Switzerland attractions

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.

Founded in 1910, Kambly has long been one of Switzerland’s most popular biscuit brands. At the Kambly Experience in Trubschachen, sweet-toothed visitors can explore a recreation of the first Kambly bakery, sample the brand’s 100-strong biscuit collection, or get hands-on experience baking and decorating, with kid-friendly classes running twice a week.

A long winding valley cupped between the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps and following the Inn River, the 50-mile-long (80-kilometer-long) Engadine (or Engadin) valley is one of Switzerland’s most desirable holiday destinations. A sunny climate, beautiful lakes, and a stunning alpine backdrop make Engadine, which encompasses star-studded destinations like St. Moritz, one of Europe’s most highly populated valleys.

Set in the shadow of the Matterhorn is the Mountaineer’s Cemetery, a small site dedicated to those who lost their lives on the alpine peaks. The 50-or-so headstones here represent different mountaineers from different dates, nations, and ages, who all had one thing in common—they died on the mountains they were drawn to climb.

The grand showpiece of Swiss silk merchant Kaspar Stockalper, Stockalper Palace was one of the most impressive buildings of 17th-century Switzerland. Today, it’s a Swiss National Heritage Site and a popular visitor attraction, presiding over the alpine town of Brig.

Sat on Geneva’s elegant Place Neuve, the Rath Museum hosts the major temporary art exhibitions of Geneva’s Museum of Art and History (the MAH). With a façade inspired by the temples of Ancient Greece and a history as a working art gallery since the early 1900s, the site has become a symbol of the city’s interest in the arts.

On the banks of Lake Lucerne, less than an hour by boat or car from Lucerne, Weggis is sometimes referred to as Central Switzerland's Riviera due to its slightly warmer climate and lakefront views. It's also a popular base for visiting the Rigi, a towering mountain great for summertime hikes and wintertime snow activities.

Set inside a preserved medieval mill, the Basel Paper Mill is a museum on the art of printing. The smell of ink lingers in the air of the workshops as hands-on exhibits take visitors through the printing process and the importance of the paper and tools used. Thanks to its interactive approach, this museum is especially family-friendly.

A museum of Buddhist artifacts in a Catholic chapel in the Swiss Alps? It’s here in Gruyere. The Tibet Museum is an unexpected gem, home to a constantly expanding collection of art and treasures from across Himalayan Asia. Amassed by French artist Alain Bordier, the collection offers curious finds and a blend of religions for a unique museum experience.

At an altitude of almost 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), the Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski slopes are among the highest in Europe. Unlike many ski resorts in the Alps, this one is accessible year-round. In the warmer months, skiers head high up to Theodul Glacier to enjoy miles of ski runs with spectacular mountain backdrops.

Geneva's Museum of Natural History (Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Suisse) is Switzerland’s largest natural history museum, and will make visitors believe they are travelling to several different ecosystems all in one place, thanks to highly immersive dioramas. It’s home many of Louis Jurine’s (one of Switzerland’s most notable entomologist and naturalist) collections, notably the hymenoptera, the coleoptera, and the hemiptera sets. The multi-storey museum has an entire floor dedicated to lifelike stuffed regional fauna, which will undoubtedly have visitors do a double take - noteworthy specimens include polar bears, penguins, and even whales. If taxidermy is not your forte, the superior floors focus on the evolution of mankind and the evolution of astronomy. And although every single item hosted by the museum is fascinating in its own right, the real star of the show is Lucy, a bronze statue of the famous Australopithecus and oldest known human fossil. The earthquake simulator is also a big hit – especially with families.

The biggest ski mountain in the Davos-Klosters area of Switzerland, Parsenn is known for its long, wide descents and sweeping views that keep loyal skiers, hikers, and bikers returning to its slopes. While limited for beginners (and arguably snowboarders), the area is an intermediate skier’s playground with well-groomed pistes, a modern lift system, and a ski-cross course by the Totalp chair lift.

A lively gathering place outside the Swiss Parliament building, this once-uninspiring square was given a facelift in 2003. Now the Bundesplatz draws crowds for its twice-weekly markets, as well as concerts, sporting events, and political demonstrations. It’s also the site of an ice rink in the wintertime and a light show in the fall.

The Barbier-Mueller Museum holds the world’s largest collection of non-Western art and artifacts. The core of the permanent collection comprises works from Oceania, Africa, and indigenous artisans of the Americas, supplemented by an important collection of antiquities from Greece, Italy, and other centers of the ancient world.

High in the Swiss Alps and not far from the Italian border, Ecomuseum Simplon encompasses a series of historic buildings, castles, and museums linked together by the Via Stockalper (Stockalperweg) hiking route. Follow some or all of the 22-mile (35-kilometer) trail to discover the history and heritage of this remote alpine region.

