Bern, Switzerland. Photo courtesy of twicepix via Flickr.

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.

Whether you’re hoping to hit the markets and museums of Switzerland coolest cities or explore the great outdoors, these 3 itineraries offer 3 different ways to spend one week in Switzerland.

Itinerary 1: Cities with a view

Start off in the vibrant metropolis of Basel, where art lovers will be in their element. Check out the innovative street art and renowned architecture; visit one of the city’s many museums and galleries; walk along the remains of the ancient city walls, dating back to 1356; or stand on the tri-point border where France, Switzerland and Germany meet. For the most atmospheric times to visit the city, time your visit for the annual Fasnacht carnival or the prestigious Art Basel festival.

Next, fly to Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, where you can marvel at the striking medieval cathedrals (the Fraumuenster and the Grossmuenster) flanking the Limmat River, hit the famous shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse and gorge on delicious Swiss chocolates at the legendary Confiserie Sprüngli café. Once you’ve explored the sights of Zurich, don’t forget to get a view from the nearby Uetliberg Mountain and take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Zurich, before heading to nearby Lucerne.

Perfectly situated on the banks of the vast eponymous lake, the historic town of Lucerne makes an ideal base from which to explore the nearby mountains, taking in the stunning views from Mount Rigi, dining with a view atop Mount Pilatus or riding the revolving cable car to the peak of Mount Titlis. End your trip in the capital, Bern, where you can soak up the medieval architecture and historic sights that helped afford the city UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1983.

Itinerary 2: Mountains, lakes and valleys

Start your tour in the waterfront city of Geneva, by the French border, where you can discover the original home of the United Nations and marvel at the iconic Jet d’Eau, one of the world’s highest water fountains. The area surrounding Lake Geneva is dotted with picturesque villages and spectacular scenery, nicknamed the Swiss Riviera by its many famous fans (Audrey Hepburn and Charlie Chaplin both owned homes in the area) and there are plenty of sights to explore. Pay a visit to Lausanne’s famous International Olympic Committee Museum; the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyards; the lively folk markets of Vevey; and the fairytale Chillon Castle that juts out onto the lake in Montreux.

From Montreux, ride the legendary Golden Pass Panoramic train all the way to Interlaken, affording breathtaking vistas from its glass paneled carriages. On the journey, you’ll pass by the luxury chalets of Gstaad and through the forested tunnels of the Simmen Valley, before descending into Interlaken with expansive views over the glittering Lake Thun. In Interlaken change to the Jungfrau Express train and soar to 3,454m summit of Jungfrau, Europe’s highest train station, aptly nicknamed the ‘Top of Europe’, or spend time relaxing in the town’s surrounding lakes and valleys. As the adventure sport capital of Switzerland, you can’t come to Interlaken without getting your adrenaline pumping so sign up for skydiving, paragliding or bungee jumping, or enjoy a horse-riding, mountain biking or canyoning excursion. Finish off your trip with a stop off in the capital, where you can take a leisurely stroll around the medieval center before catching your flight home.

Itinerary 3: Winter Wonderland

With seemingly endless snow and ski seasons stretching long into spring, Switzerland is the perfect destination to get your fill of the white stuff. Start your trip in the popular ski center of Zermatt where the 245 kilometers of piste and abundant cross-country terrain should keep even the most advanced skiers occupied for days. There’s more to Zermatt than year-round snow though – take the cable car to Europe’s highest observation deck, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, at 3,883 meters; hike through the glacial passes of the nearby Gorner Gorge; visit the Matterhorn museum to get the lowdown on the mountain’s fascinating history; or relax with a romantic horse and carriage ride around town.

Next, make the most of the wintry scenery without freezing your toes, with a ride on the Glacier Express, a spectacular 180-mile track winding through the Alps from Zermatt all the way to the glitzy ski resort of St. Moritz. Largely regarded as one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys, you’ll be awestruck by the glittering lakes, steep ravines and endless tunnels that carve through the Alps. Spend your final day in St Moritz, where you can splash out on a luxury ski chalet and enjoy the highlife at one of Switzerland’s best ski resorts. Even if you can’t afford the VIP treatment you can still hit the ski slopes with the European jet set, indulge in a treatment at one of the region’s natural mineral spas and take in the views with a hike through the scenic Engadine Valley.

- Zoe Smith

How to Spend One Week in Switzerland from Switzerland Things to Do

Chillon Castle, Montreux

Set on the banks of the vast Lake Geneva with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Blanc and the French border less an hour away, Geneva offers a prime location for those hoping to explore the enchanting Swiss Riviera.

To make the most of your trip, here are some of the best day trips from Geneva.

1. Montreux
On the other side of the lake, Montreux makes a popular day trip from Geneva, just an hour’s train ride away. There you can explore the fairytaleChillon Castle on the lakeside, take a boat trip along Lake Geneva or hop on the cogwheel railway from Montreux up to the scenic plateau of Rochers de Nayeat 2,042 meters. Look out for seasonal events too – the Montreux Jazz Festival in July and the atmospheric Christmas markets and Santa’s grotto make for atmospheric times to visit.

2. Gruyeres
You can’t visit Switzerland without sampling some of the country’s famous cheese and one of the most famous cheese factories is just a short trip from Geneva. Head to the traditional alpine village of Gruyeres, where you can admire the medieval town, take in the views from the 13th Century Gruyeres castle and, of course, visit the famous cheese factory where you’ll learn about the ancient cheese making process and get the chance to sample the region’s renowned cheeses and wines.

3. Lavaux Vineyards
Take the scenic Lavaux Express or the Lavaux Panoramic trains around the iconic landscape of the Lavaux Vineyards, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site that produces the region’s renowned Chasselas wine. Stop along the way for wine tasting in one of the traditional wine cellars or enjoy a scenic stroll through the terraced vineyards – 32km of walking trails run through the area, connecting the hillside wineries and villages.

4. Annecy, France
With the French border lying within easy reach, there’s no reason to only stay on Swiss soil, so take a day trip to the French town of Annecy, just across the border. Wander the local markets and ancient canal ways; marvel at the landmark Palais de l’Isle and Saint Peter’s Cathedral; get a view from the medieval Annecy Castle or simply relax on the beaches of the glittering Lake Geneva.

5. Mount Blanc, Chamonix
Another hugely popular destination over the French border is Chamonix, one of the most picturesque resorts in the French Alps, set in the shadows of the imposing Mount Blanc. Containing the highest mountain summit in Western Europe at 4,810 meters, the Mont Blanc massif is a hotspot for climbers, hikers and mountain bikers, with an incredible 400 peaks and 40 square miles of glaciers, but if you don’t fancy braving the high altitude, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Chamonix. Go white water rafting, paragliding or canyoning, or take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi for an expansive view over the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.

- Zoe Smith

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Best Day Trips From Geneva from Switzerland Things to Do

Switzerland’s Jungfrau train, overlooking Grindelwald Village

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.

1. Golden Pass
Running from historic Lucerne, across the Brünig pass into Interlaken, the Golden Pass checks off all the major sights in central Switzerland, affording wonderful views of the shimmering Lake Thun, the luxury chalets of Gstaad and the spectacular Simmen Valley before descending through the terraced vineyards of Lavaux to the shimmering Lake Geneva and Montreux. For the best views, opt for the special Golden Panoramic trains fitted with floor to ceiling windows.

2. Jungfrau Express
One of the country’s most popular railway routes, the Jungfrau Express starts out at Interlaken, taking one of two mountain routes – Wengen or Grindlewald – before ascending via a high-altitude rack railway to Europe’s highest train station at the 3,454m summit of Jungfrau. It’s not only the destination that’s impressive – the dramatic ascent offers a breathtaking array of scenery with dense woodland, snowy peaks and tunnels snaking through the mountain.

3. The Glacier Express
Arrive at your ski resort in style on the Glacier Express, a spectacular 180 mile track winding through the Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz that includes an incredible 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. Largely regarded as Europe’s most scenic train journey, the route crosses the Rhone and the Rhine rivers, the towering Matterhorn Mountain and the deep ravines of Gotthard Pass, before climbing to heights of 2033m over the Oberalp Pass.

