Choose from 99 Fun Things to Do in Switzerland
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Culture and Congress Centre
The Culture and Congress Center, often simply referred to as KKL by the locals, is the work of the French architect Jean Nouvel. It has an extraordinary presence among the more traditional buildings of Lucerne, especially due to the modern square shape and the enormous flat roof overhanging Europe Square. This floating roof, sometimes called the magic roof, soon became a symbol of the city and is definitely the building’s most prominent feature. Also remarkable is the successful fusion of nature and construction. The Culture and Congress Center almost merges with the adjoining water of Lake Lucerne and not only do the aluminum plates covering the surface reflect the light and ripples in the waves but the water also flows into the building itself and separates the KKL into its three parts. One part of the structure houses smaller halls and meeting rooms, offices as well as a bistro and an art museum, while the versatile middle part called the Lucerne Hall is the venue for bigger events, shows and conventions.
The Culture and Congress Center’s main feature and the third part of the building is the huge concert hall. It has a lining made of maple wood, reminiscent of a violin case, but is popularly referred to as “Salle Blanche” due to the isolating side walls made out of gleaming white plaster reliefs. The blue ceiling is reminiscent of the starry night sky and the five floors beneath it, capable of holding 1,840 spectators, are furnished with plenty of pine, cherry and maple wood. The concert hall was mainly built for classical concerts and thus, meets the highest acoustic demands, allowing for absolute silence in which sounds from the quietest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo can develop. But among all the culture and music, don't forget to climb to the roof-top terrace for an incredible view over the city and Lake Lucerne.
Practical Info
The Culture and Congress Center is located right next to Lucerne’s main train station, where every bus and train in the city makes a stop. The building is massive and simply can’t be overlooked. All the separate parts of the venue have different opening times and there are regular exhibitions and concerts taking place. Therefore, it’s probably best to pay a visit to their website to find out about the part you are interested in or join a tour that shows it all.
Address: Europaplatz 1, Lucerne, Switzerland
From $ 23
Freddie Mercury Memorial
Standing nearly 10 feet tall on the lovely lakeside promenade in Montreux – the home of the second-largest jazz festival in the world – and gazing over to the foothills of the Alps in the distance, the Freddie Mercury Memorial has become a place of pilgrimage for die-hard Queen fans. Larger than life, made of bronze and always adorned with garlands and flowers, his statue was created by Czech sculptor Irena Sedlecka and placed in this spot in 1996, as a celebration of the iconic pop star who made Montreux his home and whose band recorded seven albums at Mountain Studios, which they eventually bought.
Freddie died of AIDs in 1991, and on the Montreux waterfront he is now remembered in a typically flamboyant stance, arms outstretched and head flung back, emulating his pose on the cover of the last Queen album, Made in Heaven. The statue looks particularly dramatic in the evening hours, as the setting sun creates a colorful backdrop. A memorial day dedicated to Freddie is held annually in Montreux on the first weekend in September.
Practical Info
Located at Place du Marché, the memorial is free to visit and best accessed on foot.
Address: Place du Marché, Montreux 1820, Switzerland
From $ 163
Prangins Castle (Château de Prangins)
Home to part of the Swiss National Museum, Prangins Castle is a history lesson in and of itself. Built in 1732, the grand building was a seat of power in Switzerland for centuries, serving as home to Voltaire, Joseph Bonaparte (brother of Napoleon), and a Protestant school, before opening to the public as a museum in 1998. Today, the castle is extensively restored and furnished in its original style.
The main museum exhibition, Switzerland on the Move, covers three floors and traces Swiss history from the Enlightenment to the beginning of the 20th century. Outside, the sunken kitchen garden has been replanted to resemble its 18th century layout, and includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that were consumed in the region at that time.
Visit Prangins Castle for free with the Geneva Pass, which includes admission to over 30 Geneva attractions, including the towers of St. Peter's Basilica and the Art and History Museum.
