Stepping into Zurich’s Chinese Garden can feel like entering a different world. Gifted to the city by its twin-town Kunming, the garden draws on traditional Yunnan culture in its ponds, ornate pavilions, and winter flora. The temple garden is considered one of the best outside China and provides a welcome break from the bustle of Zurich.
Fitted with picture windows and glass skylights, the bright-red Glacier Express passes over glaciers, across gorges, and above river valleys through Switzerland’s spectacular mountain scenery. This narrow-gauge line is the only direct service between the exclusive ski resort of Zermatt and chic St. Moritz—and is considered to be one of the most beautiful scenic trains in Europe. Part of the route holds UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Adliswil-Felsenegg Cable Car was built in 1954 to connect the town of Adliswil to Stallikon, specifically the Albis mountain chain’s Felsenegg viewpoint. The cable cars and stations have undergone renovation since then. Now, the journey time to the top is five minutes, with departure intervals every 15 minutes.
At 4,547 feet (1,386 meters) tall, the mountain plateau of Pfingstegg is one of the best spots in the Swiss Alps to find a dramatic alpine view. The area boasts Grindelwald's only aerial cable car, and from the mountaintop vantage point, the panorama spans the rolling meadows and glacial peaks of the Grindelwald valley.
Draped over the border of Switzerland and Italy like a shimmering silk scarf, Lake Lugano combines the best of both countries. Alpine peaks over cobalt-blue waters are a Swiss postcard, while the Mediterranean fishing villages and mild microclimate reveal an Italian soul. Take a turn around the lake by land or sea to soak in the pristine landscape and resort vibe.
One of Switzerland's most famous castles and historic sites, this medieval turreted fortress sits atop a hill at the foot of the Fribourg Pre-Alps. The chateau at Gruyères Castle houses a museum with collections showcasing eight centuries of Swiss history and art—and is a must-visit for history buffs and travelers seeking a taste of medieval charm.
Built in the 13th century, the Zytglogge is one of the most popular attractions in Bern. It stands on the site of a former city gate, and when the guard tower was destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt as a clock tower. The astronomical clock and musical performance were installed in the 1500s. Countless people gather to watch the hourly show.
A favorite of Lugano locals and visitors alike, Monte Brè is a popular day-trip and summertime sunset spot. Most people avoid the narrow mountain road to its summit, and take the far-more-fun funicular instead. This two-stage route passes from Cassarate to Suvigliana to Monte Brè, where there are a couple of restaurants and a church, plus trails for hiking, biking, and soaking up the views.
With a network of cable cars and cogwheel railways traversing the snow-clad slopes of the mighty Matterhorn mountain, Zermatt Mountain Railways (Zermatt Bergbahnen) provides the link between the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt and the iconic peak.
While it’s a tributary of the international Rhine River, the Aare River runs exclusively through Switzerland. You’ll find it flowing through major Swiss cities, including the capital of Bern, whose surrounding 15th and 16th century architecture makes the Aare even more picturesque.
The Richard Wagner Museum is located in a country manor where the 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner lived for a short time, just before his death. The building, located on the southern shore of Lake Lucerne, in Tribschen, houses a variety of interesting items, including historical musical instruments and Wagner memorabilia.
Set directly opposite the Palais des Nations, north of central Geneva, sculptor Daniel Berset’s towering Broken Chair has been a stark reminder of the danger of landmines since 1997. Soaring almost 40 feet (12 meters) tall, the oversized wooden chair stands on just three legs, while the fourth is represented as having been brutally severed. Stop to admire this emblematic and stark piece of art when exploring the city’s International District.
Home to the longest glacial downhill ski route in Switzerland, as well as a varied network of ski runs, it’s not hard to see why Diavolezza is a popular haunt for powder junkies. Standing over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) proud, Diavolezza Mountain adds an impressive eight peaks to the Bernina skyline, and is accessible by gondola from the Diavolezza train station.
Founded by Nestlé and just minutes from the company's global headquarters in Vevey, the Alimentarium - Food Museum is devoted to food, diet, and nutrition. Get insight into the history and future of the human diet through interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, tastings, and cooking demonstrations.
The oldest town in Switzerland, Chur boasts one of the best-preserved old towns in the country, with narrow cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and historic buildings. In addition to the Bishop's Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Chur Cathedral), Old Town Chur offers cultural activities, shopping, restaurants, and bars.
