From Lucerne to Zermatt, these are the best places to visit in Switzerland on one trip

We’re giving you an insider breakdown of the best places to visit in Switzerland—along with this expert tip: When you join us on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour, you can visit them all on one trip. “We had a wonderful time, and the entire country was as beautiful as a postcard,” said traveler John after returning from the tour. “ [It] really felt like we were exposed to almost the entire country. The train rides were the highlights of the tour.” Check out the best things to do in Switzerland, and experience the wonder of these Swiss cities all on trip when you travel by train.

1. Lucerne

Located in the heart of Switzerland, Lucerne is cradled between snow-capped mountains and an icy-blue lake. For the stunning lakeside views alone, Lucerne is easily one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland (and one of the most breathtaking cities in the European Alps). The city’s covered Chapel Bridge and turreted Water Tower look like something out of a storybook—and is considered the oldest such bridge in all of Europe. But in addition to Chapel Bridge, Lucerne hums with charming city life. Lively markets, intimate museums, historic, frescoed architecture, and quaint restaurants serving Swiss specialties can be found on every corner. This fairytale vibe makes Lucerne one of the best places in Switzerland.

Top attractions
One of our favorite parts of a trip to Lucerne is the city’s cultural cache. There’s Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, which you’ll get guided visits of on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour, but we love Lucerne’s arts venues, too. Famed French architect Jean Nouvel designed the Culture and Convention Center, which houses a state-of-the-art concert hall, the Lucerne Museum of Art, and four restaurants and bars. Nearby, the Rosengart Collection exhibits must-see pieces by Paul Klee and Picasso.

Things to do
With your free time, stroll around the Old Town, which is full of historic charm. If you’d rather a more nature-minded activity, there are tons of activities on Lake Lucerne, too, like taking a boat ride to marvel at the picturesque villages that surround the water.

Or you can join an excursion that journeys to the top of Mount Pilatus to explore Lucerne’s surroundings by ferry, cogwheel railway, and cable car. But don’t leave Lucerne without trying some rosti, which is like a Swiss hash brown. You can have it as is or make it heartier with toppings like eggs or sausage.

Best time to visit
Because of its lakefront location near the Alps, any time is a great time for a trip to Lucerne. During warmer months, you can spend free time hiking the nearby trails or people-watching along the lake. And if you’d prefer to visit in the winter, join us on our Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria tour. “The Christmas markets were over the moon for me, and each stop had a different feel and something new to see and smell the tasting of all the regional delights were all delicious,” said traveler Dawn after returning from the tour.

2. Interlaken

Interlaken is a quaint Alpine town nestled between two lakes (Interlaken means “between lakes” in German). It may not be one of the biggest cities in Switzerland, but what it lacks in population it makes up for in charm, which is why it’s one of our favorite cities in the mountains. Whether you choose to wander the Interlaken’s time-worn streets or head out of town for an Alpine adventure, there’s plenty to do when you join us on one of our Interlaken tours. “I went zip lining in Interlaken (also on my bucket list!), and that was a wonderful experience in the scenic Swiss woods!” said traveler Jane after returning from our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour.

Top attractions
If you’re looking for the best views during your trip to Switzerland, take a 10-minute ride on Harder Railway to the summit of Interlaken mountain. You’ll immediately understand how the city got its name—and why this is one of the best places in Switzerland: There’s Interlaken with Lake Thun and Lake Brienz flanking it, and the world-famous peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau just in the distance.

Adrenaline junkies, however, love Interlaken for high-octane adventures: hang-gliding, skydiving, and walking across Sigriswil’s swaying suspension bridge, which sits nearly 600 feet above the valley floor. If you want to dial up the adventure, Interlaken is among the best places to visit in Switzerland.

Things to do
Our tours of Interlaken, you can sign up for the Top of Europe excursion, which includes a scenic train ride up to the UNESCO-listed Jungfraujoch mountain pass, known as “the top of Europe.” Take in panoramic views of the largest glaciated region in the Alps, enjoy some lunch, or visit the Ice Palace—a glacial cavern filled with intricate ice sculptures. “The Jungfrau was also amazing,” said traveler Linda, who visited on our Switzerland, Alsace & the Black Forest tour. “Perfect weather to see forever at the top of the Alps. I had been here many times but never on a clear day. It was spectacular!”