Practical Info
Prangins Castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed Monday. To reach the castle, take the train to Nyon from either Geneva (30 minutes) or Lausanne (45 minutes). From there, you can catch bus 805 or 811 to the castle. Alternatively, you can make your way on foot from the station, which takes just under half an hour. Follow train tracks in the direction of Lausanne, as well as the pedestrian signs.
Admission to the visitors’ center, the kitchen garden, and the grounds is free of charge. Audio guides are also available free of charge from the museum reception desk. Admission to the museum is 10 CHF, and free for visitors carrying a Geneva Pass.
Address: Avenue Général Guiguer 3, Prangins, Switzerland
Hours: Tues–Sun: 10am–5pm
Admission: 10 CHF
From $ 27
Lake Walen (Walensee)
Lake Walen is a lake in eastern Switzerland separating the cantons Glarus and St.Gallen. It is part of a region known as Heidiland, named after the famous Heidi story by Johanna Spyri and represents these corresponding values of unspoiled nature, warmth and simplicity. The mountains rise almost vertically on all sides of the lake and nestled on little plateaus and along the shores are several traditional Swiss towns. Below the steep south face of the Churfirsten, the small village of Quinten is a car-free paradise. It can only be reached by boat from Murg or on foot and due to the protected location, excellent grapes, figs and kiwis are grown here.
To the west of Quinten, the mighty Seerenbach Waterfalls gush from a cave system and tumble in three cascades almost 600 meters down the cliffs. The waterfalls are especially impressive in spring, when the melting snow turns them into a torrent. Located high up on a sunny plateau and overlooking the northern shores of Lake Walen is the town of Amden. The village, its adjoining ski slopes as well as the hiking trails are often above the clouds and thus, it’s a popular holiday destination throughout the year. On the other side of the lake, another highlight awaits at Flumserberg, the biggest winter sports area in the region consisting of several villages and a huge network of slopes, trails and cycling paths.
Practical Info
Lake Walen is located in eastern Switzerland, roughly an hour away from Zürich. There are direct trains from Zürich to Walenstadt, but to get to Weesen, a change from train to bus is necessary in Ziegelbrücke. The boats on Lake Walen run throughout the year, although in winter the service is limited to the route from Murg to Quinten.
Address: St Gallen, Switzerland
From $ 88
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman)
Lake Geneva is Switzerland's largest body of water, though most of its southern shore lies within France. A crescent of blue hemmed in by the snowy peaks of the French and Swiss Alps, the lake is a year-round hotspot for outdoor activities, with a northern shore covered in picturesque villages, terraced vineyards, and medieval castles.
The Basics
The western extremity of the lake is dominated by the city of Geneva, while the towns of Lausanne and Montreux lie on the northern and eastern shores, respectively. Day trips from these Swiss hot spots make it easy to explore lakeside landmarks such as the medieval bastion of Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon). Visitors can soak up the scenery on a Lake Geneva cruise, ride the GoldenPass Panoramic train into the Swiss Alps, take a Geneva sightseeing tour, or hop over the French border to explore Annecy, Chamonix, or Mont Blanc.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lake Geneva is located in French-speaking Switzerland.
- Many boat tours and trains are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with operators in advance.
How to Get There
Lake Geneva is located at the southwestern tip of Switzerland, with its southern shore lying in French territory. Paddle steamers and speedboats traverse the length and breadth of Lake Geneva, stopping at lakeside towns, while commuter trains travel the length of the Swiss shore and connect Geneva and Lausanne with other cities around Switzerland. Guided tours leave from Geneva to explore lakeside towns and attractions. The main international airport is in Geneva.
When to Get There
Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland's top vacation destinations—especially during summer and Christmas. While summer visitors come to vacation in the Swiss Riviera, hike in the Alps, and enjoy boat cruises and water sports on the lake, winter travelers can hit the ski slopes or visit the famous Montreux Christmas Market.