Dual towers and a diamond-patterned roof popping out from its surroundings in Basel Old Town make the Basel Minster (Basler Münster) a landmark that’s hard to miss. A patchwork brick facade indicates the long lifespan of this cathedral, as does its mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. For travelers seeking city views across Basel, it’s rewarding to climb up the towers, each more than 214 feet (65 meters) high.
Make your trip to the mountains even more enriching with a visit to Zermatlantis, aka the Matterhorn Museum. This site focuses on the triumphs and tragedies of the mountaineers who have been drawn to climb one of the world’s most dramatic and dangerous peaks, and also traces the development of Zermatt from farming village to the alpine tourist town it is today.
Rapperswil is a town on the east side of Lake Zürich in Switzerland’s canton of St. Gallen. The lakeside location and surrounding rolling hillsides create a picturesque riviera-like feel, while the town combines history and culture with a thriving outdoor lifestyle.
With its undulating halls designed by star architect Renzo Piano and the largest collection of works by Paul Klee in the world, the Zentrum Paul Klee is a must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts visiting Bern. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum has a full roster of temporary exhibitions, concerts, and events all year round.
The Bundeshaus, or Parliament Building, is the central seat of the Swiss government in Bern. This large structure on the Bundesplatz, designed by architect Hans Auer and completed in 1902, is impressive on the outside, but quite a sight on the inside. Guided tours allow visitors to see the West Wing, East Wing, and the domed hall that’s adorned with stained glass and sculptures.
The Dolderbahn rack railway whisks riders from the busy streets of Zurich into the upper reaches of Adlisberg Mountain in under six minutes. First opened in 1895, the line has long provided quick and easy access to Zurich’s scenic surrounds and remains a popular city escape route for hikers, joggers, and nature lovers in the region.
The little mirror lake by the Matterhorn, Riffelsee has become the must-see site for many summertime Zermatt visitors. Catch it on a calm, cloud-free day, and it warrants an overused cliché—it takes your breath away. It’s easy to visit, too, making it a popular destination for families, hikers, photographers, and those who want a beautiful alpine view.
Created by architect Daniel Libeskind of One World Trade Center fame, this contemporary complex houses more than 50 shops, 10 restaurants, a cinema, event spaces, an indoor playground with laser tag, and a water park. The biggest draw in Bern’s western suburbs, Westside Shopping Center is a great place to break up a day of sightseeing in the UNESCO-listed old town.
The Wengen Männlichen aerial cableway is a high-speed cable car situated in the Swiss Alps that offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect way to experience the scenic beauty of the region.
Paying homage to Giovanni Segantini, the Segantini Museum showcases the Italian painter’s 19th-century canvas paintings of the Swiss Engadin Alps. Go there to admire yesteryear alpine scenes—long before St. Moritz found fame—and to learn a little about the man himself. His unfinished triptych La Vita, La Natura, La Morte (Life, Nature, and Death) is the standout piece.
Built in the 16th century by Hans Gieng, the Kindlifresserbrunnen is a public fountain and statue in Bern’s Kornhausplatz. Called the “Ogre” or “Child Eater Fountain,” it depicts a monster consuming young children—some of whom attempt to escape while others are contained in a sack at the monster’s feet. There are different theories about the macabre subject matter, and it’s a point of curiosity for lots of travelers in Bern.
Lively bars, fondue restaurants, and souvenir kiosks converge in Zurich’s Niederdorf, a medieval district of cobbled streets that’s part of Zurich’s old town. Busy from morning to late at night, the area attracts a mix of architecture enthusiasts, shoppers, and partygoers, along with a stream of people-watchers who come to see them all in action.
The understated Romanesque Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli surprises with its wealth of Renaissance artworks inside. Break up your stroll along Lugano’s lakefront with a stop in this tiny chapel just opposite the promenade to admire the two technicolor 16th-century frescoes by Bernardino Luini: An emotion-filled Last Supper and a dazzling Crucifixion scene covering an entire wall.
More than just a mode of transportation, the Fribourg Funicular is one of the highlights of the old town. Opened in 1899, this line linking the hilltop portion of the historic center and the Basse-Ville below is one of the only remaining funiculars in Europe that uses local wastewater to run via a water-ballasted system rather than a motor. Take a scenic ride on the charming historic cars for a unique introduction to Fribourg’s old town.
The Geneva Ethnography Museum (the MEG) is the place to go for continent-crossing fun. Home to Switzerland’s largest ethnographic collection, the museum displays countless artifacts that examine cultural contrasts around the world. Alongside the permanent collection, there are temporary exhibits, a library, and a music gallery.
