Switzerland Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To See in Switzerland.

Things to see in Bern

Since 1848, Bern has been the capital of Switzerland and is considered part of German Switzerland. The city has kept its medieval town center with its cobblestone roads and 15th century architecture, earning it a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction. A must see is the Zyglocke Clock Tower. Every hour, the clock chimes. This is preceded by some charming clock movements four minutes before the hour that will delight both young and old alike. It is said the Albert Einstein was inspired and was able to hone his theory of relativity by observing the clock while on a tram ride.

Head down to the Bunderhaus to see the seat of Swiss government. There is a free 45 minute tour that you can take from Monday to Saturday so you can learn about its impressive Florentine architecture. Travelers should bring their passport. After your Bunderhaus tour, go to the Protestant Munster. This is a cathedral that showcases Gothic architecture and offers some great views of the city if you go up the 100 meter spire. It’s worth climbing the 344 steps to see the view of red roofs and the Bern cityscape from a bird’s eye view. The church has Switzerland’s tallest spire as well as the largest bells weighing in at 10 tons each.

During the summer, you can get a respite from the heat by enjoying the banks of the Aare River. However, don’t jump in the water unless you are a good swimmer as the current can be quite swift and strong. If you’re feeling in the mood for some art appreciation, the Kunstmuseum is the place to be. Here, you’ll find interesting modern art, including the largest collection of the art by Paul Klee. For art with a touch of history, go to the Bernisches Historiche Museum.

There are 11 decorative fountains in Bern that serve as perfect backdrops for some picture taking. These fountains have been around since 1545. The Orge Fountain or Kindlifresserbrunnen is one of the most famous.

No trip to Bern is complete without a visit to the home of one of the greatest geniuses of our time, Albert Einstein. This is the home where he was able to conceive the theory of general relativity in 1905.

Things to do in Bern

Although the Swiss seat of power is in Bern, it still has a laid back lifestyle and is considered charmingly provincial. It’s easy to imagine yourself sipping a glass of wine or a cup of coffee from one of the sundeck chairs at the Terrasse and Casa. If you want a quick bite to eat, try the many offerings at the Markethalle. For some authentic Swiss food, order the raclette at Le Mazot.

In July, it’s best to catch the Gurten Festival, a music festival wherein some musical talents such as Bjork and Bob Dylan have performed. On the other hand, the International Jazz Festival in May can’t be missed by Jazz and music fans. If you don’t have that much Swiss francs to spend, take advantage of the free summer concerts every Sunday at the Stadgartnerei Elfnau. Movie lovers will enjoy watching a movie outdoors at the Orange Cinema from July to August.

If you’re in the mood for some shopping, the place to be is Westside. There are 55 shops, a cinema, a spa, waterpark and restaurants to enjoy.

The summer months of June, July and August are the warmest time of the year to go, since each day averages about a comfortable 77 degrees F or 22 degrees C. It has been known to rain briefly during summer days, so bring an umbrella just in case, or simply wait it out at a nearby café or brewery. November to March is the winter season, so dress warmly as temperatures can drop to -2 degrees C or 28 degrees F.

Things to see in Basel

Travelers going to Switzerland in the summer should go to Basel. Situated on the Rhine close to France and Germany, travelers can easily enjoy the many offerings of this city. Rathaus is a very red town hall at Marktpl. where statues in gold and green can be seen. Take a walk on the Mittiere Rheinbrucke Middle Rhine Bridge, a seven centuries old bridge which joins the two sides of Basel. There is the Jean Tinguely Fountain or the Fasnachtsbrunnen.

The tomb of Erasmus can be visited at the Munster. The Munster proudly displays its Gothic architecture. Visitors can even climb the tower at the cost of three Swiss francs, except before mass starts. Switzerland’s largest ruins can be found along the Rhine at the Augusta Raurica. Travelers can enjoy the open air museum and a Roman Museum.