The Villages of Lake Geneva
Geneva and Lausanne make strategic bases for exploring the lake, but the real highlight of Lake Geneva is the atmospheric lakeside villages. Visit Chillon Castle in Montreux, enjoy wine tasting in the Lavaux vineyards, attend the weekly market in Vevey, or journey up to the mountaintop town of Gruyeres, famous for its cheese.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 49
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke)
The oldest covered bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) has spanned the river Reuss in Lucerne since the Middle Ages. Decorated with paintings along the interior, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland.
The Basics
Measuring 670 feet (204 meters), Chapel Bridge was first constructed around 1367 as part of Lucerne’s fortified city walls. At one end sits an octagonal stone tower used at times as a dungeon and a treasury vault, and at the other, St. Peter’s Chapel, for which the bridge is named. As one of the city’s most famous landmarks, it’s a stopping point on many guided tours of Lucerne.
A fire in 1993 severely damaged the bridge, and many of the more than 100 17th-century painted panels were destroyed—25 were saved. Since then, the bridge has been fully restored and paintings that were in storage were brought out to replace those damaged. Some burned panels remain as a reminder of the fire.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the bridge is free.
- The bridge marks the point where Lake Lucerne flows into the Reuss river.
- The octagonal tower is not open to the public.
- Chapel Bridge is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world.
How to Get There
Chapel Bridge is located in the center of Lucerne on the Reuss river. The city’s main railway station is a short walk away, and the bridge is accessible on foot and as part of a walking tour of the city.
When to Get There
A public thoroughfare, the bridge is open 24 hours a day year-round. The bridge is popular with tourists and can get very busy in the summer months.
Visit the Lion Monument
Carved into a rock face above a small pond in Lucerne city center, the Lion Monument is a memorial and must-visit for many tourists coming to Lucerne. Created in the 1820s, the statue of a dying lion is dedicated to members of the Swiss Guard at the French royal court who were murdered during the French Revolution.
Address: Lucerne 6003, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique)
Welcome to the Olympic Museum Lausanne: 1,500 objects, 32,292 square feet (3,000 square meters) and seven hours of audio-visual and interactive material make it the largest archive of Olympic Games in the world. Its state-of-the art, hands-on exhibition immerses visitors in the history and spirit of the Olympics on an approximately two-hour tour of the museum's three stories and surrounding grounds.
Your visit to the Musée Olympique, as the museum is also known, begins in the basement but ends up in the Olympic Village, where hundreds of athletes live and train over 15 days. Discover how they eat, how they relax and how technology influences their training by trying your hand at interactive devices that will allow you to experience the extent of their physical capabilities.
On the ground floor, you'll learn about the Games themselves with a 180-degree theater and a display room full of memorabilia and Olympic medals. The second-floor exhibit is dedicated to the Olympics' ancient origins and showcases torches from every edition of the Games since 1936, as well as the first Olympic flag, dating back to 1913.
Good for both sports fans and families, the Olympic Museum is a popular stop among visitors arriving to Lausanne on a day trip from nearby Geneva or Chamonix. Most trips include a guided tour of the iconic Château de Chillon and a stop in the lakeside town of Montreux, so you can make the most out of your visit to the Swiss countryside.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re traveling with children, plan to spend the bulk of your time on the Olympic Spirit floor, where the young ones–as well as the more competitive adults–will have the opportunity to test their balancing, reaction times and strength in real time, the results of which they can compare against actual Olympic data and life-size posters of Olympians.
Practical Info
The Olympic Museum Lausanne is located on Quay d’Ouchy, across Lake Geneva. It can easily be reached by public transit: Ouchy-Olympique station (line 2) is a 10-minute walk west from the museum, and buses 8 and 25 stop directly in front of the museum. If arriving by car, drive toward the lakefront from central Lausanne and park in the lot beneath the Place de la Navigation. Parking costs 2.20 CHF per hour.
