What Switzerland Offers and When to Go
Heading photo of the Aletsch Glacier from Moosfluh, A.Leggett
I have listed below 10 of the top sights & activities in Switzerland. These are in no particular order – however, they are all very good reasons to come here and are great examples of how stunning and diverse Switzerland is.
The list includes links to my canton pages. The pages offer loads more information, as well as further ideas of what to do in the region.
Fun Facts
Even though Switzerland is quite small, it is surprisingly diverse…
Languages
There are 4 main languages – Romansh, Italian, French and German – each signifies a different region. If you want a little more of a challenge – there are different dialects which means even the Swiss find it hard to understand each other. Great news for English speakers – even though the question “Do you speak English?” is often answered with ” A little”, don’t be surprised if they then continue with near-perfect English. I have encountered that a lot.
Climate
Ticino in the south has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and sunny, warm summers. Vineyards, olive groves and palm trees line the two large lakes of Lugano and Locarno. The snowy peaks and glaciers of the alps can be seen rising up in the north. In one day, it is possible to spend the morning skiing around a snow-covered alpine village then spending the afternoon soaking up the warm sunshine on a lakeside terrace.
Other micro-climates are the Rhône and Rhine valleys which act as funnels for the warm Foehn winds. The Lake Geneva region also benefits from the “three suns” – where the gentle slopes that rise up from the lake are exposed to hours of sunshine, as well as soaking up the sun reflecting off the lake, and reflecting off the vineyard’s stone terraces.
1. Swimming or Floating on Lakes or Rivers
- Lakes with beaches – (Lake Lucerne, Lake Zürich, Neuchâtel)
- Pristine alpine lakes – canton Graubünden suggestions
- Float down the Rhein with the locals in Basel
- Thermal Baths around Switzerland – see St. Gallen canton for Bad Ragaz Thermal Baths
- Larger lakes with bathing spots – Geneva, Zürich, Walensee, Neuchâtel, Lake Lucerne & Lake Lugano (to name a few).
2. Getting Active – hiking, mountain biking or trail running in summer, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding in winter.
- In the mountains – hiking & skiing for all levels
- Hiking over passes – such as the iconic Gemmi Pass.
- Skiing in the valleys and foothills – smaller ski fields and cross-country trails can be found in the foothills, near Einsiedeln in Schwyz, some ideal for beginners.
- The Via Ferrata routes (challenging hiking routes that use ropes, ladders) – Six with varying levels can be found in Engelberg in Canton Nidwalden/Obwalden & Uri.
- Do a themed walk – possibilities are :-
- West -cheese dairies in the Gruyére region and Engelberg
- East – Planet walk above Zürich at Uetliberg or a Klangweg (sound trail) in Toggenberg, Adventure Park below Säntis.
- South – Aletsch Arena ridge walk in canton Valais
- North –Basel city architecture Tour.
3. Experience the culture
- Watch the seasonal parades and traditions come alive such Fasnacht in Basel – an iconic Swiss celebration.
- The alpine cow migration – Appenzell.
- Traditional crafts at markets.
- Christmas Markets and events – in the villages and cities.
- Yodelling and the Alphorn.
4. Food & Wine
- Border cantons and their culinary influences from France, Germany and Italy – Ticino, Geneva, Zürich & Basel.
- Cheese dairys (Käserei) in the mountains – Nid-Obwalden .
- The small mountain Beizli and the specialities originally eaten by the farmers.
- Mountains Inns using local produce found in remote valleys and on mountain tops – Schwyz & Appenzell.
- Geneva & Vaud in the west & the Bündner Herrschaft region in the east all offer award-winning wines & chances for vineyard walks and tasting.
5. Cable cars & Gondolas
die Älpibahn – Heidiland Region; Image by A.Leggett
- Traditional open gondolas still used for transporting, hay, milk and farming equipment up and down the mountain – Many cantons such as Nidwalden and St. Gallen offer rides up the mountains in this traditional kind of gondola.
