Grand Tour Highlights

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Basel is full of contrasts. The historic old town meets modern architecture. A mix of tradition and innovation. Punctuated by culture and architecture. A city of culture and at the same time a thriving metropolis on the Rhine with a great quality of life and plenty to enjoy. Be inspired by these contrasts.

The old beech forests in Valle di Lodano in Vallemaggia are an enormous forest reservation set amidst a fascinating landscape with numerous natural elements and testimony of past human activities.

The entire Upper Engadine region lies at your feet when you are perched on the hiking mountain high above the Inn River Valley. The breathtaking views of the four lakes and the world-famous resort town of St. Moritz extend far beyond the mountain ranges into the distant horizon.

It's worth making the trip here just for the views of the city and Lake Lugano. Opposite stands San Salvatore, Monte San Giorgio looms above the lake and dam of Melide and the Valais Alps can be seen to the west.

Gstaad offers a mix of glamour, cosy charm and fun. Be enchanted by the chalet village with its car-free promenade and many shops. From Gstaad you can explore the idyllic side valleys and the mountains around the Sanetsch and Pillon Passes.

The Abbey of Saint Maurice in Valais was built 1500 years ago as a place to honor martyrs. The pilgrimage destination was once the spiritual center of the Burgundy Empire and today houses one of the richest ecclesiastical treasures in Europe.

To stand high above Europe's largest waterfall, feeling the roar and vibration of the water over one's entire body - this can be experienced at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. By ship one can reach castles, the Rhine Falls Basin and even the mighty rock in the midst of the waterfall.

Its summit offers up magnificent views and those inclined to scratch about on it will be left with the impression that marine fauna and other large animals once lived here.

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.