The museum is open daily from 9am to 6pm between May 1 and October 14, and every day except Monday from 10am to 6pm between October 15 and April 30. Admission rates are 18 CHF per adult (17+), 10 CHF per child (6-16) and 40 CHF for families.
Address: 1 Quay d’Ouchy, Lausanne, Vaud Canton 1006, Switzerland
Hours: Open daily 9am–6pm (May–Oct 14); Tues–Sun: 10am to 6pm (Oct 15–April 30)
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Chinese Garden Zurich
Surrounded by a white wall topped with the golden East Asian roofs and interspersed with bright red gates, the Chinese Garden is about as far removed from the traditional Swiss houses neighboring it as possible. The garden is a quiet oasis of little ponds, lush vegetation and intricately decorated buildings with tiered roofs, red pillars and bright green railings, a place where strolls on perfectly planned paths and meditation sessions are possible. Paintings and ornaments feature the unique culture of Yunnan Province and a big focus is set on the three friends of winter: pine, bamboo and plum. The plants are a big theme in Confucianism and since they don’t wither in winter and instead flourish, they represent perseverance.
The Chinese Garden was a gift from Zürich’s sister city Kunming, as thanks for the help it received in the construction of a drinking water and drainage system. Now the garden is not only seen as one of the most beautiful Chinese gardens in the world, but is also considered to be the highest ranking temple garden outside of China. Apart from the pavilions and bridges, there is also a Chinese take away next to the main entrance, where one can enjoy the fresh spring rolls with a fitting view.
Practical Info
The Chinese Garden can be found between Bellerivestrasse and Blatterwiese on the eastern lakeshore. It is only open in the summer months from the 20th of March until the 20th of October. The opening hours are from 11am to 7pm.
Address: Bellerivestrasse 138, Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 11am-7pm
From $ 60
Grimsel Pass
Locals know that Grimsel Pass has a sacred place in Swiss history, as traders once rode donkeys along the dangerous paths of Grimsel to transport local cheese to far flung regions of the country. This painstakingly beautiful wild mountain road connects Goms in Valais to the Hasli Valley in the Bernese Oberland. Travelers who venture along Grimsel Pass will bear witness to rugged granite cliffs, towering snow-capped peaks, crystal clear reservoirs and plenty of lush green foliage. And while the pass is home to some of the country’s main power producing plants, visitors will find that much of the land still remains untouched.
Travelers can hike the two-hour loop around a man-made lake and absorb the breathtaking wonder of the surrounding beauty or hop aboard the aerial cable car from Handeck to Gerstenegg and take it all in from above. And those who are interested in the powerhouse facilities can register for guided tours that start in Innnerkirchen.
Practical Info
Grimsel Pass closes during poor weather in the winter months; however, the cable car still functions for skiers in pursuit of perfect powder. While the pass’s beauty is undeniable, the northern side of Grimsel is scattered with power lines and reservoir walls that can interrupt an otherwise incredible view.
Address: Grimsel Pass, Switzerland
From $ 174
Brunswick Monument
The Brunswick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland is a mausoleum for Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick. The Duke was an eccentric linguist, musician and horseman who came to Geneva after being driven out of his duchy of Braunsweig in 1830 and then building a fortune in Paris. He bequeathed his entire fortune to the city in exchange for such a monument being constructed in his honor. Never before had such a mausoleum been constructed in Geneva, so the monument’s construction was subject to great debate. While the Duke died in 1873, the monument was eventually built in 1879. Meant to be a replica of the Scaliger Tombs in Verona, Italy, it was designed in a neo-Gothic style and faces Lake Leman.
Practical Info
The Brunswick Monument stands in the Jardin des Alpes on the Quai du Mont Blanc, about a five-minute walk from main train station. It is also just minutes away from a pier from which ferries arrive and depart to other spots along Lake Leman.
