Things to Do in Switzerland: What Is Worth Your Time

The things most worth your time in Switzerland are one high-altitude excursion such as Jungfraujoch, Titlis or the Gornergrat, a lake cruise, a scenic train journey and an old town or two. With a week, choose from the experiences below by region rather than trying to do everything; the weather on the day often decides which peak is worth it.

Switzerland offers far more than any one trip can hold, and many experiences are expensive. This guide groups 20 experiences by region and type and explains who each one suits, so you can build a balanced trip. Pair it with our 7-day Switzerland itinerary and cost guide.

At a glance

Interlaken and the Jungfrau region

1. Jungfraujoch. The railway climbs to one of Europe's highest stations, with the Sphinx viewpoint, the Ice Palace and views of the Aletsch Glacier. It suits first-timers and families; check the weather webcams before going.

2. Harder Kulm. A short funicular from Interlaken to a viewpoint over the two lakes and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Good for an evening or a cloudy day when the high peaks are hidden.

3. Lauterbrunnen valley and Trümmelbach Falls. A valley of waterfalls and cliffs, with glacier-fed falls inside the mountain at Trümmelbach (seasonal). Suits walkers and photographers.

4. Grindelwald First. A gondola to the First Cliff Walk, with summer activities such as mountain carts and the First Flyer zip-line. Good for active families.

5. Lake Brienz cruise. A calm boat ride on turquoise water past villages such as Iseltwald. Ideal for parents and slow days.

Lucerne and central Switzerland

6. Lucerne old town and the Chapel Bridge. The covered wooden bridge, the Lion Monument and the painted squares make a gentle first day.

7. Mount Titlis. The rotating Rotair cable car, the glacier cave, the Cliff Walk and snow all year. A favourite with Indian families.

8. Mount Pilatus. Reached in summer by one of the world's steepest cogwheel railways and by cable car year-round. A good alternative to Titlis.

9. Mount Rigi. Gentler views over the lakes, reached by Europe's oldest mountain railway. Suits parents and walkers.

10. Lake Lucerne cruise. Historic paddle steamers link lakeside villages; combine with Rigi or Pilatus.

11. Swiss Museum of Transport. Trains, planes and space exhibits in Lucerne; excellent for children and on rainy days.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

12. Gornergrat railway. A cogwheel train to a viewpoint facing the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. Suits couples and photographers.

13. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Cable cars to a high station with year-round snow and an ice palace. Altitude is high, so go slowly.

14. Zermatt village. Car-free streets, chalets and the Matterhorn Museum. A calm evening after a mountain day.

Scenic trains

15. Glacier Express. A slow panoramic journey between Zermatt and St Moritz across bridges and passes; seat reservations are required.

16. Bernina Express. From Chur or St Moritz to Tirano in Italy over the Bernina Pass, part of a UNESCO-listed railway.

17. GoldenPass route. Links Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux, through lakes and pastures.

Lake Geneva and the west

18. Château de Chillon. A medieval castle on the lake near Montreux. Suits history lovers and families.

19. Gruyères and Broc. A hilltop medieval town with a cheese dairy, and the Cailler chocolate factory nearby. Popular with food lovers.

Cities

20. Zurich, Bern and Geneva. Zurich's old town and lake, Bern's arcaded streets and clock tower, and Geneva's lakefront and Jet d'Eau. The Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich and the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen make easy additions.

In winter

From December to March, Switzerland changes character. Skiing and snowboarding in Zermatt, Grindelwald, Engelberg and St Moritz suit beginners and experts alike, with ski schools offering lessons for children. Non-skiers can try sledging runs, winter walking trails and snowshoeing. Christmas markets in Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne bring lights and seasonal food. Some summer activities, such as the Pilatus cogwheel railway and high mountain passes, close in winter, so check before planning.

On a rainy or cloudy day

Swiss weather in the mountains changes quickly. Good indoor options include the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, the Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich, the Cailler factory in Broc, Trümmelbach Falls (inside the mountain), the Olympic Museum in Lausanne and thermal baths such as those in Leukerbad or Bad Ragaz. A lake cruise is often still pleasant under cloud.

Food experiences

Try cheese fondue and raclette, which are naturally vegetarian, rösti, and chocolate from local chocolatiers. A visit to a cheese dairy in Gruyères or the Emmental shows how Swiss cheese is made. Indian restaurants are found in Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich and Geneva, and Jain travellers should plan meals ahead.

Favourites with Indian travellers

Many Indian visitors look for the places associated with Hindi films, such as the statue of the film-maker Yash Chopra in Interlaken and the alpine meadows near Engelberg and Gstaad. Titlis and Jungfraujoch both have strong followings among Indian families.

What you can safely skip

On a first trip, you do not need to visit every peak. Doing both Titlis and Jungfraujoch gives similar snow-and-glacier experiences, so one is usually enough unless you have plenty of time. Long scenic trains are optional if your regular routes already pass lakes and mountains. Spending more time in fewer places usually makes for a better trip.

How to choose

With a week, pick one high-altitude excursion, one lake cruise, one scenic train and one or two towns. Two bases, such as Interlaken and Lucerne, keep travel short. Our Switzerland and Paris and Switzerland, Paris and Italy trips are built around this balance.

For families and parents

Children enjoy Titlis, Grindelwald First, the Museum of Transport and chocolate factories. Parents do well on lake cruises, Rigi and Harder Kulm, which involve less altitude and walking.

For couples

Couples often favour Zermatt, a lakeside stay in Lucerne or Montreux and a scenic train.

Practical tips

Check whether your Swiss Travel Pass covers or discounts each excursion before buying tickets. Carry warm layers for summits even in summer, and sunglasses for the snow. Some lifts close for maintenance in spring and November.

A BagPackerMe planner can choose and plan these experiences privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the one thing not to miss in Switzerland?

For most first-time visitors, one high-altitude excursion such as Jungfraujoch, Mount Titlis or the Gornergrat with the Matterhorn view. Choose based on your base town and the weather on the day.

Which is better for families, Titlis or Jungfraujoch?

Both suit families. Titlis is closer to Lucerne and has snow activities all year; Jungfraujoch is higher, with the Ice Palace and Sphinx viewpoint, and is easier from Interlaken. Altitude affects some people, so take it slowly.

Is the Glacier Express worth it?

It is a slow, scenic journey of several hours between Zermatt and St Moritz, best for travellers who enjoy the journey itself. If time is short, shorter scenic routes or regular trains on the same lines are good alternatives.

How many days do I need for these experiences?

Seven days with two bases, such as Interlaken and Lucerne, covers a good selection. Add Zermatt or a scenic train if you have more time.