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Must-knows about things to do in Switzerland

  • Several activities are only available in a particular season. Some cableways close in winter, for example. In the activity finder, you can filter the results by your travel months.
  • Excursions vary a lot in price: from expensive to cheap, or even free (in some cases for train pass holders only). Use the price filter for trips that match your budget.
  • All activities listed here are day trips. Go here for multi-day itineraries.
  • If you’re a first-time visitor, try to include at least one scenic train ride, one boat ride, and one mountain top.

Swiss activity finder

Check the map below this list too. It shows where the tourist attractions visible in the list are located.

Glacier Express
Glacier Express train heading toward Zermatt on the viaduct near Grengiols.
Promotion available!
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 8:00
Must-knows before booking: prices, pass discounts, how to reserve seats, what the route is like, and alternative trains. Show more ►
Jungfraujoch
A train to Jungfraujoch at Kleine Scheidegg.
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
See all 3 routes to Jungfraujoch, prices, pass discounts, how to get there from Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, and what to do at the top. Show more ►
Titlis
Rotair cable car to summit of Titlis
Adventure sport, MountainsMin. time required: 3:30
Mount Titlis at 3032 m can be reached a by revolving cable car. Enjoy the high-alpine scenery, the suspension bridge “Cliff Walk”, the restaurants, and more. Show more ►
Bernina Express
Bernina Express panoramic train at Morteratsch
Promotion available!
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
Plan your ride: tickets, seat reservations, pass discounts, best views, and alternative trains on the spectacular Bernina line. Show more ►
Pilatus
At the Pilatus Kulm mountain station you'll find hotels, restaurants, terraces and several viewpoints.
MountainsMin. time required: 3:00
Pilatus is a famous mountain near Lucerne, with magnificent views over the lake and the mountains of Central Switzerland. Here’s all your planning info: the cable car and cogwheel train … Show more ►
GoldenPass
View of Simmen Valley from a GoldenPass Express Prestige coach.
Promotion available!
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 5:20
Different GoldenPass trains run between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Check the train types, prices, map, reservations and discounts. Show more ►
Gornergrat
A cogwheel train from Zermatt arriving at the top station of Gornergrat.
Promotion available!
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Gornergrat offers an amazing mountain panorama that includes the Matterhorn. Prepare your trip with all info about the ride from Zermatt, the views, tickets and discounts, and what to … Show more ►
Rigi
The top cogwheel train station "Rigi Kulm".
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 3:00
The Rigi area can be reached by cogwheel train and offers magnificent views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Prepare with our planning guide. Show more ►
Schilthorn
Cable car to the Schilthorn shot at Birg.
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Schilthorn is one of the best locations to view the Jungfrau massif. I explain about the cableway from Mürren, prices, views and catering at this “James Bond mountain”. Show more ►
Boat Lake Lucerne
Boat on Lake Lucerne near the village of Weggis
Promotion available!
Scenic boat tripMin. time required: 1:00
Year-round, you can make all kinds of boat rides on the large Lake Lucerne. Here’s what they cost, how to get discounts, what to expect on board the boats, and … Show more ►
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All of our activity categories

Matterhorn Express gondolas above Zermatt

Seasons

Some activities, like scenic train rides, are available year-round. Others are much more suitable for winter or summer only. Find …
Lake Thun and the Niesen seen from Neuhaus

Budget activities

There are lots of free and cheap activities in Switzerland. Go hiking, visit scenic towns, and use the benefits provided …
Regional RhB train in Engadine valley

Scenic trips

Switzerland is famous for its panoramic train rides. You can also make beautiful trips by bus, boat, and car. Select …
Yellow Swiss hiking signs along the Aletsch Glacier near Bettmerhorn

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy Switzerland’s nature. I share the trails Arno and I walked ourselves, …
Cooking utensils artwork at Rigi

Culinary activities

Check these tours if you’re interested in Swiss sweets, cheese, beer, wine, or fine dining. I also offer an extensive …
Skier in powder snow

Winter sports

Book Swiss winter sports tours: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe hiking, snowtubing, winter kayaking and more.
Paragliders ready for take-off at Alpen Tower

Adventure sports

Switzerland offers all you need for adventure activities: high mountains, snow and fierce rivers. Find tours to safely enjoy extreme …
Swiss tourist shop with souvenirs

Shopping

Practical guide for shopping in Switzerland. Learn about the opening hours of Swiss shops, souvenirs, the famous Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, …
Old wooden barn in the open-air museum Ballenberg

Museums

All information about the famous Museum of Transport in Lucerne, the Chillon Castle near Montreux, the Cailler chocolate factory in …
Christmas tree and church in Gruyères

Christmas

Cosy trips to Swiss cities, Christmas markets, and excursions into the snowy mountains are perfect for the holiday season in …
City tour trolley at Place de la Madeleine in Geneva

City tours

Switzerland’s larger cities are a lovely destination for cultural, culinary, or shopping trips. These are my recommended trips for Zurich, …
Tourists at suspended viewing platform at Cardada, Lake Maggiore

Private tours

Our suggested activities in Switzerland with a private guide. The guide will join you all the way, and will make …

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.