Choose from 99 Fun Things to Do in Switzerland
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 99 listings.
Eiger
One of a trio of famous peaks that dominate the Bernese Alps, the Eiger, along with the neighboring Jungfrau and Mönch, is one of Switzerland’s most recognizable mountains, towering 3,970 meters above the resort town of Grindelwald. Notorious among climbers, scaling the 1,800 meter near-vertical North Face of the Eiger is one of the country’s most challenging feats, first accomplished in 1938 and claiming a number of lives over the years. It’s perhaps for this reason that the mountain was named – ‘Eiger’ translates from the German word for ‘Ogre’.
Thankfully, less-skilled mountaineers can still enjoy a number of hiking and climbing trails on the Eiger, the most famous of which is the Eiger Trail, which runs along the foot of the famous North Face. The dramatic landscapes of the Eiger can also be viewed by taking the scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, where Europe’s highest train station and observation deck is aptly nicknamed the ‘Top of Europe’.
Thankfully, less-skilled mountaineers can still enjoy a number of hiking and climbing trails on the Eiger, the most famous of which is the Eiger Trail, which runs along the foot of the famous North Face. The dramatic landscapes of the Eiger can also be viewed by taking the scenic train ride to Jungfraujoch, where Europe’s highest train station and observation deck is aptly nicknamed the ‘Top of Europe’.
Address: Eiger, Grindelwald 3818, Switzerland
From $ 303
Bern Cathedral (Bern Minster)
The soaring Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline of Switzerland’s capital city is dedicated to St Vincent, the patron saint of Bern; work began on the church in 1421 but the spire was not completed until 1893. At 84 meters (275 feet) long, it is the biggest religious building in Switzerland, designed in true Gothic style with flying buttresses, gargoyles and dramatic, highly painted carvings of the Last Judgment above the main portal.
Designed by master craftsman Matthäus Ensinger from Strasbourg, the interior is laid out as a three‐aisled basilica and is filled with light filtering through the glorious stained‐glass windows. The choir stalls are a later addition and are decorated with Renaissance carvings of religious scenes; the organ dates from the 1930s and is played in concerts throughout the year. The cathedral also has the tallest tower in Switzerland at 100 meters (330 feet); visitors can climb the 344 stone steps inside the spire to the lookout point for outstanding views over the rooftops of the city and across the River Aare to the snow‐capped peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Practical Info
Open mid‐Nov–Mar Mon–Fri noon–4pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11.30am–4pm; Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm. Sun 11.30am–5pm. The tower closes 30 minutes earlier. Admission to the church is free but a small fee is payable to climb the tower. The cathedral is best accessed on foot through Bern’s UNESCO‐listed, cute Old Town.
Address: Münsterplatz 1, Bern 3000, Switzerland
Hours: Vary
From $ 103
Appenzell
The village of Appenzell is the capital of the canton Appenzell Innerrhoden in eastern Switzerland. It is situated in the valley of Sitter, surrounded by green hills and dominated by a rural character. Appenzell isn’t a typical close-packed village and instead, is made up of free standing houses loosely grouped around the inner core. The parish church with the Gothic choir and massive tower rises over other stately homes such as the city hall, monasteries and other historical buildings. Hotels, cafés, traditional craft shops and stores located in brightly painted houses line the car-free main street. Especially impressive is the facade of the Löwen, which is painted with a huge variety of medicinal herbs. Just like the town houses, even the farm houses and adjoining barns in the region are known for being extremely colorful, often having bright yellow walls, red doors and green shutters. This tradition goes back centuries, when wealth was shown by being able to afford paint for ones facades.
Tradition and customs are held in high esteem in Appenzell and apart from many cultural events, Appenzell is especially worth a visit during the yearly alpine ascent and descent of cattle. At the beginning of spring and at the end of summer, farmers don colorful traditional garb and lead their cattle either up the mountains to the lush alpine pastures or back down into the valley. The ceremonial processions are a festive occasion and many people from near and far line the streets to watch the decorated farmers and cows, hear the singing and listen to the melodious clang of the heavy bells.
