Things to see in Switzerland

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Sightseeing in Switzerland is feast for the senses, with gorgeous, soul-stirring scenery and picture-perfect cities and villages to experience. Switzerland is a country that exudes wealth of both the material and natural kind - after all, this tiny nation has more millionaires and mountains per capita than anywhere else on earth. Its many riches made the country one of the very first global tourist destinations, and as a result, modern-day Switzerland is extremely well prepared for foreign visitors.

Getting to Switzerland's many attractions is effortless, if rather expensive. The rail network is clean and efficient, with other public transport filling the gaps in between. Alternatively, with impeccably maintained and signposted roads, renting a car is an attractive option, especially for travellers who value their independence while abroad.

With cold winters perfect for skiing and mountain viewing, and glorious summers to enjoy the exciting cities of Geneva and Zurich and the charming Alpine villages, Switzerland is truly a year-round destination. An obligatory stop on any grand tour of the continent, Switzerland is a sure bet for travellers looking to experience the best of what Europe has to offer.

Fraumünster Church

Of the church spires that characterise Zurich’s skyline, the thin blue spire of Fraumünster is the most graceful. Overlooking the historic old square of Münsterhof, the former pig market, the church was founded in 853 and its convent inhabited by German noblewomen until the... see full details

Rhine Falls

An excellent day trip from Zurich and close to the town of Schaffhausen, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) is the largest and most powerful waterfall in Europe, impressive not so much for its height of 75ft (23m), but more for the mighty volume of... see full details

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)

The largest lake in central Europe that is shared by both Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to its French-speaking inhabitants) has for decades drawn visitors to its shores. Attracted by the alpine panorama, quaint wooden chalet villages, vineyard-covered slopes and sailboats skimming... see full details

Lausanne

Picturesquely located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the youthful and energetic city of Lausanne is built above the lake on a sequence of tiers connected by a small metro. The upper or Old Town contains the grand Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame; its turreted towers... see full details

Château de Chillon

One of the best-maintained medieval castles in Europe, the 13th-century Château de Chillon is the most visited historical building in Switzerland. With its stunning lakeside location near the chic town of Montreux, jutting out into the water and framed by mountains, it is one... see full details

Bern

According to legend, Bern was named when its founder, Berchtold, was advised to go on a hunt and to name the town after the first beast that he caught. The bear has remained the symbol of the capital city ever since. One of... see full details

Polybahn and Rigiblick Funiculars

Trains, buses, trams and bikes are common ways of getting around Zurich. To get above the bustling streets and cobbled walkways, hop onto either the Polybahn or Rigiblick Funicular for panoramic views of the city and Lake Zurich. The traditional Polybahn was first opened... see full details

Niederdorf

Situated in the old town, across from central station, the narrow lanes of Niederdorf wind through towering 14th century buildings revealing small plazas where restaurants spill onto cobbled streets and buskers entertain diners and passers-by with miscellaneous music. This charming district has an interesting array... see full details

$Geneva\'s Jet d\'Eau$

Jet d'Eau

The tallest fountain in the world, the Jet d'Eau is a Geneva attraction that cannot be missed. Projecting 460 feet (140m) into the air at a speed of 124 miles per hour (200km/h) and pumping 132 gallons (500 litres) of water per second,... see full details

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

One of the most creative and thought provoking museums in Europe, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum brings together sculpture, installation, photography and film to highlight the importance of human rights, the history of conflict in the 20th century and the humanitarian... see full details

Public Parks

Public parks cover over one quarter of Geneva providing the populous with a quiet haven of rolling lawns and tree lined walkways. Dotted with many curious sculptures and attractions, there are a few parks worthwhile visiting. Bastion Park houses the 328-foot (100m) Reformation Wall,... see full details

Barbier-Mueller Museum

Featuring a comprehensive collection of 7,000 artworks and artefacts from civilisations around the world, the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva is the outcome of the tireless accumulations of Josef Mueller, whose collection began in 1907 and is continued to this day by his heirs. Founded... see full details

Swiss Alps

The Alps contain some of Switzerland's most dramatic landscapes, in a country already well endowed with spectacular scenery and fabulous alpine vistas. Situated at the heart of the Alps, Switzerland shares the mountain range with France, Italy and Austria and provides winter and summer... see full details

The Lion of Lucerne

The Lion of Lucerne - also known more simply as the Lion Monument - is a must-see sight for visitors to this Swiss city. Known as 'Switzerland's most sentimental monument', the sculpture was commissioned in 1820, and commemorates the bravery of the Swiss Guards... see full details

Jungfrau Cog Railway

One of Switzerland's most popular tourist attractions, the Jungfrau Cog Railway (Jungfraubahn) offers visitors the scenic railway adventure of a lifetime. Departing from Kleine Scheidegg Station (near the world-famous resort of Interlaken), the Jungfraubahn climbs to an altitude of 11,332 feet (3,454 metres), before pulling... see full details

The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are also highly esteemed as one of Switzerland's 'Seven Natural Wonders'. Stretching for about 19 miles (30km) from the Chateau de Chillon on the northern shores of Lake Geneva to the eastern outskirts of Lausanne,... see full details

The Bellinzona Castles

For visitors to Switzerland looking to get a sense of 'Olde European' grandeur, a trip to the Bellinzona Castles is an absolute treat. The historic town of Bellinzona, located near the Ticino River at the foot of the Swiss Alps, is home to... see full details

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