Popular Tourist Sights in Switzerland
Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country known for its lakes, villages, and high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like capital Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden chapel bridge.
One of the most popular tourist sights in Switzerland is Lake Geneva, a crescent-shaped lake that overlooks the Alps. A famous landmark is the Jet d’Eau, which shoots water 150 meters into the air.
1. Swiss National Park
Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers, filled with ethereal alpine peaks and crystal-clear lakes. If you’re a lover of nature, the Swiss National Park is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in Switzerland.
It’s a wilderness landscape in the Engadine Dolomites that has been untouched by human activity for over 100 years. It’s a great place to spot wildlife such as chamois, ibexes, marmots and golden eagles.
The park was founded in 1914 and covers 170km2 (0.42% of Switzerland’s total territory). Its strict conservation rules prevent visitors from veering off designated trails, allowing a vast array of wild animals to thrive within its boundaries.
In addition to its unique flora and fauna, the park is also home to three of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain ranges: Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. You can hike and trek to these peaks, as well as enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Founded in 1914, the Swiss National Park was the first to be established in the Alps and remains true to its original conservation ethos. It’s the only Alps park that’s been classified as a strict nature reserve, and its protection is based on the intentions of the founders.
The Swiss National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure tourists alike. It’s a wilderness landscape that’s full of natural wonders and it’s worth every single moment you spend exploring its 50mi (80km) of hiking paths and nature trails.
Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Switzerland has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Basel will cost about 18 euros per day, in Zurich - about 16 euros per day.
2. Lausanne
Lausanne is a popular tourist destination in Switzerland, and it's known for its many attractions. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. This city is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
The most famous landmark of the city is its cathedral, which has a medieval and Renaissance design. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone who is interested in the history of Switzerland.
Another must-visit place in the city is the Palais de Rumine. This Florentine Renaissance-style building is home to several museums. Its main hall has an exquisite design that reflects its Florentine Renaissance style.
If you're looking for a view of the city, check out the Tour de Sauvabelin. This tower is built out of wood and provides an incredible panoramic view of the city.
While in the town, you should also explore the Old Town. This is a small area that features colorful buildings and cobblestone streets.
You should also take a trip to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, which is a must-see for those who are interested in sports. Its displays of vintage equipment and medals are sure to intrigue you.
In addition to all the great attractions in Lausanne, the city also offers lots of fun activities for visitors. There are numerous outdoor parks and gardens that are perfect for relaxing and spending time with friends and family. In addition, Lausanne is the world's Olympic capital, so there are a number of events for sports lovers to attend.
3. Gruyeres
Gruyeres is an enchanting medieval town nestled among picturesque hills and boasting a mild climate, fabulous foodie scene, captivating castle and a variety of fascinating museums. If you are looking for a unique attraction during your visit to Switzerland, then Gruyeres should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit.
The name of the town comes from the famous Gruyere cheese, which is one of Switzerland’s most beloved and popular cheeses that can be enjoyed in classic dishes like raclette and fondue. To try some of this delicious and nutty Swiss cheese, you can visit some of the many restaurants in the town center that offer this special dish.
This charming medieval town is surrounded by beautiful mountains that can be explored on daily hikes. Hikers are especially fond of the Gorges de la Jogne, a chain of peaks that can be explored by hiking trail.
If you are interested in history, then you should definitely visit the Gruyeres Castle, which is built atop a hill and offers spectacular views of the town. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle is one of the oldest buildings in the town and is a great example of medieval architecture.
Another must-see in this fairytale-inspired Swiss town is the HR Giger museum. This museum features art pieces from the famous Swiss artist, Hans Rudi Giger, who was responsible for artworks that have been featured in the Alien movie franchise.
4. Fribourg
A city that is known for its bridges over the Sarine River that connect the French-speaking part of Switzerland with the German-speaking part, Fribourg is a great destination to visit in the Swiss region. The city is also known for its many beautiful buildings, including its medieval Old Town.
Located on the banks of the River Sarine, this charming town has preserved its medieval city center and features a range of interesting architecture, including Gothic-style houses, monuments, and the Cathedrale St. Niklaus church, which is a sacred place of worship for Roman Catholics.
The Cathedral is also home to an art nouveau stained glass window, which is a must-see attraction in the area. Another interesting building is the Espace Jean Tinguely–Niki de Saint Phalle, which displays 20th-century artists’ sculpture.
While in Fribourg, don’t miss the chance to sample some of the region’s gastronomic specialties and fine wines. Some of these include the famous Gruyere cheese, wines from Vully, Swiss fondue, Nidelkuchen, and meringues with double cream.
There’s also plenty to do outdoors in the area. You can visit La Sauge Nature Conservation Centre and a series of wooden bridges to get up close to the local wildlife.
You can also take a day trip to the picturesque Gruyere District, where you can sample its famous cheeses and wine. You can even take a tour of the Gruyere Castle, which is one of the most popular attractions in the town.
5. Sion
Sion is a charming town in Switzerland that is known for its stunning medieval old town, scenic views and great wines. It is the capital of the canton of Valais, located in the Rhone Valley.
Sion has a rich history and the oldest parts of the town date back to 3500 BC. It is a popular tourist destination due to its medieval architecture, quaint cobbled streets and stunning vistas.
The city is also famous for its historic chateaux and museums, which are a great way to get a glimpse of life in the past. You can also visit the museum of natural history, which showcases the relationship between man and nature through various exhibitions.
A walk along the Bisse du Torrent Neuf is another must do when visiting Sion. This is an irrigation channel that used to bring water to the vineyards and fields in the area. This is a beautiful route that offers some amazing views and is an ideal way to relax after a day of touring the city.
The town is also home to a beautiful church that dates back to the 1100s. This Gothic church is known for its stunning gothic architecture and magical glass windows. You can also admire the beautiful golden altar and read some of the inscriptions on its walls.
6. Basel
Located at the border of France, Germany, and Switzerland, Basel is a cultural capital in Europe that offers a beautiful blend of historic and modern architecture. There are plenty of museums and outdoor activities to enjoy, plus the Rhine river provides a great backdrop for a relaxing stroll.
The city’s enchanting Old Town has cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and galleries. The Marktplatz is dominated by the 16th-century Rathaus, which features an ornate red sandstone facade.
Another highlight of Basel is the medieval Cathedral, which is a stunning structure that combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its towers provide a great view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
If you love the art of painting, be sure to stop at the Kunstmuseum, which houses some of the world’s most famous works from the 14th century onwards. It also has a special section dedicated to contemporary art, featuring works by Chagall, de Chirico, Dali, Braque, Mondrian, and Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely.
A playful fountain that is a must-see attraction in Basel, the Tinguely Fountain is a kinetic masterpiece that features 10 iron figures that play with each other and throw water jets into the air. The kids will love playing with them.
One of the oldest bridges in Basel, the Middle Bridge links the new and old parts of the city. It has spectacular views of the river and the architecture, and is still in use. Interestingly, it has a few monuments on the bridge, including a monument dedicated to victims of the inquisition who were burned on fire as witches.