Practical Info
Appenzell is located in eastern Switzerland and can be reached by train from Zürich in just under two hours. A change of trains to the S23 is necessary in Gossau. From St. Gallen, the journey takes roughly 45 minutes.
Address: Appenzell, Switzerland
From $ 117
Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke)
The oldest covered bridge in Europe, Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke) has spanned the river Reuss in Lucerne since the Middle Ages. Decorated with paintings along the interior, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland.
The Basics
Measuring 670 feet (204 meters), Chapel Bridge was first constructed around 1367 as part of Lucerne’s fortified city walls. At one end sits an octagonal stone tower used at times as a dungeon and a treasury vault, and at the other, St. Peter’s Chapel, for which the bridge is named. As one of the city’s most famous landmarks, it’s a stopping point on many guided tours of Lucerne.
A fire in 1993 severely damaged the bridge, and many of the more than 100 17th-century painted panels were destroyed—25 were saved. Since then, the bridge has been fully restored and paintings that were in storage were brought out to replace those damaged. Some burned panels remain as a reminder of the fire.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the bridge is free.
- The bridge marks the point where Lake Lucerne flows into the Reuss river.
- The octagonal tower is not open to the public.
- Chapel Bridge is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world.
How to Get There
Chapel Bridge is located in the center of Lucerne on the Reuss river. The city’s main railway station is a short walk away, and the bridge is accessible on foot and as part of a walking tour of the city.
When to Get There
A public thoroughfare, the bridge is open 24 hours a day year-round. The bridge is popular with tourists and can get very busy in the summer months.
Visit the Lion Monument
Carved into a rock face above a small pond in Lucerne city center, the Lion Monument is a memorial and must-visit for many tourists coming to Lucerne. Created in the 1820s, the statue of a dying lion is dedicated to members of the Swiss Guard at the French royal court who were murdered during the French Revolution.
Address: Lucerne 6003, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Bastions Park (Parc Des Bastions)
A green oasis in the center of Geneva’s historic Old Town, Bastions Park (Parc des Bastions) is as famous for its art and culture as it is for its floral displays, tree-lined walks, and perfectly-shaded picnic spots in summer. Gigantic, black-and-white chess sets located by the park's imposing main entrance gate make for a popular attraction among visitors to the city, as does the famed Reformation Wall—an open-air stone monument honoring the leaders of Switzerland's Reformation and designed by French sculptors Henri Bouchard and Paul Landowski in 1909. The University and Library of Geneva and the Neo-Classical Palais Eynard are also located within the park.
Home to a few cafes, an up-scale restaurant, several family play areas, sunbathing spots during summer and a free skating rink in winter, Bastions Park is always abuzz with activities and visitors. Explore the park and its lakeside promenade by Segway or on foot to get the most out of your visit to Old Town Geneva.
Practical Info
Located at the Promenade des Bastions in Geneva's Old Town, Bastions Park is open daily with no admission fee. The main entrance gate and famous life-size chess sets are located off Place de Neuve. Though the park is best visited on foot, you can easily arrive to the location on public transportation taking buses 3, 5, or 36 to Place de Neuve or Palais Eynard, or trams 12, 14, or 18 to Place de Neuve station.
Address: Promenade des Bastions, Geneva, Geneva canton 1205, Switzerland
From $ 102
Chinese Garden Zurich
Surrounded by a white wall topped with the golden East Asian roofs and interspersed with bright red gates, the Chinese Garden is about as far removed from the traditional Swiss houses neighboring it as possible. The garden is a quiet oasis of little ponds, lush vegetation and intricately decorated buildings with tiered roofs, red pillars and bright green railings, a place where strolls on perfectly planned paths and meditation sessions are possible. Paintings and ornaments feature the unique culture of Yunnan Province and a big focus is set on the three friends of winter: pine, bamboo and plum. The plants are a big theme in Confucianism and since they don’t wither in winter and instead flourish, they represent perseverance.
