Things to do in 

Switzerland

Find alternative things to do across Switzerland, from Lavaux’s vine terraces above Lake Geneva to Ticino’s stone villages and Engadin’s sunny valley paths, with scenic trains setting an easy rhythm.

Cultural experiences: In La Chaux‑de‑Fonds near Neuchâtel, step into a small watchmaker’s atelier to see hand tools at work, a quiet treat for design lovers and seniors. Above Lausanne, walk terraced rows in Lavaux with a vintner between Epesses and Rivaz, a slow afternoon couples enjoy. In Appenzell, stir curds at a dairy and learn how alpine herbs shape the cheese, a hands‑on stop families love. Near Lugano in Ticino, eat at a rustic grotto and try polenta over an open fire before a chestnut trail stroll in nearby Carona.

Day trip ideas: From Zurich, ferry across Lake Zurich to Rapperswil for castle views and a lakeside promenade before a slow train back. From Lucerne, ride the Stoos funicular and follow the Fronalpstock ridge for big views with short, safe steps. From Geneva, train to Nyon for Roman ruins and the lakeshore, or continue to Prangins for the manor museum and gardens. From Interlaken, boat to Brienz for woodcarving workshops, then walk to Giessbach Falls via the forest path and vintage funicular.

Explore Switzerland's regions: In the Bernese Oberland, base in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen for valley walks below the Jungfrau massifs. In Valais, ride to Zermatt for slow village evenings and a gentle path to Zmutt. In Graubünden’s Engadin, wander sunlit lanes in Guarda and follow the Inn River between Scuol and Ardez. In Ticino, trace stone bridges through the Maggia Valley from Locarno and pause for river pools. Around Lake Geneva, mix city coffee in Lausanne with vineyard steps and castle courtyards at Chillon near Montreux.

Travel tip: Count on 7–10 days for a relaxed loop between Zurich, Lucerne, the Bernese Oberland, and Lake Geneva; add Ticino or the Engadin to stretch it to 12 days. If you’re pairing regions with nearby countries, slip over the border to Italy or France for an easy contrast in food and scenery.

More places to see in Switzerland

Zurich is a great gateway, but the landscapes and languages shift with every valley. Give yourself time between trains to sit on a bench, taste something local, and watch the light change on the peaks and lakes.

Bernese Oberland: Ride up from Lauterbrunnen to car-free Mürren in the morning and follow the Northface Trail for steady views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Later, walk the valley floor past Staubbach and Trümmelbach Falls, then sit on a terrace in Wengen as the last trains hum below.

Ticino: Spend late morning exploring Bellinzona’s trio of UNESCO-listed castles, linked by paths and ramparts. On a hot afternoon, cool your feet by the emerald water at the Ponte dei Salti in Valle Verzasca, then take an early evening stroll along Ascona’s lakefront for an easy aperitivo hour.

Zermatt: Catch the first Gornergrat Bahn for crisp Matterhorn views, then amble down to Riffelalp on quiet forest paths. Around midday, walk to the hamlets of Findeln for rösti at a simple mountain hut, and later wander Zermatt’s Hinterdorf to see old wooden barns stacked on stone stilts.

Lavaux: Follow the path through terraced vineyards between Chexbres and Cully in late afternoon, with Lake Geneva spread below. As early evening sets in, step into a village caveau for a glass of Chasselas, then ride the short train to Vevey for dinner by the quay.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Watch snow retreat from the lower slopes as lake promenades in Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne burst into blossom and café terraces. Ride a vintage steamer to see waterfalls in full flow, or take a high-altitude train for late-season skiing while families and photographers spot wildflowers in alpine meadows.

Summer: Swim in mirror-clear lakes, hike across flowered pastures, and settle into long golden evenings on car-free village squares. Mark Swiss National Day on 1 August with bonfires and fireworks over mountains and lakes, while couples and multigenerational groups linger over alfresco dinners with a view.

Fall: Wander terraced vineyards in Lavaux or Valais during harvest, tasting new vintages as slopes turn copper and gold. Catch a désalpe cow parade in alpine villages and follow chestnut trails in Ticino, a slower rhythm that suits food lovers and seniors.

Winter: Step into Christmas markets glowing in Basel, Zurich, and Montreux, then trade bustle for quiet forest paths on snowshoe or sledging runs the kids can master. Warm up in thermal baths at Leukerbad or Vals before fondue by the fire, while keen skiers carve fresh snow and spa seekers lean into luxe mountain time.

From carnival lanterns at Basel Fasnacht to Zurich’s springtime Sechseläuten with the burning of the Böögg, the calendar stays lively. Join Bern’s Zibelemärit onion market, Geneva’s Fête de l’Escalade torchlit traditions, and fall wine fêtes or village désalpe days that bring brass bands, local cheese, and folklore to the streets.