There are over 30 museums in Basel so travelers can take their pick from a music museum, a museum that features carriages and dog sleds, a historical museum or one that is home a number of beautiful antique artifacts. A Basel card is a good thing to have so you can gain admission to all of the attractions. Kunstmuseum has many works by old masters. Modern art lovers will appreciate the Museum fur Gegenwartskunst. One of the Europe’s most beautiful private art collections can be seen in the Fondation Beyeler. To see the sculptures of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, visit the Museum Jean Tinguely. Even if you don’t have children on the trip with you, visit the Puppenhausmuseum, a delightful doll museum and features the world’s largest teddy bear collection.

You may even catch a Swiss mountain goat while enjoying the sights as these are often domestic animals. It is from goat’s milk that many of the famous Swiss cheeses are made.

Things to do in Basel

In the spring and winter, there is the Fasnacht and Vogel Gryff festivals in this northern Switzerland city. The Fasnacht is a carnival that starts on the Monday of the Lenten week with a parade that starts at 4am that lasts for three days and has a 600 year old history. There are also a number of museums to enjoy in Basel, so avail of a Basel Card and enjoy visiting each one.

You can also try to catch a game by FC Basel at the St. Jakob Park. If you’re looking for a place to eat, go to the Barfusserpl, Marktpl where a number of restaurants can be found. For some German tasting food, try the Wirtshaus zum Schnabel. If you need to relax and unwind, get a Hell Spezial, a beer brewed and served at the Brauerei Fischerstube.

The climate in Basel is mild even in the wintertime, with temperatures 3 degrees C or 37 degrees F to six degrees C or 43 degrees F. The summer season temperatures range a cool and comfortable 21 to 25 degrees C or 68 to 77 degrees F. Although the temperatures can go up during the summer season, it has been known to also be the wettest time of the year. Dress in cool cotton clothes, but bring a light rain jacket just in case.

Things to see in Lucerne

The 14th century Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) timber bridge in Lucerne is probably the most iconic image that comes to mind for many travelers when they hear the name of the city Lucerne. The original octagonal tower still stands today. The name of the city literally translates to “the City of Lights”. A visit to beautiful Lucerne is like taking a step back in time, where the waters of Lake Lucerne are calm and the Mt. Pilatus serves as a backdrop, a source of inspiration and is a playground for many hikers.

The Lion Monument or Löwendenkmal is a magnificent sculpture carved on the cliff of Denkmalstr by Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen in commemoration of Swiss soldiers that were massacred during the French Revolution.

The Picasso Museum is another must see for art enthusiasts. Visitors will also enjoy the Verkenshaus der Schweiz or Swiss Transport Museum. Here, you can find old trains and other interactive displays. The Historisches Museum will provide travelers with an educational trip back in time. Another museum not to be missed is the Richard Wagner Museum, the house in Tribschen where the composer lived.

Things to do in Lucerne

A walk on the Kapellbrücke is a must when visiting Lucerne. The ceiling and walls of the bridge are painted with historical images and scenery as well as images from mythology. Another famous bridge is the Spreuer Bridge, which also happens to be the oldest bridge in the city. It, too, features paintings in the bridge called the Dance of Death.

Art lovers can’t miss the Sammiung Rosengart. Here, travelers will see the works of Picasso, Cezanne, Miro, Monet and Matisse.

There are two main festivals in Lucerne that are held annually. The first is the Blue Balls Festival, a jazz festival held in July. The other is the Blues Festival, which is held in November. A visit to the Kultur und Kongresszentrum, a modern music hall in this old town, is a must as it features the architecture by Jean Nouvel, which has some amazing acoustics.

Those who want to relax, eat and unwind in an authentic Swiss respite will like Stadkeller, where the walls are decorated with alphorns and cowbells. Every Saturday between May to October, travelers can join locals browse through the flea market. Shoppers will delight in the Christmas shop of Williseger. Casagrande is a great place to pick up some Swiss souvenirs, including Heidi dolls and cuckoo clocks. If you don’t mind spending a few francs for some fine watches and other high end items, go to Bucherer, which specializes in handcrafted timepieces, jewelry and other fine pieces.