The Chinese Garden was a gift from Zürich’s sister city Kunming, as thanks for the help it received in the construction of a drinking water and drainage system. Now the garden is not only seen as one of the most beautiful Chinese gardens in the world, but is also considered to be the highest ranking temple garden outside of China. Apart from the pavilions and bridges, there is also a Chinese take away next to the main entrance, where one can enjoy the fresh spring rolls with a fitting view.
Practical Info
The Chinese Garden can be found between Bellerivestrasse and Blatterwiese on the eastern lakeshore. It is only open in the summer months from the 20th of March until the 20th of October. The opening hours are from 11am to 7pm.
Address: Bellerivestrasse 138, Zurich, Switzerland
Hours: 11am-7pm
From $ 60
Chaplin's World
Opened in spring 2016, Chaplin’s World in Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland, is the first museum dedicated to the life of actor Charlie Chaplin. Set in a neoclassical mansion where Chaplin lived for some 25 years, the museum features many of the home’s original furnishings, as well as family photographs, personal belongings, mementos and more than 30 wax figures of individuals who crossed paths with Chaplin or who were inspired by his work.
Chaplin’s World also includes a separate, Hollywood-style studio where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of silent film and try out the art of pantomime. The studio also includes recreated sets from some of Chaplin’s most famous movies. The surrounding park is also open to the public and offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.
Practical Info
Chaplin’s World is in the town of Corsier-Sur-Vevey, about 15 miles from Lausanne or an hour train ride from the Geneva airport. From Vevey station, bus 212 runs to Chaplin’s World; get off at the Chaplin stop. Allow about two and a half hours for your visit. An interactive mobile app is available.
Address: Route de Fenil 2, Corsier-Sur-Vevey, Switzerland
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Admission: CHF 23
From $ 26
Bahnhofstrasse
Bahnhofstrasse is the shopping street in Zurich. Running from Bahnhofplatz outside the main train station all the way to the lake, it's full of luxury shops selling designer fashion, furs, porcelain, and, of course, chocolates, clocks and watches. Halfway along is Zurich's first, biggest and best department store Jelmoli. The basement food-hall is a must. Or if you want the best in Swiss chocolate, take a break at Cafe Sprungli, the epicenter of sweet Switzerland since 1836.
Bahnhofstrasse follows the line of the moat of medieval Zurich and is mainly pedestrianized, although watch out for the trams running along it. It runs parallel to the river Limmat and it's easy to punctuate your shopping with visits to churches and other important sites of Zurich dotted in the narrow streets between. Culture and consumerism: Zurich has them both.
Practical Info
Bahnhofstrasse is in the heart of Zurich. The main station, Hauptbahnhoff is at one end of Bahnhofstrasse and here trains arrive from all over Zurich and Europe. The city also has an excellent tram network which converges on this central area.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Hours: Shopping hours are generally 9am - 6:30 pm weekdays, 9am - 5pm Saturday
From $ 26
Carouge
Carouge is where Geneva goes to unwind. It was ever thus: what is now a suburb started life outside the then city walls in the mid 18th century as a parcel of land belonging to the King of Sardinia, who hoped it would provide refuge for Catholics and other minorities from puritanical Protestant Geneva. The area still bears the imprint of the Italian architects he drafted to design the area.
This charming district has developed over the years into something of a bohemian center, with all sorts of artisanal activity going on during the day and a wide selection of bars and restaurants to occupy you through the night. The Place du Marché forms the heart of the district, with its quirky Italianate church at one end and a regular produce market which has been in operation for over 300 years.
Practical Info
From the main railway station, Gare Cornavin, take tram number 12 or 13 and get off at Marché, the center of Carouge.
Address: Geneva 1227, Switzerland
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Brunswick Monument
The Brunswick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland is a mausoleum for Charles II, the Duke of Brunswick. The Duke was an eccentric linguist, musician and horseman who came to Geneva after being driven out of his duchy of Braunsweig in 1830 and then building a fortune in Paris. He bequeathed his entire fortune to the city in exchange for such a monument being constructed in his honor. Never before had such a mausoleum been constructed in Geneva, so the monument’s construction was subject to great debate. While the Duke died in 1873, the monument was eventually built in 1879. Meant to be a replica of the Scaliger Tombs in Verona, Italy, it was designed in a neo-Gothic style and faces Lake Leman.
