Santhu
Every backpacker’s lifetime dream is to visit and explore the mesmerising beauty of Switzerland. Till today Switzerland holds world beautiful landscapes, Alpine sceneries, pristine lakes, snow covered mountains, unique cultures, cleanliness and vibrant cities making it one of the travel gems in our backpacking journey.
It is a little difficult task to explain why exactly Switzerland is a great country to explore. Everything from cities to nature and culture to people, making it today “Switzerland is Haven on Earth”. Each place you’re heading on in Switzerland unleash different travel experiences and offer great travel vibes. Therefore we came up with the idea of 10 best places to visit in Switzerland which help every newbie adventure backpacker to maximise their Switzerland trip in a more comprehensive manner.
What to Know Before Visit Switzerland as a First Timers
Switzerland is not more difficult to explore like France or Tokyo city for first time visitors. All you have to do is purchase a “Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card” and pack a backpack with the right travel attire like waterproof jackets and hiking friendly shoes. Since we know that Switzerland is one of the costliest countries on earth, so keeping sufficient/ more enough money to travel and explore its beauty is always good idea.
Best Places to Visit in Switzerland for First Timers
While you step into that land of Swiss as a newbie there are some beautiful places waiting to you to explore. But here we suggest 10 best places in Switzerland to discover instead of confusing which are the best places to visit in Switzerland.
1. Zurich
Zurich is Switzerland’s biggest city, boasts the country’s rich history, castles, churches and museums. Zurich served as a primary international gateway to visit with plenty of rail connectivity and easy access to more scenic spots, making it the first ideal spot to start newbie Swiss expeditions. City’s Old Town and Lake Zurich both seamlessly blend mediaeval European charm and cosmopolitan vibe where visitors could see lifestyle centric shops and scenic waterfront views.
Zurich city holds the country’s best cobbled alley and unique twin spired Romansquare Grossmunster church. This church belongs to the 9th century built by Charlemagne, known for its Neo Gothic pepper pot and twin towers. Church once served as a part of the Swiss German reformation in the 16th century.
However, the city is an ideal place to spend time at century old pubs and taverns where visitors could try Swiss classics raclette, fondue and potato pancakes. I insist you to buy world famous Swiss watches or Swiss chocolates, and take a step nearby branded Swiss shopping complexes.
2. Iseltwald
Spending your time at Iseltwald picturesque and fishing villages is really a mind relaxing thing you can do in Switzerland. Iseltwald is a village adhered to Lake Brienz, known for its crystal clear water and perfect place to swim amidst incredible mountains and lush greeneries.
Ostwald is Switzerland’s most epic Interlaken, where visitors can visit traditional Swiss chalets to stay under a quiet, relaxing and quaint feeling with calm dramatic Alpine backdrop atmospheres.
But most travelers choose Iseltwald to explore iconic K- drama shooting spots, “Crash Landing on You”, a popular Korean drama. Most of its romantic shooting took place here, especially at a dock in the lake.
The ferry is the most ideal way to see more breathtaking epic views of mountains and surrounding villages of Lake Brienz. However, ferries help you to take other villages along the lake despite just these traditional villages. Do not forget to bring a camera along with you to take the most eye catching views of the surroundings. This is 100% worth visiting landmarks for photographers.
3. Bern
You need to expand your journey to Bern city, often recognised as the capital city of Switzerland. Listed by the UNESCO listed Old Town, Bern is one of the most preserved mediaeval old towns home more cobblestone streets and sand stone facades exist. In Old town backpackers can take leisurely stroll amidst its limestone buildings, beautiful cathedral and mediaeval architects which ultimately leads to beautiful Renaissance fountains.
But visitors need to know more about the city’s giant Zytalogge. It is a massive medieval old clock tower built around the 13th century as an astronomical clock. But today this stand as a more animated figure in the city features more historic puppet shows of moving figures and dancing bars.
Bear Park is another renowned attraction in Bern city home to good numbers of brown bears. Bern Cathedral, the tallest cathedral of Switzerland, rising 100 meters made under Gothic art styles. Once you reach its top you’ll be much fortunate to get aerial views of the city.
4. Thun
Thun is another picturesque village of Switzerland that allows visitors to explore mediaeval old buildings, lakeside beauties and stunning alpine sceneries. Maybe one of the best places to visit in Switzerland, Thun is an ideal location where visitors could experience a combination of history, culture and nature in one place.
