Old towns

At the end of the 15th century, the town of Zug came into a certain amount of wealth when the Swiss became victors in the Burgundian Wars and came away with an abundance of spoils. A town hall was constructed from 1505 to 1509 in the late Gothic style.

On this guided tour, you’ll head off together in search of criminals and uncover their illegal wheeling and dealing in the city of St. Gallen.

Solothurn’s Jesuit Church may stand in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral of St. Ursen, but it is also well worth a visit – and about a hundred years older.

One of the three remaining towers on the city walls serves as the Old Town’s southwest entrance and exit. In bygone days, it was on the Ochsenplatz, located just behind the Obertor, that goods were exchanged for the last time before they were taken across the Alps.

Team up with a seasoned beer sommelier and embark on a beer fact-finding tour: learn some interesting insights and anecdotes that are bound to impress people.

A visit to Bern in December is particularly magical thanks to the many Christmas markets and pop-ups. The numerous Advent experiences are within walking distance in Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town. And many villages around Bern also offer enchanting markets and experiences during the Advent season.

The tower of the St. Lawrence Church affords a beautiful view of the Old Town and the Abbey Precinct.

A significant building with a Renaissance facade. In the interior you will find numerous frescoes and important Baroque decorations.

The scenic alternative to the traditional city tour. A grocer from the middle ages will accompany you on a trip back in time through the streets and alleyways of Schaffhausen.

Neuenburg Castle and the collegiate church have shaped the townscape of Neuenburg since the 12th century. The architecturally striking building complex is enthroned on a rocky outcrop above the city.

The church, which was originally part of a Franciscan monastery, is home to Switzerland's most famous Renaissance fresco. It covers the whole wall of the nave. The "Passion and and Crucifixion of Christ" is defined by great expressiveness and vividness of the individual scenes.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

Some evenings, one could almost think that time has stood still in the old town of Schaffhausen: And on joining a Schaffhausen night watchman to tour the town, you can listen to some interesting facts as well as peculiar, spooky and amusing incidents from times long gone by.

Schaffhausen is a town that has much to offer. Its mediaeval facades, 171 majestic oriel windows, winding alleyways, street cafes and restaurants combine with enchanting shops to give it a special appeal. This year there is a new way to experience Schaffhausen's old town.

The old town area of Biel/Bienne is a real gem. With its mediaeval buildings and squares, pretty shops and culinary specialities, this magical district is full of surprises and tasty treats. Whether architecture, culture, history or gastronomy – the old town scores high for variety. Biel is also the largest bilingual city in Switzerland. Here, the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland become one.

Schaffhausen is one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns and is perfect for a guided tour.

The medieval castle above the town of Thun is a striking focal point at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland region. This almost completely preserved symbol of power contains the Knights' Hall, one of the few surviving halls of its type from the Middle Ages.

The Helmhaus is located on the right-hand banks of the River Limmat in Zurich’s old town. Its temporary exhibitions reflect the lively art scene in Switzerland.

This splendid building on the market square was built in various stages between the 16th and 19th centuries and is still today the seat of the government and Parliament of the canton of Basel City.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Water Tower, Chapel Bridge and Musegg Wall dominate the historical skyline of the city of Lucerne. However, the best view of the lake basin can be enjoyed from the path that runs along the Musegg Wall.