Switzerland Holidays

Must-see sights

Switzerland brings together Alpine scenery and easy travel, so you can move from mountain views to clear lakes in a single day.

• The Matterhorn, Zermatt – One of the most photographed mountains in the world, its pyramid shape has become the symbol of the Swiss Alps. For panoramic mountain views, take the Gornergrat cog railway.

• Jungfraujoch, Bernese Oberland – Often called the ‘Top of Europe’, Jungfraujoch is home to the highest railway station on the continent.

• Lake Geneva and Château de Chillon – Set on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux, Château de Chillon is a 12th-century island castle and Switzerland’s most visited historic site.

• The Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Lucerne – This covered wooden footbridge dates to the 14th century, crossing the River Reuss. Inside, painted panels line the roof, telling stories from the city’s past. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Bern Old Town – The Medieval centre of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its covered shopping arcades, stone buildings and historic clock towers. Mechanical figures perform on the hour at Zytglogge Clock Tower.

History and arts

Add a few cultural stops to your trip with these well-known museums and historic places.

• The Olympic Museum, Lausanne – Lausanne is known as the Olympic capital of the world, and this interactive museum tells the story of the Games. Entry to the surrounding Olympic Park is free, with sculptures and open views across Lake Geneva.

• Kunsthaus Zürich – This is Switzerland’s largest art museum, with Medieval works and Edvard Munch collection.

• Abbey Library of Saint Gall, St. Gallen – One of the world’s oldest monastery libraries, set inside an ornate Rococo hall filled with historic manuscripts.

Local experiences

Get to know the local culture by joining in with one of these activities.

• Urban river swimming – In summer, cities like Basel, Bern and Zurich use their rivers as open-air swimming spots.

• The Apéro – Switzerland’s version of happy hour – you get a glass of wine or beer paired with local cheese and cured meats.

• Drinking from public fountains – Across Switzerland, thousands of public fountains provide fresh, cold drinking water straight from natural sources.

Festivals and events

These are some of Switzerland’s most popular events.

• Montreux Jazz Festival, July – Held on the shores of Lake Geneva, this summer music festival mainly features jazz music.

• Basel Fasnacht, February and March – Switzerland's largest carnival that starts at 4am, with thousands of costumed pipers and drummers marching through the streets with illuminated lanterns.

• Fête de l'Escalade, Geneva, December – A historic festival celebrating the defeat of a surprise attack in 1602. Locals dress in period costumes, parade through the Old Town and smash chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables.

Live like a local

These everyday habits offer a simple way to see how the locals spend their time.

• The Sunday hike – Sundays in Switzerland are very quiet, as shops are closed by law. Locals use this day to head into the mountains or local forests for a long hike.

• Taking the PostBus – The iconic yellow Postbuses are not just for tourists – they connect small towns and mountain villages, travelling up steep Alpine roads.

• Forest barbecues – The Swiss government maintains thousands of public fire pits (Feuerstellen) in forests and by lakesides.

Daytrips

See more of Switzerland with one of these daytrips.

• Zurich to the Rhine Falls – A 50-minute train ride north takes you to Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Take a boat ride that brings you closer to the cascades.

• Geneva to Annecy, France – Just an hour by bus across the border lies the ‘Venice of the Alps’ – a French Medieval town with pastel-coloured houses and canals flowing into a lake.

• Lucerne to Mount Pilatus – Ride the steepest cogwheel railway in the world up to the summit of Mount Pilatus, offering sweeping views of the Central Swiss Alps, then descend via a panoramic gondola.

Must-try dishes

Swiss food is hearty, filling and built for colder weather.

• Cheese Fondue – A classic Alpine dish made with melted Gruyère and Vacherin cheese, white wine and garlic, and bread is dipped in using long forks.

• Raclette – Another melted cheese dish – raclette cheese is heated and scraped straight onto boiled potatoes, usually served with pickled onions and gherkins.

• Rösti – A crispy potato dish that has become a national staple. It’s often served as a side dish or topped with a fried egg and bacon.

• Zürcher Geschnetzeltes – A traditional dish from Zurich made with thinly sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce.

• Swiss Chocolate – Switzerland’s known for its chocolate. Find local chocolatiers for authentic fresh truffles.

Local drinks

Try a local drink from a café, bar or mountain hut.

