SWITZERLAND Travel Guide 2024 🇨🇭 The Alpine Paradise

So, you're dreaming of sandy beaches with palm trees swaying in the breeze. Well, Switzerland isn't that kind of travel destination. Cheese, chocolate, watches, all the usual stereotypes are true. But Switzerland is much more than that. Actually, it's Europe's most beautiful country. There are some towns that steal your heart at first sight, and Basel is certainly one of them. The third largest city in Switzerland sits on the northwestern edge of the country, right on the border with France and Germany. The scenic Rhine river separates Basel into Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. Numerous bridges connect either side, the most impressive of which is the Mittlerbrücke. Most visitors start their adventure in Basel's old town, with its medieval houses and cobblestone streets, and a perceptible old world charm. The Baselminster is the town's landmark. Originally built as a Catholic cathedral, it was constructed between 1019 and 1500, combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The cathedral was heavily damaged during the 1356 Basel earthquake, and subsequently rebuilt. Marketplatz is where Basel's pulse can be felt most strongly. It's a square where locals and visitors come for shopping, dining and socialising. The town hall, which was constructed between 1504 and 1514, and included some Renaissance extensions, is a superb example of late Gothic architecture. Beautiful sculptures and frescoes decorate its bright red sandstone exterior. Basel is one of Switzerland's wealthiest cities, thanks to its long history of banking, its importance as a port on the Rhine, and the fact that it hosts the research centres of numerous pharmaceutical companies. It became a cosmopolitan city with the success of its international airport and its high-speed train connections to Paris, Frankfurt and Milan. It's not always the case that bigger is better when it comes to city breaks. It can be intimidating to cover a lot of ground in a big city in two or three days, but you want to see as much as you can. Bern is the ideal size for a quick trip. All the main attractions are located in a small area and everything is accessible by foot. Switzerland's capital is built around a bend of the Aare River. Bern was founded in 1191 by Duke Berthold V of Zehringen. Legend has it that Berthold named the city after a bear he killed in the area, which is why the bear features in the city's coat of arms. The majority of the attractions are located in or close to Bern Old Town, a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. The legendary Zitglogge clock tower stands directly in the centre of the Old Town. Here you can witness the hourly Glockenspiel chime. The Rose Garden rises majestically across the other side of the river. Here you can get amazing views of the city when you follow the trail up the hill. It's amazing to see how a unique culture centres around the River Aare. Locals like swimming in the river every day in the summer since the water is so pure. On Sundays residents usually take their friends and family and sail down the river in small boats. The city seems to be tourist friendly. There are trams and buses all around the city and if you stay in a tourist accommodation for at least one night you'll get a free ticket for unrestricted public transport while you're there. The Rhine Falls are located in northern Switzerland near the town of Schaffhausen and are the largest waterfall in Europe. The falls are on the high Rhine which flows from Lake Bodensee to Basel marking the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich. The Rhine Falls were formed around 15,000 years ago during the last ice age when tectonic shifts created the upper Rhine basin. As glaciers retreated they carved out the riverbed leading to the formation of the falls. The falls have a drop of 23 metres and span 150 metres across. The average water flow is around 600 cubic metres per second in the summer. The highest recorded flow was 1,250 cubic metres per second during the flooding of 1965. There are numerous platforms that offer great viewing points where you can take the perfect photo. The falls attract around 1.5 million visitors annually, many of which also take a boat tour to get as close as possible to the falls. Aside from the ferry that connects Schlössliwörth to Laufencastle, all trips start and finish at Schlössliwörth. The town of Schaffhausen itself was born out of the need for a place for shippers to unload and stack their cargo while avoiding the ship impassable rapids of the Rhine Falls. Due to its numerous beautifully painted facades Schaffhausen's pedestrian-only old town is regarded as one of the most lovely in all of Switzerland. The elegant guild houses and merchant homes are mostly from the Gothic and Baroque periods. Shopping in the colourful old town is highly recommended. The street market at what is now the Vordergasse was the initial location of the town. The All Saints Monastery's Minster is Switzerland's largest Romanesque sacred building. The largest cloister in Switzerland, along with the pleasant herb garden that goes with it, may be found there. The Munoth Fortress, the town symbol, is visible for kilometres. Designed by Albrecht Dürer, the ring-shaped fortification was built between 1564 and 1589. The Rhine's riverside scenery is a beautiful place for boating. From Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen the popular Untersee Lake Rhine boat trip spans almost 50 kilometres. With almost 400,000 residents, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and it makes sense why so many Swiss people choose to live there. Although it's Switzerland's