4. Bernina Express
A narrow gauge railway running through the Alps from St Moritz all the way to Tirano in Italy, the Bernina Express winds through a wonderland of snow-dusted scenery. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site between Thusis and Tirano, the rugged mountain pass over the vast Landwasser viaduct and the startling descent into the palm-fringe Tirano Lake District.

- Zoe Smith

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Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland from Switzerland Things to Do

Hallwyl Castle. Photo courtesy of Dietrich Michael Weidmann via wikimedia.

It’s difficult to imagine a more rewarding historical museum-going excursion than a visit to the collection of castles in northern Switzerland that make up the prestigious Museum Aargau. The castles in question include some of the finest examples of historical architecture in Switzerland. First among these is Hallwyl Castle, one of the most important moated castles in the country. It is located on two islands in the River Aabach, at the northern end of Lake Hallwil.

Museum Aargau from Switzerland Things to Do

Seerenbach Falls. Photo courtesy of Paebi via wikimedia.

The base of Switzerland’s highest waterfall is a fascinating place. Situated on the northern edge of Lake Walen, Seerenbach Falls pours down a vertical cliff and spills into the overflow of the mysterious Rin Spring, which bubbles up from an underground river out of a deep, extensive cave system.

Some visitors to the falls occasionally report disappointment, as the volume of water pouring down the cliff face can be reduced to a mere wisp depending on snowmelt and other factors. When the water is flowing, however, the falls are a sight to behold.

The spring and the cave system beneath it are more interesting still. Several expeditions into the caves have attempted to discover both its source and the destination of a large offshoot that diverts into a hole have achieved virtually nothing, despite the fact that divers have swum as far as 3,000 feet into the cave.  One of Europe’s largest subterranean river systems, the Rin promises to remain unmapped into the indefinite future.

Both the falls and the spring are reached via a 20-minute walk from Betlis. Another nearby hike that heads from Weesen to Betlis (a route that takes roughly an hour) also comes highly recommended. During the summer, regular ferry service plies the waters from Betlis to Weesen and back again.  It’s possible to extend your trekking to a 6-hour, one-way hike to Walenstadt as well.

From Zürich, regular trains headed toward Ziegelbrücke will take you to your jumping-off point, and a visit to the falls can make an excellent daytrip if you start out early.

- John Reality

Seeing Seerenbach Falls from Switzerland Things to Do

The streets of Bever. Photo courtesy of Martin Sauter via wikimedia.

Situated in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, the small village of Bever is a wonderfully well-preserved example of a largely bygone era of village life in the Swiss countryside. Peace and tranquility reign in this lovely assemblage of holiday apartments, hotels, and pensions surrounded by larch and pine forests, meadows, fields and farms, and a tributary of the Danube (the Inn River).

Despite its seeming isolation, Bever is well within striking distance of the famous sports and cultural centers of Upper Engadine. The main reason that savvy tourists travel to this tiny town is to soak up some quiet contemplation and recuperative recreation in the idyllic and automobile-free Bever Valley (known locally as Val Bever).

The time to visit is summer, and one of the most popular activities in the area is the so-called “fairy tale hike” to the nearby hamlet of Spinas. While the hike takes little more than an hour and involves less than 300 feet in elevation gain, the trip through the pristine natural setting is a memorable one.

Once you reach Spinas, you can continue on along a much more challenging route to Preda via the Fuorcla Crap Alv (be aware: this trek is not for the faint of heart). Before returning to Bever, take a moment (or a weekend) to explore Spinas. There is a traditional Swiss hotel that has a 100 year-old bowling alley, an attentive staff, and a beautiful sunroom and terrace.

- John Reality

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Relaxing in Bever from Switzerland Things to Do

The tiered vineyards of Lavaux, overlooking Lake Geneva.

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.

The waterfront city of Geneva, set on the Southwestern tip of the lake, is an obvious base for exploring the region, but Lausanne, famous for hosting the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Museum, is another popular choice. Those looking to escape the city will find themselves drawn to the lakeside towns and villages, the most notable of which is Montreux, on the eastern bank, home to the fairytale Chillon Castle and famed for its annual Jazz Festival.