Address: Quai du Mont Blanc, Geneva, Switzerland
From $ 102
Bernina Express
Soaring over the Bernina Pass and climbing to a dizzying 7,392 feet (2,253 meters) above sea level, the famous Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most beautiful railway routes. Running for 75 miles (122 kilometers) from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, it’s the only railway that connects the North and South Alps, and offers dramatic mountain views.
The Basics
You can ride the panoramic Bernina Express (otherwise known as the Rhaetian Railway) between Tirano and Chur (a 4-hour journey), St. Moritz (a 2-hour journey), or Davos (a 3.75-hour journey). With just one day to spare, it’s also possible to join a Bernina Express rail tour from Chur or St. Moritz and ride the train both ways, or enjoy a day trip from Milan to St. Moritz, including a ride on the Bernina Express and a return by bus. Multi-day tours also run from Zurich, including a night in St. Moritz, a train ride and bus journey to Lugano, and a night in Lugano.
Bernina Express trains offer first- and second-class seating. Both require tickets to be purchased in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi and audio commentary are available to first-class passengers.
- Drinks and snacks can be purchased on-board.
- Travelers crossing the Swiss-Italian border are required to carry their passport and/or ID card.
- Trains are accessible to wheelchair users; assistance is available.
How to Get There
Trains leave from Chur (Switzerland) railway station, in the town center, and arrive at the central train station in Tirano (Italy), where from February to November a bus service connects passengers with Lugano. During the summer season you can also board the Bernina Express in St. Moritz or Davos.
When to Get There
The Bernina Express runs year-round, and the alpine landscapes look just as mesmerizing covered with snow in the winter months as they do bursting with wildflowers throughout the summer. For a variety of scenery, traveling in spring is a good option, when the high mountain passes are still covered in snow, but the lowland valleys are lush and green. If visiting in winter, be aware that there is only one train departure a day.
Spectacular Scenery along the Bernina Express
Passing through wild gorges, icy glaciers, and verdant mountain valleys, the Bernina Express serves up one postcard-worthy view after another. The scenic train passes an impressive 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, and the section between Thusis, Valposchiavo, and Tirano is even protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Route highlights include Bernina Pass, Albula Pass, Engadine valley, and the highest point at Ospizio Bernina, as well as engineering marvels such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 94
Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)
Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon), a medieval castle on the banks of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland’s most visited attractions. Travelers come to find out more about its fascinating history—it was used as a defensive outpost, a summer home for the dukes of Savoy, and a state-run prison.
The Basics
The castle, which has watched over Lake Geneva for more than 1,000 years, started out as a Roman outpost guarding a strategic pass through the Alps. The fortified castle with its steep roofs and stone turrets is surrounded by water and is only accessible via a drawbridge walkway.
Tour the state rooms and secret passages, explore the gloomy dungeons, and get a sense of what life would have been like for residents many hundreds of years ago. Panoramic views of the surrounding lake and the Swiss Alps top off the experience on this historic day out. A visit to Chillon Castle can also be combined with a trip to the towns of Montreux or Lausanne as part of a daylong tour. If you’re touring independently, prebook admission so you can skip the line upon arrival.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Swiss Travel Pass or Museum Pass holders receive free entry into the castle.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and children.
- Baggage storage lockers can be found on-site.
- There is a snack bar selling food and drinks on-site, plus two restaurants within easy walking distance.
- The castle is not suitable for people with limited mobility, as there are steep steps and uneven floors.
- To see more of Lake Geneva, book a boat cruise that visits the castle along with other lakeside attractions.
How to Get There
Chillon Castle, on the banks of Lake Geneva, is a short distance outside the town of Lausanne. Free car parking is available on-site. Trains run regularly from Montreux to neighboring Veytaux-Chillon, and buses also stop nearby. Guided tours with round-trip transfers are also available.
When to Get There
The castle is open every day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours are 9am–7pm in the summer, with reduced hours in the winter months.