- Travel to mountain meadows, valleys and lookout points – Discover vistas like the panorama bench in Vitznau, canton Lucerne.
- Experience the many high altitude hikes & mountain bike tracks – summer and skiing, sledding, snow shoeing – winter. Rotenfluh gondola in Schwyz offers plenty of opportunities to explore on foot, skiis or with a sled.
6. Visit a Glacier or Dam
- The Unesco World Heritage Aletsch Glacier – Valais
- The highest Dam in the world – Valais
- Grindelwald’s two glaciers that once threatened the town – Canton Bern.
7. Visit the historical towns and villages
- The charming villages found in Graubünden with their traditional Sgraffito etchings, cobbled streets and remote feel.
- Wander through typical medieval town centres. Visiting on market days to discover the culture and feel of the old towns around Switzerland. Freiburg, Murten, Stein am Rhein & Chur are a few examples.
- Historical villages deep in the Valais valleys are remote and idyllic; such as Grimentz.
8. Panoramic Journeys
- Discover the top 6 scenic rail journeys & the Palm Express Bus to see the country
- Travel on the regional Post bus with the locals to the remote villages – Valais
- Boat trips on the big lakes – don’t forget the three-lakes-region which includes Neuchâtel, Murten & Lake Biel – and the connecting waterways.
- Regional trains, cog railways, funiculars, buses and express trains that will take you almost anywhere you want to go with seamless connections (most of the time).
Good to Know: Switzerland is home to one of the best train systems in the world. Taking a train is one of the most efficient, affordable, and enjoyable ways to see the country. For extra savings purchase the Swiss Travel Pass which includes unlimited travel through the country on trains, buses and boats and children travel free.
9. Find magical Vistas
- Panorama benches, grill spots and viewing platforms – Lucerne, Uri , Graubunden & Nid-Obwalden and the Bernese Oberland – to name a few.
- Watch sunsets and sunrise over lakes – Lake Lucerne & Lake Zug
- Walk to hidden mountain lakes – such as the mystical Oeschinensee, found in the Bernese Oberland.
10. Unesco World Heritage Site
- Natural sites of eye-popping splendor include – glaciers & geological wonders in Valais & Glarus.
- Train journeys & Viaducts in Graubünden.
- Lake pile dwellings in, Thurgau & Schwyz – to name a few.
- and the Abbey of St. Gall in St. Gallen
… to name a few
Best Time to Visit Switzerland
Weather in the mountains can be very changeable with Alpine Forecasts often only applicable on a day-to-day basis. Cloud, snow, rain and fog appear just as quickly as sunshine so pack for all seasons.
- Nov-April –
- Great weather for winter hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, & outdoor ice-skating. A
- Fondue Experiences are offered all over Switzerland – on trains, boats or as a fondue picnic – see, ‘What to do when the weather turns bad‘ for more information on Fondue experiences.
- In November and December fog can hang over the lowlands for days on end, however, this is a good opportunity to head up to higher altitudes to see the uninterrupted blue skies and sun reflecting of the low clouds. Check webcams on local websites for more information.
- For a big event visit the Annual Engadin ski marathon in March for some serious cross country skiing – for when, where and how, look here.
- Winter Markets – pre-Christmas and Christmas markets can be found all over with towns full of Christmas lights.
- May – June – this is a very changable time of year when everything grows & blossoms.
- See the wild flowers in the lower foothills & mountains (June provides the best displays). Try around Lake Lucerne, Nid & Obwalden.
- Great for hiking in the clear crisp air. Is still possible to snow-shoe at higher altitudes.
- July – Aug
- High altitude wild flowers in the alpine pastors.
- Chance to see parades of cattle ascending to the mountains with music, cowbells and traditional dress – all over the alps.
- The Käserei (alpine cheese dairies) and mountain restaurants open up.
- Great time for lake/river swimming and SUP/Kayaking.
- Sept-Oct
- Grape harvests and autumnal colours everywhere.
- Clear air and mild temperatures allow for long hikes.
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