Your Ultimate Checklist Of Things To Do In Switzerland

Snowy mountains, peaceful lakes, and charming little towns: Switzerland is like a scene from a dream. But with so much beauty packed into one place, how do you choose what to see first? From riding scenic mountain trains to walking along crystal-clear lakes, there are a few must-dos every traveler should tick off.

Whether you’re into nature, culture, or just soaking in the views, this guide brings together the top things to do in Switzerland and helps you plan a trip that flows smoothly, one unforgettable stop at a time.

Explore Lucerne And Ride Up Mount Pilatus

Lucerne is a walking painting. Proceeding through the Chapel Bridge that traverses the Reuss River, which is flanked by spring flowers and soft lights during the winter season. The Old Town has colored buildings with winding streets and squares where there are market stands and bakeries.

Not a little way off the city is Mount Pilatus, which steeply rises above Lake Lucerne. The top can be reached by cable car or by the world's steepest cogwheel train, which is taken by the visitor. The view includes dozens of peaks and wide valleys. Short trails offer peaceful walks above the clouds. Lucerne and Mount Pilatus belong at the top of any serious Switzerland travel bucket list.

Ride The Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is not about speed. It’s about beauty. This historic train links both Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing over 290 bridges and almost 100 tunnels. Glossy windows offer an entire view of all the mountains.

The landscape goes through green valleys and snowy peaks, and each part seems to be a new chapter. The journey to the ride is approximately eight hours. On board, there is food. It is being referred to as one of the most relaxing things to do by travelers in Switzerland.

During the summer and ski season, seating can be reserved months ahead.

Visit Lauterbrunnen And Its Waterfalls

Lauterbrunnen Valley is located between two cliffs, along with one of the most serene vistas in Switzerland. In addition, there is also Staubbach Falls, which is one of the tallest free- falling waters in Europe and falls almost 300 meters off a cliff close to the town.

Trummelbach Falls thunder along in the mountain just beyond the village. These secret glacial waterfalls flow through stone-carved tunnels. They are easily accessed by a small lift and walkway path.

Lauterbrunnen is also the entry point to Alpine villages such as Mürren and Wengen. The places have no car traffic, wooden cottages, and long trail walks. It is tough to match this valley when you are planning a peaceful, picturesque Switzerland travel schedule.

See The Matterhorn In Zermatt

The Matterhorn stands alone. Tall, keen, snow-capped to a head, it stands guard over the village of Zermatt. There are no cars in the town. Rather, the silence of the streets is replaced with hikers, skiers, and travelers coming across each other between bakeries and shopping around.

The Gornergrat Railway ascends high above the valley to take the best view. The train ride provides close shots of the Matterhorn and other glaciers. On top, multiple platforms offer clear angles of the photos. The ridge also has a quick walk.

Zermatt is suitable as an area of travel in winter as well as during the summer season. It has skiing, walking, and tranquility in the morning, thus classified as one of the most popular activities in Switzerland.

Taste Real Swiss Chocolate And Cheese In Gruyères

Any visit to Switzerland is incomplete without the local cheese and chocolate. Both are found easily in the town of Gruyeres. The city itself is dominated by a castle, stone roads, and a panoramic view of green hills throughout.

Visitors are able to observe cheese manufacturing every day at La Maison du Gruyere. There is the aroma of warm milk. A final tasting of samples reveals the comparison between young and old Gruyere cheese.

Close to it, visitors are welcome to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. The tour presents the process of producing chocolate, from raw cocoa to packaged bars. Finally, there is a tasting room where they can supply dozens of samples: soft, rich, and fresh.

The two locations contribute reasons why food tours are one of the most significant things to do in Switzerland among travelers of all ages.

Add These To Any Switzerland Travel Bucket List

Switzerland offers far more than just scenic views. These five stops, Lucerne, Zermatt,

Lauterbrunnen, Gruyères, and the Glacier Express cover the country’s best experiences.

Each place gives something different: food, nature, adventure, or quiet beauty. Use these tips to help plan:

Travel by train: The Swiss public transport system runs on time and covers even remote towns. The Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited rides for a fixed number of days.

Visit during shoulder season: April to June and September to early November offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Perfect for hiking and mountain train rides.

Pack for all conditions: Temperatures in the Alps shift quickly. Layers help, even in summer.

Don’t rush: These top attractions in Switzerland reward slow travel. Staying two nights per stop often works better than changing locations daily.

Start Exploring The Best Things To Do In Switzerland

This checklist makes it easier to plan without stress. Each location brings real value: mountains, lakes, villages, or local food. Together, they form a strong foundation for any custom Switzerland travel itinerary.

Adding just one or two of these experiences creates long-lasting memories. Travelers often return to see more; proof that these things to do in Switzerland leave a mark worth keeping.

Sources

https://www.pilatus.ch/en/

https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/

https://www.gornergrat.ch/en