Grand Tour Highlights

Knife-sharp and yellow: The seldom line along the rock face around the Piz Sardona marks the Glarus overthrust - a phenomenon of world interest. Here, older rock strata have edged their way above younger rocks.

Grimentz, an authentic mountain village in Valais, is renowned for its picture-perfect old centre and panoramic views of the crown of peaks – from the Matterhorn to the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, and Dent Blanche. Discover scenic hikes in the Val d’Anniviers or around Lake Moiry, and enjoy ideal conditions for winter sports.

The small medieval town of Diessenhofen lies in Thurgau right on the Rhine, which forms the border with Germany here. From the opposite riverbank, the town has a striking silhouette, with its high church tower and Unterhof Castle.

The internationally-renowned Convent of St. John in Müstair enjoys UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing and owes its existence and uniqueness to Charlemagne. It is one of the few existing architectural examples from the Carolingian period.

At this particular spot on the Lake Uri, William Tell allegedly escaped from bailiff Gessler by leaping out of a boat.

The St. Gotthard Pass is one of the most legendary Alpine crossings. Drive through historic switchbacks, visit a museum full of history and immerse yourself in a landscape between rocks and mountain lakes.

Discover the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Over 1,500 objects, interactive stations and an 8,000 square metre sculpture park await you on Lake Geneva.

In the middle of Switzerland on Lake Lucerne, you’ll find the impressive Pilatus. Lucerne’s local mountain with the red dragon is one of the region’s most popular excursion destinations. Cable cars and mountain railways, hiking trails, the Dragon World and an adventure park ensure unforgettable peak experiences.

Saint-Ursanne spreads out in a forested valley and fascinates visitors with its medieval centre. The town is located on the River Doubs and can be reached via a charming bridge.

In the Creux du Van across Lake Neuchâtel, nature presents itself as a giant natural amphitheatre. Admittedly, though, the prime seats in the 160 metre high wall seem to have been reserved for the ibex!

Whether over the fire or in the modern Kessi – in the show dairy you can learn everything about the production of the world-famous Emmentaler AOP on 17,500 m2.

The Matterhorn: Switzerland’s most famous landmark. 4478 meters high and with its characteristic pyramid-shaped silhouette, this is probably the most photographed mountain in the world. You will be amazed by this majestic peak – whether hiking, skiing or from the comfort of a viewpoint.

In St. Gallen you'll find history at every turn. The city's landmark is the Convent of St. Gall with its Baroque cathedral. The convent, including the library and monastery archives, was added to the Unesco World Heritage List in 1983.

Few architects have left such a mark on modern building worldwide as Charles-Edouard Jeanneret - better known as Le Corbusier - who grew up in La Chaux-de-Fonds. 17 selected works in seven countries have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The turquoise blue Lake Brienz – a jewel in the middle of the mountain landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Discover pretty lakeside villages such as Brienz or Bönigen. Enjoy a ride on the paddle steamer to the Giessbach Falls. Or experience a nostalgic ride on the steam locomotive to the Brienzer Rothorn.

Guarda – an Engadine jewel at 1,650 m. Discover traditional houses with ornate sgraffiti, the history of Schellen-Ursli, living Graubünden culture and untouched nature. A place of power for those seeking peace and quiet, hiking enthusiasts and those interested in culture.

The watchmaking centres of La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle have been awarded World Heritage status by Unesco in Sevilla. The two neighbouring towns in canton Neuchâtel joined nine other Swiss sites that already benefit from the Unesco label, with the agency committee recognizing the merits of the region's unique architecture.

The Chapel Bridge is Lucerne's landmark and one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Walk across the 204-meter-long bridge, discover the historical paintings and enjoy the view of the Reuss River and the Old Town.

The Jet d'Eau shoots 140 meters high from Lake Geneva into the sky. Geneva's landmark is visible from anywhere in the city. Walk on the jetty to the water and experience the fountain up close

The Grossmünster is Zurich's landmark. You will visit the Romanesque church, climb the Karlsturm and discover the medieval stained glass windows – right in the heart of the old town, between Limmat and Niederdorf.

Seemingly endless moorlands, craggy karst formations and wild mountain streams make for special experiences and views. Switzerland's first biosphere reserve offers natural beauty at its finest. Almost no other region in Switzerland has as many natural treasures as the “Wild West” of Lucerne.

Fribourg an der Saane is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe. Marvel at the towers of the city fortifications, fountains and bridges, chapels and monasteries. The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas gazes down over it all. There are lakes, mountains and nature parks at every turn.

Discover the Aletsch Arena, the Valais holiday paradise with the car-free destinations of Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp. The centrepiece is the Great Aletsch Glacier, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the ice stream up close – while hiking, skiing or on a glacier tour.

Ascona – the jewel on Lake Maggiore. Stroll along the famous lakeside promenade with its colourful houses and many cafés, look out over the lake and the wonderful mountain scenery, explore the old town and enjoy the Mediterranean flair of this town in Ticino.

The Bündner Herrschaft, located in the northernmost corner of Graubünden, is the gateway to the canton. Its excellent Blauburgunder wines made the region famous as a winegrowing region. The fairly small vacation region has at its center the town of Maienfeld, home of Heidi - the world-famous children’s book character.

Let yourself be enchanted by the charming town of Murten. Discover the old town with its picturesque alleys and arcades. Enjoy the view of the town and lake from the fortified wall. Enjoy a stroll along the lakeside promenade to the harbour, where your Lake Murten tour begins.

Discover the most visited historical monument in Switzerland: Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva. Immerse yourself in 1000 years of history, explore medieval dungeons and enjoy the magnificent view of the lake and the mountains.

Everything is nature-oriented in the Swiss National Park in the Engadine. All this can be enjoyed in an area of over 170 square kilometers. Thanks to 100 kilometers of hiking paths, nature trails and excursion destinations for children and families; everyone can have a good time. The Swiss National Park, founded in 1914, is the oldest in the Alps.

The fortifications of Bellinzona are an extraordinary example of a late-medieval defensive structure located at a key strategic point on the Alpine pass. The castles of Bellinzona are among the most marvelous examples of medieval fortified architecture in the Alps.

Stein am Rhein is a place to marvel at and pause for a moment: Discover the charming old town with its colourful old timber-framed houses or Hohenklingen Castle. Enjoy your time in this picturesque town on a stroll along the Rhine promenade or treat yourself to a boat trip to the Rhine Falls.

130 kilometres in one train. The Albula/Bernina railway line forms the heart of the Unesco World Cultural Heritage listing and is regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular routes. The UNESCO route itself covers 122 kilometres from Thusis to Tirano, passing 196 bridges, 55 tunnels and 20 towns along the way.

Einsiedeln is located on a plateau near Lake Sihl. Discover the pilgrimage site with the baroque monastery complex and visit the Chapel of Mercy of the Black Madonna. Einsiedeln is ideal for outdoor activities and excursions to Lake Lucerne or Lake Zurich.

Thanks to its well-preserved medieval townscape, the Old Town of Bern was entered onto UNESCO’s listing of World Heritage Sites in 1983.

Appenzell is synonymous with the most beautiful Swiss traditions, such as yodelling, cheese, seasonal cattle processions and traditional dances. Marvel at magnificently decorated houses and living craftsmanship. Conquer the Alpstein massif, with the Säntis, Lake Seealpsee and the Berggasthaus Äscher mountain inn.

On the Top of Europe: A visit to the Jungfraujoch puts a jewel in the crown of any visit to Switzerland.