Hotels Switzerland See great deals
The sights of Switzerland demonstrate the natural and man-made wealth of the country. Sometimes it's hard to understand how they all fit in such a small area. Knowing what to see in Switzerland, you will definitely not lose sight of all the most interesting and significant.
What to see in Switzerland in the first place?
You will definitely remember a trip to Switzerland for a lifetime, because it is rich in unique architectural monuments, beautiful lakes, mountain ranges. Every medieval town in this country deserves attention. Below is a list of the main attractions in Switzerland.
1. Grossmünster Cathedral
Grossmünster – an old monastery and cathedral in Zurich
If you are one of the connoisseurs of religious monuments, then you will definitely like the majestic monastery located in the very center of Zurich. It is believed that the cathedral was erected in the 9th century, and the place was chosen for a reason. At one time, the graves of Saints Regula and Felix were discovered nearby. The description of this attraction says that the construction was then delayed, the building was put into operation only in the 12th century. Today, this attraction of Switzerland is one of the most visited, in this place tourists get the opportunity to feel the centuries-old history of the temple.
20″ src=”/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/dostoprimechatelnosti-shvejcarii-top-20-679a274.jpg” alt=”Swiss Attractions: Top 20″ />
Beautiful view of Lake Vierwaldstet < p>What to see in Switzerland? The reservoir deserves attention, the waters of which are washed by 4 cantons at once. Tourists often call it the name of the most popular and largest settlement on the coast. A trip here will be remembered for its picturesque winding shores. To more accurately describe the Firwaldstet Lake, it is worth noting that it consists of 4 basins, which are connected by narrow straits. There is also a hollow formed by ancient masses of atmospheric ice, which once descended from the mountains. In the summer, absolutely clear water warms up to 20 degrees Celsius.
3. St. Moritz
St. Moritz Nature Corner < p>What to visit in Switzerland? It is worth getting acquainted with one of the oldest resorts in the world. It is located in the Engadine Valley, and boasts that there are 322 sunny days here during the year. This place is one of the best attractions, because here is the most famous ski resort in the country. Every year representatives of royal dynasties, politicians, billionaires come here, and show business stars are no exception. From the reviews about the resort, you can understand that the cuisine and restaurants there are subject to the whims of the ski elite. Most public eating establishments are located directly on the slopes.
4. Matterhorn
Alpine lake and Matterhorn mountain
Continuing to describe interesting places, I would like to focus on one of the most recognizable mountains in the country. The Matterhorn is a symbol of all the Alps, and this hill is located on the border of two states. The southern part of the slope “belongs” to Italy, the other three belong to Switzerland. For a long time, this hill remained unconquered, because snow practically did not linger on the steep slopes of the mountain. But! In 1865, the first ascent was nevertheless carried out, and at the same time by Italian and English climbers. There is another unpleasant moment associated with this attraction of Switzerland: the mountain is the leader in sad statistics, more than 500 people died on its slopes.
5. Rhine Falls
Rushing water of the Rhine Falls
Tourists are invited to get acquainted with the largest and most powerful waterfall in all of Europe. Guests of the country are amazed not only by its height (23 m), but also by the volume of falling water. It is especially interesting to observe this miracle of nature during the snowmelt period, which adds volume to the waterfall. The rating of the attraction is rated as high because there is a medieval castle on the hill just above the waterfall, and it has a restaurant, a hotel and many shops.
Official website: http://www. rheinfall.ch/en/
6. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva – a paradise for water sports
We continue the theme of the sights of Switzerland. The second largest freshwater reservoir in all of Central Europe, located on the border of two states at once, deserves attention. The length of the lake is 73 km, and the width in some places reaches 14 km. It was formed presumably 15 thousand years ago, when the Rhone glacier melted and descended on them. The recommendations of this place are very positive, because here the climate is mild, clean alpine air prevails. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of subtropics and mountains. There are several attractions close to Lake Geneva, which makes this place even more interesting.
Check out the beautiful places in Switzerland in this wonderful video!
