1. Lake Geneva Area
While most tourists come to Geneva to see famous sites like the Jet d’Eau or the old city, the surrounding area is filled with amazing natural landscapes waiting to be discovered. Around the lake, there are 3 major cities worth visiting – Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux – and from each, you can take a boat ride on the lake. Additionally, the area is adorned by two beautiful mountains you can climb to witness stunning Swiss views, such as Mont Salève, accessible by cable car, and Mont Blanc. After visiting them, it’s recommended to relax by visiting the many wineries around Lausanne.
2. Jura Mountains Area
The Jura mountain range is located in northwestern Switzerland, and you can find a variety of landscapes here, whether you're interested in hiking mountains or exploring valleys with peaceful lakes and blooming meadows. A highly recommended spot to visit is the Three Lakes region, where you’ll see green hills and forests perfect for a walk, or you can hop on a boat and sail on Lake Biel (some call it "Bienne"), Lake Murten (also called "Morat"), and Lake Neuchâtel.
3. Swiss Plateau (Bern)
In this area, you’ll mostly see rolling hills, green pastures, and forests. In addition to the capital of the Bern Canton, which shares its name and boasts an amazing old town, it’s highly recommended to visit the spa towns surrounding it, where there is a rural population. Although it’s considered the most populated region in Switzerland, there are plenty of places outside Bern that are nearly untouched by human hands and are well worth exploring.
4. Bernese Oberland
Although this region shares a similar name to the one mentioned above, it’s entirely different in terms of the views you'll encounter. It’s home to the highest mountain peaks in the country, and no matter where you hike, you’ll be surrounded by mountains, valleys, lakes, and glaciers that are simply a delight to the eyes. Depending on the season, you can either hike in the mountains or enjoy skiing. Additionally, you should explore the amazing scenery in the towns of Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken.
5. Northwestern Switzerland
Between Switzerland's borders with France and Germany, it’s worth visiting Basel, the central city in this area, which features a medieval old town, museums, modern architecture, and historical sites. It’s the perfect place for those who want to combine their trip with visits to neighboring countries, especially the Black Forest in Germany or the Alsace region in France. In addition to these sights, you can also see the Rhine River, which flows through Basel and the surrounding towns. Additionally, you can visit beautiful towns in northwestern Switzerland, adorned with castles, such as Wildegg and Lenzburg.
6. Central Switzerland
In the heart of the country, you’ll find a city and a lake sharing the same name – Lucerne – with the city being one of the most popular tourist spots in Switzerland. It serves as a starting point for trips to many mountains in the surrounding area, including Pilatus, Rigi, and Titlis, from all of which you can admire the breathtaking natural scenery. Because of these views, it’s one of the most recommended regions for landscape lovers visiting Switzerland. However, even if you’re not one of them, you can still enjoy the area thanks to the boat rides and water sports available on Lake Lucerne.
7. Canton Zurich
In the Zurich area, you will of course find the largest city in Switzerland, which is definitely worth visiting and spending a few days exploring. While you’ll find plenty of attractions here, you can also enjoy numerous activities in the stunning nature surrounding it, such as cycling near the Alps or taking a boat ride on Lake Zurich. On the other side of the lake, you can visit the charming medieval town of Rapperswil, as well as the city of Zug, located south of Zurich, and the Flumserberg ski resort.
8. Eastern Switzerland
This area stretches from Lake Constance in the north to the Alps in the center of the country, offering a variety of landscapes that change depending on the season you visit. In summer, you can hike or cycle through perfect meadows, while in winter, you can ski on the mountains. Either way, the views are always stunning, with many villages hidden in the valleys at the foot of the mountains. Aside from all the activities and sights in nature, eastern Switzerland is also home to the city of St. Gallen, where you’ll find ancient buildings, interesting museums, and the Abbey of Saint Gall, which houses a library that’s worth seeing.
9. Canton Valais
In southern Switzerland, on the border with France and Italy, you’ll find a canton with numerous stunning glaciers, mountains with dramatic peaks, and valleys with breathtaking views. In fact, here you’ll find some of the most beautiful landscapes Switzerland has to offer, and it's recommended to visit in the summer, though winter is also great if you enjoy activities like skiing. One must-see site in Valais is the peak of the Matterhorn mountain (known from Toblerone packaging), one of the highest mountains in the Alps. If you plan to visit, it's recommended to stay in the town of Zermatt at its base.
10. Canton Graubünden
This is the largest canton in the country, and also the least populated, meaning that everywhere you go, you’ll see untouched natural areas. While it boasts two popular ski resorts, St. Moritz and Davos, there are many more extreme sports sites worth visiting, where you can also enjoy spectacular scenery. Another perfect vacation spot in the area is the Engadin Valley, where you’ll find a river, forests, a park, and many natural areas to explore.
11. Canton Ticino
This area is located in southern Switzerland and borders Italy, so it won’t surprise you to find that many of its residents speak Italian. In fact, it exudes a completely different vibe and look from what you'll find in the rest of the country. As proof, just look at the city of Lugano, which rests beside the lake of the same name, surrounded by mountains with peaks offering amazing panoramic views. Far from Lugano, you can also find the historic city of Bellinzona, where you can hike in nature, especially in the Verzasca Valley.
Image sources:
Kosala Bandara,
Scott Wylie,
Jean-Daniel Echenard,
Martin Abegglen,
eGuide Travel,
edwin.11,
Robert J Heath,
Tambako The Jaguar,
Daniel,
Patrick Nouhailler,
Ken Mist,
Christine und Hagen Graf,
Garry Heger,
kuhnmi,
Jan-Christof Telford,
Jeff P,
old stretch,
gurkenscheibe,
Tambako The Jaguar,
Steve Fuerst
