15 Best Things to Do in Switzerland: From Alpine Peaks to Hidden Gems

Switzerland is a place where nature, serenity, and peace exist in perfect harmony. A destination that has confirmed its place in every traveller’s bucket list. Switzerland is a place where there’s beauty everywhere, as far as the eyes could see. With plenty of diverse experiences and multiple iconic locations to explore, you can get overwhelmed with the number of activities that await you. And if you are confused about where to visit and what to experience, here’s a list of things that you must include in your next Switzerland itinerary.

Planning a Switzerland vacation can be made effortless and hassle-free with Flip Trip Holidays’ Switzerland Tour Packages, that comes with several inclusions like guided sightseeing, premium hotel stays, comfortable airport transfers, and more.

Iconic Swiss Landmarks (The Must-Sees)

Starting strong with the popular Swiss landmarks & attractions:

1. Journey to the Top of Europe: Jungfraujoch

   

    

   A one-of-a-kind experience where the journey will delight you as much as the experience. Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station, offering you some to-die-for Alpine views. To reach this place, you will begin your scenic train ride from Interlaken, Grindelwald, or Lauterbrunnen. An experience that is so surreal that you won’t be able to believe your eyes.

   Through this beautiful journey, you will witness:

   • Dramatic glaciers and snow-covered peaks.
     
     
   • Stunning waterfalls and majestic green valleys.

   What awaits you once you arrive in Jungfraujoch:

   • Snow Fun Park: A place where you can experience several thrilling activities in the snow. But this park is not always open. So, confirm whether it’s open before visiting.
     
     
   • Ice Palace: If you plan on visiting Jungfraujoch, do not miss stopping by this magical snow palace, where you will find wonderful ice sculptures. An experience worth exploring.
     
     
   • Souvenir shops: from where you can buy souvenirs as a symbol of your memorable visit.
     
     
   • A Lindt chocolate shop: You can find a chocolate shop at such a high altitude only in Switzerland.

2. Behold the "Toblerone Mountain": The Matterhorn in Zermatt

   

    

   Marvelling at this majestic natural wonder is an experience that definitely deserves a place in your Switzerland bucket list. Matterhorn is a dramatic mountain with a sharp peak that appears like a pyramid. And did you know that this mountain has inspired the shape of the iconic chocolate “Toblerone”?. This unreal wonder of nature is located in Zermatt, a car-free village offering towering, awe-inspiring views of this mountain. An unmissable experience for travellers coming to Switzerland.

   Pro Tip: to have a closer look at this mountain, you can take the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise cable car ride and have a glance at this iconic peak, from up close and at the beautiful peaks that surround this mountain.

3. Cruise the Turquoise Waters of Lake Brienz & Lake Thun

   

    

   Getting a glimpse of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz & Lake Thun will make you forget all your worries & the view is worth every penny you invest in your Switzerland holiday. Cruising through these lakes makes you feel as if you are moving through a living portrait standing before your eyes. The blue waters seem unreal and finely polished like glass. Huge, towering, snow-covered alpine peaks & a whole load of serenity will surround you as you cruise through these stunning lakes. This is an experience of a lifetime, something you would regret for the rest of your life if you do not go for it. Make sure to add this gem of an experience to your tour itinerary on your next Switzerland vacation.

Top Things to Do in Montreux

For those staying in or stopping by Montreux, here are some top-recommended things to do in Montreux:

4. Step Back in Time at Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)

   

    

   Standing on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, this castle looks like a scene straight out of a movie. It appears as if this castle is floating on the water, and the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps makes it even more majestic to look at. Inside this castle, you will feel like you’ve been transported to the Medieval era. You will find noble rooms, grand halls, a beautiful chapel, and the dungeons, which were the prisoner cells during medieval times. Every corner of this place tells a story, making it a must-visit destination for both travellers and history lovers.

5. Stroll the Montreux Flower Promenade & Queen Studio Experience

   

    

   Montreux Flower Promenade, a lakeside walk that impresses every person who has done it.

   Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, with a pathway that is lined with an abundance of gorgeous flowers. This walk will refresh you like never before. An ultimate experience that is totally worth your time.

   Within a few steps' distance from this promenade, there is Queen: The Studio Experience, which is a museum that celebrates the legendary music band “Queen”. In there, you can find handwritten song lyrics, stage costumes, and behind-the-scenes photographs, depicting the history of the band and their deep connection with Montreux.

Adventure Things to Do in Switzerland (Adrenaline)

For adventure lovers, Switzerland has plenty of experiences in store for you that will not let your adventurous side wear off:

6. Paragliding Over Interlaken

   

    

   Indulge in an extraordinary paragliding experience over Interlaken, and step into a time filled with adventure that keeps the adrenaline pumping and landscapes that will take your breath away. This 20-minute experience is more than just an adventure; it's a completely new way to view the world. Every traveller visits Switzerland to take in its mesmerising beauty, but only a few witness it in an unforgettable way. And this Paragliding experience will etch down Switzerland’s beauty and the memories you make here, forever in your heart.

7. Canyoning and White-Water Rafting in the Bernese Oberland

   

    

   Another highly recommended activity in Switzerland is to try canyoning and white-water rafting in the Bernese Oberland, a terrific alpine region and a popular destination for various fun-filled sports. For adventure lovers, experiencing white-water rafting is an activity filled with thrills and a perfect experience that will give you unforgettable memories.

   And if you are feeling more adventurous, trying canyoning, which is an exciting activity that involves moving through canyons through various techniques such as walking, jumping, climbing, and swimming, is something you should totally go for.

