Top 20 Most Beautiful and Famous Tourist Destinations in Switzerland

Lucerne is known as one of the most ancient towns in Switzerland, with a relatively small area but boasting incredibly beautiful natural landscapes, surrounded by majestic mountains. It is considered the most attractive tourist destination in the country.

Lucerne embraces and preserves all the values ​​from ancient times, from buildings with medieval architecture to meticulously cobblestone streets. All of this creates a peaceful, gentle, and strangely enchanting beauty that captivates everyone.

When visiting the town, tourists should not miss the opportunity to visit Lake Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge dating back to the 14th century, or participate in other exciting activities such as tobogganing, and ice skating on Mount Pilatus. Lucerne embodies all the characteristics of Switzerland with its romantic lakes, majestic mountains, multilingual locals (speaking all 4 official languages of Switzerland: German, French, Italian, and Romansh), numerous ancient architectures, and museums.

Basel is renowned as Switzerland's most impressive destination. Situated in a unique geographical location between the borders of Germany and France, the city is bisected by the Rhine River. As the second largest city in the country, Basel is often referred to as the city of intellect and art. Despite its modest population of 250,000, Basel boasts the oldest university in Switzerland, hundreds of exhibition venues, six major museums, and numerous theaters.

Furthermore, its economy and education sector are highly developed, with hundreds of exhibition venues, theaters, and six museums dedicated to preserving the timeless works of famous architects, playwrights, and artists.

When visiting Basel, you'll have the opportunity to explore many landmarks such as the Basel Bank and the Basel Hilton building. Particularly noteworthy is the Basler Fastnacht festival, a three-day celebration featuring masked parades and street processions in elaborate costumes.

Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, not only preserves the long-standing history of a nation but also stands as an unmissable tourist destination. Surrounded by towering hills, expansive lakes, and legendary Alpine ranges, the city boasts charming cobblestone streets that epitomize European allure.

Zurich serves as the primary commercial and cultural hub of Switzerland, housing over 50 museums and theaters, alongside a concentration of banks, stock exchanges, international corporations, and media companies. Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic Altstadt district and the national museum, or simply pause at a roadside café for a profoundly romantic coffee experience.

With a population of approximately 400,000, Zurich is renowned for its high quality of life. Despite its modest size, the city pulsates with over 500 nightlife establishments, rivaling the vibrancy of Paris and Berlin.

Interlaken, Switzerland, a quaint town nestled amidst rich natural landscapes, adorned by rolling hills and two azure lakes year-round. Interlaken exudes the charm of a gentle maiden, timid yet alluring, nurtured by the embrace of Mother Nature. With its picturesque allure, Interlaken promises to captivate visitors, both from Switzerland and across Europe, from the very first glance.

Interlaken, characterized by its raw yet enchanting beauty, stands as Switzerland's first highland city developed for tourism. Its minimal human intervention has continuously attracted tourists domestically and internationally, sparking human curiosity.

One of its most captivating features is the preservation of the subtle charm of Victorian-style houses and architectural structures. For adventure enthusiasts, conquering the 'roof of Europe,' the JungFrau mountain with an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters and perennially cloaked in snow, is a thrilling endeavor.

If you're someone who loves living close to serene nature, then Geneva is an incredibly ideal destination. It's regarded as a city intertwined with nature, dubbed the 'heart of Europe,' boasting a mild climate and beautiful scenery. As such, Geneva always attracts the largest number of tourists in Switzerland.

Geneva, or Genève, is considered the most peaceful city in the world. For travelers, it's an essential stop on their journeys across Western Europe and serves as a 'green address' for international political negotiations. Geneva is situated in the southwest of Switzerland. To the south, it faces the towering Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in the Alps, while the River Rhone flows near Lake Geneva.

When in Geneva, visitors can head straight to the fountain standing at 150 meters tall located on the expansive Lake Geneva to enjoy the fresh, pleasant air tinged with floral fragrances and admire the unique clock made up of 6,300 fresh flowers, a symbol of Switzerland.

Zermatt is renowned as a clean, green city, not only famous in Switzerland but also across Europe. The primary modes of transportation here are by foot, bicycle, and bus. Additionally, no private vehicles are allowed on the roads.

The village of Zermatt is located in the Visp district, Valais canton, in the southern Swiss mountain region, close to the Italian border. The small village sits at an altitude of 1600 meters, surrounded by towering peaks of the Alps. The mountain ranges reach heights of up to 5000 meters, making it a perfect destination for mountaineering and skiing.