Primary purposes of visiting Thun is to get clear views, alpine backdrop and riverside location while exploring regions mediaeval old Old town, wooden bridges and Kirchtreppe.
Start your Thun journey from its mediaeval old town, a region’s most historic centre where plenty of cobblestone streets, public squares and century old Swiss buildings exist. But covered wooden bridges are the most iconic attraction here, built to control water level or flooding of Aare River and also stand as a connecting point between lake and town centre. These bridges help you to connect Bälliz Island to the historic town of Thun.
While exploring wooden bridges you have to appreciate how beautifully plenty of flowers are decorated along with cafes. Do not miss surfing on its flowing water which gives a unique surfing experience.
Visit Kirchtreppe, a region’s historic church help visitors to climb on top to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Thun and surrounding mountains. Rathausplatz is another historic attraction often called Town Hall Square located where other Thun’s traditional buildings are located.
It is a good idea to visit Thun Castle for a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Thunn region. Created by the Dukes of Zähringen, today the castle includes a small prison, Knight’s Hall and museum which displays construction and history of Thun.
5. Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is a more ideal place for those who are coming for the first time to enjoy adventure sports in Switzerland. It holds the country’s major nature centric mountain peaks like Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, making it one of the most alpine adventure destinations in the entire Switzerland.
As I said earlier, Interlaken is a heaven for adventure lovers. The town’s major mountains and lakes stand as a playground for year round activities. Where backpackers exclusively take canoeing, river rafting and skydiving during summer. While winter season activity turns into skiing and snowboarding, since peaks turn as a snow capped one.
Jungfrau Region is the most premier year round alpine destination help visitors enjoy its breathtaking beauty by taking the most popular Jungfrau Railways. Jungfrau railways start from Lauterbrunnen and go through steep hill areas and pass through Digger Mountains tunnels and finally reach Kleine Schedideg.
Visit Boulevard for a variety of Swiss watches, artisan chocolates and authentic Swiss souvenirs. End up your Interlaken journey in Höhematte, a 35 acres of park offers elegant views of Jungfrau and easy access to Aare riverside paths.
6. Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a charming alpine village covered by the most scenic mountains and scenic peaks. The village is filled with chalets, flower covered balconies and endless peaks. What visitors really appreciate in Grindelwald is its clear views of iconic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.
When you visit its nature centric villages, you’ll see beautiful traditional Swiss wooden chalets and serene atmospheres that encourage you to take the region’s best thrilling adventurous activities. Grindelwald is a year round destination, backpackers can take skiing and snowboarding during winter and hiking, ziplining, mountain cart rides and mountain biking during summer.
Grindelwald is an ideal place to see Jungfrajoch, Europe’s highest train station. Take the Eiger Express Gondola to enjoy aerial views of Aletsch glacier and Jungfrau peaks. Along that, this train journey allows you to get perfect 360 degree alpine views, so book your seat today.
Try to walk the edge of the Top Cliff Walk, it is a suspended pathway where you’d pass through suspension bridges, steel gratings and glass panels. But once you reach its stopping point you can capture jaw dropping views of the Swiss alpine and surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re going with your camera then you’re lucky to capture the most epic pictures of the Swiss Alps from above 2,000 meters from ground level.
Visit regions most beautiful Bort Adventure Park, it is a recognised amusement park where most of fulfilled activities visitors can do with their families under surreal views of Alps. Make sure that Grindelwald is open to the public from Monday to Saturday within 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
7. Lucerne
Lucerne is a great place to visit if you’re completely new to Switzerland. Most romantic gateway those who wish looking post card Swiss experiences. The country’s best mountains, crystal blue lakes and close access to old town cities help newcomers to cover most of their attractions within walkable distances.
While you walk in Lucerne during winter you’ll be able to easily watch surrounding snow covered mountains, however Lake Lucerne and a number of mountain peaks are easily accessible from your stays. Despite its natural beauties, the city is even a major hotspot of cultural hubs, home to Chapel Bridge, Lion monument, sunny old squares and century old churches.
Lake Lucerne, one of the key landmarks, offers panoramic views of Rigi and Pilatus. The lake allows visitors to do boat rides and paddle boards during summer. To learn more about the region’s history and future of mobility, then try to visit the Swiss Museum of Transport. A place which offers a brief overview of the history of road, rail and water travel. It explains through interactive sessions, exhibitions and extensive collections of 3000 items trains, automobiles, planes and ships.
