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The best places to visit in Switzerland, whatever the season
From elegant cities to cosy mountain villages and chic ski resorts, here are the best places to visit in Switzerland
When you think of Swiss holidays, what comes to mind? For us, it's tranquil lakes, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
The best places to visit in Switzerland combine all of the above, allowing you to make the most of the country's incredible natural vistas.
Switzerland is a dream holiday destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, and one of the best ways to travel through its heavenly landscapes is by train. The Swiss rail network is famously efficient, and what better way to enjoy the country's jaw-dropping mountain vistas than gliding through them on a historic railway?
There's the Glacier Express, which takes you to the major Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the Oberalp Pass. It's known as the 'slowest express train in the world’ because of its leisurely pace, allowing you to appreciate the ever-changing views through large panoramic windows.
The Bernina Express is another historic route, running from Chur and St Moritz and over the northern Italian border to Tirano. Along with the Glacier Express, this is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe. You can discover them both on Good Housekeeping's luxury Swiss rail holiday.
Of course, another of Switzerland's main attractions is the skiing. Chic resorts like St Moritz and Champéry have long histories of winter sports and attract skiers from all over the world to their slopes.
While it's a great destination for cold weather holidays, Switzerland's appeal doesn't end when the snow starts to melt. Summer brings opportunities for sunbathing on the shores of serene lakes, and spring and autumn bring mild temperatures to the mountains, perfect for long leisurely walks.
As beautiful as the Swiss countryside is, it's not all the country has to offer. Some of the best places to visit in Switzerland are found in its elegant cities, from the independent boutiques and cafes of Geneva's Old Town to the beautiful parks and gardens of the capital, Bern.
From stylish cities to traditional mountain villages and bougie ski resorts, here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Zermatt
There's perhaps no more famous a view in Switzerland than that of the mighty Matterhorn, with its jagged, instantly recognisable peak rising high above the surrounding mountains. It's an iconic symbol of Swiss tourism, and the best way to see it for yourself is with a trip to Zermatt, a peaceful village lying in the mountain's foothills.
Zermatt is a delightfully traditional town, where car-free streets are lined with traditional wooden chalets, boutique shops and cosy cafes. Although you can see the peak from many places in the town, for absolutely jaw-dropping views head up even higher on the Gornergrat Railway.
From the carriages of this historic cog railway, you'll be able to enjoy the most outstanding views of the famous Matterhorn at 3,089m above sea level. A visit to Zermatt and a ride on the Gornergrat Railway are included on Good Housekeeping's six-day luxury Swiss rail tour.
St Mortiz
One of the country's chic mountain resorts, St Moritz has a long and important history as a winter sports destination, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Skiers flock here for the wonderfully diverse slopes, ranging from expert pistes to beginner and family-friendly slopes. Of course, the apres-ski is a luxury affair, with a whole host of stylish restaurants and bars to unwind in after a day on the slopes.
Long before the Winter Olympics were held in St Moritz, it was an attractive summer resort town, thanks to its mineral springs. The town is still home to many luxurious spa hotels, which make the most of this spring water, said to have many health benefits. Whatever time of year you choose to visit, you're bound to have a fabulous time here.
You can visit in spring, autumn or winter with Good Housekeeping's tour of northern Italy and Switzerland. You'll enjoy a memorable day trip to St Moritz on the Bernina Express from your base on the shores of Lake Como.
Interlaken
Nestled in a narrow valley between two lakes, this central Swiss Alpine resort town has an old-world feel with well-preserved traditional architecture. As you'd expect from a town surrounded by water, Interlaken is great for water activities, perfect for canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the warmer months.
It's certainly worth a visit in winter too, where it makes a great base for exploring some of central Switzerland's excellent ski resorts, including Jungfrau, Schilthorn, Beatenberg-Niederhorn, and Grindelwald.
Join Good Housekeeping's five-day Swiss holiday and you'll stay for four nights staying in Interlaken in a hotel with glorious views of the Jungfrau Mountain. The town is well connected by rail, and you'll travel to Chur by train and enjoy a memorable day trip on board the Glacier Express.
Bern
The Swiss capital is a delightful place for a European city break. With its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, the city has the look and feel of a provincial town in parts, but there's plenty to see and do.
The pretty Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its wonderfully preserved historic buildings, located on a peninsula in the bend of the Aare River, which becomes a popular swimming spot in summer. At chillier times of year, you can explore Christmas markets selling artisan gifts and yummy treats, or enjoy a warming drink or dinner in one of the city's typical vaulted cellars.
