This page was last updated by Annika on 15 October 2023.
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Must-knows about things to do in Switzerland

  • Some activities are best, or only available, in a particular season. Some cableways close in winter, for example. You can filter on your travel time in the activity finder.
  • Places to see vary a lot in price. Some are free. Others are discounted or free for train pass holders. You can filter on price in the activity finder.
  • All listed activities are day trips. Go here for multi-day itineraries.
  • If you’re a first-time visitor, we suggest including 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 you’ve found are located.

Glacier Express scenic train at the Furka Pass
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Glacier Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 8:00
The Glacier Express is the most famous scenic train across the Swiss Alps, between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Check our must-read info about the route, …
Jungfraujoch mountain station and Konkordiaplatz
Jungfraujoch
Mountains, Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The Jungfraujoch excursion isn’t cheap, but it’s spectacular. We explain how to bring down costs, how to get there from Wengen and Grindelwald, what to …
Rotair cable car to summit of Titlis
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 …
Bernina Express panoramic train at Morteratsch
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Bernina Express
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 4:00
The scenic Bernina Express train ride is a beautiful, varied journey between south-east Switzerland and northern Italy. Learn about tickets, reservations, the route and the …
Dragon Ride cable car to Pilatus above Lake Lucerne
Pilatus
MountainsMin. time required: 3:00
Pilatus is a famous mountain close to Lucerne, with magnificent views over the lake area and the mountains of Central Switzerland. We give all the …
GoldenPass on snowy spring day in Montbovon
GoldenPass
Scenic train tripMin. time required: 5:30
Several special GoldenPass trains run on this beautiful route between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Here’s all you need to know about the trains, scenery, costs, …
Top station of Gornergrat with Matterhorn view
Gornergrat
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Gornergrat offers a great view of the Matterhorn, and one of the best mountain panoramas in the Swiss Alps. We explain about the cogwheel …
Central and Bernese Alps from Rigi Kulm
Rigi
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.
Wetterhorn and Eiger above the clouds from Schilthorn
Schilthorn
MountainsMin. time required: 2:00
The Schilthorn is one of the best locations to view the Jungfrau massif. We explain about the cableway from Mürren, prices, views and catering at …
Boat on Lake Lucerne near the village of Weggis
Boat Lake Lucerne
Scenic boat tripMin. time required: 1:00
Many boat rides are available on the large Lake Lucerne all year round. We explain what they cost, how to get discounts, what to expect …
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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

Trips

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

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy Switzerland’s nature. We share the trails we walked ourselves, plus essential …
Cooking utensils artwork at Rigi

Culinary activities

Check these tours if you’re interested in Swiss sweets, cheese, beer, wine, or fine dining. We 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 a cultural, culinary, or shopping trip. These are our recommended trips for …
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.