8. Zermatt
Zermatt is considered Switzerland’s most premier destination to enjoy epic views of Matterhorn Mountains, car-free villages and year round activities. Its car-free village at the foot of the Matterhorn is really a spectacular thing to visit. Villages often represent electric vehicles such as taxis, buses and major transportations for substitute to diesel or petrol vehicles making it pollution-free Alpine surroundings.
Matterhorn is a never missing attraction in Zermatt, known for its most picturesque mountains in the world. Located above 4, 478m above sea level making it a great place to enjoy skiing, and some of the year round adventure activities. Take Gornergrat Railway to cross Matterhorn Alpine crossing and see beautiful Matterhorn viewpoints.
Spotting Blacknose Sheep unique animal only available here known for its distinctive physical features. They have black faces, ears, ears, ankles and tails covering its thick white wool and spiral horns. If you’re visiting during the summer period, probably most Blacknose Sheep are roaming around alpine meadows for gazing and visiting the backdrop of Matterhorn.
As we know that Zermatt premier ski resorts are well in the world offers epic hiking trails even for solo, family and nomadic backpackers. Hiking could be the most challenging yet fulfilling activity once you start your hiking through beautiful lush forest, alpine lakes and glaciers.
9. Geneva
Geneva is a Cosmopolitan city today home to many international organisations, watch making heritages and some of the country’s best and luxurious shopping centres. When you come to Geneva as a first timer surely you’ll appreciate the beauty of the city’s hilly terrain of alpin peaks, easy access to Swiss Alps and vast areas of vineyards.
Your primary purpose of visiting Switzerland is to buy the most luxurious Swiss watch or Swiss chocolate, then you need to head to Geneva. The city boasts a number of renowned family run and artisan chocolate companies that introduce Pave de Geneve and Favarger, Du Rhone and Martel type’s chocolates to the world. Likewise the prestigious Poincon de Geneve watch also originates from Geneva.
Jet d’Eau is a gigantic water fountain where water rises up to 90 meters to 140 meters high and 500 liters of water rise every second at the speed of 200km/ph. Cathedral Saint Pierre is 16th century arecalogical site known as ‘Protestant Rome’ because of its hub for preaching protestant theologies. But visitors here need to observe its architecture which is purely made by the neoclassical portico with Romanesque style of arches and copper spire.
While you leisurely stroll in the streets of Geneva, don’t miss out on finding a Flower clock. A renowned watchmaking tradition from 1955 representing processes of clock and watch making technologies. Each time while passing amidst the premises you’ll be blessed to see thousands of seasonal flowers which are organised and decorated very beautifully. Don’t stop until you book your guided tours to enter the United National Office (UNOG).
10. Schäfler Ridge
Schäfler Ridge is all about a hiking destination. Visiting Schäfler Ridge allows backpackers, especially newcomers to open up dramatic drop off views and jagged mountain ranges of Switzerland. But all you need to do is to climb the top of the Appenzell Alps.
Offers a total 4.8 km of moderate hiking journey through Out&Back route. If you’re budget conscious then better to take trekking instead of cable car services (easiest and fastest way to reach its top). Start from Wasserauen train station and take a direct trail and you’d need to go deep forest areas and rugged terrain slopes before reaching Berggasthaus Schäfler.
While you take this trail by foot visitors have more of a challenge to pass through narrow bridges and steep ascents. But each time when you’re walking, surrounding environments such as vistas of the Santis, Altmann, Ebenalp and Alpstein makes you appreciate that “Switzerland really is a Heaven on Earth”.
Wish to hike with the help of Ebenalp cable car then book your cable car from Wasserauen to summit. Cable cars help visitors to easily get a close up view of surrounding alpine views and snow-capped mountains. Make sure that cable car service is a great option to take a stop at the popular Aescher-Wildkirchli mountain restaurant.
Berggasthaus Schäfler is a renowned guest house to hikers who are tired after coming through more challenging and aggressive terrains. A guest house allows hikers to try traditional Swiss cuisine options and a separate room for rest.
Do not miss out spot ibexes and marmots, wildflowers and fauns in their original inhabitants. If you’re truly a big fan of hiking or adventure centric backpackers, then you should add Schäfler Ridge in your bucket list when you have a plan “Best Places to Visit Switzerland”.
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