Walk in Poet Lord Byron’s Footsteps
English poet Lord Byron was so inspired by his visit to Chillon Castle that he wrote one of his most famous works about the castle’s dungeon—The Prisoner of Chillon. Keep an eye out for Byron’s name carved into the dungeon wall and the deep groove in the floor caused by the constant pacing of dukes of Savoy enemy François Bonivard, who was imprisoned here for six years.
Address: 21 Avenue de Chillon, Veytaux, Lake Geneva 1820, Switzerland
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
English Garden (Jardin Anglais)
Some 20 percent of Geneva is covered in parks, of which the most popular is the English Garden, or Jardin Anglais. Boasting a superb position on Lake Geneva, this space has served as a prime meeting point for locals and tourists alike since 1854, its grand trees, stately fountains and sculptures of the city's noteworthy artists evoking the elegance of an unhurried age. A bandstand hosts concerts in the warmer months.
A national monument commemorating Geneva joining the Swiss Confederation in 1814 is another highlight, while the star attraction of over 50 years is the floral clock, one of the city's best-known symbols. These days, it's a delightfully eccentric display, with the passing of time marked not only by the hands but also by the seasonal flowers that make up the arrangement. And at around 2.5 yards, the second hand is the longest in the world.
Practical Info
As central as it gets, the Jardin Anglais is situated where the Pont du Mont Blanc alights on the southern shore. It’s a short downhill walk from the Old Town.
Address: Quai du Général-Guisan, Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 65
Harder Kulm
Interlaken’s nearest mountain, sandwiched between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Harder Kulm is the easiest way to get a taste of the Bernese Alps without having to don your hikers. An eight-minute ride on the funicular railway – a modern version of the carriages that have traversed the 1,322-meter summit for the past 100 years - will land you at the top, affording staggering views over the neighboring mountains on the breathtaking ascent.
The dramatic vistas might be the mountain’s biggest selling point – best viewed from the garden terrace of the mountaintop castle-cum-restaurant or by gawping through the glass floor of the vertigo-inducing Two Lakes Bridge – but there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Spot ibex in the Alpine Wildlife Park, let the kids loose in the playground, enjoy the easy 1.5-hour circular Theme Trail or stick around until dusk when regular folklore evenings take over the mountaintop. Serious hikers have plenty of options for working up a sweat too – a number of trekking routes run along the mountain and climbers can always forgo the funicular in favor of a challenge.
The dramatic vistas might be the mountain’s biggest selling point – best viewed from the garden terrace of the mountaintop castle-cum-restaurant or by gawping through the glass floor of the vertigo-inducing Two Lakes Bridge – but there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Spot ibex in the Alpine Wildlife Park, let the kids loose in the playground, enjoy the easy 1.5-hour circular Theme Trail or stick around until dusk when regular folklore evenings take over the mountaintop. Serious hikers have plenty of options for working up a sweat too – a number of trekking routes run along the mountain and climbers can always forgo the funicular in favor of a challenge.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 27
Furka Pass
The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps that reaches a high of nearly 2500 meters above sea level. Considered one of the best drives in Europe, it connects the town of Gletsch in Valais with the town of Realp in Uri. The pass may be best known as the site of a memorable car chase scene in the James Bond film, Goldfinger. A drive along the pass starts from Gletsch with a few tight switchbacks before turning into a long path along the rock face of the valley for about six kilometers, providing scenic views of the surrounding area. The road then gets steeper toward the top of the pass and the route down the other side is quite narrow and steep.
The pass also brings visitors within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the source of the Rhone River. Stopping at the Hotel Belvedere, just short of the top of the pass, is a good opportunity to walk to the glacier, just two minutes from the hotel. Don’t miss the glacier grotto, an ice chamber that is built anew each year.
Before starting out, visitors may want to check out the short nature hike near Gletsch that provides information about the pre-glacier era. Also in Gletsch is the train station for the Furka steam train to Realp.
