Best Places to Visit in Switzerland for Indians
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Federer, cheese, sweets, cakes, watches, knives, banks, romantic early life fantasies – if there is one word that could encompass all of those, it’s Switzerland. The dreamland is full of majestic alpine frames spilling out of storybook villages, glistening blue lakes, and lovely hamlets. Find these all at the best places to visit in Switzerland. Here is a list of places to visit in Switzerland:
- Zurich
- Geneva
- Lucerne
- Interlaken
- Bern
- Montreux
- Jungfraujoch
- Zermatt
- Lausanne
Switzerland is a land straight out of a beautiful painting. The Alps run through 60% of the country, making them the most attractive tourist destination in Switzerland. The landscapes and cities seem like the work of a wildly imaginative infant. Furthermore, there are countless places to visit in Switzerland: the outdoors, activities, luxury, a numerous selection of gala’s, meals, subculture, and history. Read on for a list of the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Zurich
By way of the water, the city combines the city residing with nature. A must-visit on the list of places to visit in Switzerland. With infinite activities, museums, and varied gastronomic scenes, the place can give you the best experience of Zurich sightseeing places and views. In addition to Switzerland’s most lively nightlife, Zurich is buzzing with activity day and night. Here are some things to see in Zurich:
- Bahnhofstrasse (Shopping Street): The world-famous shopping promenade was built following the completion of Zurich’s Main Railway Station. It ranks at the top of the list of Zurich tourist attractions for shopping. It connected Lake Zurich to the Main Railway Station over 1.4 kilometres (0.87 miles) and was built on the site of city moats 150 years ago. Bahnhofstrasse is also popular with locals and tourists who want to go shopping in Switzerland.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Altstadt is the oldest part of the city and one of the best places to see in Switzerland. The Old Town has four quadrants and consists of Medieval dwellings, Renaissance buildings, and small streets. Bahnhofstrasse, Town Hall, Fraumunster Church Houses, Nightclubs, and Bars are the principal highlights of Old Town. This town has a lot of things to do in Switzerland for party enthusiasts.
- Lake Zurich: Aside from the Alps, Lake Zurich is one of Switzerland’s most popular places to visit in Switzerland. Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city–and the country’s chocolate capital–can be found on its western shore. Along the northern-east bank is the elegant “Golden Coast,” which is immensely popular in the summer and offers a rich collection of high-profile villas.
- Swiss National Museum: The Swiss National Museum claims to have around 840,000 artefacts. Listed among historic things to do in Switzerland. So, whether or not you want to study the history and the various battles fought in the region, the place may incite a spark of wonder in you!
- Uetliberg Mountain: Along its trekking trails, the Uetliberg has numerous facilities. At the summit, you can try to find a restaurant with a panoramic view of Zurich, the lake, and the Alps for some Zurich sightseeing places. The trail is one of the most adventurous things to do in Zurich, Switzerland. It is very properly marked and includes a few benches alongside the way. There’s a lookout tower near the summit that you may climb for an even better view.
Geneva
Do not miss out on Geneva when planning your list of places to visit in Switzerland. The train network in Geneva is excellent and a must-go place in Switzerland. The Lyria high-speed rail delivers you to the city centre in 3 hours from Paris, 4 hours and 20 minutes from Marseille, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Lyon! Geneva has an excellent public transportation system as well as bus boats called “Mouettes” that cross Lake Geneva.
Some things to do in Geneva switzerland:
- Jet d’Eau (Fountain): The Eiffel Tower stands in Paris, the Empire State Building stands in New York, and the Water Fountains (Jet d’Eau) stand in Geneva. It is one of the tallest water fountains in the world, launching water 460 feet (140 meters) into the air. Jet d’Eau is one of the most popular places to visit in Switzerland.
- United Nations Office in Geneva: One of Switzerland’s famous places, Access the Palais des Nations via the Pregny Gate Visitor’s Entrance. It is located on 14 Avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneva, across from the Geneva Hotel School and in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross building.
- St. Pierre Cathedral: The St. Pierre Cathedral is well-known for being where John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, stayed and worked. Just near to the Pulpit, you can see the triangle stool where he allegedly used to sit.
- Parc La Bâtie: The Bois de la Bâtie in Geneva promises more than just an animal park. The Bois de la Bâtie spreads across 12 hectares of forest property and is ideally situated beside the River Arve in the city centre. It is perhaps one of the most soothing Switzerland attractions. For animal lovers, this may be among Switzerland’s best places.