Practical Info
The Brunswick Monument stands in the Jardin des Alpes on the Quai du Mont Blanc, about a five-minute walk from main train station. It is also just minutes away from a pier from which ferries arrive and depart to other spots along Lake Leman.
Address: Quai du Mont Blanc, Geneva, Switzerland
From $ 102
Culture and Congress Centre
The Culture and Congress Center, often simply referred to as KKL by the locals, is the work of the French architect Jean Nouvel. It has an extraordinary presence among the more traditional buildings of Lucerne, especially due to the modern square shape and the enormous flat roof overhanging Europe Square. This floating roof, sometimes called the magic roof, soon became a symbol of the city and is definitely the building’s most prominent feature. Also remarkable is the successful fusion of nature and construction. The Culture and Congress Center almost merges with the adjoining water of Lake Lucerne and not only do the aluminum plates covering the surface reflect the light and ripples in the waves but the water also flows into the building itself and separates the KKL into its three parts. One part of the structure houses smaller halls and meeting rooms, offices as well as a bistro and an art museum, while the versatile middle part called the Lucerne Hall is the venue for bigger events, shows and conventions.
The Culture and Congress Center’s main feature and the third part of the building is the huge concert hall. It has a lining made of maple wood, reminiscent of a violin case, but is popularly referred to as “Salle Blanche” due to the isolating side walls made out of gleaming white plaster reliefs. The blue ceiling is reminiscent of the starry night sky and the five floors beneath it, capable of holding 1,840 spectators, are furnished with plenty of pine, cherry and maple wood. The concert hall was mainly built for classical concerts and thus, meets the highest acoustic demands, allowing for absolute silence in which sounds from the quietest pianissimo to the loudest fortissimo can develop. But among all the culture and music, don't forget to climb to the roof-top terrace for an incredible view over the city and Lake Lucerne.
Practical Info
The Culture and Congress Center is located right next to Lucerne’s main train station, where every bus and train in the city makes a stop. The building is massive and simply can’t be overlooked. All the separate parts of the venue have different opening times and there are regular exhibitions and concerts taking place. Therefore, it’s probably best to pay a visit to their website to find out about the part you are interested in or join a tour that shows it all.
Address: Europaplatz 1, Lucerne, Switzerland
From $ 23
Cath edrale de St-Pierre
From Roman mosaics in the foundations to the neoclassical columns of its facade, the Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre is not only Geneva’s main house of worship, it is also a fascinating time capsule of the different influences that have dominated the city over the centuries. Depending on how you approach it, you could be forgiven for thinking the cathedral is actually a group of smaller buildings huddled together, as successive building programs – most notably Romanesque and Gothic – never completely wiped out previous traces.
Saint-Pierre is associated above all with the Protestant reformer John Calvin, who preached here in the 16th century; his rather uncomfortable looking wooden chair is still on display. And if you’re feeling energetic, just nearby is the entrance to the cathedral’s north tower, which will reward your 157-step climb with one of the best views of Geneva.
Practical Info
The cathedral, in the center of the Old Town, can be visited free of charge, though there is a small fee for climbing the tower. There is also an admission charge for the archaeological site in the cathedral’s foundations, featuring late Roman mosaics and the remnants of Geneva’s oldest Christian shrines, which is reached by a separate entrance.
Address: 6 Cours St-Pierre, Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am - 6:30pm, Sun 12noon - 6:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 27
Bernina Express
Soaring over the Bernina Pass and climbing to a dizzying 7,392 feet (2,253 meters) above sea level, the famous Bernina Express is one of Europe’s most beautiful railway routes. Running for 75 miles (122 kilometers) from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, it’s the only railway that connects the North and South Alps, and offers dramatic mountain views.