For travelers who want to use Lucerne as a base point for day trips, one that is not to be missed is the Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip. This is an exciting Alpine trip as the journey takes you up 11,333 feet. The entire tour takes you to Europe’s longest glacier and uses Europe’s highest railway via cogwheel train. The trip takes about ten hours and costs about $200 a person.

To see snow all year round, try the Mount Tiltis Eternal Snow Half Day Trip. The coach ride takes you up to Engelberg to transfer to a revolving cable car called the ROTAIR to provide you with a 360-degree view of the Alps as you can go up 10,000 feet. On Mt. Tiltis, you can choose to eat at the many restaurants or go to the Ice Grotto. During the winter, it’s possible to go sledding by using the Fun Lift. The six hour tour will cost about $140 but it’s definitely a fun way to see the Alps up close.

During the summer, travelers can go up on a guided tour of Mt. Pilatus. The half day tour costs about $130 and includes a ride on a cogwheel railway, which is the world’s steepest at 7,000 feet with a 48% gradient. You can even take a cruise on Lake Lucerne.

The spring and summer months are the best times to go to Lucerne since the weather is a pleasant upper 60 to mid 70 degrees F. This makes it possible to enjoy a number of outdoor activities such as sight seeing, biking and hiking. It’s still advisable to dress in layers as the temperature tends to be cooler most of the year, especially at nighttime. During the winter season Lucerne is a popular destination for those who want to ski.

Things to see in Geneva

Geneva is in the French speaking region of Switzerland and is the third largest city of the country. It is the most internationally diverse city in the country and is the headquarters of the Red Cross as well as the United Nations. This cosmopolitan and modern city is bustling with activity, interpreters, businessmen, bankers and tourists, as it is the second most populated city of Switzerland and is at the same time known as The Peace Capital of the world. The city of Geneva is also home to 82 Swiss Heritage Sites of Significance. The city is divided into three distinct areas: Vielle Ville, Waterfront and the International Hill.

There are two hour walking tours offered by the tourist office but you may just want to explore the city yourself. At the old town of Vielle Ville, travelers can go to the Cathedrale de St. Pierre, where Calvin preached. You can see a fantastic view of the city if you go up the north tower. There’s an archeological site and a Roman sanctuary that can be explored. The History Museum is the 14th century Maison Tavel. The Geneva Convention was signed at the Hotel de Ville in 1864 right across from the Maison Tavel.

If you take a walk along Grand Rue, you’ll see medieval homes and workshops. There are also mansions built in the 18th century, one of which is where Jean Jacques Rousseau lived. Nearby is the Le Mur des Reformateurs or the Reformer’s Wall, where figures of the reformists can be seen. Petit Palais is where art lovers can enjoy the works of Chagall, Picasso, Renoir and Gauguin.

The Waterfront section of the city is the chic part of town. Here, you’ll find the highest fountain in Europe, the Jet d’Eau, with water that goes up an amazing 440 feet in the air. Be sure to watch out for the oncoming traffic while you’re taking some pictures. Not to be missed is the Floral Clock in Jardin Anglais, which pays homage to the watch industry of Geneva.

As the name implies, International Hill is where you can find the headquarters of about 200 worldwide organizations. It is home to the International Red Cross building. Here, you can also find the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. The United Nations Building located at the Palais des Nations, can be found here. The number of diplomats sometimes wearing their national costumes rather than business suits can be quite a sight to behold. Other notable organizations here are the International Labor Organization, CERN, World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization.

Geneva is an exciting city to visit, as it ranks as the 8th most important financial center in the world, and is one of the top three financial centers in Europe. This city also enjoys being ranked as one of the top three cities to have the highest quality of life. French is the official language in Geneva, although English is also widely spoken due to the many international organizations found in this city. You can also find a number of translators> in the city due to the high demand for multi-lingual individuals.

Things to do in Geneva

The standard of living is quite high in Geneva and is in fact one of the most expensive places to live, so you will need to spend some serious francs if you want to have fun. You can easily enjoy a quick sandwich at a boulangerie and patisserie if you don’t have the cash to eat at the many fine dining options in the city. The Les Pasquis area is a more affordable area to dine in. You can even take a gastronomic tour. At night, the area becomes the city’s red light district. However, take the time to visit the Chocolaterie Michelle, which serves some famous Swiss chocolate confections.