• Swiss wine – Switzerland produces plenty of wine but exports very little, so most bottles are enjoyed locally. Try Chasselas – a crisp, dry white wine grown around Lake Geneva, including the vineyards of Lavaux.

• Rivella – Rivella is Switzerland’s national soft drink. It’s lightly sparkling and made from milk whey, though it doesn’t taste like milk.

• Absinthe – Originating from the Val-de-Travers region, it’s a strong, anise-flavoured spirit traditionally diluted with ice-cold water poured slowly over a sugar cube.

Nightlife

Swiss nightlife ranges from luxury ski resort parties to urban clubs.

• Zürich West – The former industrial quarter of the city has been transformed into a thriving nightlife hub. Old shipbuilding factories and viaduct arches now house some of the best techno clubs and cocktail bars in the country.

• Après-ski – In luxury resorts like Verbier or Zermatt, nightlife begins on the mountain at around 3pm. There are live DJs and champagne, and people dance in their ski boots before skiing down to the village for dinner.

Why couples love Switzerland

Couples’ trips to Switzerland involve panoramic train journeys like the Glacier Express, while cosy chalets, fondue dinners and outdoor thermal baths in places like Vals and Leukerbad are ideal for a romantic moment.

Why families love Switzerland

There’s plenty in Switzerland for families – trains, funiculars and cable cars turn travel days into part of the fun, and attractions like chocolate museums are family-friendly. Ski resorts also have ski schools so young children can learn to ski.

Why groups love Switzerland

Switzerland’s great for group trips where friends can share large Alpine chalets for winter sports, cycle flat lakeside routes or explore wine-growing regions like Vaud.

Why solo travellers love Switzerland

Switzerland is known as a safe and easy place for solo travel. The national train network makes independent travel straightforward, hiking routes are clearly marked and cafés and public spaces feel calm and welcoming.

Places to shop

Shopping in Switzerland ranges from high-end brands to small independent shops.

• Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich – One of the world’s most expensive shopping streets, running from the main station to the lake. Expect designer fashion, luxury watches and large department stores.

• Geneva’s Rue du Rhône – Best known for luxury watch and jewellery boutiques, including big Swiss names like Rolex.

• The Old Towns (Altstadt) – For something more local, wander the historic centres of Bern, Lucerne or Zurich. These cobbled streets are home to independent boutiques, craft shops and bookshops.

Souvenirs and local finds

Here are some popular Swiss souvenirs you can take home to remember your trip.

• Swiss watches – Switzerland’s known for its watches, and buying one here feels a bit more special. Choose from an affordable Swatch to a handcrafted mechanical timepiece.

• Victorinox Swiss army knife – The classic red pocketknife is a popular souvenir. Flagship shops in major cities let you customise your own, choosing the tools and adding an engraving.

• Traditional woodcarvings – The Bernese Oberland is known for hand-carved wooden pieces. These range from small Alpine animals to detailed cuckoo clocks.

Markets

Local markets are a good way to see Swiss life up close.

• Bern Onion Market (Zibelemärit) – Held on the fourth Monday in November, this traditional folk festival sees farmers selling onion braids alongside garlic, crafts and hot glühwein.

• Plainpalais Flea Market, Geneva – One of Switzerland’s largest flea markets, running on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s a good place for browsing vintage Swiss watches, antique jewellery and retro homeware.

Trains (SBB/CFF/FFS)

Trains are the easiest way to get around Switzerland and work well for almost every journey. The network is reliable, frequent and scenic, covering cities, towns and many mountain routes. If you plan to travel a lot, a Swiss Travel Pass can offer good value, with unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats, plus free entry to hundreds of museums.

PostBuses

PostBuses are essential for reaching remote Alpine villages and valleys where trains don’t run. The bright yellow buses handle steep, winding mountain roads with ease and are used by locals year‑round. They are also included with the Swiss Travel Pass, making them a cost‑effective way to explore rural areas.

Cable cars and funiculars

Cable cars and funiculars are the main way to reach mountain summits and car‑free ski resorts. They are well organised but don’t always run year‑round, so it’s worth checking operating times in advance, especially in quieter months like May and November.

Hire cars

Hiring a car gives you flexibility to drive Alpine routes like the Furka or San Bernardino at your own pace. You’ll need a motorway vignette, and mountain roads can be challenging, especially for less confident drivers. Plus, many high passes also close between November and May due to snow, which can limit where you can go.