The Basics
You can ride the panoramic Bernina Express (otherwise known as the Rhaetian Railway) between Tirano and Chur (a 4-hour journey), St. Moritz (a 2-hour journey), or Davos (a 3.75-hour journey). With just one day to spare, it’s also possible to join a Bernina Express rail tour from Chur or St. Moritz and ride the train both ways, or enjoy a day trip from Milan to St. Moritz, including a ride on the Bernina Express and a return by bus. Multi-day tours also run from Zurich, including a night in St. Moritz, a train ride and bus journey to Lugano, and a night in Lugano.
Bernina Express trains offer first- and second-class seating. Both require tickets to be purchased in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi and audio commentary are available to first-class passengers.
- Drinks and snacks can be purchased on-board.
- Travelers crossing the Swiss-Italian border are required to carry their passport and/or ID card.
- Trains are accessible to wheelchair users; assistance is available.
How to Get There
Trains leave from Chur (Switzerland) railway station, in the town center, and arrive at the central train station in Tirano (Italy), where from February to November a bus service connects passengers with Lugano. During the summer season you can also board the Bernina Express in St. Moritz or Davos.
When to Get There
The Bernina Express runs year-round, and the alpine landscapes look just as mesmerizing covered with snow in the winter months as they do bursting with wildflowers throughout the summer. For a variety of scenery, traveling in spring is a good option, when the high mountain passes are still covered in snow, but the lowland valleys are lush and green. If visiting in winter, be aware that there is only one train departure a day.
Spectacular Scenery along the Bernina Express
Passing through wild gorges, icy glaciers, and verdant mountain valleys, the Bernina Express serves up one postcard-worthy view after another. The scenic train passes an impressive 196 bridges and 55 tunnels, and the section between Thusis, Valposchiavo, and Tirano is even protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Route highlights include Bernina Pass, Albula Pass, Engadine valley, and the highest point at Ospizio Bernina, as well as engineering marvels such as the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 94
Brienzersee (Lake Brienz)
Tucked between the alpine villages of Brienz and Bönigen, the pristine Lake Brienz makes a prime photo candidate with its backdrop of forested mountainsides and deep, turquoise waters. Stretching 14 kilometers across and a whopping 250 meters deep, the lake, fed by the river Aar, makes an uneasy swimming spot, but a great location for boat trips and paddle steamer sojourns.
There’s more to this lakeside haven than great picture spots though – hike from the lake on one of the area’s 500 kilometers of walking trails, explore the traditional villages littering the lakeside or get a bird’s eye view of the lake by catching the old steam train from Brienz up the nearby Brienzer Rothhorn mountain. Most spectacular are the Giessbach Falls on the south shore, 500 meters of plummeting waterfalls reachable via the country’s oldest funicular railway from Giessbach village.
There’s more to this lakeside haven than great picture spots though – hike from the lake on one of the area’s 500 kilometers of walking trails, explore the traditional villages littering the lakeside or get a bird’s eye view of the lake by catching the old steam train from Brienz up the nearby Brienzer Rothhorn mountain. Most spectacular are the Giessbach Falls on the south shore, 500 meters of plummeting waterfalls reachable via the country’s oldest funicular railway from Giessbach village.
Address: Switzerland
From $ 25
Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon)
Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon), a medieval castle on the banks of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland’s most visited attractions. Travelers come to find out more about its fascinating history—it was used as a defensive outpost, a summer home for the dukes of Savoy, and a state-run prison.
The Basics
The castle, which has watched over Lake Geneva for more than 1,000 years, started out as a Roman outpost guarding a strategic pass through the Alps. The fortified castle with its steep roofs and stone turrets is surrounded by water and is only accessible via a drawbridge walkway.
Tour the state rooms and secret passages, explore the gloomy dungeons, and get a sense of what life would have been like for residents many hundreds of years ago. Panoramic views of the surrounding lake and the Swiss Alps top off the experience on this historic day out. A visit to Chillon Castle can also be combined with a trip to the towns of Montreux or Lausanne as part of a daylong tour. If you’re touring independently, prebook admission so you can skip the line upon arrival.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Swiss Travel Pass or Museum Pass holders receive free entry into the castle.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and children.
