful, beautiful, Morcote: the small village on Lake Lugano could have come straight out of a fairytale book. Climb the 400 steps that lead to the church of Santa Maria del Sasso. Your reward: an unforgettable panoramic view.
  • Lavaux
    The Lavaux wine terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are undoubtedly a highlight of your trip to Switzerland. The grapes for Chasselas, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc ripen in the sun-drenched vineyards. Our tip: A round trip on the ‘Lavaux Express’.
  • Gruyère
    The Swiss cheeses Gruyère and Emmental are world-famous. Combine your travel programme with a detour to the picturesque regions where the cheese is produced and take a look over the shoulders of the masters of their trade in a show dairy.
  • Creux du Van
    The million-year-old Creux du Van rock arena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the natural spectacles in the canton of Jura. Whether by e-bike or on foot - the climb is well worth it. A marvellous 360-degree view of the Mittelland lakes, Alps, Jura valleys and France awaits you.
  • Basel
    Art Basel, Tinguely Museum and Fondation Beyeler: The art scene pulsates in Basel. Stroll through the city, be inspired by the laid-back flair and refresh yourself in summer by swimming in the Rhine. If you happen to be there in February, you can experience the colourful carnival up close.
  • Zürich
    Galleries, pop-up restaurants and arthouse cinemas: The creative heart of Switzerland beats in Zurich. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the historic Niederdorf and enjoy the sunset from the Uetliberg hill. In the evening, the choice is yours: clubbing on Langstrasse or a visit to the opera?
  • Landwasserviadukt
    The motif of this architectural masterpiece adorns many a postcard. And rightly so: anyone who has the pleasure of seeing the Landwasser Viaduct up close will be impressed. Be it on a journey on the legendary ‘Bernina Express’ panoramic train or after a toboggan run in Bergün.
  • St. Moritz
    See and be seen: In winter, St. Moritz is transformed into a hot spot for high society. The Swiss National Park offers a contrasting programme: ibexes, brown bears and golden eagles live here. In autumn, when the larches glow golden yellow, the landscape looks like a painting.
  • Genf
    The city on Lac Léman, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Peace’, fascinates visitors with its humanitarian history. Discover the imposing Palais des Nations and the moving museum of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. Both are impressive testimony to international co-operation and diplomacy.
  • Jungfraujoch
    Interlaken is the ideal starting point for extreme sports and outdoor adventures. A must: the Jungfraujoch, where Europe's highest railway station is located at 3,454 metres. From the Sphinx viewing platform, you can see the Aletsch Glacier and, on a clear day, as far as the Black Forest.
  • Thuner & Brienzersee
    Active holidaymakers get their money's worth in the Bernese Oberland. Lakes Thun and Brienz offer perfect conditions for sailing and kayaking, while the surrounding mountains offer fantastic hikes and spectacular paragliding flights with panoramic views.
  • Bern
    The UNESCO-protected Old Town of Bern enchants visitors with its historic arcades, colourful fountains and charming cellar bars. After a relaxing stroll, the famous Bärengraben, a landmark of the Swiss capital, awaits you.
  • Rheinfälle
    Are you brave enough for a special kind of boat trip? The largest waterfall in Europe awaits you in Neuhausen: 23 metres high and 150 metres wide. Watch the huge masses of water thunder over the rock formations and enjoy this unique natural spectacle.

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