Best Cities to Visit in Switzerland
The ideal destinations in Switzerland depend on your interests; history buffs may appreciate some areas more than others while nature enthusiasts should head straight for Switzerland’s natural splendor.
Fribourg, situated at the cultural border between France and Germany, is famed for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural life, which blends French and German influences together in unique fashion.
Basel
Basel lies in Switzerland’s northeast, making it its artistic heart. Its traffic-free old town is filled with half-timbered houses featuring ornate oriel windows (protruding bay windows). Design aficionados should visit Stiftsbibliothek – an 18th century monastic medieval library known for its stunning rococo architecture. And there are so many other things to do in Basel, Switzerland.
Other highlights of Freiburg include the 14th-century Stadtturm Castle with Turrets and Moat; some lovely churches such as Freiburger Munster from 11th Century and Basilica of Saint Paul built in 13th Century; as well as strolls through historic Market Square which offers unique boutiques, antique book stores as well as designer stores – the ultimate experience!
City heritage is enhanced by modern buildings like the beautiful red sandstone Rathaus and Museum Tinguely, dedicated to eccentric Swiss artist Jean Tinguely – best known for his signature Stravinsky Fountain outside Paris’ Centre Pompidou and groundbreaking self-destructing artwork Homage to New York.
Lucerne
Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, nestled alongside its namesake lake and towered by stunning mountain peaks that attract some of its most iconic inhabitants such as Queen Victoria, Wagner and Goethe in the 19th century. From medieval charms like its Old Town and Chapel Bridge, to mountain excursions such as cable car rides or scenic hikes; visiting Lucerne is sure to please and save money at the same time! For maximum savings, purchasing a Tell Pass could cover most top things to do and local transport while saving up to 15%!
The Water tower stands as one of the city’s defining symbols and provides breathtaking views across a serene lake. Its turrets feature 67 paintings depicting death dances; black-and-white Alpine Swifts have long roosted here for generations. Furthermore, across the lake lies KKL – an attractive glass building offering superb acoustics for an annual classical music festival.
Montreux lies at the heart of the Alps, providing an idyllic setting for outdoor adventure. Exploration by land or water is easy – from hairpin bend road trips and trains chugging high into snowy mountain forests to boat journeys across shimmering blue lakes – they all await discovery here.
Interlaken
Switzerland is an incredible sight, but planning a journey through all its landscapes and experiences can be an arduous process. Finding suitable towns to base yourself can be difficult – finding the balance between exploration and relaxation requires skillful decision making.
With Switzerland’s excellent transportation infrastructure, creating the experience of your choice in Switzerland has never been simpler. Be it medieval streets in Lucerne or Alpine beauty in Zermatt – whether day trips are required to really see Switzerland all.
Interlaken offers unparalleled adventure, from its picturesque lakeshores and alpine meadows, to paragliding, skydiving and breathtaking hikes such as Harder Kulm which allows you to view Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains from its peak. It is widely recognized as a hub of adrenaline-driven activities such as paragliding and skydiving – as well as other sights such as its idyllic lake shores. The region is known as an arena for adrenalin sports like paragliding and skydiving. If adrenalin fuelled thrills is what you seek then Interlaken will not disappoint – its lake shores and alpine meadows are surefire ways of exciting exploration; paragliding and skydiving are common. You can also hike to harder Kulm for breathtaking panoramic views over Eiger Monch & Jungfrau mountains!
Cultural experiences abound due to Interlaken’s long and vibrant history. Lauterbrunnen is known as “The Valley of Waterfalls,” while Grindelwald offers beautiful woodcarving traditions that reveal Switzerland’s past. And all these experiences and more can easily be reached from Interlaken with ease thanks to the Berner Oberland Pass that allows travelers to easily access neighboring cities such as Lucerne or Bern without purchasing separate tickets for travel between them.
Lausanne
Lausanne combines historic medieval streets, an eye-catching cathedral and vibrant modern culture with top-tier restaurants for an exciting dining experience. Lausanne is Switzerland’s Olympic capital, hosting both the International Olympic Committee and its Museum of Sport; yet there’s much more to discover in Lausanne; including trendy arts districts like Flon district as well as state-of-the-art aquarium.
Make the most of Lake Geneva and relax while admiring its scenic esplanades and terraces, or get active by strolling, swimming or stand-up paddleboarding on Europe’s largest freshwater lake – you could even rent out a boat for the day!
For an immersive cultural experience, visit the Musee de l’Art Brut and Beaulieu Castle Museums to gain some art and history education. If sport is your thing, stop by the Olympic Museum where they showcase its spirit!
Lausanne is a hilly city made easy to explore thanks to a comprehensive network of bridges, escalators, and steps. If you find it easier hopping between exciting corners of the city with the free Lausanne Transport Card included with hotel booking (or check out Swiss rail passes if you want to explore further afield), spring or autumn tends to offer optimal temperatures for exploring it all!