- Baggage storage lockers can be found on-site.
- There is a snack bar selling food and drinks on-site, plus two restaurants within easy walking distance.
- The castle is not suitable for people with limited mobility, as there are steep steps and uneven floors.
- To see more of Lake Geneva, book a boat cruise that visits the castle along with other lakeside attractions.
How to Get There
Chillon Castle, on the banks of Lake Geneva, is a short distance outside the town of Lausanne. Free car parking is available on-site. Trains run regularly from Montreux to neighboring Veytaux-Chillon, and buses also stop nearby. Guided tours with round-trip transfers are also available.
When to Get There
The castle is open every day, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours are 9am–7pm in the summer, with reduced hours in the winter months.
Walk in Poet Lord Byron’s Footsteps
English poet Lord Byron was so inspired by his visit to Chillon Castle that he wrote one of his most famous works about the castle’s dungeon—The Prisoner of Chillon. Keep an eye out for Byron’s name carved into the dungeon wall and the deep groove in the floor caused by the constant pacing of dukes of Savoy enemy François Bonivard, who was imprisoned here for six years.
Address: 21 Avenue de Chillon, Veytaux, Lake Geneva 1820, Switzerland
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Barbier-Mueller Museum (Mus ee Barbier-Mueller)
One of the key attractions of Geneva’s Old Town, the Barbier-Mueller Museum holds the world’s largest collection of non-Western art and artifacts. The core of the permanent collection comprises works from Oceania, Africa and indigenous artisans of the Americas, supplemented by an important collection of antiquities from Greece, Italy and other centers of the ancient world.
Forget what you know about dusty ethnological displays in natural history museums; here the outstanding quality of the exhibits is matched by thoughtful presentation, with regular exhibitions highlighting various aspects of the collection. From Malian pottery to pre-Columbian jade jewelry, from Roman statuary to Papuan masks, the Barbier-Mueller Museum is the result of almost a century’s worth of passionate collecting and world-class research.
Practical Info
The museum is located a stone’s throw from both the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and Hôtel de Ville in Geneva’s picturesque Old Town. It is served by regular trams from the main Gare de Cornavin train station.
Address: 10 Rue Jean-Calvin, Geneva, Lake Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Hours: Daily 11am-5pm
Admission: CHF 8
From $ 101
Aare Gorge
The Aare Gorge is a popular tourist attraction near the town of Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. Created by glacier runoff 10,000 years ago, the limestone gorge is a mile long and ranges from just 3 feet, 3 inches wide to nearly 100 feet wide and different points. The surrounding cliffs are as much as 165 feet high. A walkway through the gorge has been open to the public since 1889 and is accessible from either the east or west side. Most of it consists of wooden planks on a metal frame jutting out from the wall of the gorge, with small sections in a tunnel or along gravel or asphalt paths. The most beautiful parts of the gorge are on closer to the West entrance.
Not far from the gorge are the Reichenbach Falls, possibly best known as the place where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle set Sherlock Holmes’ murder.
Practical Info
The main (West) entrance to the Aare Gorge is just to the east of Meiringen and features a parking lot and restaurant. It is accessible from the Aareschlucht West train station. To walk through the gorge to the East entrance takes about 40 minutes. From there, you can follow a hiking trail over the Lammi pass or catch the train back to Meiringen from the Aareschlucht Ost station, about a 5 minute walk from the East entrance. Alternatively, take the train from Meiringen to Aareschlucht Ost and walk back to Meiringen through the gorge.
Address: Meiringen, Switzerland
Hours: West entrance is open April 15-Nov1 8:30am-5:30pm (Jul-Aug Sun-Wed until 6:30pm, Thurs-Sat until 10pm for floodlit illumination). East entrance is open May 5-Oct 16 during the same hours.