Many people go to Geneva for business, but travelers will also enjoy one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. You’ll easily overhear a number of languages spoken here all at the same time. Translators are plentiful in the country and have been extensively tested and selected before allowed to work here, often undergoing a two year probationary period and are required to be fluent in more than two languages.

Why not watch a movie in an open air theater at the Cinelac? This is a popular activity to do during July and August as people head down to Geneve Plage. Over at Parc de la Grange, there are free jazz concerts in the summer to enjoy. Every July 4, the city is also host to the largest American Independence Day celebration outside of the US. Another event not to be missed is the Fete de Geneve, which is a musical and fireworks extravaganza. In December, join the L’Escalade, a weekend party that commemorates the victory of the Swiss over Savoyard troops. Those who love sports will enjoy playing Ice Hockey or football. Car enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Geneva Motor Show, which is held at the Palexpo.

When it comes to high end shopping, travelers will find an endless choice of fine luxury goods. After all, Geneva is home to many top Swiss luxury watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Rolex, Chariol, Raymond Weil, Omega and Jaeger-LeCoultre. In fact, Vacheron Constantin is credited with founding the Geneva Swiss watch industry in 1755. Globus is a prime department store in the city. La3eme Main is another place to pick up some luxury items. For secondhand apparel, try La Trouvaille and Best Of.

To get around town, avail of the efficient public transportation service. However, travelers with families may have a difficult time finding a car, especially those who have young children and babies since the taxis do not accommodate them.

Geneva generally enjoys a mild climate, although the winters can be cold owing to the high altitude of the city and Bise northern winds. January is the coldest
month of the year. By springtime, the temperature goes up to about 13 degrees C or 55 degrees F, while the summer months of July and August can be quite warm.

Thing to see in Lausanne

Lausanne is the third most visited city in the country, following Geneva and Zurich. It is also the fifth largest city and has one of the most idyllic locations. The Vielle Ville section pays homage to its medieval historical past. Here, you can find the Cathedrale de Notre Dame, a Gothic designed church and is considered one of the most impressive in the country. Hotel de Ville at Place de Palud is often where many tour groups congregate before take day trips or tours around the city. It is also home to the city government.

Chateau St. Marie is a castle built in the 15th century that is now used as government offices. Palais de Rumine is another grand castle built in 1904 that today is home to some museums. It is a historically significant venue because in 1923, this is where the Treaty of Lausanne was signed.

The Musee Olympique is an interesting museum that features an extensive Olympic video collection and other sports memorabilia. For some natural history, go to the Palais de Rumine museum collections.

Things to do in Lausanne

There are many cultural sites and museums in Lausanne. If you want to see some artwork, check out Musee Cantonal des Beaux Arts. Modern art can be viewed at the Musee de Design et d’Arts Appliques Contemporains. Photographers can be inspired by the exhibit in the Musee de l’Elysee, a photography museum. If you’re looking for something different, try the Collection de l’Art Brut, although you should know that these pieces were created by artists deemed disturbed, are convicted criminals and even peasants.

For some interesting shopping, go to La Ferme Vaudoise. Here, travelers can pick up some fine Swiss cheese and wines and enjoy a few sweets. These are great for your own consumption or as gifts for loved ones back home. After a day of sight seeing, enjoy the views offered at Lake Geneva. A culinary boat trip ride can be taken to enjoy the views and the superb Swiss cuisine. For those who prefer to dine on shore and want some all day dining, there’s Café Romand. The ambiance is quite dark, but you can enjoy a serving of cervelle au beurre noir, or brains in black butter. If you prefer to eat out on the square, there is the Brasserie Lausanne-Moudon, where you can enjoy fillet medallions of ostrich cooked with green pepper. You can also enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at the Hotel de Ville Café.

