14 Most Scenic Small Towns in Switzerland – 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Switzerland
Switzerland is a small country nestled in the middle of the Alps, offering stunning 360-degree scenery wherever you go. Numerous lakes add to the picturesque beauty of this country, famously home to the fictional character Heidi. From banks to beautiful alpine meadows, Switzerland has it all. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Switzerland:
### 10. Interlaken
Interlaken was once known for watchmaking but is now a popular tourist resort. Visitors began flocking to Interlaken in the early 1800s for the mountain air and spa treatments. The town offers spectacular views of three famous Swiss mountains: the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Monch. It’s also a great base for outdoor activities in the Bernese Oberland Alps. Hungry tourists should try raclette, a classic Swiss cheese dish.
### 9. Lausanne
Athletes aspiring to Olympic greatness might enjoy Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva and home to the International Olympic Committee. Lausanne is the gateway to some of the world’s best ski slopes. Part of the Swiss Riviera, the city has attracted writers like Lord Byron, the Shelleys, and Ernest Hemingway. Lausanne boasts an impressive cathedral and wonderful outdoor markets.
### 8. Geneva
Geneva is a hub of international influence, hosting the International Red Cross Committee, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and 20 other international organizations. Known as the “city of parks,” 20% of Geneva’s land is devoted to parks. Top sights include St. Pierre Cathedral, where John Calvin preached, and the United Nations headquarters. Geneva is also great for exploring by bike or taking a boat ride on Lake Geneva.
### 7. Zurich
Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, is a cultural treasure with over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries. Visitors can enjoy shopping for Swiss brand-name goods, taking a boat ride on Lake Zurich, or hiking in the nearby mountains. The city also has a vibrant nightlife with numerous clubs. Don’t miss the Swiss National Museum, housed in a fairytale castle and dedicated to Switzerland’s cultural history.
### 6. Zermatt
Zermatt is a small town famous for skiing and mountaineering due to its proximity to the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland’s highest mountains. Cable cars take skiers up the mountains in winter and hikers in summer. Zermatt is a pedestrian-friendly town with only battery-operated vehicles allowed, making it perfect for walking tours. Scenic train routes connect Zermatt with the rest of the world.
### 5. Jungfrau Region
The Jungfrau Region is stunning in both summer and winter. Once a destination only for hardcore adventurers, it is now accessible to all travelers thanks to an extensive network of railways and well-maintained paths. The region includes four picturesque towns: Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen, and three imposing mountains: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
### 4. Lugano
Nicknamed the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland,” Lugano is popular with celebrities and located on Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. The city dates back to the 9th century and is home to numerous heritage sites, including three cathedrals and several museums. Lugano hosts an annual classical music festival, the Lugano Festival, in the summer.
### 3. Lake Geneva
One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva lies on the Rhone River between France and Switzerland. The area features varied geography, with the Jura mountains in the north, a hilly plain in the center, and the Alps in the southwest. Visitors can enjoy elegant cities and towns around the lake, opportunities for skiing and hiking, and the lake itself.
### 2. Lucerne
Lucerne is located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland and offers city life, a lake, and mountains. Known for its 14th-century Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, Lucerne is considered one of the world’s prettiest cities. Another famous monument is the Dying Lion, carved out of rock to honor Swiss mercenaries who died in France in 1792. Visitors should try Luzerner Chügelipastete, a local specialty made from puff pastry, veal, and mushrooms in a cream sauce.
### 1. Bern
Bern is a picturesque medieval city dating back to the 12th century and became part of the Swiss Confederacy in the 16th century. Its most famous attraction is an ancient clock tower with moving puppets, once the city’s western gate. Other popular sites include the Gothic Munster cathedral and the town hall. Bern’s symbol is the bear, with several kept in an open-air pit. Shoppers will love the old town, which boasts four miles of arcades, making it one of Europe’s longest covered shopping areas.
