Old towns

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 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.

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

Summer in the city? Absolutely. In the vibrant city of Thun, water is never more than a stone’s throw away. Take a dip in the refreshing water at the time-honoured Schwäbis river pool, watch the Aare surfers for that Hawaii feeling and enjoy the fresh air on the deck of the Blümlisalp to get the full Thun experience.

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.

The Rhine provides the Schaffhauserland with refreshing water. On hot days, refreshment is not only to be found at the Rhine Falls. There is also a lot to discover in the medieval towns of Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein.

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.

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.

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

As a thousand-year-old city, Neuchâtel enchants visitors with its exceptional charm, elegance and privileged location on the largest lake in all of Switzerland. The area around the castle and abbey church is particularly lovely.

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.

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.

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.

Aarau has long been a hidden gem for those in the know when it comes to culture: in addition to its picturesque old town, Aarau impresses with notable historic buildings and surprises with exciting combinations of old and modern architecture.

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

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.

The Spalentor is the most imposing of the three city gates that were part of the large city fortifications dating back to the year 1400. Many important supplies entered the city of Basel from Alsace through this gate. From here, there is a wonderful view over the roofs of Basel’s old town and the hills of the Jura, the Black Forest and Vosges.

Discover Lugano’s charm with a guided food & wine tour.

The narrow, winding alleyways, the cheerful ambience of a traditional spa town and the almost Mediterranean climate of the northern part of the Jura — in Rheinfelden's old town you can discover, stroll, and enjoy. And that within walking distance.

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.

Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and has a settlement history of over 5,000 years. The historic Old Town is very much worth a visit and is completely car-free. It offers a surprisingly large range of cultural activities, shopping, cafes, restaurants and bars.

The Zytglogge (clock tower): Visit the landmark of Bern's Old Town and experience the history and mechanics of the tower on a guided tour.

The old city of Vevey is dotted with historical monuments and museums bearing witness to its rich heritage. In addition, a large variety of boutiques and craftsmen can be found in the narrow paved streets, displaying their know-how and wares.

The cathedral is a fitting symbol of the episcopal city of Chur. Somewhat plain from the outside, it impresses with its magnificent interior.

Stories from the night watchman. The “Unheimliches Thun” (Dark side of Thun) city tour offers titillating tales and a look into the world of the night watchman.

The intact walls surrounding the city and over 200 unique Gothic facades impart incomparable mediaeval charm to Fribourg. The old town is best explored on foot, like an open-air museum.

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.