Therefore, Zermatt is always an ideal place for engaging in physical activities such as skiing, mountaineering, or simply enjoying peaceful strolls through the picturesque, tranquil streets. The residents and local authorities make concerted efforts to maintain the serenity of this area. All motorized vehicles are prohibited, with most people relying on walking, skiing, biking, or using electric buses.

Zermatt được biết đến như một thành phố xanh, sạch, không khói bụi không chỉ nổi tiếng của Thụy Sĩ mà còn cả Châu Âu. Phương tiện đi lại của người dân ở đây chủ yếu là đôi chân, xe đạp và xe buýt. Ngoài ra, không bất cứ một phương tiện giao thông cá nhân nào được phép lưu thông trên đường.

Làng Zermatt nằm tại quận Visp, bang Valais, thuộc khu vực vùng núi phía Nam Thụy Sĩ, khá gần với biên giới nước Ý. Ngôi làng nhỏ bé nằm ở độ cao 1600m, được bao bọc bởi những dãy núi trùng điệp thuộc dãy Alps. Độ cao những dãy núi có thể lên 5000m, là địa điểm hoàn hảo để leo núi và trượt tuyết.

Vì vậy, Zermatt luôn là một nơi lý tưởng để tham gia những hoạt động thể chất, đòi hỏi sự dẻo dai rất được yêu thích như trượt tuyết, leo núi hay tìm cảm giác bình yên khi đi dạo trong các khu phố nên thơ, yên tĩnh. Đặc biệt người dân và chính quyền luôn nỗ lực gìn giữ sự ôn hòa nơi này. Tất cả các loại phương tiện di chuyển cơ giới đều không được phép sử dụng. Đa phần người dân chỉ đi bộ, dùng ván trượt, xe đạp, hoặc xe buýt sử dụng điện.

Rediscovering Lausanne is like revisiting a childhood filled with dreams, with its quaint old streets and ancient castles fit for princesses and princes. It's a place so enchanting that you can't help but marvel and wonder why such a place exists.

Lausanne, an ancient city boasting magnificent castles and simple yet vibrant horse-drawn carriages. Consequently, it's the perfect destination for children or those wanting to relive their childhood memories.

Like many other Swiss destinations in particular, and in Europe in general, each season in the city of Lausanne brings a different charm, allowing you to visit at any time suitable for your schedule or Swiss tour itinerary. Enjoy the gentle sunlight and don't forget to stroll through the ancient castles in the city. Exploring Lausanne, Switzerland, in mild weather leaves a lasting impression and emotional experience that any traveler will find unforgettable.

Rising majestically at 4,478 meters, Matterhorn resembles a pyramid with four triangular faces meeting at the summit, with edges seemingly cut precisely by a giant knife. Matterhorn is not only an icon of Switzerland but also of the entire Alps range. Since the late 19th century, when railways were constructed, it has attracted numerous tourists and particularly mountaineers.

With three-quarters of its terrain being mountains, everywhere you go, you see mountains, even in the midst of the city. Swiss life and activities are intertwined with the mountains, and Matterhorn and Switzerland are two images inseparable from each other.

Matterhorn has a pyramid-like shape, with four triangular faces meeting at the summit, the faces appear as if cut precisely by a giant knife, and the four faces to the north, south, east, and west of the compass, the mountain rises gradually from the surrounding base into an elegant peak in the sky. All four sides of the mountain are very steep, making it difficult for snow to cling to.

The capital city of Bern is one of the most charming tourist destinations in Switzerland. Although its area is modest and its luxury may not rival that of other Western European capitals, Bern still holds a special allure and appeal for visitors.

Visitors here will feel like they've stepped into a fairy tale from ancient times, with Gothic architecture featuring unique vaulted roofs lining the beautifully crafted cobblestone streets. The locals consider bears as symbols of good luck, hence bear statues can be found everywhere, giving the ancient city its distinctive character. There's even a large bear park located at the edge of the city, which is an intriguing attraction for tourists.

The old city of Bern retains the characteristic features of Switzerland's long-standing heritage and tradition, packed into a small space, absent are skyscrapers and bustling financial centers.

Nestled in the canton of Fribourg and dating back to the Middle Ages, at an altitude of 810m, Gruyeres Town is renowned for Switzerland's famous cheese production. Visitors here take cable cars to reach the Le Moleson mountain peak at 2,002m, and explore the magnificent Gruyere Castle that has stood for over 7 centuries.

Gruyeres Town is picturesque, reminiscent of a medieval painting. It welcomes pedestrians to a leisurely stroll among cobblestone streets and fountain squares.

Aside from experiencing the natural beauty and ancient architecture, visitors have the opportunity to learn about cheese production from milk dating back to the 17th century. The secret to crafting these premium cheeses lies in the organic farming practices combined with centuries-old traditional production methods, complemented by a cheese museum for tourists to visit.

