Switzerland Things to Do

From luxury mountain chalets to lakeside beaches tucked in the foothills of the towering Swiss Alps, Switzerland has a host of sights to enchant visitors and with one of the best transport networks in Europe, it’s easy to cram multiple destinations into a week-long trip. Don’t be tempted to squeeze too much into your itinerary though – Switzerland is one country where the journey is always as spectacular as the destination, so take the time to travel by land and you’ll be rewarded with some of Europe’s most breathtaking vistas.

With some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of Europe and one of the world’s best rail networks, chugging through the countryside by train is the perfect way to take in Switzerland’s alpine wilderness. Here’s our pick of the best routes.

Straddling the border between France and Switzerland, the glittering expanse of Lake Geneva is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, fed by the Rhone River and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and French Alps. The lakeside region, often dubbed the Swiss Riviera is renowned as one of the most idyllic destinations in Switzerland, and the hillside retreats have gathered a number of famous fans over the years – icons like Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and Sophia Loren are all one-time residents.

With the snow beginning to melt and colorful wildflowers blanketing the hills, Switzerland in springtime is an enchanting destination to explore. While the ski season lasts until April in many areas, spring is the time to pack away the skis and enjoy warmer weather activities like hiking, cycling and horse riding.

One of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys, the Golden Panoramic Train, known as the Golden Pass, whisks its passengers on a dramatic route through the heart of the Bernese Oberland. It’s an epic journey that offers a slice of Switzerland’s unique, ever-evolving landscape – a route epitomized by the train’s tagline: ‘Two languages, Three Worlds, Six Lakes, One Line’.

An alpine paradise for lovers of the outdoors and home to some of Europe’s glitziest ski resorts, Switzerland is like an all-natural adventure playground for children and the perfect destination for an action packed family holiday. Here are some of the best places to go with kids in Switzerland.

1. Interlaken
If you’ve got energetic children in tow, few places provide more opportunities than Interlaken, renowned as one of Europe’s premier adventure sport hotspots. Swimming, rowing, wakeboarding and windsurfing are all on offer at the region’s lakes, or else hiking and mountain biking are great family-friendly ways to explore. Teenage daredevils will find plenty to keep them amused too, with horse riding, canyoning, bungee jumping, hand gliding and skydiving providing thrills for all adrenaline levels. Wintertime offers plenty of alternatives to skiing, too – ice skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing and night sledding all make fun family activities.