Things to do in Switzerland

If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Switzerland, here are some of the must-see highlights.

Switzerland is truly a fairy tale destination, with its crystal-clear blue lakes, lush green mountains, and charming alpine villages that make it a uniquely special mountain destination.

 In the following section, I will provide more detailed recommendations for activities and cultural sites to visit. Click the photos to know more! 

Switzerland highlights 

Schilthorn

Schilthorn is a mountain in the Swiss Alps located above the village of Mürren. It is a popular destination for tourists, particularly for the panoramic views it offers of the surrounding mountain peaks, including the characteristic and famous Eiger, Mönsch, and Jungfrau. 

The mountain is also famous for its connection to the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", as it was used as a filming location. Visitors can reach the summit by taking a cable car from the valley floor, and once there, can enjoy various activities such as hiking, skiing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the observation deck or revolving restaurant.

December 2017

Does this peak sound familiar? The Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland is said to have inspired the iconic shape of the Toblerone chocolate bar!  Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks in the Alps with a summit elevation of 4,478 meters (14,692 feet). The first ascent of the Matterhorn was in 1865, but it remains a challenging climb with many fatalities.

This picture was taken in May 2018.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, known for its stunning views of the Matterhorn peak (left). It's a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and mountaineering in the summer. 

Explore the village's quaint streets, lined with cozy chalets and shops selling Swiss chocolate and watches. Zermatt is also home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine (try Älplermagronen with applesauce, mouth-watering) to international fare. Note that you can only reach Zermatt by train. If you come by car, you can park in Täsch (e.g. parking next to train station) and from there take the train (SBB) to Zermatt. 

I recommend going up the Gornergrat taking the cogwheel train from Zermatt. If you want to save some money, you can hike down to Zermatt and pay half-price. The view from the top of Gornergrat is completely worth it. You have a perfect view of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa (the highest peak in Switzerland with 4,634m), and the Gorner Glacier. On the top not only you can enjoy a panoramic view but also visit an observatory, explore the Alpine garden, or enjoy the sun on the restaurant's terrace. 

Whether taking in the breathtaking scenery or hitting the slopes, Zermatt offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Other natural sites

September 2020

Aare Gorge

Aare Gorge in Meiringen (near Interlaken) is a stunning natural wonder featuring a narrow and dramatic gorge carved out by the Aare River over thousands of years.  The gorge stretches over a kilometer long with walls that tower up to 50 meters high in certain areas. Its narrowest point is only one meter wide, creating an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. 

Visitors can walk through the gorge on a wooden walkway and witness the power of the river firsthand. The Aare Gorge has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century and was even used by the Swiss army as a hiding place for ammunition and supplies during World War II. 


Additionally, Meiringen, located nearby, is famous for its association with Sherlock Holmes, and the Reichenbach Falls, where Holmes meets his demise, is only a few kilometers away.

December 2017

Rhine falls

The Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen (35 min by car and 1h by public transport from Zurich) is a must-see natural wonder. The falls are one of the largest in Europe, with a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters, formed by the Rhine River dropping over a rocky ledge. 

Visitors can view the falls from different vantage points, including platforms and boat tours. The falls create a refreshing atmosphere with deafening sound and mist. Surrounding the falls area are beautiful nature, hiking trails, picnic areas, and restaurants. 

Wildlife guided tour in Interlaken

A wildlife-guided tour in Interlaken is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps and learn about the incredible wildlife that inhabits the region. Led by a knowledgeable and experienced guide, this tour offer us the opportunity to see animals such as ibex, chamois, and deer in their natural habitat. Click on the image to know more!

September 2022

Cultural visits

April 2023

Thun and St. Beatus cave

St. Beatus Cave is a natural cave system that has been formed over millions of years. It is over 14 kilometers long and consists of a series of chambers, waterfalls, and underground lakes. The story of St. Beatus Cave in Switzerland dates back to the 6th century when it is said that an Irish monk named St. Beatus lived in a cave high above Lake Thun. 

If you want to explore an itinerary of visiting the cave and a day in Thun, check out this section or click on the picture!

François-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory

The François-Xavier Observatory in Tignousa is an astronomical observatory perched at 2,320 meters (7,610 ft) above sea level and can be accessed by a small train. The observatory is equipped with various telescopes used for scientific research, including a solar telescope with special filters for detailed study of the sun's surface and activity like sunspots and solar flares. 

Apart from scientific work, the observatory also offers guided tours and observation sessions which are definitely worth it. Visitors can learn about astronomy from the observatory staff while observing the sun and other celestial objects through the telescopes.

November 2022

Castles in Switzerland


Switzerland boasts some of Europe's most magnificent and well-preserved castles, each with a unique history and architecture. Built during the Middle Ages to defend strategic locations or as noble residences, these castles now serve as museums and cultural centers, providing visitors with a glimpse into Switzerland's rich cultural heritage. From the towering Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva to the Castle of Gruyères in the Swiss Alps, these structures transport visitors back in time and immerse them in stories and legends.

Château de Chillon - November 2022

The Château de Chillon (approx. 40 min by car or train from Lausanne) is a medieval castle situated on the shores of Lake Leman/Geneva in Switzerland. It was first constructed in the 12th century as a fortress for the Counts of Savoy. Over the years, the castle was expanded and renovated with additional features such as the chapel, great hall, and dungeon. The castle played an important military role during the Middle Ages and was also used as a prison for political dissidents and religious reformers. In the 19th century, Chillon became a popular tourist destination, with writers and artists such as Lord Byron and Jean-Jacques Rousseau visiting and writing about its beauty and history. Today, it is open to the public and considered one of the most visited castles in Europe.

Chocolate in Switzerland


Switzerland's chocolate history dates back to the 18th century, but it wasn't until the invention of milk chocolate in the 19th century that Swiss chocolate became truly famous. Daniel Peter, a Swiss chocolatier, was the first to add milk to chocolate, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture that quickly became popular.

Rodolphe Lindt, another famous Swiss chocolatier, invented the conching machine in 1879, allowing chocolate to be refined for hours, resulting in a smoother texture. The Swiss chocolate industry continued to thrive, with Cailler opening its factory in Broc in 1901, cementing Switzerland's reputation as a chocolate-making powerhouse.

Today, Swiss chocolate is known worldwide for its quality, taste, and variety, and it's a must-try for anyone visiting Switzerland. Whether it's a classic milk chocolate bar or a more unique flavor like champagne or truffle, Switzerland's chocolate is sure to please any sweet tooth.

The Cailler chocolate factory in Broc (approx. 45 min by car / 1h20 by train away from Lausanne) is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. The factory was founded in 1819 by François-Louis Cailler and is considered one of the oldest chocolate brands in Switzerland. Today, the Cailler chocolate brand is owned by Nestlé. The tour includes a visit to the interactive chocolate museum, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and the Cailler brand. You'll also get to see the production line and watch the chocolatiers in action as they create the chocolate treats. The tour ends with a chocolate tasting, where you can sample a variety of Cailler chocolates and indulge in their delicious flavors

Cailler chocolate factory - (photo taken from main site)