- Lake Geneva: The beaches of Lake Geneva contain the entirety of Switzerland. Snowy mountains, idyllic wine villages, city nightlife, and the sound of cowbells amid rolling pastureland await you. A spectacular sight among the things to do in Geneva, Switzerland.
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Lucerne
Lucerne is well-known for its lake, the picturesque Chapel Bridge, and the city walls that previously protected it. Lucerne is regarded as one of “Switzerland’s Top 10 Places to Visit”
Its historic town, lake, and mountains preserve centuries of history and traditions. In Switzerland, budget visitors may expect to spend between CHF 100 to 200 per day ( 9,526.50 to 19,049.51 INR) per day. Here are some of the things to do in Lucerne Switzerland:
- Chapel Bridge and Water Tower: The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne (Kapellbrücke) is one of Switzerland’s most famous bridges. A beautiful medieval wooden footbridge that crosses the Reuss River and includes an octagonal water tower (Wasserturm).
- Lion Monument: The Lion Monument is by far the most emotional Switzerland attraction. In 1820, Swiss soldier Lukas Ahorn carved this 10m-long sculpture of a dying lion into the rock face to commemorate Swiss soldiers who died protecting King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.
- Lake Lucerne: Lake Lucerne in winter looks like it’s straight out of a Disney film, with historic chateaus, churches, the Kapellbrücke (literally translating as ‘Chapel Bridge’), and a picturesque old town lining the lake’s edges, while the steep Swiss Alps rise in the background and surround the glistening water. This a must-visit among your agenda of things to do in Lucerne Switzerland.
- Swiss Museum of Transport: The Swiss Museum of Transport is a famous place to visit in Switzerland as it offers an intriguing and interactive look into the evolution of transportation and mobility on land, rail, and water, not to mention air and space travel. It was founded in 1959 and is today Switzerland’s most visited museum.
- Old Town (Altstadt): The Old Town is an excellent starting place for Zurich tourist attractions. The highlights of Zurich walking and cycling tours typically include the Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster) and Grossmunster cathedrals, St. Peter Church (Peterskirche), the Swiss National Museum, and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping boulevard.
In a Nutshell
Lucerne, a gem in “Switzerland’s Top 10 Places to Visit,” boasts a historic town, captivating Chapel Bridge, and the emotional Lion Monument. Enjoy the enchanting scenery of Lake Lucerne and explore attractions like the Swiss Museum of Transport and the charming Old Town. With a daily budget of CHF 100 to 200, Lucerne offers a delightful mix of history, breathtaking landscapes, and engaging activities for an unforgettable Swiss experience.
Interlaken
The lovely town of Interlaken is part of the larger Interlaken region in the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Interlaken is located between two lakes, Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, as its name suggests. It’s a popular skiing destination with postcard-perfect ski resorts. Some of the things to do in Interlaken Switzerland are skiing, snowboarding, trekking, snowshoeing, paragliding, and participating in a variety of other amazing winter sports activities.
Here is a longer list of the many things to do in Interlaken Switzerland:
- Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): This is among the most iconic Switzerland tourist places. One of the most popular and fun activities in Switzerland in the Bernese Oberland is a trip to Jungfraujoch. Walk into an ice cave, play in the snow, enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, and hike out to Mönchsjochhütte.
- Harder Kulm: Harder Kulm, also known as “The Top of Interlaken,” is a spectacular mountain summit in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps. Its breathtaking panoramic vistas, natural beauty, and exciting blend of Swiss culture and history make it one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. Harder Kulm has become a renowned tourist site for visitors from all over the world.
- Aare River: The clean Aare River flows peacefully north of Interlaken, mainly parallel to Hovik Street. Walk along the river under the dense shade of trees to witness the picturesque beauty and charm.
- Höheweg Promenade: The Hohe Promenade is a smaller, more peaceful roadway that returns to Hoheweg Boulevard. Before returning to the busier promenade, visitors can take in the serenity of the Mersmann-Brunnen fountain.
- Lake Thun and Lake Brienz: Lake Brienz is one of the most serene places to see in Switzerland. It is Switzerland’s deepest and one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. It is famed for its dreamlike turquoise colour, which draws a large number of people to the lake’s shoreline.