Travelers looking for a jaunt outside of Geneva's bustling city center should visit Penthes Castle (Château de Penthes, in picturesque Pregny-Chambesy. Visitors enjoy the castle's two museums and Empress’ Park (Parc de l'Impératrice—an ideal place for a sunny stroll. On the chateau's grounds, take in views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

The Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Art features an impressive collection of 9,000 art objects from China and Japan. The museum hosts two permanent galleries—with work from Imperial China and Edo-period Japan—and one temporary exhibition. Beyond the well-curated collection, visitors can enjoy the Zen Buddhism–influenced Japanese garden.

The Martin Bodmer Foundation is home to a priceless collection of rare books and letters amassed by Swiss scholar Martin Bodmer himself. A treat for lovers of the written word, the site boasts highlights such as a Gutenberg bible from 1452 and a collection of Egyptian “papyri,” with segments of Old and New Testament writings.

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO) is the largest contemporary art museum in Switzerland. Along with its extensive permanent collection, MAMCO hosts several rotating exhibitions annually, as well as talks, events, and family-friendly activities.

Rosengart Collection Lucerne houses the extensive and once-private collection of art dealer Siegfried Rosengart and his daughter Angela, who had collected one of the biggest private art stashes, including works by Picasso, Paul Klee and another 23 artists from the the Classic Modernism and Impressionism era.

Birthplace of the Genevois philosopher Jean-Jacque Rousseau, the Maison de Rousseau et de la Littérature (MRL) has been reborn as a modest museum-come-library. Paying homage to the man regarded as Geneva’s most famous son, the site retraces Rousseau’s life and legacy with a self-guided audio tour and light display.

The historic Wankdorf Stadium was demolished and replaced by this modern sports and event space in 2005 and has been the hub of the city’s soccer scene for the past two decades. The second largest all-seater football stadium in Switzerland and home to the BSC Young Boys soccer team, Wankdorf Stadium is the perfect place to catch a game in Bern.

In the center of Bern, the Heiliggeistkirche, also called the Church of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, has baroque-style architecture that stands out among the medieval and Gothic buildings surrounding it. You can appreciate the 18th-century church with just a brief visit, or attend an event for a fuller experience.

Today, the Prison Tower (Kafiturm) in Bern is home to Polit-Forum Bern, which is quite the makeover from its 13th-century roots. A tower was first built on this site in 1256, then replaced with the current building in the 1600s. Despite ending its run as a prison in 1897, you can still see prisoner markings on the dungeon doors at this space reserved for civic meetings.

Treppenviertel, in Hamburg's Blankenese district, is known for its Mediterranean–style atmosphere and picturesque scenery. This small and affluent neighborhood features over 5,000 stairs, winding alleyways, and charming riverside villas with views of the Elbe River. Originally a fishing village, it has since become a popular residential area. Visitors are drawn to its distinctive architecture and the romantic walking paths along the riverside.

On the shores of Lake Geneva, Swiss Vapeur Parc is a railway-themed miniature park with 6,560 feet (2,000 meters) of train tracks, rideable steam trains, and a model-train landscape dotted with Swiss landmarks and alpine villages. It’s a must for train enthusiasts, as well as a fun destination for the whole family.

The Moses Fountain (Mosesbrunnen) in Bern’s Münsterplatz was first built in the 16th century, and then replaced by the current one in 1791. Its statue depicts Moses in blue and gold robes, holding the Ten Commandments. One of the abundant sculptural fountains in Bern’s historical center, it’s an artistic place to pause and refresh—the water can be sipped.

The Geneva Contemporary Art Center, a space dedicated to the research and production of works of art, fufills travelers' needs for an art-filled day in Geneva. The center hosts numerous exhibitions and screenings, and since it shares space with three other notable art institutions, you'll see more of Geneva's art scene in less time.

There are more than 200 historic fountains in Bern’s old town, and the striking 16th-century Zähringerbrunnen (Zähringen Fountain) is one of the most important. This memorial to the founder of Bern sits at the end of the main Kramgasse thoroughfare near the city’s landmark Clock Tower (Zytglogge) in the heart of the UNESCO–listed historic center, and is a highlight of city sightseeing tours.

The postcard-perfect Bern Bridge (or Pont de Berne/Bernbrücke) is the last remaining covered bridge in Fribourg and a must-see when exploring the old town. Dating back to the 17th century, it spans the Sarine/Saane River and features views of the nearby Zaehringen and Gottéron bridges, as well as the medieval historic center. Admire its weathered beams and colorful flower boxes as you walk, cycle, or drive across.