7. Old Town (Zurich)
Medieval buildings on the embankment of the Old Town of Zurich
Where to go in Switzerland? You should not miss the opportunity to visit one of the coziest and most colorful places in the main city of the country. Here you will see with your own eyes buildings dating back to the 11th century. They are notable for their painted walls, the presence of a large number of flowers on the windows. While reviewing the Old Town in Zurich, pay attention to the Cathedral of St. Peter, it has the largest dial in Europe. Fraumünster is one of the main churches in the city. Excursions in Switzerland to the oldest part of Zurich are popular with tourists because a huge number of antique, souvenir shops, and restaurants have been built here. There is a park on the shore of the lake, where there are picnic areas, a beach, a cafe.
8. Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva
Don't know what to visit in Switzerland? Head towards Chillon Castle, which, along with its dungeons, served as a prison for some time. Now in the Great Hall, where the coat of arms of Savoy is depicted, a magnificent ceiling flaunts, a fireplace of impressive dimensions of the 15th century. There is also a festive hall, in which the ceiling is made in the form of an inverted underwater part of the ship. It houses a museum of weapons, armor, tin dishes. Once in Chillon Castle, don't forget to visit the spacious Knights' and Armorial Hall.
Official website:https://www.chillon.ch/en/
9. Great Aletsch Glacier
Great Aletsch Glacier Canyon
It is one of the natural attractions of Switzerland, and is located on the southern slope of the Bernese Alps. It is notable for the fact that a canyon has been created on the descent into the valley, to some extent it looks like a road made by human hands. The length of the glacier in general is 24 km. Here you can take fascinating photos that will definitely surprise your friends.
10. Ballenberg Open Air Museum
Outdoor museum exhibits in Ballenberg
Many guides in Switzerland recommend visitors to the country to visit this place. The museum was formed after the locals stopped demolishing the village houses that were out of order. The same applies to stables, outbuildings. In the 70s of the last century, they began to be carefully dismantled and restored on an open-air site. At first, there were only 16 exhibits in the museum, but now there are about 100 buildings on an area of 66 hectares, which were collected from different parts of the country. You will learn about local culture and traditions from thematic exhibitions.
Official website: https://www.ballenberg.
11. Gornergrat Railway
Gornergrat railway with Matterhorn on background
Why is it one of the attractions of Switzerland, you ask? It's simple, the iron sheet is laid on a very beautiful part of the country. On this road, you can climb in 40 minutes to the very top of Mount Gornergrat, and this is a level of more than 3 thousand meters. What can you see in Switzerland if you go by rail? Attention is drawn to the alpine meadows of the Riffelalp, the Gornergletcher glacier of natural origin, the peak of the Matterhorn. Experienced tourists recommend getting on the right side along the train, then you definitely won’t miss all the fun. Now trains run at any time of the year, the route has 5 stops, you can get off at any of them.
Official website: https://www.gornergratbahn.
< h3> 12. Pilatus
Observation deck and hotel Pilatus Kulm at the top of Pilatus
As it has already become clear, many of the sights of Switzerland are represented by mountain ranges. One of the most interesting for tourists is Pilatus, which attracts attention with its “jaggedness”, sharp edges, and a relief resembling the back of a dragon. locals tell tourists stories about dragons, a mysterious woman living in the Schiebenloch cave, who keeps unseen treasures. This place is one of those that can be seen in Switzerland in 1 day. You can climb the massif by train, on foot or by cable car.
Official website: http://www.luzern.com/
13. Zermatt
Picturesque landscape of the Zermatt ski resort
This is a year-round resort, which is one of the most prestigious in the world. Its main attraction is the Matterhorn peak described above. The resort is completely closed for car traffic, you can only move here by mini-car, carriages with horses. It offers ample opportunities for skiing, there are many special schools, and even a ski kindergarten. This attraction of Switzerland is ideal for lovers of mountaineering, helicopter flights, squash, curling. And this is not a complete list of entertainment at the resort.
