Switzerland boasts breathtaking mountain scenery and serene lake views, earning it the titles of "European Paradise" and "World Park". Visiting Switzerland for the first time and unsure how to plan your itinerary? Now let Kinnso guide you through the top 10 must-visit attractions in Switzerland, from Rhine Falls to Jungfrau Peak. Join us as we experience the beauty of this fairyland together!
Switzerland must-visit attractions for beginners
Rhine Falls: Europe's largest waterfall
The Rhine Falls is located in northern Switzerland near Germany, and it is the largest waterfall in Europe by volume. The waterfall is 150 meters wide with a drop of 23 meters, its grandeur is awe-inspiring, with roaring water and a spectacular view. You can take a boat to get a closer look, feeling the power and might of the waterfall and experiencing nature's impact. Ancient castles line the falls, giving it a strong medieval atmosphere, worth exploring slowly.
Traffic: Take the train from Zurich to Neuhausen am Rheinfall station and then walk for 15 minutes.
Tickets: The viewing platform is free. Boat tours close-up CHF 15.
2. Mount Matterhorn: Gleaming golden in the sunlight.
Matterhorn is located in Zermatt, Switzerland, at an altitude of 4,478 meters, and it's the seventh highest peak in the Alps. It has a beautiful triangular pyramid shape, which glitters gold in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking sight. You can take a cable car to an altitude of 3,883 meters to get a close-up view of the Matterhorn. The summit offers panoramic views, allowing you to see the entire Alps in a 360-degree sweep, making it truly unforgettable. Glaciers, valleys, and forests create stunning natural landscapes that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.
Transportation: Take a train to Zermatt first, then transfer to an aerial cable car to reach the summit.
Opening Hours: 8:30~16:30, open from November to May every year.
Tickets: Adult CHF 102, Child CHF 51.
3. Lugano: Italian Charm and Lake and Mountain Scenery
Lugano is located in southern Switzerland, in the Ticino canton, bordering Italy and exuding a strong Italian charm. The shores of Lake Lugano are picturesque with crystal-clear water reflecting the Southern European style architecture and lush green mountains, a truly breathtaking sight. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, exploring Renaissance-style churches and squares, immersing yourself in the exotic ambiance. Don't miss taking the cable car to Mount San Salvatore for panoramic views of the lake, mountains and ancient city.
Transportation: Take the national train to Lugano train station, which is near both the lake area and the old town.
Recommended Experiences: City sightseeing (free), mountain cable car (CHF 30), lake cruise (CHF 34).
4. Geneva Fountain: A landmark on Lake Léman
Located on Lake Lemman in the center of Geneva, Switzerland, the Jet d'Eau is a famous landmark. The fountain is about 140 meters high, with powerful jets of water that, along with the azure lake and distant mountains, create a stunning scenery. You can admire its beauty from the British Garden or the Fountain Bridge. At night, the fountain is illuminated with colorful lights, adding a touch of romance. Take a stroll nearby and explore the historic old town and museums in the area.
Transportation: The Jet d'Eau is located near Geneva train station.
5. Matterhorn: Roof of Europe
Jungfraujoch, at an altitude of 4,158 meters, is one of the most famous peaks in the Alps, known as the "Roof of Europe". Take a cogwheel railway to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking views of glaciers, snowfields, and alpine scenery along the way. The top features a panoramic platform offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains, majestic and awe-inspiring. You can also stroll through the highest ice palace in Europe or dine at Sphinx Observatory restaurant, with stunning snowy mountain views, romantic and picturesque.
Transport: Take the cogwheel railway from Interlaken Ost station, reaching the summit in a 2-hour journey.
Opening Hours: Open year-round.
Ticket Prices: Adults CHF 204, Children CHF 102.
6. St. Moritz: A world-class resort destination
Located in the southeast of Switzerland, St. Moritz is a world-renowned high-end ski resort. In winter, you can experience skiing, sledding, curling and other winter activities in town. Summer is suitable for hiking, lakeside strolls, and golf. The old town has many high-end boutiques and Michelin restaurants, making it a great place to experience the high life. Also, don't miss taking the cable car to the surrounding mountains to enjoy the stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and mountain scenery.
Transportation: Take a train from Zurich to St. Moritz, which takes 3 hours.
7. Zurich: The City of Art and Fashion
Zurich, located in northeastern Switzerland, is Switzerland's financial center and is also renowned for its art and fashion. The Kunsthaus Zürich houses a vast collection of European art treasures from various periods, worth taking your time to explore. Along Bahnhofstrasse, the main street in the city center, you will find numerous high-end boutiques and department stores, making it a shopper's paradise. Moreover, the scenery along Lake Zurich is breathtaking. You can take a stroll by the lake, have a picnic, and relax in tranquility.
Transportation: Zurich is a transportation hub in Switzerland, with direct trains from Geneva, Bern, and other cities.
Recommended Attractions: Kunsthaus Zürich (CHF 23), Fraumünster Church (free), Bahnhofstrasse (free)
8. Mont Blanc: A knightly air about him
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Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, Mount Pilatus is known for its knight-shaped peak. Climbing to the top of Mount Pilatus offers a panoramic 360-degree view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountain scenery. Standing on the summit like a medieval knight, you can feel the grandeur of nature. You can take the world's steepest cogwheel railway to the summit, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way. The summit features viewing platforms, aerial walkways, and other facilities. On clear days, you can even glimpse famous Alpine peaks such as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Transportation: Take a boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then transfer to the mountain railway to the summit.
Ticket Prices: Adults CHF 75, Children CHF 30.
Shaffhausen: Medieval Romantic Town
Shaffhausen is a small town in northern Switzerland, known for its medieval architecture and fountains. The town preserves many buildings in Renaissance and Baroque styles, strolling through the old town is like traveling through time. The towering Monnoet Fortress is a city landmark with stunning views. Besides, Shaffhausen is also famous for its fountains, with a total of 171 fountains throughout the town, each with a unique style. Slowly exploring the fountains, you can feel the strong romantic atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Traffic: Take a train from Zurich to Schaffhausen, about 1 hour's journey.
Recommended attractions: Monnoet Fortress (CHF 6), Fountain Tour (free), Old Town Hall (free)
Grindelwald: Like a fairytale kingdom.
Grindelwald village is located in the central Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, near Interlaken. The scenery is picturesque. Well-preserved wooden houses throughout the village exude a strong rural atmosphere. The distant mountains are covered in white snow, resembling a fairy tale kingdom. You can take a cable car to Mount Mönch or the First viewing platform to overlook the Alps, including the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch peaks. In summer, it's ideal for hiking here. Along the way, you'll find alpine meadows, cattle herds, and wildflowers, a feast for the eyes.
Transportation: Take a train from Interlaken Ost Station to Grindelwald, which takes about 30 minutes.
Recommended Experiences: First Cable Car (CHF 64), Hiking (Free), Alpine Slide (CHF 21)