Old towns

The «Ambassadors’ Nativity Scene» is a rarity and sure to attract all nativity scene lovers to Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town.

From humble beginnings in a cramped flat to a snowballing success story: “Schuum-Bier” was created by two friends and is now well on its way to ​becoming a household name.

The Rhine Circular Trail leads from the Alte Rheinbrücke to the new hydroelectric power plant and then back on the other side of the Rhine. Along the way, hikers can learn about the 900-year history of bridges and settlements, while enjoying the diverse fauna and flora along the Rhine.

Munot has been proudly overlooking the town of Schaffhausen for well over 400 years. The fortification of Munot was built in the 16th century by forced labourers from Schaffhausen and characterises the old town to this day.

The Bern Münster Cathedral of St. Vincent is the most impressive late-Gothic building in the city and the largest and most important late medieval church in Switzerland. From this highest church tower in Switzerland you may admire a magnificent view.

The high tower of St. Martin's Church dominates the Chur landscape.

La Chaux-de-Fonds is more closely associated with watches than perhaps any other town or city. Located at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, its streets are laid out in a chessboard pattern. This successful symbiosis between urban development and the watchmaking industry has led to the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also the birthplace of Le Corbusier.

The ancient charm of this theatre built in the Italian style will transport you to a bygone era.

Piazza della Riforma in Lugano is the vibrant center of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants. Cultural events take place here and the square is the ideal starting point for exploring sights such as Lake Lugano and Parco Ciani.

As you stroll through the old town of Basel, one of the most intact and beautiful in Europe, you’ll be amazed at its unparalleled architectural diversity.

Learn more about Solothurn's walls and their gates and towers.

The Baden city tower stands above the northern end of the Oberstadt (upper town) and is the only defensive tower in the medieval fortifications that is still in existence.

The present name of this highest tower with the strongest walls was taken from the Capuchin monastery that was built in the vicinity in 1595.

A 9 or 18 holes golf course which guides you through the fascinating old town of Fribourg. Combine sport and fun and discover the history of one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Switzerland.

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.

The bell tower of the Gothic cathedral, high on the hill on which the Old Town is built, is home to the city’s most enigmatic resident.

Olten is located directly on the River Aare and boasts a very beautiful historic old town district with an extensive pedestrian zone. Numerous cultural institutions, a lido, cafes, restaurants, ice cream parlours and an attractive and diverse mix of shops are the perfect places to relax and unwind.

Located on the west bank of the Limmat, the Fraumünster Church with its green steeple is one of Zurich's most prominent landmarks. Particularly renowned are the glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti.

You can't imagine the city without them: Zurich’s city-centre rooftop bars offer fresh mountain air on hot summer days – and the beautiful view is part of the deal.

This landmark of Zug is 52 metres high and rises above the other town towers. The lower part was constructed as a simple passageway through the town’s oldest circular wall. Hans Felder snr., from Bavaria, the master builder who built St. Oswald's Church, increased the tower height in 1478-1480.

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.

If you like to spend your time shopping in a small, beautiful town, Solothurn in the perfect place for you! Wherever you turn, you'll find smart shops and small boutiques that invite you to browse their wares.

Once a year, Aarau’s old town is transformed into an atmospheric backdrop for the Bachfischet, one of the oldest living customs in Switzerland. With a festive lantern procession through the darkened alleyways of the old town, the end of the annual cleaning of the city’s stream has been celebrated for centuries. At the same time, the city offers numerous unique highlights that make Aarau an unforgettable travel destination.

Every Saturday from the beginning of April to the end of October, there is an interesting guided walking tour of the city. It offers the chance to discover the new Lugano train station, and the recently restored cathedral and to see the city from above.

The St. Gallen Collegiate Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world. It is the heart of the abbey district and immerses you in history with its large baroque hall and valuable manuscripts.

Forces Motrices, the imposing cultural center, “swims” in the middle of the Rhone River. Located in the former water works it is today a renovated oasis with theater and opera performances as well as exhibition halls with a capacity of 950 persons.

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

With just 1,100 seats, Zurich’s is the smallest of the great international opera houses, and offers an exceptionally intimate experience of top performances.

The lively cultural centre and spa town of Baden offers not only the most mineral-rich thermal waters in Switzerland but much more besides.

Munot has been proudly overlooking the town of Schaffhausen for well over 400 years. The tower contains the quarters of the Munot watchman, who rings the famous Munot bell for five minutes every evening at 9 p.m. – by hand, of course, just like in 1589.

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

Aarau combines history, nature and culture in a number of different ways. The city offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. From historical journeys of discovery to relaxing hours spent on the River Aare or interactive museum visits – there’s plenty to experience here for children and adults alike.

The Stadtkirche Biel is appreciated for its well-balanced proportions and the simplicity of the interior.

Discover the picturesque old town, impressive sights and beautiful parks in a fun way, with an enjoyable round of city golf.