Best time to visit
Like Lucerne, Interlaken’s picturesque location makes it one of the best places to go in Switzerland any time of year. Outdoor adventures can be had any time of year. And given how close the Alps are, a wintertime Interlaken tour can be beautiful as well, especially if you’re looking to ski or tuck into some of the country’s hearty cuisine, like a steaming pot of fondue.

3. Bern

Switzerland’s capital city is a picture-perfect town built around a bend in the Aare River. The city’s UNESCO-recognized, medieval Old Town is made up of warm, red-roofed sandstone buildings, charming bridges, and covered arcades. Here, you’ll find the imposing Gothic Bern Cathedral and the 13th-century Zytglogge, or Clock Tower, which welcomes each new hour with a parade of mechanical bears. No Switzerland vacation would be complete without exploring its elegant capital.

Top attractions
One of Bern’s most famous things to see is the Zytglogge. It remains operational and chimes every hour on the hour. You don’t want to miss it on your trip to Bern. Of equal importance is the Bern Cathedral, a majestic Gothic monument that was first built in 1421. It’s the tallest cathedral in the country.

Another popular attraction is the rose garden, which offers a wonderful perch over the city. Hike up and take in the views surrounded by fragrant roses. Cultural lovers will appreciate the museum offerings, too, including the Historical Museum of Bern, the Einstein Museum, and Einstein Haus. Did you know that Albert Einstein once lived in Bern? In fact, the ticking Zytglogge inspired his theory of relativity.

Things to do
To understand the city’s rich medieval history, you’ll want to stroll around the perfectly preserved Old Town on our Jewels of Alpine Europe tour. Cobbled streets, covered arcades, and piercing buildings create a charming atmosphere around a day of sightseeing. Inside the arcades, you can pop in and out of family-owned boutiques, quiet cafes, colorful bookstores, and chic wine bars.

Best time to visit
Like many of the best places to see in Switzerland, Bern is best visited in the summer, which is its busiest season. Everything, from its hotels and museums to its beer gardens and hiking trails, will be buzzing with activity. But what makes a Bern tour special in the summer is the action on the river. Locals love to spend their free time there. Maybe you’ll join them on your next trip to Switzerland.

4. Lake Geneva Region

Crescent-shaped Lake Geneva isn’t a city itself, but it’s a stunning natural landmark and home to major cities in Switzerland like Geneva and Lausanne. It’s the largest lake in the country and first on our list of charming lakes to visit in Switzerland. On the shores of the lake, with sweeping views of the water and the Alps, lie the terraced Lavaux vineyards, making it easy to combine the historic atmosphere of a city like Geneva with the bucolic charm of wine country.

Top attractions
At over 360 square miles, Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland (though about 40% of it is in France, where it is called Lac Léman). So, any trip to Geneva or Lausanne must include visiting the lake. And, of course, the wines of the Lavaux are always high on our list of Switzerland tips. Did you know that wine has been made in this region since Roman times?

Things to do
We have to mention the vineyards one more time. Because of how small wine production is in this country (and how little of it is exported to North America), a trip to Switzerland won’t be complete without sampling a few prized vintages.

Then you must pay a visit to Chillon Castle, the fairytale-like, medieval edifice perched right on the edge of a rocky island in Lake Geneva. Explore the castle’s courtyard, museum, and underground passageways—there’s even a dungeon partly submerged in the lake, which provided a harrowing experience for prisoners.

Best time to visit
Visiting the Lake Geneva region in the summer is one of the best things to do in Switzerland. There’s so much social life around the water, giving it a magnetic atmosphere that extends well into cities like Geneva and Lausanne. And if you want to venture into the countryside to schedule some wine tastings, what better time to do that than when the weather is warm and the sun is shining?

5. Visp

The charming town of Visp is more than just the gateway to Zermatt—visiting it is one of the best things to do in Switzerland. Visp is a sunny, pedestrian-friendly town that lies at the foot of some of Europe’s highest vineyards. Nestled in a valley where the Rhone River meets the Vispa River, Visp enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. For that alone, we’re convinced Visp is one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland!

