Introduction
Switzerland may be a small country in central Europe, but it is unparalleled in natural beauty and the legendary Swiss cheese, chocolate, and watches. This landlocked country has a landscape comprising lakes, mountains, meadows, and numerous scenic spots. Switzerland has always remained a neutral power politically, upholding democracy and a multicultural society throughout its modern existence. Further, the efficiency and safety of the Swiss banking and financial system is world-renowned. Over half of the Alps, Europe's highest and most picturesque mountain range, fall within Switzerland. The Swiss Alps allure one and all with its breathtaking sceneries and opportunities to ski, hike, and go mountain climbing.
We intend to help you narrow down the places to visit Switzerland with this blog, especially the top tourist places in Switzerland. Join us in exploring and admiring the best Switzerland tourist spots.
Top Places to Visit in Switzerland
- Zurich
- Bern
- Interlaken
- Geneva
- St. Gallen
- Zurich
The biggest city in Switzerland, Zurich’s location is on the northwestern side of Lake Zurich, some 64 kilometres from the northern part of the Alps. The city is the capital of Zurich Canton and stretches between two forested hill chains. Zurich is a financial, cultural, and industrial centre today. Zurich was a customs station called Turicum in Roman times. It joined the Swiss Confederation in 1351. The influence of the Reformation period transformed Zurich into a commerce and banking hub in the 18th and 19th centuries. Famous personalities such as James Joyce and Albert Einstein have lived in Zurich, and the city has played a vital role in developing modern Western art, literature, and science.
Things to Do in Zurich
- Tour the Rietberg Museum and admire the art and exhibitions from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania
- Visit Kunsthaus Restaurant, which triples as a restaurant, museum, and art gallery, to gaze in awe at the works of artists such as Picasso, Giacometti, Monet, and Chagall
- Counted among the top Switzerland tourist attractions, be a guest at the Zurich Film Festival, an annual event that showcases the works of new and emerging filmmakers from around the world
- Bern
Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founded Bern in 1191 and named it after a bear he had killed. The bear remains Bern’s official mascot, and there is a park wherein the furry animals wander about in their natural habitat. Bern has successfully preserved its medieval bearings to win the coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Bern is among the best places to visit in Switzerland, given its fascinating Aare River, numerous fountains, and impressive landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Federal Palace, and the Clock Tower. But the arcades that cover the streets, cafes, restaurants, and house shops are the show stealers. They spread over 6 kilometres, making the shopping area one of the longest-covered in Europe.
Things to Do in Bern
- The Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum recounts Bern’s chequered past and Albert Einstein’s life in Bern from 1903 to 1905
- The Rose Garden, with over 200 rose varieties, is among the top Switzerland tourist spots and a vantage point to view the Alps
- Visit Bear Park to watch brown bears roaming in their natural habitat
- The medieval clock tower, Zytglogge, is one of the top Switzerland attractions. Take a guided tour and watch the mechanical figures mark the passage of every hour
- Interlaken
Located between the Thun and Brienz lakes, Interlaken is among the unique places to visit in Switzerland. The majestic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks surround the region. Interlaken is popularly known as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland region, from where visitors can immerse in the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps by hopping on a train, cable car, or even hiking. Back in the 12th century, Interlaken was a small monastery, but it has amassed a rich history and culture over the centuries. Tour the old town of Unterseen, the Unspunnen Castle, and the Interlaken Monastery Museum. Today, shops, restaurants, bars, and festivals crowd Interlaken, making it a lively and modern city. Cheese fondue, chocolate, and wine comprise the local specialities.
Things to Do in Interlaken
- Enjoy canoeing, paragliding, hang gliding, kayaking, rafting, skiing, or going hiking in the mountains
- Learn about Interlaken’s history and culture at the Oberhofen Castle or Spiez Castle on Lake Thun
- For serene views of the lakes and the Alps, take a steamboat cruise on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun, or ride the Schynige Platte Railway or the Harder Kulm Funicular
- Head to Jungfraujoch to experience the highest and most spectacular railway ride in all of Europe
- Geneva
The Celtic tribe of the Allobroges is believed to have established Geneva, a city on the Rhone River and among the top Switzerland tourist attractions. The Romans captured the place in 121 B.C. and made it a strategic outpost. Feudal lords governed Geneva during the Middle Ages. The city witnessed the birth of notable political and social movements in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Swiss Confederation. Geneva’s beauty has attracted many famous personalities, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Voltaire, Mary Shelley, and many more. The city is now a hub for international cooperation, hosting bodies such as the World Health Organisation, the Red Cross, and the United Nations.
Things to do in Geneva
- Visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum to learn about their history and humanitarian work. The original Red Cross flag and other artefacts related to their missions around the world are on display
- Another among the top Switzerland tourist spots is the Patek Philippe Museum, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the legendary Swiss watchmaker
- Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe and ideal for boat rides, swimming, or simply relaxing
- Gallen
Visit St. Gallen in the country's northeast, the capital of St. Gallen Canton, which traces its beginnings to the 7th century. St. Gallen was established as a hermitage by an Irish monk named Gallus. During the Middle Ages, a Benedictine abbey was built on the site, which became a centre of learning and art. The abbey's library is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing thousands of ancient manuscripts. The library has a beautiful baroque cathedral adorned with colourful windows and intricate embroidery. Today, St. Gallen is a modern cosmopolitan city with a prestigious university and vibrant cultural scene, making the place one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions.
Things to Do at St. Gallen
- Take a trip to Lake Constance or the Appenzell region to enjoy scenic views and go biking, boating, and skiing. Visit Stein and other beautiful villages and towns in the area, wherein you can observe the cheese-making process
- Catch a show at the Theater St. Gallen that offers a variety of performances, from opera and musicals to ballet
- Celebrate St. Gallen's traditions, such as the Children's Festival, which takes place every three years and features a parade, games, and music
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
A visit to Switzerland depends on what you want to see and do. Here are some general tips:
- If you want to enjoy the snowy landscapes and winter sports in the Alps, the best time to visit is from December to March. This is the peak season for things to do in Switzerland, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
- The period from mid-March to mid-June is the ideal time to visit Switzerland to admire the spring flowers and green hills in the Central Plateau.
- Plan your trip during the warmest and driest weather between mid-June and mid-September for the best places to visit in Switzerland. The summer season allows you to swim freely in the lakes, rivers, and pools or relax on the beaches. However, book your accommodation and transportation in advance as this is also the busiest season.
Travel Insurance for Switzerland
It is mandatory to have travel insurance while visiting Switzerland as the country is part of the Schengen Region. Travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including peace of mind as it safeguards you from unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and loss of documents and baggage. With solid travel insurance as backup, you can explore Switzerland's majestic landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural attractions without any inhibition. There are numerous places to visit in Switzerland, so unique and enchanting that your visit to this country will be worth every second. Hence, obtaining travel insurance becomes vital for you and your family. Remember that before purchasing a travel insurance policy, it is essential to review its terms, coverage limits, and exclusions carefully. Choosing the policy that ideally suits your requirements and expectations would be best.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
Related Articles: