Surrounded by the scenic Alps, there’s an endless array of things to do in Switzerland in winter. But if you visit St. Moritz, there are three nearby ski areas to choose from. Once it gets cool, one of the best things to do in Switzerland in November is to head inside and visit historic Chillon Castle.
If you want your winter season to stretch further, top things to do in Switzerland in April include going skiing at either Titlis mountain or The Matterhorn’s Theodul Glacier. As for things to do in Switzerland with kids, visit the interesting and interactive Chaplin’s World museum. Here are more things to do in Switzerland in January and through to December.
1. Rhine Falls
Near Schaffhausen, you will find Rhine Falls – Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall. It’s located along the Rhine River, which flows through six European countries. Rhine Falls’ most important landmark is the large rock standing in its middle, which has withstood its powerful force for thousands of years. To see Rhine Falls, visitors can hike along the riverbank, visit Rhine Falls Adventure Park for a unique view, or get close on a boat tour.
2. Chapel Bridge
One of the top things to do in Switzerland is to stroll along the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Lucerne’s most notable landmark. Crossing the Reuss River, the covered wooden pedestrian-only bridge and tower were first constructed in the 14th century as part of the city’s fortifications. It was then restored in 1994 following fire damage. Named after the city’s St Peter’s Chapel, the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge features interior paintings that back to the 1800s.
3. Chillon Castle
Chillon Castle is a medieval fortress located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. With a picturesque Alps outlook, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most-visited castles in Europe. For four centuries Chillon Castle was home to the Counts of Savoy and previously inspired the likes of Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Lord Byron. Open year-round, step inside to see sights like the underground’s gothic arches and the great halls.
4. Titlis Cliff Walk
At 3020 meters above sea level, Titlis is a mountain in the Uri Alps. Its peak can only be reached via Titlis Rotair – the world’s first revolving cable car. With an overwhelming amount of summer and winter mountainside attractions, let’s begin with the popular Titlis Cliff Walk, which is Europe’s highest elevation suspension bridge. Then there’s snow tubing at Titlis Glacier Park, skiing available until the end of May, and the Trübsee Flyer Zipline.
5. Jungfrau
You will find the mountainous peak of Jungfrau near the picturesque towns of Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken. Hop onboard the Jungfrau Railway and prepare for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, as you head to Jungfraujoch 3454 meters above sea level. Appropriately called the Top of Europe, it has unparalleled views. Highlights of the Jungfrau ski region include Snow Fun Park, the thrilling First Flyer and First Glider, and the family-friendly Männlichen Children’s Paradise.
6. Mount Pilatus
Consisting of several jagged peaks, Mount Pilatus overlooks Lucerne. To reach the summit, visitors can hitch a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, with Panorama Gondolas, or on Dragon Ride, an aerial cableway. Then, choose your mountainside adventure! Head inside and visit the interactive Dragon World, go on a scenic hike, soar through the air on the Dragon Glider, get the adrenaline pumping at Pilatus Rope Park, or slide down the Fräkigaudi Toboggan Run.
7. Lake Lucerne
Nestled on the banks of Lake Lucerne are several Swiss villages, including the city of Lucerne. The country’s fourth-largest lake, it features multiple sharp bends and four arms. When in Lucerne, take a stroll along the Lake Lucerne Promenade for the best views and photo opportunities. Alternatively, SGV Group has several motorboat and paddle steamer tours available on Lake Lucerne, including the Sunday Brunch Steamer cruise, the Lucerne Specialty cruise, and the romantic Sunset Cruise.
8. Eiger Trail
Overlooking Grindelwald, Eiger is a mountain located a peak away from Jungfrau. It has a reputation of being Switzerland’s most fearsome mountain, thanks to the difficulty involved with climbing its North Face (fittingly nicknamed the Death Wall). One of the most popular things to do in Grindelwald is to hike the 3.7-mile Eiger Trail, which leads you to the foot of North Face. Open from June to October, the hiking route promises breathtaking views.
9. Jungfraujoch
Another one of the most amazing things to do in Switzerland is to head to the Top of Europe, which is more commonly known as Jungfraujoch. To reach its multiple viewing platforms 3454 meters above sea level, visitors must first catch a train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald and disembark at Europe’s highest railway station. Surrounded by icy glaciers, snowy plateaus, and rocky mountain peaks, the unbeatable views from Jungfraujoch must be seen to be believed.
10. The Matterhorn
Straddling the frontier between Switzerland and Italy, The Matterhorn is a pyramidal peak located within the Alps. Undoubtedly Europe’s most famous mountain, at 4,478 meters high it’s also home to one of the continent’s highest summits. Overshadowing Zermatt, top Matterhorn experiences including visiting the town’s Matterhorn Museum for more information, skiing around Theodul Glacier any day of the year, and taking a ride on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Europe’s highest cable car station.
11. Interlaken
One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, the photogenic and lakefront town of Interlaken is located near the aforementioned alpine peaks of Eiger and Jungfrau. Some of the best things to do in Interlaken include riding the funicular to the top of Harder Kulm for panoramic views; visiting St Beatus Caves and Waterfalls; and taking the train to Jungfraujoch. Meanwhile, the Schynige Platte panorama hike offers the best view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
12. Chaplin’s World
Chaplin’s World is “a museum for laughter, learning, and entertainment at the heart of Chaplin’s universe.” Located on the Chaplin family’s former country estate, the museum is solely dedicated to legendary Charlie Chaplin. In the Manoir, visitors can see the family’s own furnishings alongside Chaplin’s childhood belongings, while the Studio allows you to rediscover his most iconic films. Finally, go for a peaceful walk in the surrounding gardens, which offer unobstructed lake and mountain views.
13. Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls
On the scenic five-mile hike from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, you will pass by the 72 waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen Valley. Powering over vertical cliff faces from as high as 1300 feet, the valley’s most popular waterfalls include Staubbach Falls, which gained worldwide fame in 1779 when German writer Goethe penned the poem, Songs of the Spirits Over the Water. Other spectacles are Trümmelbach Falls, which is created from Jungfrau Glacier’s meltwater and Mürrenbachfall, Switzerland’s highest waterfall.
14. Bernina Express
The Bernina Express takes you on a breathtaking train journey through mountain scenery. One of the top things to do in Switzerland, the four-hour journey connects Chur – the country’s oldest city – to Tirano in Italy. Along the way, you will cross over 196 bridges and go through 55 tunnels as you cruise through the scenic Bernina Pass. The route’s Albula and Bernina lines were jointly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
15. Bern: Old City
Thanks to its well-preserved medieval features, the Old City of Bern is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 12th century, the city’s historic center is home to sculptured Renaissance fountains and nearly four miles of 15th-century arcades, which are today lined with specialty shops, bars, and restaurants. Encircled by the Aare River, don’t miss seeing Käfigturm, the historic prison tower; Zytglogge, a landmark medieval tower with an astronomical clock; and the Parliament Building.
16. St. Moritz
St. Moritz is a luxurious alpine resort town filled with world-class attractions. Summer activities include hiking to Morteratsch glacier. In winter, visit one of the three nearby ski areas: Corviglia, Diavolezza, and Corvatsch, and then warm up inside at the Devil’s Place, the world’s largest whiskey bar with over 2500 varieties available. Another unique winter activity is the Snow Polo World Cup, which has happened on the lovely Lake St. Moritz’s frozen surface since 1907.