Official website: https://www.zermatt.ch/en
14. “The Dying Lion » in Lucerne
The Oval Pond and the Dying Lion Monument in Lucerne
The history of this attraction in Switzerland is very touching, an American writer called it “the most tragic stone in the world.” In short, at one time, in honor of those who died during the storming of the Tuileries Palace, a statue of a dying lion was carved in natural rock. He is depicted with a pierced spear, making an attempt to cover the coat of arms, which is a symbol of the French royal house.
Official website: http://www.luzern.com/ru/
15. Chapelbrücke
Chapel Bridge Chapel Bridge and Wasserturm in Lucerne
We continue to talk about what to see in Switzerland? Worthy of the attention of tourists is the bridge, which is a real engineering art that has survived centuries. In Europe, it is the oldest wooden structure connecting the banks of the Reuss River. Through it from the old part of the city you can get to the modern. Be sure to pay attention to the massive stone pillars of the bridge, which are the only structural elements not made of wood. The most interesting: under the roof there are 111 paintings, on which you can study the history of the state as a whole, the canton and the city.
Sights of Switzerland: what else to visit in Switzerland?
As it has already become clear, the landscape of the state in Western Europe is predominantly hilly, mountainous, there is a wide variety of flora and fauna. For your information, Switzerland belongs to a small number of European countries that were not affected by world wars. That is why so many sights have been preserved here.
16. Old Town (Bern)
View of the Old Town of Bern
Since 1983, it has been on the UNESCO heritage list. Walking along its streets, one gets the impression that you are in a medieval state. Don't know what else to see in Switzerland? Travel to a place where time literally stood still, back in the 13th century. A large number of historical monuments have been preserved in the Old Town. For example, the Zytglogge clock tower, the bridge at the Lower Gate, the cathedral and more. There are no problems with hotels in Switzerland, and in whatever part of the state you find yourself, the main thing is to take care of booking a room in advance. In the Old Town, you can fully enjoy leisurely walks through the streets, relax in the shade of cozy squares, and, in the end, eat delicious cakes from numerous pastry shops.
Official website:https://www.bern.com
17. Fortifications of Bellinzona
Panoramic view of the fortifications of Bellinzona
We are talking about a whole group, which includes several fortifications located around the settlement. All of them are included in the UNESCO list, which means that they are under protection. It consists of a group of three castles and fortress walls. Castelgrande is deservedly considered the oldest. Its history dates back to ancient times. The renewal and strengthening of this construction was constantly taken care of, because for a long time it was the only defense of the city. All three castles are open to tourists.
18. Museum of Art and History in Geneva
The building of the Museum of Art and History in Geneva
On the territory of the described country, it is considered the largest. The collections include more than 650 thousand exhibits, ranging from paintings to archaeological artifacts. The total area of the museum is 7 thousand m². To find this place in Geneva, you can focus on the cathedral. The museum itself is located in a beautiful palace, decorated with columns, made in the style of classicism. On the roof you can observe stone sculptures. You can get acquainted with permanent exhibitions for free, but you will have to pay for temporary collections.
19. Titlis
Engelberg ski resort against the backdrop of Mount Titlis
The mountain is located in the town of Endelberg, known for offering ideal conditions for skiing in winter. Here the trails for downhill skiing are prepared with the highest quality. In the mountains, non-skiers will not be bored either. They are offered activities such as snow tubing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn carriage rides. A bright event in the city of Endelberg is the World Cup competition in ski jumping, where they are held regularly. There is always snow on Mount Titlis, because the mountain rises 3,238 meters above sea level.
20. Rhaetian Railway
The Rhaetian railway passes through the Alpine tunnels < p> Switzerland is rich in man-made wonders of the world, and one of these is the Rhaetian railway. It is the most important transport artery of the country, and also crosses the local Alps. The canvas surprises with the views that open during the movement, but also with the height of some bridges, the bends of the viaducts. The road was built at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Official site: https://www.rhb.ch/en/
Now you know what to see in Switzerland, which means that your trip will be as interesting and exciting as possible.
Read also about the best sights in Slovakia and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!