Chillon Castle is a fortress located on a rocky island along the shores of Lake Geneva, near the border of Switzerland and France. It is considered the most beautiful castle in Switzerland and a captivating tourist destination for all travelers.

Chillon Castle - Switzerland's most beautiful castle is also said to be associated with a romantic love story of a prince and a princess. Situated by Lake Léman in the city of Montreux, Chillon is over 850 years old, comprising of 100 independent buildings interconnected to form a vast complex. It was once the residence of wealthy Savoy counts. Each year, Chillon attracts over 350,000 visitors.

This architectural marvel has also served as inspiration for Walt Disney to create the castle in the animated film 'The Little Mermaid'. The castle is not only Switzerland's most beautiful but also one of the most picturesque landmarks in Europe, with its poetic beauty drawing the most visitors in Switzerland. Strolling along the lakeside to explore the rooms, dungeons, and weapons from the 14th century preserved to this day.

Rhine River Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Europe, a captivating natural wonder when traveling to Switzerland. Located in the northern part of Switzerland near the town of Schaffhausen, the waterfall roars from a height of over 150m. Visitors can admire the scenery from afar or rent a boat to visit nearby castles such as Lau Lauen and Schloss Wörth. The Rhine Falls, often called the 1/8th wonder of Switzerland, usually hosts magnificent flower-selling spectacles to attract tourists.

The strongest flow at the Rhine River Waterfall is from May to July. The river can rise and rush fiercely against the cliffs, but it can also flow gently and peacefully like the serene Blausee Lake. It can be said that the spectacular sight of the mighty water rushing down the narrow valley, with the water splashing creating a breathtaking scene, is unbelievable.

Taking a boat trip on the Rhine River allows you to witness the magnificent beauty of the Rhine River as well as the picturesque landscapes on both sides of the river that have attracted many visitors every year.

Visiting Lugano, you will witness another breathtaking step of Switzerland. Bordering Italy to the south, the Ticino region is heavily influenced by Italian culture, from Italian cuisine, local language, romantic villas, to diverse culinary experiences. Although not directly on the coast, Lugano bears a resemblance to the warm Mediterranean region.

Lugano boasts many famous museums and classical heritage sites. The city is situated on the northern shore of Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano), a highly favored destination for celebrities and dubbed the 'Monte Carlo of Switzerland.'

The Old Town of Lugano, Switzerland, is a vital financial center of Switzerland. Its splendid beauty along with the picturesque Mediterranean landscape has made Lugano a well-known holiday destination. The Old Town of Lugano is the heart of the city with narrow pedestrian streets and steep streets that are a shopper's paradise.

With an altitude of 1822m, for long Engadin St. Moritz has been known as the ideal, most prestigious skiing area in the world. It attracts tourists with its extremely picturesque scenery, suitable for nature lovers and those who enjoy a peaceful, serene life. As a holiday resort in the Engadine Valley, St Moriz has become one of the world's most renowned skiing resorts.

Due to its weather conditions, this city is always perfect for winter sports. Here, tourists can horse race on the frozen lake, play golf, ice skate, curling... Besides, visitors to Engadin St. Moritz can admire the romantic, picturesque scenery of snow-covered mountains or stroll under the ancient trees in the Engadine Valley.

This is a region where Italian is spoken in the far south. Ticino also boasts a rich architectural heritage blending Baroque, Romance, and contemporary styles... The town of Bellinzona offers numerous resorts in romantic, sunny valleys like Bedretto and Blenio.

Come to Lugano to admire the majestic Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè, sail on the beautiful Lake Lugano in Morcote to enjoy peace and relaxation, or visit the fishing villages like Gandria. In Locarno – a charming ancient town with large palm trees hills, you can visit the famous Grande square, the Visconteo Castle – a medieval castle built in the 12th century, or pay a visit to the Madonna del Sasso church, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Virgin Mary.

Ticino is known as a 'land of culture,' offering many exciting experiences for tourists. Whether you choose to explore Ticino, Switzerland independently or join a Switzerland tour, you will be delighted by the romantic yet vibrant and fascinating atmosphere this region offers.

Among the 72 waterfalls considered natural wonders, Trummelbach Falls lies within the renowned Black Monk mountain where 20,000 liters of water pour down every second from a height of 200 meters. Most famous here is Staubbach Falls, one of Europe's highest free-falling waterfalls.

