The 5 Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of those places that pulls at your senses. You’ve got crisp mountain air, chocolate aromas drifting in the valleys, and peaks so perfect they look edited. Whether you love nature, culture, or just want to slow down, there’s something magical hiding behind every corner. 

In this post, we’ll explore the 5 Best Things to Do in Switzerland, sharing a mix of classic must-sees and little gems that feel like secrets. Think trains that climb skyward, hikes that leave you speechless, towns where time seems to pause, and food that makes your heart sigh. No rigid itinerary here - just ideas to inspire your own Swiss story. 

Strap on comfy shoes, pack a jacket (because weather is Switzerland’s wild card), and let’s wander through this stunning country in ways that feel human, not handbook.

Exploring the Cities

Swiss cities manage something rare: they feel modern without losing soul. In Zurich, you can wander through cobbled alleys, duck into cafés where locals linger over espresso, and browse boutique shops in old town (Altstadt). Geneva charms with its lakeside promenade, the Jet d’eau spraying sky-high and the Flower Clock turning quietly alongside petals. 

Lucerne? That wooden Chapel Bridge, reflected on still water at sunrise, is a moment you won’t forget. Bern’s Old Town feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with fountains, arcades, and views of the snowy Alps beyond its ancient buildings. 

These urban spots are perfect when you want both culture and convenience. And trust me, they’re full of surprises - small jazz bars, artisan shops, street food stands serving raclette by candlelight. It’s where Switzerland’s heart pulses gently.

Hiking & Alpine Adventures

If you love mountains, trails and that fresh-air buzz, Switzerland is your playground. Try the Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg trail in the Bernese Oberland - it gives you jaw-dropping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, without feeling like you need to summit anything dangerous. 

Another favourite: the Val Trupchun Trail in the Swiss National Park. Expect moderate terrain, scenic river crossings, and wildlife like ibex wandering about. Want something a bit more thrilling? Herds of trails lead up to peaks where glaciers glint, ridgelines stretch, and the air gets thin - but it’s worth it. Pack layers, start early, and let the quiet of the alps sink in. Hiking here feels like meditating with your boots on.

Tours

If you prefer seeing lots without stressing over logistics, there’s no shortage of amazing Switzerland tours that tie everything together. Grand train rides that loop through Lucerne, the Lavaux Vineyards, the Jungfrau Region, and Chillon Castle are as dreamy as they sound. Boat cruises on Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne let you rest while scenery slides past – vineyards, snow-tipped mountains, and castles perched on rocky shores. 

For something local, guided chocolate or cheese tours in towns like Gruyères or Lucerne bring you closer to Swiss traditions. Time with a guide means you hear stories: how the cheeses are made, why some villages have wooden balconies, and which peaks are myth-steeped. Tours give you that slow sense of discovery, letting the country unfold naturally without rushing. Perfect if you want depth, not just photos.

Food & Local Culture

Switzerland isn’t just about views; its food tastes good, too. Imagine warm slices of raclette melting beside a wood-burning stove, or a fondue pot shared among friends as snow falls. There are markets in Basel or Zurich where you can sample fresh bread, cheese, charcuterie, and even roasted chestnuts when autumn comes. 

Regional dishes like rösti in the Bernese valleys or hearty soups in the mountains remind you how food is woven into daily life. Don’t skip chocolate shops: small artisanal chocolatiers often produce bars you can’t find anywhere else, and their scent (cocoa and sugar) sticks with you. 

Cultural festivals pop up even in smaller towns - folklore, yodelling, alphorn concerts - unexpected moments that feel genuine, not staged. These are the things that take you beyond sights; they make you feel part of something, even if just for a few days.

Resorts in Switzerland

If mountain views, log fires, and snow-dusted mornings sound like your kind of escape, Switzerland’s ski resorts are basically made for you. From the glamour of St. Moritz to the peaceful peaks above Davos, the country perfects the balance of adventure and indulgence.

One of the most iconic destinations is Zermatt – home to the legendary Matterhorn and some of the best skiing in Europe. You will find luxury ski chalets in Zermatt that capture everything special about a Swiss winter: crisp air, cosy interiors, and views that make even non-skiers want to linger. The village itself feels timeless, with cobbled streets, wooden lodges, and restaurants where fondue is basically an art form.

Whether you spend your days carving through powder or just watching the sun turn the mountains pink from your balcony, Zermatt has that rare mix of charm and sophistication that makes it hard to leave.

Scenic Rail Journeys

Swiss trains are famous, and for good reason. The Bernina Express winds through 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, climbing up to Bernina Pass where views of glaciers, snow peaks and palm trees meet in spectacular contrast. The ride itself becomes a memory: quiet carriages, large panoramic windows, the rhythm of tracks underfoot, sometimes clouds so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them. 

Another route: ride up to the Sphinx Observatory atop Jungfraujoch, one of the highest accessible observation decks in Europe, and gaze at the Aletsch Glacier spread out below. Train stations in Switzerland aren’t just stops; they’re portals: mountain cog railways, cable cars, funiculars. Even a short train ride can shift you from city life to alpine calm. Let the journey itself be part of the adventure.

Summary

Switzerland is wildly beautiful and wonderfully varied: mountains and lakes, city charm and rustic hidden corners. Between exploring the cities, hiking alpine trails, indulging in tours, savouring local food, and riding iconic trains, you’ll gather a mosaic of experiences that feel deeply human. 

Think less seeing and more feeling: the cold wind at a summit, the warm glow of a chalet at dusk, the crunch of snow beneath boots, the sweetness of chocolate on your tongue. It doesn’t matter how many postcards other people have of these places, once you’ve seen them through your own eyes, they become yours forever.