Other highlights include the clock tower which inspired Einstein’s understanding of the theory of relativity, as well as a range of top-class museums. You'll spend half a day exploring the highlights of Bern as part of Good Housekeeping's five-day Swiss break.
Thun
Lying on the north-western shores of Lake Thun, this enchanting town is known as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. The town's skyline is dominated by a fairytale castle, which now houses a historical museum telling the story of the region's history.
Climbing up to one of the castle's corner towers will reward you with breathtaking views across the emerald lake and the surrounding mountains. Another way to take in the idyllic surroundings is with a cruise on Lake Thun, whose deep blue waters are framed by quaint villages and the peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Good Houskeeping's five-day Swiss adventure includes a cruise across the serene waters of Lake Thun, allowing you to marvel at the historic buildings along on its shores.
Geneva
Like many of the best places to visit in Switzerland, Geneva combines vibrant urban culture with tranquil nature. It's the country's second-largest city, so as you'd expect, there are plenty of top-class tourist attractions.
Wander through the expansive green spaces Parc des Bastions, built on the site of the former botanic gardens, marvel at the famous flower clock, dedicated to the city's watchmakers, or simply stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva, watching the boats come and go.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will be happy on a trip to Geneva. The city is famous for its chocolate and has been home to artisan chocolatiers for centuries. You can visit several historic chocolate shops which are still in operation today, like Favarger Chocolatier, Founded in 1826 and famous for its Avelines, hazelnut pralines covered in creamy milk chocolate. Delicious!
Montreux
Montreux is a picturesque town, located on what's known as the Swiss Riviera on the sunny shores of Lake Geneva. The town is famous for its summer jazz festival, which has been running here since 1967, attracting musical talent from all over the world each July.
But if you're visiting at a different time of year, worry not as there's plenty more to do in this attractive lakeside town. You could take a civilised cruise with lunch on board one of the many beautiful belle époque style paddle steamers which ply the lake, or catch a cog-wheel railway to the spectacular peak of Rochers de Naye, which towers over the water.
Montreux is also home to the striking Château de Chillon, a historic castle perched on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The famous 13th-century castle is Switzerland’s most visited historical building and the very essence of a romantic medieval fortress.
Chur
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. As you might expect from such a historic town, Chur is a great place to get a glimpse at traditional Swiss life. One way to do this is by wandering around its lovely markets. In the spring, summer and early autumn you'll find a weekly farmers' market with delicious local produce.
In the winter, there's a Christmas market in the old town, where the streets are decked out with twinkling fairy lights. Here you can buy handmade, regional products, like wooden toys and Christmas wreaths, and plenty of mouthwatering food, from baked goods to barley soup and warming glühwein.
You'll spend three nights in Chur on Good Housekeeping's short break in Switzerland, with both spring and winter dates available. While here, make the most of an included Chur Guest Card, offering discounts on local transport and museums.
Lausanne
The fourth biggest city in Switzerland, Lausanne is packed with elegant parks and gardens, vibrant shopping districts and fine architecture. It's a very walkable city, although, being built on three hills, parts of it are quite steep.
If you do choose to climb to the top of one of the hills, you'll be rewarded with some incredible views from the top of the cathedral’s belfry, Sauvabelin Tower, or the Montbenon Esplanade. Those who prefer an easier walk can simply stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva, watching boats bob on the calm water.
While here, you can also explore many internationally renowned museums, including the Fondation de l’Hermitage Museum of Fine Art or the Art Brut Museum. Sports lovers will want to pay a visit to the Olympic Museum, where they can learn about the history of the Games through audiovisual exhibitions (Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters).
Zurich
Zurich has as many top-notch tourist attractions as you'd expect from Switzerland's largest city. One of its top landmarks is the Grossmünster, a protestant church in the Old Town. Brave the climb up the 187 stairs from the nave up to one of its two towers and you'll be rewarded with incredible views over the Zurich rooftops, the lake and the exquisite Alpine peaks on the horizon.
For a spot of luxurious shopping, head to Bahnhofstrasse, where upmarket boutiques, jewellery shops and department stores line a world-renowned shopping boulevard, leading all the way down to Lake Geneva.
Art lovers will also feel at home in Zurich. The Kunsthaus is the largest art museum in Switzerland and houses an impressive collection of modern art, including pieces by Picasso, Monet, Chagall and several contemporary Swiss artists. Or, for a spot of history, head to the Swiss National Museum, which tells the history of Switzerland through a unique collection of everyday objects.
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