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Must-knows about Switzerland’s cities

  • Because of the country’s many cultures and languages, Swiss cities offer a lot of variety.
  • Most have a well-preserved historical center and are small enough to explore on foot.
  • Most are surrounded by pretty scenery and have places with great views: a terrace on a hill, a castle, or a cable car to a mountain top.
  • The smaller cities of Bern, Lucerne, and Lugano are a better base for mountain visits than the larger cities of Basel, Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.

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Find Switzerland’s major cities

The map below this list shows where the cities you’ve found are located.

Zurich
Zurich and its lake seen from Uetliberg
Zurich regionTrain stationAltitude: 408 m (1339 ft)On a lake
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. There is a lot to see and do, including boat trips, museums, luxury shopping, and a historic town center with a wide choice … Show more ►
Lucerne
Chapel Bridge/Kapellbrücke over river Reuss in Lucerne
Lake LucerneTrain stationAltitude: 440 m (1444 ft)On a lake
Lucerne is an appealing city in Central Switzerland. It’s ideal for first-time visitors: the historic town center, lake and nearby mountains offer a full Switzerland experience. Show more ►
Geneva
Boats and stately buildings along Promenade du Lac in Geneva
Lake GenevaTrain stationAltitude: 375 m (1230 ft)On a lake
Geneva in south-western Switzerland is not near the Alps, but it’s still an appealing destination. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is beautifully located on Lake Geneva. Show more ►
Lugano
View of Monte San Salvatore from Ciani Park, Lugano
Lake LuganoTrain stationAltitude: 273 m (896 ft)On a lake
The city of Lugano is located on a lake and surrounded by the green hills of the Ticino, southern Switzerland. Lugano is well connected to the entire region by trains, … Show more ►
Bern
The Parliament Building in Bern, seen from the Kirchfeld Bridge
Bern regionTrain stationAltitude: 540 m (1772 ft)
Switzerland’s capital city Bern has an attractive ancient town center and is a central base to explore several Swiss regions. Find out what to see, how to get around, and … Show more ►
Lausanne
Bridge and colorful house facades in Lausanne old town
Lake GenevaTrain stationAltitude: 495 m (1624 ft)On a lake
Lausanne is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It has a wonderful historic center and is located on sunny Lake Geneva. Plan your visit with my sightseeing, traveling and … Show more ►
Basel
River Rhine and Basel city with Münster Cathedral
Basel regionTrain stationAltitude: 278 m (912 ft)
The city of Basel in northern Switzerland has an atmospheric old town center on the river Rhine. Learn how to travel in the city, when to visit, and what to … Show more ►
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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.