Practical Info
The Furka Pass is part of a three pass ride that includes the Furka, Grimsel and Susten Passes. Visitors can ride over the pass by car, mountain bike, motorbike or by the Alpine PostBus. There is also a steam train that runs from Gletsch to Realp.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Open May-Oct
From $ 505
Lake Lucerne
Located at the heart of Bernese Oberland and surrounded by the famous peaks of Mount Rigi and Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne (Lac Luzern) is one of Central Switzerland’s most photographed natural wonders and the country’s fourth largest lake. Whether you’re soaring overhead in a cable car, cruising the lake itself, or visiting waterfront villages such as Weggis and Gersau, Lake Lucerne is mesmerizing from all angles.
The Basics
Lucerne city tours will take you to the lake’s most memorable viewpoint: looking out over the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) from the shore of Old Town. Alternatively, enjoy a hike around the lakeside villas; take the Golden round trip and travel by boat, cogwheel railway, and aerial cableway to the most spectacular viewpoints on Mount Pilatus; or gaze down over Lucerne from the summit of Mount Rigi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- It can get chilly on the mountaintops or out on the lake even in the summer, so bring some warm clothes.
- Many boat tours and trains are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the operator in advance.
How to Get There
Lake Lucerne is located in Central Switzerland, 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Zurich, or roughly 45 minutes by train. Trains run regularly from Zurich to the city of Lucerne, located on the lake’s northwest shore. Daily ferries run between Lucerne city and Fluelen at the southeast tip of the lake, taking about three hours one way and stopping at lakeside towns such as Vitznau, Beckenried, and Brunnen. You can also travel to different lakeside attractions on a sightseeing boat tour.
When to Get There
Lake Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s top vacation destinations. Summer (July through August) and Christmas are the most popular times to visit. While summer visitors come to hike in the Alps and enjoy boat cruises on the lake, winter travelers can hit the nearby ski slopes or visit the Lucerne Christmas Market.
Day Trips in the Lake Lucerne Region
Once you’ve scaled the summit of Mount Rigi and ridden the world’s steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus, brave a ride to the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch or hike the notorious Eiger Trail around the North Face of Eiger Mountain. You could also visit the alpine village of Engelberg and take in the views from Mount Titlis, ride the open-air cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, or take a ride on the Golden Pass Scenic Train.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 28
Chaplin's World
Opened in spring 2016, Chaplin’s World in Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland, is the first museum dedicated to the life of actor Charlie Chaplin. Set in a neoclassical mansion where Chaplin lived for some 25 years, the museum features many of the home’s original furnishings, as well as family photographs, personal belongings, mementos and more than 30 wax figures of individuals who crossed paths with Chaplin or who were inspired by his work.
Chaplin’s World also includes a separate, Hollywood-style studio where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of silent film and try out the art of pantomime. The studio also includes recreated sets from some of Chaplin’s most famous movies. The surrounding park is also open to the public and offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
Practical Info
Chaplin’s World is in the town of Corsier-Sur-Vevey, about 15 miles from Lausanne or an hour train ride from the Geneva airport. From Vevey station, bus 212 runs to Chaplin’s World; get off at the Chaplin stop. Allow about two and a half hours for your visit. An interactive mobile app is available.
Address: Route de Fenil 2, Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Admission: CHF 23
From $ 26
La Maison du Gruyère
Gruyère AOP is one of the most famous Swiss cheeses and has been produced from cow milk in the Fribourg region since 1115; traditionally the dairy herds roam free over alpine pastures and eat fresh foraged grass, which is is said to give the cheese its mellow taste and distinctive grainy texture.
Lying in lush foothills between Bern and Lake Geneva, La Maison du Gruyère in the charming alpine village of Pringy‐Gruyères is a one‐stop mine of information dedicated to the history and making of this gourmet cheese. As well as being a working show dairy where around 40 wheels of Gruyère are made each day, clever interactive displays describe the eight production processes that are vital to producing Gruyère, and how they have been handed down through the generations since the Middle Ages.