8. The Thrill Walk at Schilthorn-Piz Gloria

   

    

   The thrill walk, at Birg, a station on the way up to Schilthorn-Piz Gloria, is a glass-floored path that gives you breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. This thrilling walk is steeply high in the Swiss Alps, with the crisp, cold air touching you every second, and the steep platforms testing your balance. An experience that totally deserves a spot in your Switzerland itinerary.

Unique & Cultural Experiences

Indulge in some unique & cultural experiences that are exclusive to Switzerland:

9. Indulge in a Chocolate Tasting Tour at Maison Cailler

   

    

   A Swiss holiday is incomplete without trying Swiss chocolates and purchasing them for all your loved ones. Take a chocolate tasting tour at Maison Cailler, and step into a world that is full of sweetness and aroma. Callier is Switzerland’s oldest chocolate. This place gives you a glimpse of how this rich chocolate is made and, of course, the sample room, where you can taste a variety of Cailler chocolates, a quintessential Swiss experience that is truly indulgent.

10. Soak in the Thermal Baths of Leukerbad

    

     

    Does Switzerland in winter seem like a place that is too cold? It may be true, but there are relaxing experiences in Switzerland even for cold-blooded people. So, no one has to stay inside and shiver from the freezing temperatures. In fact, this experience in particular is preferred by the travellers in the winter.

    Soaking yourself in the hot springs in Leukerbad, surrounded by an alpine scenery, with the thermal waters coming from underground. This experience is purely rejuvenating, helping you wind down and rest while enjoying Switzerland’s natural beauty.

11. Hike the Appenzell "Seealpsee" Trail

    

     

    This scenic hike begins in Wasserauen, which is a small village in Switzerland. Through the forests, with panoramic views of the mountains around you. This hike is steep, thrilling, and filled with refreshing mountain air. As you climb higher, you will feel an immense amount of peace surrounding you. Once you see the striking views of Lake Seealpsee from the top, you will totally forget about your tired legs or the way you were running out of breath along the path. This experience is magical, full of adventure, and worth going for.

Seasonal Highlights: Summer vs. Winter

12. Scenic Train Journeys: The Glacier Express (Winter Highlight)

    

     

    The Glacier Express is a magnificent train journey that you will totally love. And it becomes even more magical in the winter. This beautiful train journey is between Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the majestic Swiss Alps. In winter, this journey looks picture-perfect and becomes second to none. You must consider taking this train ride on your next Switzerland vacation.

13. Skiing or Snowboarding in St. Moritz or Davos (Winter)

    

     

    Trying snow activities is a quintessential Swiss experience that you must try in winter. An experience that you just can’t miss. Whether you are travelling with your family or friends, this experience is perfect for having a memorable time and creating lifelong memories on your Switzerland holiday.

    St. Moritz and Davos are ski areas, known for the Alpine adventure they provide, combined with luxury and relaxation, with fine restaurants and cafes, where you can relax after having countless fun in the snow.

14. Mountain Biking and Alpine Wildflower Hikes (Summer)

    

     

    Planned your Switzerland vacation in the summer?. This Alpine heaven has some wonderful activities that are perfect for the hot weather. Mountain biking and taking wildflower hikes are two great things that you can try in Switzerland during the summer season.

    Mountain biking is an adrenaline-pumping activity where you will bike down steep and challenging paths, giving you thrills. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the green valleys along the path will make you speechless, and the atmosphere that surrounds you will be full of fun, excitement, and a relaxed vibe.

    If you want to embark on a more peaceful adventure, then you should opt for an alpine wildflower hike. Where you will be surrounded by fresh mountain air, colourful flowers, cheerful birds, and you get an Alpine scenery to marvel at. An experience that will make you feel deeply connected with nature.

15. Swimming in the "Limmat" River, Zurich (Summer)

    

     

    An unmissable experience for those visiting Switzerland in the summer is taking a dip (or more than a dip) into the clear waters of the Limmat River in Zurich, one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Switzerland. It’s like a summer tradition, where people come to cool off in the river from the scorching sun that bothers them during the summer. It is a sort of coastal experience, but in a city. This experience is more than just refreshing; it’s fun, cultural, and unforgettable.

Planning Your Swiss Itinerary

Planning an entire trip comes with its own set of troubles and challenges, from getting the visa, booking hotel and flight tickets, to sightseeing, every single arrangement requires attention to detail. But with Flip Trip Holidays’ Switzerland Tour Package, everything becomes easy & effortless. All you have to do is pick a tour package and relax. Our tour packages take care of every little detail that sums up the itinerary, from guided sightseeing, visa support, to seamless airport transfers and comfortable hotel stays. We manage everything with utmost consideration.

How to Save with the Swiss Travel Pass

Purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass is the most convenient way to explore Switzerland & elevates your travel experience like no other, as it includes:

Best Time to Visit: Weather & Crowds

Although the best time to visit Switzerland depends on the weather you are looking for, overall, the best time to plan your Switzerland holiday is between April and May & September and October, as you will witness a balanced weather along with fewer crowds and lower prices during this period.

FAQs

• Q- Is Switzerland expensive?

  Switzerland is an expensive country to visit for tourists, considering the high standards of living that it has & the luxurious lifestyle it offers.

• Q- How many days are enough for a Switzerland tour?

  Ideally, 7 to 10 days is a good enough time for a Switzerland tour that combines deep exploration & chances to relax, for a well-balanced trip.

• Q- What is the best thing to experience in Switzerland?

  There are several must-do experiences in Switzerland, with the number 1 being experiencing the surreal train ride to Jungfraujoch, because of the breathtaking views you get to witness along the way.

About the Author Anushka

Anushka is an SEO writer and with her in-depth research, she follows a strategic approach to content creation and specializes in travel content. At Media Upshift, she shares insights from her experience developing high-performing, search-optimized content that reaches audiences and drives organic growth for businesses.

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