stuffy, exorbitantly expensive and stuck-up banking and financial centre, the city has witnessed significant transformation in recent years. According to recent statistics, Zurich has seen a steady increase in tourist arrivals. In 2023, the city recorded over 6 million overnight stays, with a significant proportion attributed to international tourists. People interested in history are drawn to landmarks like the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and St. Peter's Church. The old town provides a nostalgic feeling with its narrow streets and medieval houses. Some of the best cultural institutions are the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus Zurich. Large-scale art collections, historical relics and exhibitions are held there. The city's numerous parks and green spaces, like the Zurich Zoo and the Botanical Garden, further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly destination. Lake Zurich is a swimmer's paradise in the summer. During the summer months, Wolleshofen and Tiefenbrunnen's outdoor bathing facilities are very popular. Despite its many strengths, Zurich's tourism sector faces several challenges. The high cost of living and services can be a deterrent for budget-conscious travellers. Additionally, managing the balance between maintaining the city's charm and handling the influx of tourists is an ongoing concern. Taking the Benina Express from Chur to Tirano is undoubtedly the most spectacular way to cross the Alps. Through more than 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, the Benina Express transports travellers on a unique journey across the steepest and highest railway tracks in the world. There is no other Alpine crossing as magnificent as this one, which goes from the oldest town in Switzerland through crazily picturesque gorges, past magnificent man-made constructions like the Viaduct, up to the glacier's endless ice and back down to the palm trees in the Italian town of Tirano. The train itself is a narrow gauge train with panoramic sightseeing cars. The Benina Express travels 144 kilometres over four hours along a railway constructed between 1896 and 1904, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connecting sunny Italy with chilly Switzerland. At Ospizio Bernina, which is 2,253 metres above sea level, it reaches its highest point. Within a breathtaking scenery of lakes and mountains, the lively town of Thun sits on the sunny banks of the deep blue Lake Thun. The waterside town is popular for its old buildings, traditional stores and cultural treasures. The river Ara flows through Thun in two different branches. One roars with choppy waves, while the other is slow and dark green. The old town's narrow lanes are dominated by the imposing Thun Castle from the 12th century, built by the Dukes of Zeringen. There is a historical museum within the castle, with artefacts from the Middle Age. Thun's old town has unique raised sidewalks, known as Lauben, which were originally designed to protect pedestrians from flooding. The Untereschleuser and Obereschleuser are wooden covered bridges that add a charming touch to the town. Lake Thun is a popular destination for vacationers because of its gorgeous alpine setting and clear blue waters. On the lake, tourists can go swimming, windsurfing and sailing. There is also Thunerspieler, a popular open-air musical theatre festival that takes place on the shores of the lake. Verzasca River is the most beautiful river in the Alps. Originating from the Pizzo Barone in the Lepontine Alps, the river travels a distance of 30 kilometres before it empties into Lago Maggiore. The river's striking blue-green colours and incredible clarity are two of its most outstanding qualities. It's so pure that on clear days one can see up to 15 metres underwater. The river's unusual transparency is mostly caused by its high mountain source and the absence of much urban or industrial development along its path. One of the most famous landmarks along the Verzasca River is the Roman Bridge, known as the Ponte dei Salti or Jumping Bridge in the village of Lavatezzo. This picturesque double-arched stone bridge from the 17th century spans a particularly scenic section of the river and is a very popular spot for cliff diving and swimming. The Verzasca Dam gained international fame after being featured in the opening scene of the James Bond film GoldenEye. This imposing dam standing at 220 metres is one of the highest dams in Europe and also one of the scariest bungee jumping spots in the world. The beautiful town of Lucerne lies in the heart of Switzerland within the canton of the same name. It sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, one of the country's largest and most scenic lakes. The construction of the which provided a vital trade route through the Alps greatly increased the town's importance. In 1332 Lucerne joined the Swiss confederation and became one of the first cities to align with the cantons of Uri, Schwitz and Unterwalden. Kappelbrücke is surely Lucerne's most recognisable landmark. This covered wooden bridge across the Reuss River was constructed in 1333 and is decorated with paintings from the 17th century that tell the story of the city. The water tower, which was formerly a prison, archive and treasury, is located next to the bridge. As a part of the city's old fortifications, the Mussegg Wall is another architectural curiosity. This wall is broken up by nine towers, each giving a different perspective and historical context. The best known of these is the Zitturm, which is home to the oldest clock in the city from 1535. The Richard Wagner Museum, located in the composer's former residence where he lived in exile, provides an insight into the life and work of this musical genius. While staying in Lucerne, it would be a huge mistake not to visit the famous Mount Pilatus. This rocky giant is part of the Emmental Alps and stands on the border between the cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden. The top of Mount Pilatus offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Plateau. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Black Forest in Germany. The viewing platforms and terraces at the top provide perfect spots to take some photos. An exciting way to reach the summit of Mount Pilatus is via the world's steepest cogwheel railway. The Pilatus Railway operates since 1889 and climbs from Alpnachstatt to Pilatus Kulm with a maximum gradient of 48 percent. Another popular route is the aerial cableway from Kriens, a suburb of Lucerne. The dragon ride cableway takes visitors up to Frecmüntig, a mid-station where they can transfer to a panoramic gondola for the final ascent to Pilatus Kulm. For the more adventurous, several hiking trails lead to the top of the mountain. The most popular route is the hike from Krienser Egg to Pilatus Kulm, which takes about four to five hours. At first glance, Zermatt is just another Swiss mountain town, but it is much more than that. From here, you have the perfect view of the Matterhorn. That's exactly what makes two million tourists come here every year. If you visit Zermatt in winter, you simply have to ski. In the mountains, there is a route that suits every skill level, from novice to expert. The total length of routes is around 300 kilometers. You could spend a whole day exploring just the 25 kilometers of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Even though Zermatt is a small town, its shopping options are somewhat broad. You can shop for clothes and jewelry on the Bahnhofstrasse, the town's major street. Zermatt has kept its combustion car prohibition since the 1960s. There are three options to get there, via train, cab or helicopter. You can park in the garages in the neighbouring town of Tesch, if you're traveling by car through Switzerland, and then take the shuttle to Zermatt. Once there, there are also charming blue electric buses to assist you in getting around the town. Rising proudly on the border between Switzerland and Italy, the iconic Matterhorn is a true landmark of Switzerland, and perhaps the most recognized mountain in the world. Standing at 4,478 meters, its unique pyramid shape captivates the imagination of visitors, artists and adventurers. The first successful climb to the top of the Matterhorn was achieved on July 14th, 1865, by a team led by British climber Edward Wimper. This historic climb, however, ended in tragedy, as four of the seven members of the expedition fell to their deaths during the descent. You are not supposed to climb up and experience the same fate, but you can start your adventure with a visit to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe at 3,883 meters. The panoramic views from here are awesome. You can also take the Gornergrat Railway, one of the highest cogwheel railways in Europe, to the Gornergrat summit. This ride provides stunning views of the Matterhorn and the Gorner Glacier, the second largest glacier in the Alps. Gruyère, a charming medieval town, is famous for its history, and of course, the best cheese in Switzerland. Located in the canton of Fribourg, Gruyère sits on a hill with a beautiful view of the Sarnay Valley. The town's medieval character is best seen in the Château de Gruyère. The castle was the residence of the Counts of Gruyère for several centuries. After the last count went bankrupt in the mid-16th century, the castle changed hands several times, and eventually became the property of the canton of Fribourg in 1938. Gruyère cheese, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavour, has been made here for centuries. Local dairies still use traditional methods to produce this cheese. The Maison du Gruyère, a modern cheese dairy, lets visitors watch the cheesemaking process. Another interesting attraction in Gruyère is the H.R. Giger Museum. This museum has the largest collection of works by Swiss surrealist artist Hans-Rudy Giger. Known for his work on the film Alien, Giger's art is influenced by science fiction. Geneva, Switzerland's second largest city, lies at the southwestern tip of Switzerland, where the Rhône River exits Lake Geneva. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Geneva emerged as a key player in international diplomacy. The establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863 and the League of Nations in 1920 underscored its role as a neutral ground for peace and humanitarian efforts. Today, Geneva hosts numerous international organisations and has the status of an important global city. It's difficult to avoid Old Town's appeal, as every small street offers a postcard moment. For an unrivalled view over Geneva, make sure to visit the St Peter's Cathedral and climb the tower's stairs. The cathedral, originally from the 12th century, was mainly restored during the Reformation in the 16th century. The Jet d'Eau, one of Geneva's most iconic landmarks, is a massive water fountain inside Lake Geneva. It shoots water 140 metres into the air. The lake itself is very clean and perfect for swimming during the warm summer days. Geneva is a city with a global appeal, but it's also very close to the mountains, so you can be in the great outdoors within minutes. You can get breathtaking views of Geneva by riding the cable car up to Mount Salève. Actually located in France, Mount Salève allows you to paraglide from France into Switzerland. Château de Chillon, standing on