A number of key sights are dotted between Geneva and Montreux, including the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyards, an expanse of tiered vineyards climbing the hillsides above the lake and making a popular destination for wine tasting tours; the historic town of Vevey, famous for its lively weekly folk markets; the port of La Tour-de-Peilz, with its iconic Charlie Chaplin statue; and Morges, famous for its pretty Castle and seasonal Christmas markets.

Unsurprisingly, many of Lake Geneva’s activities center around the lake itself, with scenic boat cruises and water sports making popular summertime activites. Hiking and cycling the lakeside promenades and surrounding hillsides is another popular way to explore, and a thorough train network allows easy access to the surrounding alpine villages and resorts. For the best views, take the funicular to the summit of Mount Pélerin, looking down on Vevey or the historic cogwheel railway to Rochers de Naye, above Montreux.

Of course, you don’t just have to stay on the Swiss Side, the French lakeside town of Evian-des-bains, famous for its eponymous mineral water, and the nearby ski resort of Chamonix, at the foot of the towering Mount Blanc, are also popular destinations.

- Zoe Smith

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Lake Geneva, Fairy-tale Castles and Vineyard Views from Switzerland Things to Do

Take a hike!

For centuries, industrious farmers in the picturesque highlands around Nendaz have employed a byzantine series of irrigation canals feeding one of the most important raspberry and apricot growing regions in Switzerland. This, the largest actively utilized system of ancient irrigation canals in the world, also provides a memorable opportunity for alpine hiking.

Weaving throughout the channels are more than 60 miles of designated hiking trails that are perfect for casual hikers and families, as they offer extensive routes with almost no noticeable altitude gains or losses, owing to the necessity of keeping the waterlines close to level.

One route in particular that comes highly recommended is the trip from Haut-Nendaz along the middle channel (known as Bisse du Milieux) to Planchouet. The trip takes 3-4 hours, but the refreshments and local delicacies that await you at Auberge Les Bisses and Chez Edith in Lavantier are definitely worth the effort.

The exceedingly popular return trip to Nendaz via the oldest channel (the Bisse Vieux) is famously beautiful and romantic (if not always secluded). From the village proper, more than 150 miles of other hikes span out over 24 different routes to various peaks and geological formations in the area.

A variety of largely high-end accommodations, resorts, and fine-dining establishments are available for travelers with a little bit of money to spend, and a handful of mountain huts persist in the surrounding mountains for the more adventurous (and budget-minded) among you. Note: trekkers set on ascending into the wilds should come prepared, as most huts are, while perfectly adequate, relatively spartan when it comes to amenities.

- John Reality

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Hiking the Water Trail of Nendaz from Switzerland Things to Do

Springtime in Lausanne, Switzerland

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.

The country’s many lakes are popular places to spend spring with a range of water sports, open air swimming and boat cruises taking place on Lake Geneva or Lake Thun in Interlaken. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux vineyards begin flowering, making spring a great time for wine tasting, although harvest time doesn’t start until late summer.

Spring also brings with a number of traditional folklore festivals, with the uniquely Swiss event of cow fighting taking place in a number of villages in the Valais region. In the country’s Romansh speaking cantons, the spring season kicks off with the Chalandamarz festival, held on the first of March each year to herald the start of spring. The traditional festival sees parades of children take to the streets in traditional costumes, clanging cowbells and cracking whips to scare away the ‘spirits of winter’, before the villagers gather for a communal feast, complete with traditional music and dancing. Another key event is the Fasnacht, or Basel Carnival, a huge 3-day event held before Ash Wednesday, that draws crowds from all over Switzerland. Turning Basel’s city center into a giant street party, the carnival includes a vibrant masked parade with marching bands, traditional dancers, a lantern procession and plenty of flamboyant costumes.

Easter time also brings with it a number of quirky local celebrations, but like many European countries, the traditions of gifting chocolate eggs and organizing Easter egg hunts are most popular. In May, look out for May Day celebrations, like the Maibar Festival in Bad Ragaz and regional festivals, like the famous Cheese Festival in Gruyères.

- Zoe Smith

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Spring in Switzerland from Switzerland Things to Do

Folk musicians in Bern. Photo courtesy of Buskersbern via Flickr.