The climate in Lausanne is mild, similar to other parts of Switzerland. During the summer, the city enjoys warm Mediterranean-like weather. In September and October, the Frohn winds come, adding a bit of chill to the air. The autumn season is generally pleasant marked by clear blue skies, perfect for taking in the sites or taking leisurely strolls by the lake. In the winter, the temperature drops to -1 degree C or about 30 degrees F. The climate in Lausanne makes it highly appealing to tourists all year round.

Things to see in Zurich

Zurich is located in the German speaking area of Switzerland. The city boasts of the world’s largest gold exchange as well as one of the largest stock exchange markets, ranking fourth in the whole world. It is no wonder that it enjoys one of the highest standards of living and ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in the world. It is one of the most visited cities in Switzerland.

One of the first places to visit is the Bahnhofstrasse. For those who prefer to be close to the water, there is the Burkliplatz. The largest privately funded museum in the city is the Kunsthaus Zurich. Art lovers can gaze upon the works of Dali, Picasso, Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Renoir here.

For some Gothic architecture, travelers should go to the Framumunster. This is a 13th century cathedral that features stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Photography isn’t allowed, so you’ll have to commit things to memory as you go around. For a more Romanasque design, there is the Grossmunster, which features two twin towers. This church is now the symbol of the city.

Don’t miss the St. Peterskirche. This has the largest clock face on any tower in Europe.

Things to do in Zurich

Travelers can enjoy the many museums in this cosmopolitan city. Choose from the various museums that feature artworks from top masters to more interesting artists. Landesmuseum is a historical museum, a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Swiss culture and history. Museum Rietberg even features work by non-European artists.

Zurich is host to the largest European street party called the Streetparade. It’s a techno music fest that is scheduled every second Saturday of August. Another popular event is the Zuri Fascht. This weekend festival happens only every three years. During the spring, there’s the annual spring festival called Secheselauten, where snowman burning is part of the festivities as a way of welcoming warm weather.

Tourists can also check out the fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables found at the farmer’s market at Burklipl. Travelers with children may enjoy going to the Zoo. There’s even a rainforest hall. The Lindt chocolate factory used to offer tours, but you can still purchase world famous Swiss chocolate in Zurich. Swiss Army Knives are another popular item to purchase in Zurich, aside from other finely handcrafted items.

The city is the portal to the Alps. Most airlines land in Zurich so it serves as the best city to start your journey around Switzerland. If you want to take things slowly, take a stroll around Lake Promenade. You can take the Polybahn to see some unique views of the city.

Those who want to indulge in a bit of shopping should to the Munsterg and Niederdorfstr. The Bahnhofstrasse is also a very central and busy shopping district. Whatever you decide to do or where you decide to go in Zurich, be sure to bring a camera with you. There are so many picture-perfect spots in the city, especially in Old Town such as Lindenhof. Visit the Chinese Garden, a gift by the Chinese government to the city.

For those looking for more outdoor activities, hop on a train to go hiking at Uetliberg. This is a hill that overlooks Zurich. In the summer, you can rent bikes and pedal you away around the city. In the winter season, skiers can purchase a ski and train ticket to enjoy the slopes at Flumserberg. This is one of the most popular ski resorts in the area. Also, the Rhine Falls is only a 45 minute train ride away. This is the largest waterfall in Europe so it’s worth taking your camera for a few breathtaking shots.

When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat, try the many sausages at the Zeughauskeller and enjoy it with a pint of beer. There are over 1300 restaurants in the city. Try the popular dish, Geschnetzeltes mit Rosti, which is juicy veal cooked in cream and served with potatoes. Don’t leave Zurich without stopping by the Sprungli Confiserie Café. This is a landmark that was founded by the chocolate makers who started Lindt. The homemade ice cream is perfect in the summer. Pick up a box of confectionery treats. If you want to indulge in all you can eat raclette dining, go to the Raclette Stube. It’s a great place for families. Café Schober is also a great place to enjoy a cup of schoggi or hot chocolate.

The coldest time of the year for Zurich is January so be sure to dress warmly. The rest of the year, the climate is typical of the rest of the country. It’s best to dress in layers and bring a light jacket or scarf. While the temperatures can be warm in the summer, it can get quite cool in the nighttime.

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