Must-visit attractions in Switzerland: mountains, lakes, and scenic railways
Must-See Attractions
2026-10-02
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From the Jungfrau to the Matterhorn, from Lake Lucerne to the Glacier Express, here’s a regional guide to Switzerland’s top destinations.
Central Switzerland & Jungfrau Region
- Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe): Europe’s highest-altitude railway station, with views of the Aletsch Glacier and Ice Palace; half to full day.
- Grindelwald: A mountain village beneath the north face of the Eiger, featuring the First Cliff Walk and paragliding; half day.
- Lauterbrunnen: A valley town with over 70 waterfalls; half day.
- Schilthorn: Offers 360-degree views of the Jungfrau massif, a rotating restaurant, and was a filming location for James Bond; half day.
Lucerne & Zurich
- Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) & Wasserturm (Water Tower): Lucerne landmarks and one of Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridges; 30 minutes.
- Lion Monument: A rock carving hailed by Mark Twain as the saddest stone sculpture; 20 minutes.
- Pilatus & Rigi Mountains: Two famous mountains near Lucerne, offering excellent rack railway and cable car experiences; each takes about half a day.
- Old Town Zurich & Bahnhofstrasse: A mix of a financial district and a medieval old town, with optional visits to Lake Zurich; 2–3 hours.
Southern & Southwestern Switzerland
- Zermatt & Matterhorn: A car-free town with the Gornergrat rack railway offering the best views of the Matterhorn; 2 days.
- Bern Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring arcades, the Zytglogge clock tower, and the Bear Park; half day.
- Geneva: Home to the Jet d’Eau fountain, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and the Flower Clock; half day.
- Lausanne & Lavaux Vineyard Terraces: Features the Olympic Museum and UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards; half to full day.
Scenic Railways & Eastern Switzerland
- Glacier Express: Runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz through the heart of the Alps; approximately 8 hours.
- Bernina Express: Travels from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy, along a UNESCO-listed route; about 4 hours.
- GoldenPass Line: Connects Lucerne, Interlaken, and Montreux with scenic lake and mountain views; about 5 hours.
- St. Moritz: A high-altitude resort in the Engadin Valley, ideal for skiing and lakeside walks; 1–2 days.