You can also read: 9 Cheap European Countries to Visit from India
Bern
The vast canton of Bern encompasses a diverse landscape ranging from Alpine peaks to rolling farmland. The canton’s north is centred on Bern, Switzerland’s low-key and appealing federal capital. You should budget roughly Sfr 228 (INR 21773.76 approximately) daily for your Bern trip.
- Zentrum Paul Klee (Art Museum): Renzo Piano’s architecturally notable 150m-long wave-like edifice holds an exhibition space that shows shifting works from Paul Klee’s prolific and often playful career. Zentrum Paul Klee is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for art enthusiasts.
- Bear Park: Finn, Björk, and Ursina, their daughter, reside at Bear Park. The bears can play, climb, and fish in this hospitable setting. The opportunity to see bears living and lounging in their natural surroundings makes for a pleasure for visitors.
- Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage):Among historic Switzerland tourist places, this town was founded in the twelfth century on a hilltop encircled by the Aare River, Berne evolved through the ages according to a well-thought-out master plan.
- Rosengarten (Rose Garden):Bern Rose Garden is located on the Old Town’s eastern boundary, next to the River Aar. To get to the Rosengarten stop next to the park, take the bus. The lovely park is also accessible on foot from the city centre. There are several eateries, and the Bear Pits is close by.
- Federal Palace: The Swiss Federal Assembly (legislature) and Federal Council (executive) are housed in the Federal Palace in Bern. It serves as the location of Switzerland’s parliament and government.
Day Trips:
If you are looking for some nice places to visit in Switzerland here are day trip options:
Montreux
Travelers looking for a mix of action and relaxation can find a haven in Montreux, tucked away along Lake Geneva’s banks. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.
- Montreux Jazz Festival: There are events every evening for a full 16 days of the Montreux Jazz Festival. The festival is for night owls because no activities are happening during the day. Daily, the event lasts until five in the morning and is a great choice for those looking for fun activities in Switzerland!
- Chillon Castle: Chillon Castle is centuries old. Ancient Roman relics and remains from the bronze age have been found here. With a map and brochure (available in 19 languages), it is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for tourists. Tourists can explore the castle at their own pace, moving through the chambers in whichever direction they choose or in numerical order.
- Rochers-de-Naye (Mountain): A viewpoint in southwest Switzerland’s canton of Vaud is called Rochers-de-Naye. It is situated on Lake Geneva in the highlands to the north of Montreux. The height of the peak is 1,968 meters.
- GoldenPass Line Train Ride:The GoldenPass Line is a picturesque train route that links Lake Geneva and central Switzerland. It takes roughly 5.5 hours to complete the 191 km course.
Jungfraujoch
Switzerland’s Jungfraujoch is a unique alpine attraction open all year round. It is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland. It displays a portion of the Swiss Alps, Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, the approximate cost per adult is INR 18,000-19,000. Switzerland’s best places, from the majestic Jungfraujoch to the charming streets of Lucerne, promise a journey through breathtaking landscapes and timeless beauty
- Sphinx Observatory: Overlooking the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland lies the Sphinx Observatory, an observatory dedicated to astronomy. It is called after the rocky summit that it sits above, the Sphinx.
- Ice Palace:The Ice Palace is a famous place to visit in Switzerland. A year-round family program destination, Nature’s Ice Palace (Natur Eis Palace) near the Hintertux Glacier is a natural beauty. The ice castle is a crevasse, a deep crevice in the Hintertux glacier that resembles a cave.
- Snow Activities:Numerous ski areas exist, with the largest being so large that you could ski for three to four days without ever having to repeat a run. In addition, there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sledging, hiking, and even curling in the winter for those looking for fun things to do in Switzerland.
- Breathtaking Mountain Views:A little piece of heaven on Earth is Jungfraujoch. This icy paradise is located 3454 meters above sea level. Translating to a “ridge between two peaks,” Jungfraujoch connects Mönch and Jungfrau.
Zermatt
Situated in a valley beneath the Matterhorn summit, Zermatt is a well-known location in Switzerland. Between June and September; that’s the ideal time of year to visit Zermatt. September is an excellent month for riding, hiking, and skiing.