From alphorn players dressed in traditional costumes to yodeling folk singers, Switzerland’s unique traditions have become famous around the world and a myriad of folklore festivals are held around the country in celebration. Don’t get too bogged down in the stereotypes though, because Switzerland’s cultural diversity stretches far beyond the embroidered petticoats and Ländler (folk music) dancing and each village offers its own unique traditions. Whether you fancy joining a massive street party or sampling a range of delicious local cuisine, here are some of the best folklore festivals in Switzerland.

1. Basel Carnival
The Fasnacht, or Basel Carnival (often referred to as simply ‘Carnival’), is Switzerland largest festival, held over three days – from early Monday morning to early Thursday morning in the week following Ash Wednesday. Some 20,000 masked participants take to the streets throughout the festival, with flamboyant marching bands of fifers and drummers kicking off proceedings at the crack of dawn and carnival troops illuminating the streets with a procession of giant lanterns. The festivities dominate the city center throughout the carnival, with comedy performances, live music and costumed dancers transforming Basel into a giant street party.

2. Onion Festival, Bern
A traditional folk festival held each November, the Zibelemarit, or Onion Market, is one of Bern’s most unique events, with over 50 tons of onions descending on the capital. An enormous open-air market spreads throughout the city center, with stalls adorned with decorative strings of onions and an array of homemade produce from slabs of Swiss cheese to jars of fruity jam on sale. Dating back to the 1400s, the vibrant festival was initially an autumn fair and farmers market, but today the celebrations include a colorful parade and clouds of confetti raining through the air. Join in the festive spirit by hanging a garland of peppermint candies around your neck, sipping a glass (or several) of Glühwein (mulled wine), tucking into some traditional Zibelechueche (Onion tart) or, if you’re really brave, taking to the freezing waters of the Schönausteg for the traditional Zibeleschwümme (Onion Swim) on the Sunday before the market.

3. Unspunnen Festival, Interlaken
One of the country’s most unique festivals, the Unspunnen Festival is held every twelve years in the adventure sports capital of Interlaken (the next event is scheduled for 2017) and draws visitors from all over the country to watch the throwing of the legendary Unspunnen Stone. A day of competitions celebrate some of the most unique Swiss cultures and traditions, including Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), yodeling and Steinstossen (stone throwing), followed by a folklore evening of singing, dancing and traditional cuisine. The main event is of course, the throwing of the Unspunnen Stone – an 83.5 kg rock of Aare granite, lifted from the Hasli Valley – a peculiar tradition dating back to the 13th century.

4. Zermatt Folklore Festival
Held each year on the second weekend of August, Zermatt hosts one of the country’s most anticipated music festivals. Swiss Folklore groups from around the country descend on the ski resort with over 1200 traditional dancers, musicians and, of course, yodelers taking part. From traditional costumes to alphorn players, this is the place to indulge in all things Swiss, with the lively festivities set in the foothills of the majestic Matterhorn.

5. Chalandamarz Festival, Engadine
A parade of children dressed in traditional Engadine costumes, clanging huge cowbells and singing folk songs sets the scene for the unique Chalandamarz festival, held on the first of March each year to herald the start of spring. The ancient festival is the country’s most popular Romansh event, an ancient alpine tradition that employs a procession of children armed with bells and whips to scare away the ‘spirits of winter’. Make sure you stick around until the evening when the entire town gathers for a communal feast with traditional music and dancing.

6. Swiss National Day
A national holiday and the biggest event of the year, Swiss National Day is a countrywide celebration of the historic alliance of the three cantons that founded the Swiss Confederation on August 1st 1291. As the president and prominent political figures offer poignant speeches, a series of fireworks displays, lantern parades, mountaintop bonfires and feasts take place around the country, so wherever you find yourself in Switzerland, there’s sure to be a unique celebration of local history. Most atmospheric are the special illuminations and fireworks at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen and the historic reenactment in the Rütli Meadow above Lake Lucerne.

- Zoe Smith

Planning a Trip? Check out Viator’s Switzerland tours and things to do, Switzerland attractions, and Switzerland travel recommendations. 

Folklore Festivals in Switzerland from Switzerland Things to Do