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10 best things to do in Switzerland

Posted on May 10, 2025

Switzerland, often called the “playground of Europe,” is a small, mountainous country packed with Alpine adventures—think skiing, sledding down powdery slopes, and exploring endless biking and hiking trails. But there’s more to this place than just stunning landscapes. Here are 10 amazing ways to experience it.

Watch water turn into wine in Zürich
On special occasions, Zürich’s Münsterhof Fountain actually pours wine, thanks to a clever device connected to its well. The rest of the time, it’s just one of over 1,200 public fountains in the city, most spouting drinkable water around the clock. You can discover many of them, some dating back to the 15th century, on the “Water in Zürich” city tour.

Wander through a perfectly preserved medieval town
About 40 miles from the famous Rhine Falls, the old town of Stein am Rhein earned Switzerland’s very first Wakker prize for its incredible preservation of historic buildings. Stroll past the Rathaus (town hall) and half-timbered houses decorated with colorful painted facades and oriel windows. At the Museum Lindwurm, you can learn how Swiss people lived and worked in the 19th century.

Spot decorative signs in Appenzell
Look out for Tafeens—traditional, artistic store signs hanging above doorways—all around Appenzell. The most elaborate ones dangle from hotels, shops, and restaurants along Hauptgasse and Marktgasse Streets.

Hike through one of Europe’s greenest valleys
The Simmental House Trail winds past charming Swiss villages, wooden chalets, and grazing cows. Along the way, you’ll learn about the 15th-century homes built by wealthy farmers who bred the famous Simmental cattle—prized for their high milk and beef production and gentle nature.

Ride a classic Swiss train
Hop on the Brienz Rothorn Railway to witness Swiss engineering at its finest. This historic steam rack railway has been chugging through Alpine meadows and along Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters since 1892. Starting in Brienz, a village known for woodcarving, it climbs up to Rothorn Kulm, 7,362 feet above sea level, where you’ll get panoramic views of 693 mountain peaks on clear days. Another great option is the Rochers-de-Naye train, which treats you to breathtaking sights of Lake Geneva and the Swiss and French Alps.

Meet Charlie Chaplin in Lausanne
The Photo Elysée museum holds Charlie Chaplin’s historic photo archives. The English comic actor, filmmaker, and silent film legend is celebrated here at Plateforme 10, a new exhibition space that also includes the Vaud Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (MUDAC)—the only design-focused museum in western Switzerland. Best part? MCBA offers free entry on Saturdays, so you can explore its 10,000+ paintings and join cultural activities, guided tours, and workshops.

Zip around Geneva in a tuk-tuk
Short on time? An electric tuk-tuk tour is one of the fastest—and most fun—ways to see Geneva. It’s the latest addition to Switzerland’s eco-friendly transport options. With a local guide, you can visit wineries, try rich fondue, and check out the city’s famous architecture.

Make a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln
Dive into the history of Einsiedeln Abbey, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites, with the Monkstrail scavenger hunt. Search for clues in the Chapel of Grace (home to the Black Madonna) and the stables of the “Cavalli della Madonna,” where monks have bred horses since medieval times. Don’t miss the choir’s angelic Salve Regina hymn at 4:30 p.m. daily—or take a guided tour of the monastery’s library.

Discover the Swiss-Italian vibe
Head to Ticino for a Mediterranean feel. Walk along Lugano’s Via Nassa for antique books, stylish boutiques, and luxury jewelry. Or browse fresh produce on Via Pessina. Families will love Swissminiatur in Melide, an open-air museum with 1:25 scale models of Switzerland’s famous landmarks. Nearby Morcote offers arcaded patrician homes, lakeside gardens, and historic sites like the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso and the Tower of Capitano.

Taste your way through central Switzerland
Follow the Marbach food trail in Entlebuch—Switzerland’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve—to sample local cheeses, meats, and other treats made from fresh regional ingredients. Ride a gondola, meet dairy farmers, and soak in the views between bites.

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