Grand Tour Highlights

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.

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

Even the Romans avoided the immense mass of the Gotthard. The Pass only gained significance around the year 1200, when the Schöllenen Ravine between Göschenen and Andermatt was developed. Today the Gotthard Pass is the main North-South connection, traversed by leisure hikers and pass enthusiasts.

To experience the Olympics at close quarters and feel the Olympic spirit the way the athletes felt it, to study the history of the Games from antiquity to today - thanks to the latest computer technology and audiovisual media, all of this can be accomplished in the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

The small medieval town of Diessenhofen lies 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Grossmünster is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of Zurich and the city's landmark. The view from the church towers is spectacular: far across Lake Zurich to the Alps.

Lucerne's landmark is considered to be Europe's oldest covered bridge. It was built in the 14th century and was originally a part of the city fortifications. The pictorial panels, which were incorporated in the 17th century, contain scenes of Swiss history as well as the Lucerne's history.

In Geneva harbour, known as “La Rade”, this water jet up to 140 m/460 ft high is a real eye-catcher. When you're in the area, don't miss the chance to have your photo taken with the fountain in the background... or shoot a selfie and send it there and then!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

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.

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.