Switzerland is famous for its beautiful mountains, clocks, chocolate, cheese, and political stance of neutrality. The country has an interesting trait: it has three official languages. Depending on which part of Switzerland you visit, you may hear French, Italian, or German being spoken.
However, there isn’t a specific Swiss language, but there is a dialect of German called Swiss German, which is commonly spoken near the German border. If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, here are some of the top tourist attractions you should consider visiting.
10. Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps that you can reach by taking a train. It’s the highest train station in Europe and offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the magnificent Eiger Glacier below.
The area also houses the Sphinx observatory, which is known for being one of the highest observatories in the world. While the views are stunning and pristine, the available amenities are limited. There are no accommodations for overnight stays and only a few restaurants.
Despite this, the train journey and the overall experience of visiting the Jungfraujoch are truly unforgettable.
9. Jet d’Eau
The Jet d’Eau in Geneva is a very popular tourist attraction. It is a large water fountain that shoots up to 140 meters in the air. The fountain is located at the spot where Lake Geneva meets the Rhone river and is so big that it can be seen from far away.
When the fountain is on, it sprays around 7 tons of water into the air, and sometimes some of the water even gets on the people watching from the pier below. Occasionally, the fountain is lit up in different colors to celebrate important events related to helping others.
If you want a great view of the fountain, the Bains de Paquis swimming area is a great place to go.
8. Chateau de Chillon
Chillon Castle, also known as Château de Chillon, can be found on the shores of Lake Geneva. It served as an important stronghold for more than four hundred years, controlling transportation on the lake and protecting the St Bernhard Pass route.
The castle is filled with beautiful artwork from the 14th century, has hidden underground rooms, three courtyards, and two circular walls. Every year, a large number of visitors come to explore the castle.
Additionally, for those who have always dreamed of having a grand fairy tale wedding, the castle offers the option of renting it for private events.
7. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is a stunning train that travels through the Alps. It starts in Chur and finishes in the northern Italian town of Tirano. It’s considered one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland and takes approximately 4 hours. During the journey, you’ll see magnificent views of glaciers, mountains, and charming towns.
The train crosses 196 bridges and goes through 55 tunnels. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks brought right to your seat by the helpful porters. This is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
6. Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is a well-known mountain in the Swiss Alps. Its name comes from the German words for meadow and peak. It reaches a height of 4,478 meters (14,692 ft) and is located on the border of Switzerland and Italy. This makes it one of the tallest mountains in the Alps. However, it is also known for being one of the most dangerous.
Over 500 climbers have lost their lives on the Matterhorn since its first ascent in 1865. The mountain has very steep slopes and only small patches of snow and ice can be found on its sides. Avalanches are common, with the snow collecting on the glaciers below.
5. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a charming mountain town in the Jungfrau region, known for being the biggest ski resort town there. It offers a variety of activities for both summer and winter visitors. During the summer, tourists can explore breathtaking hiking trails and renowned rock climbing spots in Europe.
In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing or even experience the local toboggan run. The town’s easily reachable mountain peaks and passes make it an idyllic destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Additionally, festival enthusiasts can admire the impressive ice sculptures showcased at the world snow festival.
4. Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus, located in the Lake Lucerne region, is a mountain with many fascinating stories. According to one belief, the name of the mountain originates from a rumor that Pontius Pilate, the famous biblical Roman governor, might have been buried there.
During medieval times, people thought that the mountain was created when a dragon rock fell from the sky. Standing at a height of 2,100 meters (7000 feet), the summit of Mount Pilatus provides breathtaking views of the Swiss and French Alps, as well as Lake Lucerne below.
During winter, visitors can enjoy a festive Christmas market held at a high altitude, while summer offers abundant opportunities for hiking. To reach this picturesque region, you can embark on the steepest railway in the world, which has gradients exceeding 48%.
3. Chapel Bridge
The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne is a 204 meter long bridge that stretches across the Reuss River. It holds the distinction of being the oldest wooden covered bridge in all of Europe and is a highly popular tourist spot in Switzerland.
Its construction dates back to 1333 and it was originally built with the purpose of safeguarding the city of Lucerne from potential attacks. One interesting feature of the bridge is the collection of 17th century paintings that adorn its interior, showcasing various events from Luzerne’s history.
Unfortunately, a fire in 1993 caused considerable damage to both the bridge itself and many of these valuable paintings. However, it was promptly reconstructed, ensuring that its historical significance and beauty would be preserved for generations to come.
2. Zytglogge
The clock tower gate in Bern is the oldest city gate in town and has a great historical significance. It was built in the 1100s and houses one of the world’s most stunning and ancient clocks. This clock, built in 1530, served as the main clock for the city for many years.
It has a beautiful Baroque style with gold accents, making it a favorite subject for photographers. The tower features an astronomical clock, figurines, hour chimes, and two tower clocks, all operated by a single mechanism. This is one of the factors that have established Switzerland as a leading region for clockmaking.
1. Rhine Falls
The Rhine falls, situated close to Schaffausen, is the biggest waterfall in Europe. You can easily reach this breathtaking attraction by taking a boat tour. During the tour, you will get to see the beautiful basin, charming castles along the river, and an incredible boulder sitting in the middle of the river at the top of the falls.
There are platforms where visitors can stand and feel as if they are hovering right above the falls. The visitor’s center is also a great place to visit, as it offers a children’s playground, a historical museum region, and an adventure trail. This center is a perfect way to end your trip and make it even more memorable.