Top attractions
The town is known for its cozy Old Town and scenic Chapel Trail, a winding trail up a sacred mountain that’s dotted with 10 tiny, historic chapels. Traditionally, worshippers would make the short pilgrimage, walking from one chapel to the next, stopping at each one to pray.

Things to do
When you visit Visp on one of our Switzerland tours, stroll down the pedestrian-only Bahnhofstrasse to shop for souvenirs, or pop into a wine shop to taste the area’s local wines. We recommend the heida, a nutty, full-bodied white, or the Cornalin du Valais, a rich, aromatic red—both wines can be difficult to find outside of the region. If your Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour takes you through Visp on a Friday, be sure to check out Pürumärt, the weekly farmers market that’s as much a social event as it is a place to shop.

Best time to visit
Because of how much sun it gets, a trip to Visp can be planned for any season of the year. And given its location as a gateway to smaller towns and cities in the mountains, Visp can be easily partnered with skiing in the winter or vineyard visits in the fall.

6. Zermatt

Zermatt is an idyllic Alpine village that lies at the foot of the Alps’ iconic pyramid-shaped mountain, the Matterhorn—one of the best places to see in Switzerland. The resort town is completely car-free and features cozy wooden chalets, quaint shops, and near-constant views of the famous mountain. Traveler Richard took in the spectacular scenery on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour. “[It was] such an incredible trip!” he said. “Waking up in Zermatt, walking out on our balcony to see the Matterhorn gleaming in the sunlight. It was 6 a.m. but I woke up my wife, and off we went to see more views and take more photos. This was the highlight of the trip for me, but there were so many more incredible moments.”

Top attractions
Zermatt is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream destination. The Matterhorn is, of course, its most famous attraction, and during the winter, expert skiers love to tackle the challenges of its terrain. But there are plenty of mountain trails around town that are much gentler. And in the summer, Zermatt is a fantastic hiking destination, too. The Matterhorn then will look just as majestic.

Things to do
On our Zermatt tours, you can’t miss the Gornergrat Railway & Matterhorn Museum excursion to board Europe’s highest open-air cog railway and ride to the summit of Gornergrat, a ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier. You’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn before descending back to Zermatt to visit the Matterhorn Museum, located in a historic building in the heart of the city. If you visit during ski season, which can sometimes stretch into mid-April depending on snow conditions, you may want to spend a few hours skiing. Or, enjoy a free afternoon exploring, hiking, or adventuring in and around the city. “I booked a helicopter tour around the Matterhorn that was astounding!” said traveler Lydia on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour.

Best time to visit
Given Zermatt’s history as a top ski destination, dedicated winter sports enthusiasts prefer to visit in the winter. But nature lovers will enjoy a Zermatt tour any time of year. This is a destination of timeless beauty after all.

7. St. Moritz

St. Moritz is a glamorous Alpine city and a winter sports lover’s dream. Not only is it one of the best cities in Switzerland for skiing and tobogganing, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, but it’s also one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland if you’re seeking luxury. St. Moritz is a favorite among celebrities and royalty, who flock to the town’s elegant chalets to bathe in the area’s thermal hot springs, shop in luxury boutiques, and dine in the town’s more than 100 restaurants.

Top attractions
Because of its reputation as a glamorous Alpine town, St. Moritz is full of Michelin-starred restaurants and designer shopping. It’s also home to high-profile events, including luxury car showcases.

Things to do
When you visit St. Moritz on our Switzerland tours, you’ll hop aboard the Bernina Express and enjoy breathtaking mountain and lake views as you travel through St. Moritz en route to Tirano, Italy. “The Bernina Express and St. Moritz were highlights of the trip,” said traveler David after taking the tour. The candy-apple-red train is a huge reason why Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich is one of our top scenic train ride tours.

Best time to visit
If you want to see the glitz of St. Moritz for yourself, then you should visit Switzerland during peak winter season, when this compact mountain will be buzzing with jetsetters from all over the world. But they’re not just here to see-and-be-seen, they’re also in town to take advantage of some of the best skiing in the Alps.