- The Matterhorn:The day before the climb, one travels from Zermatt (1,620 m) to Schwarzsee (2,583 m) via cable car. Use the trekking path towards the Matterhorn Hörnli Hut (3,260 m) from there. It takes roughly two hours to hike to the hut.
- Gornergrat Railway:At 3090 meters, on a mountain peak, lies the cogwheel rail station Gornergrat, which is close to Zermatt. The ‘Gornergratbahn’ journey from Zermatt takes about half an hour. A breathtaking view of the tallest peaks in the Valais, including the well-known Matterhorn, awaits you at the summit.
- Klein Matterhorn (Little Matterhorn): Including the travel time to and from Zermatt, a minimum of 4 hours is needed to visit Klein Matterhorn, which is truly worth it as you may find it amidst the best places to visit in Switzerland. From Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn observation platform, the cable car ride takes about 45 minutes. It takes roughly the same amount of time to make the same route back.
- Skiing and Hiking: There are three main mountains, each with a unique personality that will keep most skill levels entertained for days. Head to the Sunnegga-Rothorn area, which is home to one of our favourite pistes in the Alps, the Kumme, for the most iconic (pyramidal) vistas of the Matterhorn. This is a great choice for those looking for activities in Switzerland.
Lausanne
The Swiss canton of Vaud contains the city of Lausanne. It is situated near Lake Geneva’s northernmost point. In Lausanne, Switzerland, a low-budget traveller should budget about SFR 208(INR 19836.28) daily.
- Olympic Museum: The Olympic Museum, a 3,000 square-meter exhibition area in Lausanne, Switzerland, covers the history of the Olympic Games. The museum sits on the northern bank of Lake Geneva. For sports enthusiasts, this is one of the most fun things to do in Switzerland.
- Collection de l’Art Brut:The Château de Beaulieu, an 18th-century fortress owned by the City of Lausanne, is home to the Collection de l’Art Brut (Outsider’s Art Collection). The Mingard family owned it for two generations and it is one of the nice places to visit in Switzerland.
- Lausanne Cathedral:This is among the roster of must-visit places in Switzerland. The largest cathedral in Switzerland was the Lausanne Cathedral. with a Gothic-style building. There is exquisite carving on the entryway arch. There is a stained-glass staircase that leads to the pinnacle of the temple and is located inside.
Key Takeaways
- There are countless places to visit in Switzerland with something for all people’s tastes: the outdoors, activities, luxury, a numerous selection of gala’s, meals, subculture, and history.
- In addition to Switzerland’s most lively nightlife, Zurich is buzzing with activity day and night. The lake, the charming Chapel Bridge, and the old city walls defending it are Lucerne’s main attractions
- Situated in a valley beneath the Matterhorn summit, Zermatt is a well-known location in Switzerland. Zermatt is a must-visit Switzerland tourist attraction, especially between June and September. September is an excellent month for riding, hiking, and skiing.
- Switzerland’s Jungfraujoch is a unique alpine attraction open all year round. It displays a portion of the Swiss Alps, Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Travelers looking for a mix of action and relaxation can find a haven in Montreux,
- Federer, cheese, sweets, cakes, watches, knives, banks, romantic early life fantasies – if there is one word that could encompass all of those, it’s Swiss. The dreamland is full of majestic alpine frames spilling out of storybook villages, glistening blue lakes, and all that can be found in the list of places mentioned in this comprehensive guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
In Switzerland, especially in formal contexts, it is customary to greet someone with a firm handshake, make direct eye contact, and introduce them by their title and surname.
Yes, there are lots of great vegetarian and vegan eateries in Switzerland. HappyCow is one of the best options for vegans and vegetarians with over 3000 outlets in Switzerland. There are some Indian restaurants in Switzerland Zurich and other places as well. An Indian restaurant in Switzerland that you can also check out is Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich.
One may visit the unique palm trees of Switzerland. That’s not what one would think from a landlocked nation with the snow-capped Alps. However, because of the country’s extraordinarily varied topography, there are several microclimates where tropical plants can flourish. This makes it unique among the Switzerland tourist attractions.
One of Switzerland’s most famous national meals is rosti, thinly grated potatoes that are pan-fried till crisp and golden. You can find rosti in almost all authentic Swiss restaurants, just make sure they use oil instead of butter.
Clear nights with no light pollution make for the finest stargazing conditions. Additionally, it is ideal to choose a spot far from artificial light sources like city lights.
