The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland

South Western Switzerland offers a bit of everything, whether you’re in search of high-altitude thrills or a peaceful retreat surrounded by storybook scenery. Its highlight is the emblematic Matterhorn: a pyramid-shaped peak that sits right on the border with Italy. You can see it up close thanks to railway and cable car routes.

Then there’s the whimsical village of Zermatt, whose streets are filled with horse-drawn carriages and old-fashioned architecture. The rest of the region also offers plenty of hiking trails, ski resorts and vineyards to visit.

Lake Geneva is certainly among the most scenic places in Switzerland, as well as the most historically and politically significant; the city of Geneva occupies its southern end. The lake itself is brilliantly blue, with a backdrop of towering mountains and rolling hills.

You can take in the views on a scenic boat trip or discover the city with a personalised guided tour. Get lost in Geneva’s 30+ museums, sample its best cuisine (think fondue and wine) and admire architectural icons ranging from ancient to modern.

The region around Jungfraujoch and Interlaken boasts one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland: the Peak Walk at Glacier 3000. The Jungfraujoch – a saddle that stretches between the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch – also has Europe’s highest railway station.

With these claims to fame, it’s not surprising that the area is a magnet for avid climbers and thrill-seeking travellers. But you don’t have to be a mountaineer to experience it; you can simply enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas from various viewpoints and the Refuge de l’Espace restaurant.

Any list of the most picturesque places in Switzerland has to include Lake Lucerne. Located in the heart of the country, it’s encircled by fairytale-like wooden houses and tree-covered slopes. We recommend exploring the lake by kayak to get the best views of its surroundings. 

You can also follow the 35-kilometre (22-mile) Swiss Path around the lake’s shores. For even more impressive vistas, take a day trip to Rigi: a nearby mountain that can be reached via a combination of boat and cogwheel railway journeys.

On the northwestern side of Lake Lucerne you’ll find the small city of Lucerne and its wooden Chapel Bridge. This intricate wooden walkway is nothing short of magical – especially at night, when it’s illuminated in a golden glow and reflected in the water below. 

Just a 20-minute drive south of Lucerne lies the imposing Mount Pilatus, a peak that’s shrouded in medieval legends. You can either hike to its summit or take the world’s steepest rack railway to the top. Once there, follow the mythical Dragon Path into the mountain’s depths.

Bern is Switzerland’s sophisticated capital, where nearly nine centuries of history intermingle with modern metropolitan culture. Its pretty streets are filled with sandstone buildings, ornate fountains and bustling businesses, as well as elegant hotels like the Bellevue Palace.

South of the capital you’ll find the Bernese Oberland, also known as the Bernese Highlands. This mountainous area encompasses not only the Jungfrau region, Interlaken and Gstaad, but also the Reichenbach Falls, Thun Castle and many other scenic spots.

The Rhine Falls hold the impressive title of the largest waterfall in Europe, spanning 150 metres (nearly 500 feet) and embodying the incredible power of nature. Located about a 45-minute drive from Zurich, this is an ideal day trip destination from Switzerland’s biggest city. 

Once you arrive in the area, board a boat to cruise along the Rhine River toward the thundering falls. Afterward you can visit the beautiful Rheinau Abbey: a historic Benedictine monastery set on an island in the river.

Avid skiers will likely know St. Moritz for its world-class pistes and glamorous winter resorts. But there’s also lots to see and do beyond the snowy slopes, from glacial hikes and mineral springs to the Segantini Museum and Tarasp Castle. Outdoor enthusiasts can also go sledding, snowshoeing or hiking through the country’s only national park. 

Perhaps the best – and certainly the most scenic – way to reach St. Moritz is aboard the Glacier Express, known as ‘the world’s slowest express train.’ The eight-hour trip between Zermatt and St. Moritz is one of our favourite luxury train journeys in Switzerland.

The beautiful scenery of Switzerland might consist mostly of snow-capped summits and Alpine slopes, and Ticino has its fair share of both. But it also boasts palm trees, perpetually sunny skies and a distinctive culture that often feels more Italian than Swiss – which makes sense, considering it’s located right next to northern Italy.

Essential stops in Ticino include the lovely cities of Lugano and Locarno – set beside Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore, respectively – and the verdant Valle Versazca, where you can swim in azure natural pools.

Follow the arching shape of Lake Geneva north from its namesake city to reach the enchanting locale of Lausanne. Situated on the northernmost shores, this terraced city reaches all the way from the lakefront area of Ouchy to the storied Old Town high in the hills. 

Venture a little farther east and you’ll find the equally enticing destination of Montreux, renowned for its romantic atmosphere and many nearby vineyards. Don’t miss the iconic Chillon Castle, set on a rock that juts out into Lake Geneva.