It’s easy to spend the day at La Maison du Gruyère; several cheese‐making demonstrations each day give the chance to see master craftsmen at work in the gleaming steel kitchens; slabs of Gruyère crafted in the dairy can be bought in the souvenir shop; the restaurant has a menu of traditional Swiss röstis and fondues; and there’s even a dairy‐themed play park for toddlers. For those wishing to see more of the alpine landscapes around Gruyères, two walk itineraries lead up to the mountain pastures to see the cow herds grazing, with bells tinkling around their
necks.
Practical Info
Open daily June–Sept 9am–7pm; Oct–Mar 9am–6pm. Admission adults CHF 7; seniors & students CHF 6; family ticket CHF 12. The train station is opposite the museum, which can also be reached by car along the E27 motorway, taking the Bulle exit.
Address: Place de la Gare 3, Pringy‐Gruyères, Fribourg 1663, Switzerland
Hours: Daily June–Sept 9am–7pm; Oct–Mar 9am–6pm
Admission: CHF 7
From $ 144
Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster)
The soaring Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline of Switzerland’s capital city is dedicated to St Vincent, the patron saint of Bern; work began on the church in 1421 but the spire was not completed until 1893. At 84 meters (275 feet) long, it is the biggest religious building in Switzerland, designed in true Gothic style with flying buttresses, gargoyles and dramatic, highly painted carvings of the Last Judgment above the main portal.
Designed by master craftsman Matthäus Ensinger from Strasbourg, the interior is laid out as a three‐aisled basilica and is filled with light filtering through the glorious stained‐glass windows. The choir stalls are a later addition and are decorated with Renaissance carvings of religious scenes; the organ dates from the 1930s and is played in concerts throughout the year. The cathedral also has the tallest tower in Switzerland at 100 meters (330 feet); visitors can climb the 344 stone steps inside the spire to the lookout point for outstanding views over the rooftops of the city and across the River Aare to the snow‐capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Practical Info
Open mid‐Nov–Mar Mon–Fri noon–4pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11.30am–4pm; Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm. Sun 11.30am–5pm. The tower closes 30 minutes earlier. Admission to the church is free but a small fee is payable to climb the tower. The cathedral is best accessed on foot through Bern’s UNESCO‐listed, cute Old Town.
Address: Münsterplatz 1, Bern 3000, Switzerland
Hours: Vary
From $ 103
Felsenegg
A cable car takes nature lovers in five minutes from Adliswil to Felsenegg, a view point on the Albis mountain range. It is one of Zürich’s most popular recreation areas and at 800 meters, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Zürich, the small towns lining the shores and the towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance. Numerous walking and hiking trails as well as a restaurant on the summit serve as an escape from the hectic everyday life. From Uetliberg for example, the Planetenweg, a planet trail that reflects the distances in the solar system, leads to Felsenegg. Every meter of the path corresponds with one million kilometers in space and the two-hour walk takes hikers from the sun past planets – little metal spheres embedded in boulders - all the way to Pluto.
Just 20 meters from where Pluto can be found, the bright red Restaurant Felsenegg awaits, where you can get a drink on the patio and enjoy the view over the Sihl Valley, Türler Lake and the Säuliamt district. While the views are spectacular during the day, don’t hesitate to visit at night either, when the sprawling city of Zürich can be seen spreading out as a sea of light in the darkness.
Practical Info
It is very easy to get from Zürich to the Felsenegg lookout point. First, take the S4 train for 15 minutes to Adliswil, from where signs guide the short way to the cable car station. The cable car runs every day from 8:05am to 9:50pm in summer and from 9:05am to 8:05pm in winter.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: Summer: 8:05am-9:50pm, Winter: 9:05am-8:05pm
From $ 60