the shores of Lake Geneva, near Montreux, is one of the most prominent European medieval castles. The present building started to take shape in the 10th century, when it was first used as the Savoy's Palace. The castle was strengthened and enlarged over the ages. Peter II of Savoy made major upgrades to the castle in the 13th century, turning it into a luxurious residence. Later, it served as both a military stronghold and a toll station, controlling the movement of goods along the lake and through the Alpine passes. The Bernese took possession of the castle in the 16th century and turned it into a jail. François Bonnevard, a politician and monk from Geneva, was among the inmates in Chillon. It was his captivity that inspired Lord Byron to write the famous poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. Today, this historical site is open for tourists. It's even possible to rent the castle for various events. The Swiss National Park in the Engadin Valley, in the canton of Graubünden, is Switzerland's only national park and the oldest in the Alps. In 1914, the Swiss federal government officially designated the area as a national park, making it one of the first national parks in Europe. This move was inspired by the creation of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The park covers an area of 170 square kilometers. Many different plant species, including rare alpine flowers, mosses and lichens, can be found here. The June to August blooming season is especially beautiful. It's not allowed to light a fire here and stray from designated trails. It's also forbidden to take anything from the park or to disturb the animals. Dogs are not allowed, not even with a leash. Taking the train from Zurich to Zernetz and then reaching the park via the postal bus service is the easiest way to get there. In Zernetz, there is also a visitor centre. The road that passes through the park leads over the Fuan Pass and goes into South Tyrol in Italy. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from June to September, when the trails are accessible and the weather is nice. Lausanne is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. During the medieval period, Lausanne was an important religious and political centre, with the construction of the Lausanne Cathedral and the establishment of the Bishopric of Lausanne. Today, it's a modern city with a population of 140,000 residents. The charming old town of Lausanne is a real tourist magnet. At its heart lies the Lausanne Cathedral, a stunning example of gothic architecture from the 12th century. Another historical landmark is the Château Saint-Mère, an imposing castle that serves as the seat of the cantonal government. The Uschi Promenade is a popular spot for walks, cycling and rollerblading. Lausanne is famously known as the Olympic capital, being home to the International Olympic Committee since 1915. The Olympic Museum is a major attraction that chronicles the history of the Olympic Games through interactive exhibits, memorabilia and multimedia displays. Lausanne is also a city of art. The Colosseum de la Brute is a unique museum dedicated to outsider art, and the Musée de l'Élysée, a famous photography museum, with rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical photography. Ruinolta is a breathtaking gorge carved by the Rhine River in the canton of Graubünden. The locals call it the Swiss Grand Canyon. About 10,000 years ago, the Flims Rockslide, a huge landslide, stopped the Rhine River, forming the magnificent gorge that is still visible today. This is how Ruinolta came to be. Eventually, the Rhine cut its way through, creating a deep canyon bordered by imposing cliffs of white limestone. The gorge stretches over 13 kilometres and reaches depths of 400 metres. Ruinolta offers a network of well-marked hiking trails. The Sender Ruinolta Trail is a favourite, with the perfect mix of forest paths and riverside walks. For rafters and canoeists, the rapids of the Rhine River offer a thrilling challenge. Rafting excursions with guides are offered here. If hiking or cycling isn't your thing, you can still experience Ruinolta's beauty by taking a train ride on the Rhaetian Railway. The Aletsch Glacier is an icy giant in the Bernese Alps of the Valais region in Switzerland. It begins in the Jungfrau region, between some of the most iconic peaks of the Swiss Alps, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It flows down into the upper Rhone Valley and is a natural landmark within the Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning an impressive length of 23 kilometres, Aletsch holds the title of the longest glacier in the Alps. At its thickest point, the ice reaches depths of up to 900 metres. Tourism is a significant aspect of its modern existence. Aletsch is a paradise for hikers. The Aletsch Panorama Trail is one of the most popular routes. It offers incredible views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. The trail is accessible and has varying levels of difficulty. Modern cable cars and paths ensure that visitors can easily reach key viewpoints and trails. The Eggishorn, accessible by cable car, offers the best panoramic view of the glacier. Jungfraujoch, popularly known as the Top of Europe, is a magnificent mountain pass in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland. Set at 3,450 metres above sea level, this train station holds the title of being the highest in Europe and a top choice for tourists looking for an amazing experience in the mountains. Jungfraujoch is located between the peaks of Mönch and Jungfrau in the Bernese Oberland. Usually, the trip to Jungfraujoch starts in Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald or Interlaken. The Jungfrau railway is the trip's highlight. The railway, which was finished in 1912, climbs to Jungfraujoch from Kleiner Scheidegg across the Mönch and Eiger mountains. One of highlights here is the Sphinx Observatory, a research station and observation deck with unmatched views of the Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding peaks. The Ice Palace, a system of tunnels and rooms carved out into the glacier, is a further highlight. The Snow Fun Park provides several kinds of exciting activities including snowboarding, skiing and sledging for people in search of thrill. The canton of Ticino is home to many scenic towns and Bellinzona is one that you have to visit. It lies on the Ticino River just 10 kilometres from Lago Maggiore. The people here speak Italian and the town has a strong Italian vibe. Bellinzona's location at the crossroads of major alpine routes made it important for the Romans who recognised its potential as a defensive stronghold. The town's three castles, Castel Grande, Montebello and Sassocobaro, were built to protect the region from invaders and to control trade routes. These fortifications were crucial during the battles between the Swiss Confederates and the Duchy of Milan. The three castles, collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, are the city's main attractions. The medieval old town, with its narrow streets and historical buildings, gives you a delightful walking experience. Notable landmarks are the Church of San Biagio, known for its frescoes, and the 16th century town hall with its renaissance architecture. The town of St Moritz has a long history as a resort since the middle of the 19th century when travellers came there for the curative benefits of its mineral springs. Local hotelier Johannes Badrut led the town's evolution into a globally recognised ski destination in the late 19th century. Famously, he promised his summer guests a sunny, snow-covered paradise when they returned in the winter. He won big and St Moritz soon rose to prominence as a destination for winter sports. Today, St Moritz is synonymous with winter sports. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice in 1928 and 1948, and remains a key venue for international competitions. St Moritz is widely recognised as one of the most expensive and exclusive destinations in the world. Its reputation as a luxury resort town attracts a wealthy and elite clientele. Shopping in the town is geared towards those with significant income. So, if you're short on cash, maybe you should look for another destination. There is a place in Switzerland where you can feel the Mediterranean flair. Located in the canton of Ticino, Lugano is famous for its lakeside setting. Initially part of the Duchy of Milan, Lugano was later incorporated into the Swiss Confederation in the 16th century. This mix of Italian and Swiss influences is still evident today in the city's architecture and culture. The quality of life here is exceptionally high, with excellent healthcare, education and public services. The climate in Lugano is markedly different from much of Switzerland, with a subtropical climate that ensures mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Lake Lugano is the centrepiece of the city. The stunning glacial lake that spans the boundaries between Italy and Switzerland is by far Lugano's greatest attraction. During the summer, stand-up paddling is very popular. However, a boat tour is the best way to experience the lake. The nearby Montebrey and Monte San Salvatore have awesome trails for hikers. There are also three funiculars in the Lugano area. You can take a funicular ride to the top of Monte San Salvatore and enjoy amazing views. Switzerland's Bernese Oberland region is home to the charming village of Lauterbrunnen. Many people consider Lauterbrunnen to be the most beautiful valley in the Swiss Alps. With its u-shaped valley and dramatic scenery of high cliffs and numerous waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is a typical example of glacial erosion. The is one of the valley's 72 waterfalls. There is also the Trümmelbach Falls, a collection of glacial waterfalls located inside the mountain, easily accessible by tunnels and paths. The village itself retains much of its traditional Swiss charm with wooden chalets, alpine meadows and pastoral scenes. Hikers will also get their money's worth here. Hikes to the neighbouring villages of Murren and Wengen are very popular. Travellers also enjoy the scenic journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. Between Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brintz to the east lies the town of Interlaken. The transformation of Interlaken into a tourist hotspot began with the completion of the Berderleben railway in 1872, connecting Interlaken to Thun. Travellers seeking to experience the finest of nature will find Interlaken to be their ideal Switzerland escape. Hiking, skiing, kayaking, paragliding and many more outdoor activities are available here depending on the season. In the centre of Interlaken, the 14 hectare Höher Matter meadow provides you with breathtaking views of the Jungfrau. A short hike from the town centre you'll find the Unschbunnen Castle. Other attractions are the 12th century Interlaken Monastery and Castle. Interlaken is probably one of the greatest spots on earth for skydiving and paragliding. If you'd rather be on water, here you can try whitewater rafting in the Luchina River, one of the cleanest rivers in the world. Have you ever been to Switzerland? Leave a comment and let us know. If you loved this video, hit the like button and subscribe for more journeys around the world.