Ascending to the top of Trummelbach Falls, you'll comprehend the intense emotions artists experience when trying to depict this spectacle. The journey to the summit is mysterious, through damp tunnels where you walk step by step in the 'present moment, present moment' mindfulness of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, founder of Plum Village in France. The faint light filtering through the rock crevices gives you a chill that penetrates every pore, with prickles like the sound of the cascading waterfall. And that's the only sound you can immerse yourself in throughout the ascent to the falls.

Moreover, in Lauterbrunnen, every blink reveals an image you want to touch and explore. The harmony between nature and humanity here is astounding. Waterfalls cascade naturally down the mountainside, while below lie grassy meadows with the gentle sound of cowbells around the necks of peaceful dairy cows lounging, along with houses, church bell towers, and serene graveyards... you could push open the gate and find a spot to sit and leisurely read a book.

Lavaux Vineyards located in the Vaud canton (Switzerland) is a testament to cultural heritage. Its stunning beauty has captured the traces of significant milestones in human history and the interaction between humans and nature, especially under vulnerable natural conditions due to external influences (UNESCO Operational Guidelines criteria 3, 4, 5).

The Lavaux vineyards were UNESCO recognized as a heritage site in 2007. Stretching 30km along Lake Geneva, Lavaux is not only a generous gift from nature but also a testament to centuries of human labor. Across generations, winemakers have created terraces on the hillsides, built stone walls to protect their vineyards. The traditional winemaking culture in Lavaux dates back to the 12th century when Cistercian monks and other clergy managed the land.

Currently, the UNESCO heritage site – Lavaux Vineyards – comprises 14 self-governing areas and 6 authorized wine-producing locations: Lutry, Villette, Saint-Saphorin, Epesses & Calamin, Dezaley, and Chardonne. Additionally, Lavaux also preserves many houses, fortresses, and ancient towers. The Lavaux vineyards have contributed significantly to the development of the city of Lausanne and its surrounding areas. However, urban expansion is gradually encroaching on the protected area. Numerous measures have been implemented to preserve Lavaux, with the commitment and support from the local community.

Jungfrau is located in the serene and picturesque city of Interlaken, surrounded by the legendary Swiss Alps. It takes over 3 hours by bus from Zurich to reach Interlaken - the city nestled between the two large lakes Thun and Brienz, named Interlaken (between two lakes) due to its geographical location. This is also the ideal stop to admire the scenery and explore the tranquil small city before embarking on the journey to conquer the “roof of Europe” - Jungfrau.

At an altitude of over 4,000m, snow covers the peak throughout the four seasons, so visitors exploring Jungfrau need to dress warmly and prepare their bodies to cope with the cold. Due to the 20% lower oxygen levels compared to normal environments, one may experience difficulty breathing. For those passionate about snow sports, Jungfrau Peak is truly a “paradise” with various adventurous activities such as skiing, trekking on the Aletsch Glacier, or zip-lining over the snowy mountains...

Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland is one of the largest glaciers in the world, formed over millennia and highly renowned. The landscape here is stunning and captivating with thick layers of snow covering all year round. Once you arrive at Aletsch, you will be able to admire the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh air. Especially, there will be opportunities to experience adventurous sports and activities.

The Aletsch Glacier is situated in the southern part of beautiful Switzerland. It is the last great glacier in the world and the largest glacier in continental Europe. Formed at the confluence of three small glaciers at Concordia in the eastern Bernese Alps. Aletsch stretches out like a long white silk and winds its way towards the Jungfrau mountain into the upper Rhone valley.

The glacier spans an area of ​​88 km2 and is estimated to contain up to 11 billion tons of ice. Additionally, it provides seasonal freshwater to millions of Swiss residents. In the Alps, there are up to 4000 glaciers scattered, and Aletsch is one of the largest, possessing unparalleled beauty. It is covered by a thick layer of fine snow, enveloping the surrounding landscape, creating a romantic scene, beautiful to every detail, which is not easily found elsewhere. In 2001, the Aletsch Glacier was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Step into a fairytale world in Bellinzona, Switzerland, home to some of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland. The Bellinzona castles are a series of fortifications surrounding the city of Bellinzona, the capital of the Ticino canton, Switzerland.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, it features ramparts and three castles: Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corvallo. Castelgrande sits atop a rocky hill overlooking the valley. A series of ramparts protect the old town and connect it to Montebello. Sasso Corbaro is the highest castle among the three and sits on a rocky outcrop to the southeast of the other two castles.

The Bellinzona castles with their defensive walls were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Bellinzona holds a crucial geographic position in the Swiss Alps. A few kilometers south of Albedo, it's where the Ticino and Moesa rivers meet. The main Alpine passes linking northern and southern Europe including Nufenen, St. Gotthard, Lukmaniel, and San Bernardino, all converge in the Bellinzona area.