Admission: 8.50 Swiss francs
From $ 155
Dolderbahn
The Dolderbahn is a proper mountain railway that, in just under six minutes, leads from the hustle and bustle of Zürich to the top of the Adlisberg, a forested hill on the eastern side of the city. Upon exiting the station at the Dolder Recreation Area next to the luxury Dolder Grand Hotel, one shouldn’t be surprised to see an army of bikers and joggers, as the region is immensely popular due to the many leisure and sports facilities as well as the vast network of hiking trails. The Dolder Train was built to provide the population of Zürich with an easy escape route from the busy city as well as stress-free access to a recreation area and still, there is hardly a better place to practice various sports. Even if you aren’t there to get sweaty, it’s a great destination to enjoy a sunny day high over the roof tops.
The 1,328-meter long track of the Dolderbahn overcomes a height difference of 162 meters and is a little piece of history as it has been in operation since 1895. Eventually, it was upgraded from a funicular railway to rack operation and is now operated with two railcars.
Practical Info
The Dolderbahn leaves from the lower terminus Römerhof, a station that is also serviced by the tram lines 3, 8 and 15 and is located only about 1.5 kilometers outside the city center. The train operates daily from 6:20am to 11:30pm and leaves roughly every 10 minutes.
Address: Switzerland
Hours: 6:20am-11:30pm
From $ 35
Baur Foundation (Museum of Far Eastern Art)
It's no coincidence that the Baur Foundation is also Geneva’s Museum of Far Eastern Art (Musée des arts d'Extrême-Orient). The museum boasts over 9,000 East Asian artworks and artifacts in a private collection that covers a thousand years of history. The exhibition, which focuses mainly on China and Japan, is organized by country and includes some of the finest samurai swords, porcelains and jade ceramics in Europe.
Set in an elegant manor in Old Town Geneva, the Baur Foundation is frequented by art-lovers and passersby, alike, but is rarely crowded. A variety of temporary exhibitions, including a past exhibit on Cartier, and the museum's location within walking distance from Geneva's Art and History Museum makes it a great stop on any city museum tour.
Visitors holding a Geneva Pass can visit the museum for free, with the added benefit of free, unlimited public transportation and admission to over 40 other city attractions, including the Museum of Art and History and guided walking tours through Old Town.
Insider’s Tip: You can get a great view of the museum's Japanese garden, located in the manor courtyard, from the first floor exhibition room.
Practical Info
The Baur Foundation is located on Rue Munier-Romilly in Geneva's Old Town (Vieille Ville) District. The museum is easily accessible by bus (Rive, line 8; Palais Eynard, line 5) and by tram (Terrassière station, line 12), as well as by car. Parking is available in a lot beneath Promenade Saint-Antoine along boulevard Emile-Jacques-Dalcroze at a rate of 1 CHF per 20 minutes.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2pm to 6pm, and until 8pm on Wednesday for those on guided tours. It is closed Monday. Admission costs 10 CHF for adults and is free of charge for children younger than 16. No photography is allowed in the museum, and you might be asked to store your belongings in a locker at the entrance of the exhibit.
Address: 8 rue Munier-Romilly, Geneva 1204, Switzerland
Hours: Sun, Tues, Thurs–Sat: 2pm–6pm; Wed: 2pm-8pm; Closed Monday
Admission: Adult: CHF 10; Under 16: free
From $ 27
Aletsch Glacier
Recognized as the largest glacier in the Swiss Alps, Altesch glacier stretches across nearly 50 square miles of protected mountain terrain. While visitors lament its far-flung proximity to any major Swiss city, most agree that the well-kept hiking trails, impressive views and natural beauty make it worth a trip. Active adventurers can explore the glacier on foot, while less intrepid travelers can venture to the top of Aletsch aboard one of the famous cable cars. Uninhibited 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape make for a most memorable journey regardless of how visitors voyage to the top.
Practical Info
Aletsch is located between Valais and Bern, just east of the Gemmi Pass. Bettmerhorn and Eggishorn, which offer some of the best panoramic views, are accessible by cable car. The Jungfraujoch railway station is the closes public transport route for travelers looking to visit the upper end of the glacier.
Address: Aletsch, Switzerland
From $ 236