Switzerland is suuuuuuch a beautiful country! The nature is simply stunning, and there are plenty of picturesque villages and cities. If you’re visiting for the first time, make sure to include all these 10 must do things in Switzerland in your itinerary!
1. Zermatt Hike to Riffelsee (Riffel Lake)
The Matterhorn in Zermatt is one of the most recognized mountains in the world (yep, I’m talking about the Toblerone chocolate mountain!). If you’re visiting in summer, the area offers many trails where you can explore the beautiful nature. One of the most famous trails is the hike to Riffelsee. The Riffelsee is a lake which showcases a reflection of the Matterhorn on its surface, which is truly unique! For more details check out the detailed description here. You can customize the hike to suit your needs. My boyfriend and I prefer to hike uphill, which is why we started the hike at Riffelberg and ended at Rotenboden. Whatever hike you choose, you cannot go wrong!
2. Eat Fondue
If you don’t know what fondue is – it’s melted cheese deliciousness! Fondue is a traditional Swiss meal, where you dip a piece of bread on a small fork into a Caquelon (basically a pot) of melted cheese. It is primarily consumed in winter, but if you are visiting, I think it’s acceptable to order it at any time of the year Personally I would suggest to order it in an alpine setting, because the vibes are just better. If not, you will also likely find it at Swiss restaurants in any major cities.
3. Hike to Oeschinensee
The Oeschinensee hike is one of my all-time favourite hikes! As I’ve already mentioned, Switzerland is my home. Nevertheless, this hike still makes me think “oh wow, this is really Switzerland just as you would imagine it”. You have the grey, impressive mountains. The lush green, alpine meadows. The icy blue glacier lake. Some cows along the way. It’s a really idyllic and stereotypically Swiss hike – it’s awesome! You can find more details on this page here.
4. Hike along the Aletschgletscher (Aletsch Glacier)
I know I said this for point 3, but the hike along the Aletschgletscher is also one of my all-time favourite hikes!!! It’s a very rare opportunity where you get to hike along a real glacier, getting to observe and take in all the cracks and cravices, and just marvel at the fact that this glacier has been here for thousands of years. A must do in Switzerland!! Check out more details about the route here.
5. Drink wine in Lavaux
Finally, something for those that are not really into hiking (even though the hikes in Switzerland could really change your mind!). Switzerland might not be world-famous for its wine, but we truly do have some pretty good local wine! The Lavaux region along Lake Geneva is the most well-known wine growing region in Switzerland, especially for their whites. As you would expect, there are multiple wineries and cellars that offer tastings, as well as several nicer regular restaurants. One of my favourites is Le Deck at Le Baron Tavernier. For wine lovers this is THE place to be on a warm and sunny day in Switzerland.
6. Boat trip on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
If you’re planning on coming to Switzerland, you most likely have this on your itinerary already! Nevertheless, here is your confirmation that Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which is where Interlaken is also located, really are worth a visit! While you’re in the region, I would also recommend a visit to the St. Beatus Caves (reachable by boat) and the Giessbach hotel and waterfalls. You can combine all the above-mentioned points by starting your trip in Thun, then taking the boat to Interlaken with a stop at the caves. Then taking another boat from Interlaken to Brienz, with a stop at the waterfalls.
7. Explore Old town Zurich
Since you will most likely be arriving in Switzerland through Zurich anyway, you might as well take the time to explore the old town and the lake. While many visitors flock to Lucerne or Geneva, I personally think Zurich is a much nicer city and seems kind of less touristy. Some sights you shouldn’t miss: the Niederdörfli, luxurious shops at Bahnhofstrasse, the Opera house at Bellevue and the Uetliberg.
8. Visit Gruyères
Gruyères is a medieval town in the canton of Fribourg. It’s known for the production of the cheese of the same name. The town is located slightly elevated on a hill, and has several smaller shops and restaurants. You also have the opportunity to visit the cheese factory and learn what it takes to make the best cheese in the world. I said what I said, nothing can beat a good Gruyère.
9. Take pictures at Gasthaus Aescher
If you’re on social media, you will likely have come across this place at one point in time. I’m taking about the tiny house squished into a rock in the mountains (see picture below). For those that love hiking, there is a hiking trail that takes you all the way up. For details check out this page here. If you prefer a more chill day, lucky for you there is also a gondola that can take you there! Check the prices and the timetable here!
While you’re in the region, the close by town of Appenzell is also worth a visit. This is another place where you’ll think “wow, this is exactly what I pictured Switzerland will look like”!
10. Swim at Verzasca Valley
You might not know this, but Switerland has four* official languages. Thus far, we’ve covered attractions in the German and French speaking part. The final attraction on this list will therefore be in the Italian speaking canton of Ticino. The Verzasca Valley is located close to the city of Locarno, and is famous for its unique rock formations. It’s definitely a summer destination and people even go swimming in the rock pools that have formed. Be warned though, the water is ICY cold!
That’s it, these are 10 must do things in Switzerland. By visiting these 10 things you will get to see almost all corners of the country (from east to west, and north to south). You’ll experience culture, nature, city life and culinary highlights. Everything you could wish for on a holiday – you have it covered here *the fourth language is Romansh, which is only spoken by very few people in the canton of Graubünden. If you like skiing, there are some good ski resorts there, including world famous St. Moritz. Else, as outlined, I consider the other attractions more interesting/unique.