Switzerland

Stunning scenery in a varied landscape from dramatic mountains, spectacular waterfalls and tranquil lakes to picturesque towns and bustling cities.

View across Lake Lucerne (Switzerland Tourism/Beat Mueller)

Old Town, Lucerne (Switzerland Tourism/Emanuel Ammon)

Lake Maggiore (Switzerland Tourism/Markus Buehler-Rasom)

Alphorn blowers (Switzerland Tourism/Christof Sonderegger)

The Matterhorn (Switzerland Tourism)

A chamois in the Swiss National Park (Switzerland Tourism/Nico Schaerer)

Lake Oeschinen in Bernese Oberland. (Switzerland Tourism/Christof Sonderegge)

Swiss chalet in the Zulg Valley, Bernese Oberland (Switzerland Tourism/Roland Gerth)

Oberhofen Castle, Lake Thun (Switzerland Tourism)

(Switzerland Tourism - BAFU/Roland Gerth)

Diemtigtal Nature Park, Bernese Oberland (Switzerland Tourism - BAFU/Roland Gerth)

Zurich (Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk)

Apres Ski in Grindelwald (Switzerland Tourism/Stephan Schacher)

Something different can be found in every part of Switzerland and is easily explored on the efficient Swiss Transport System. Take a trip on a lake steamer, gondola, cable car or funicular. Walkers of all abilities can enjoy some of Europe’s finest walking areas, strolls through meadows and vineyards, lakeside walks with a backdrop of snow topped mountains. Join a themed trail where you can learn all about the local history, flora and fauna.

Murren is a traditional mountain village with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and meadows and forests. Accessed by cable car, the village is traffic free. Take a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike from the village through stunning scenery. Little shops and cafes line the streets of this pretty village.

On a sunny, sheltered, natural terrace above the Lauterbrunnen Valley lies the delightful car-free village of Wengen. Access to the village is by mountain train. This area is one of Switzerland’s most popular walking areas with many pleasant walks through flower filled meadows and pine forests, amidst the surrounding snow peaked mountains. Wengen is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding areas via mountain railways and cable cars. Take a trip to the top of the Mannlichen and Jungfraujoch for spectacular views.

Situated at the foot of the magnificent North Face of the Eiger, Grindelwald is a friendly mountain village in the heart of fabulous walking country. Both sides of the valley can be reached by rail or by taking a gondola or cable car from the village centre. Visitors can travel on one of the world’s most famous railways, the Jungfraujoch to Europe’s highest railway station.

In the heart of the Bernese Oberland lies Kandersteg. With its main street lined with small shops, cafes and restaurants, this pretty alpine village enjoys a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There are many walks and trails from gentle strolls to more challenging hill walks taking in the beautiful glacier valley, meadows and lakes. In the midst of the Bernese Oberland, Lake Thun is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, pretty villages and the towns of Interlaken and Thun. Interlaken sits impressively on the River Aare between the sparkling waters of Lakes Thun and Brienz with a backdrop of the snow topped Jungfrau Massif. On the northern part of the lake lies the small picturesque village of Hilterfingen, situated between the town of Thun and Oberhofen Castle. Further down the lake towards Interlaken is the quieter village of Merligen. There is easy access to the surrounding area via local buses or lake steamers with plenty of pleasant walks possible.

On the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne sits the historic and colourful city of Lucerne. Explore the charming cobbled streets of its pedestrianized old town and visit the delightful cafes or boutiques. The lake steamers make regular trips taking passengers to the tranquil villages of Weggis and Vitznau approximately 40 minutes away. Both have pretty flower lined promenades with a selection of cafes and restaurants. Mount Rigi can be reached by cable car from Weggis or by the historic cog railway and offers stunning panoramic views.

The vibrant town of Montreux sits on the eastern end of Lake Geneva and is surrounded by hillsides covered with gardens and vineyards. Montreux is an excellent base from which to explore this area. Whether by boat, train bus or on foot there is plenty to see and do. The summit of the Rochers-de-Naye can be accessed by train and is well worth a visit for the spectacular views and the alpine garden.

Zermatt is a picturesque village full of character, surrounded by mountains, the Matterhorn, Dom and Monte Rosa. This is a car-free village with many pleasant walks on well maintained paths for all grades of walker with some wonderful views. There are cafes, boutiques and chocolate shops for you to sample. There is also an excellent mountain transport network and you can take the railway up the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding area and spectacular views of the Matterhorn.

Top Accommodation within the Switzerland Region