Places to Visit in Switzerland

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Switzerland has been blessed with an exquisite natural beauty that exudes a dreamy charm. All the best places to visit in Switzerland, be it lakes, national parks or mountains, are picture-perfect postcards. The list of the most notable places to visit in Switzerland is an eclectic one and features lakes, castles, and mountains. Here’s our pick of seven best Switzerland tourist places to visit.

1. Jungfraujoch

Jungfraujoch is one of the most-visited places in Switzerland. Straddling two lofty peaks, it offers a bird’s-eye-view of the surrounding peaks from the “Top of Europe”. We recommend starting from Grindelwald, aboard Eiger Express. It is the newest cable car that will take you to the top 47 minutes faster. If Jungfraujoch doesn’t feel high enough, you can go up a further 108 metres to the Sphinx observation deck for a breath-taking Alpine panorama.

Explore the Great Aletsch Glacier that starts from Jungfraujoch. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Head to the Ice Palace carved into the glacier to appreciate the icy art that graces its halls.

2. Interlaken

Interlaken has been entertaining visitors since the 17^th century. It is one of the best places in Switzerland for adventure and sightseeing. Surrounded by lofty peaks, the rugged terrain in between is perfect for testing your mettle with a choice of exciting adventure activities. Get your adrenaline pumping with paragliding or feel the wind in your hair on horseback.

Regular BLS cruise service on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offer the best ways to get close to and appreciate their elegant beauty. For a quick getaway from the city, get aboard the Harder-Kulm funicular which takes you 1,322 metres up a 64-degree gradient to enjoy stunning views of Interlaken and surrounding region.

3. Mount Titlis

A trip to Mount Titlis is an exciting adventure as part of the journey is completed in TITLIS Rotair, the world’s first rotating cable car. The leisurely journey allows you a 360-degree appreciation of the stunning views. But the real fun awaits you at the summit where the kaleidoscope of stunning views accompanies snow and fun-filled adventures.

Experience thrills and chills at Titlis Cliff Walk, the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Marvel at the beauty of Glacier Cave and follow it into the heart of the glacier to enjoy its frozen exhibits. Get your adrenaline pumping with the BagJump Tower, slackline walking and Trampoline2Bag at Trübsee. End your adventure on a high at the 500-metre-long zipline for the ultimate thrill.

4. Lake Geneva

The vast crescent-shaped Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine Lake, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Switzerland. It will show you different, and dramatic, views of Swiss landscapes like the beautiful Lavalux vineyards. The majestic Alps dominate the view from the eastern side, while beautiful castles and villages can be seen on the northern side along with the terraces of the Lavaux Vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lake Geneva is a hub of water sports and the place to be in summer. Explore its depths with scuba diving or sail across its calm waters in a row boat. The lake also serves as a venue for popular events such the 125-year-old yacht race. Swimming in the lake is also a popular activity, especially during the summer season.

5. Gstaad

Gstaad is the ultimate holiday playground for thrill seekers and the jet-setting crowd, with its adventurous streak and luxurious ambience. Its idyllic beauty has been showcased in numerous Bollywood films. Be sure to visit Lake Lauenen, which is locally known as Chopra Lake in Yash Chopra’s honour. Recreate your favourite Bollywood moments here as you bask in its serene aura.

Skiing is the favourite adventure activitiy in winter while the warm summers pull you out on rejuvenating treks. But a relaxing spa treatment is something you can do all year round. A fondue picnic is another favourite summer activity as is mountain-biking. Enjoy a delicious meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant and indulge yourself with luxury window shopping.

6. Bern

The capital of Switzerland will surprise you with its scenic beauty. Unlike some capital cities of the world, Bern has an unhurried air and centuries of history. Bern’s Old Town is a living slice of its history and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lovingly caressed by the Aare River, the old town has preserved its medieval character. Go back further in time at Bern’s Natural History Museum. It is a treasure trove of fossils and artefacts that tell the story of humankind.

The Einstein Museum pays homage to his genius. It displays his handwritten letters, and diaries along with his Nobel Prize. We recommend a visit to Einstein Haus where he developed his famous Theory of Relativity to see how a genius lived. If you get tired of sightseeing, take a break at the peaceful Rose Garden Park. Do not miss the Zytglogge, Bern’s 800-year-old clock tower, whose workings perform for visitors five minutes before each hour.

7. Lake Lucerne

Lucerne seems like a city out of time. Its medieval heart hides a hardy beauty that that has withstood the ravages of time. Start your time travel at Lucerne Old Town which preserves the echoes of the past in lake-front burgher’s houses and quaint little squares. Check out the 800-year-old Chapel Bridge which hides more than 100 17^th-century paintings within.

Don’t miss the 112-metre-long Bourbaki Panorama, a three-dimensional painting that makes you a part of its landscape. Get close to the action at Lake Lucerne which is a bustling hub of activity. Take a scenic cruise in a 20^th-century paddle steamer. Finally, ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Pilatus and unravel the mysteries of the “Dragon Mountain”.

Your Swiss journey has barely begun but it’s a start. Kick off your exploration with these seven best places to visit in Switzerland for an unhurried vacation through pristine Alpine landscapes.

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