Switzerland is well-known for its many distinctive natural features and geological marvels. Envision a tranquil country full of vibrant nature, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes, as well as desirable political stability and a strong currency that many investors resort to in turbulent times.
This European nation is also a blend of cultures and languages influenced by the surrounding countries. Four official languages – French, German, Italian, and Romansh – are spoken in the confines of Switzerland, showcasing unparalleled diversity in the heart of the Old Continent. But now the question is, what can you do and see in Switzerland for a visit?
In this article, you will discover some of the best things to do and see in Switzerland, whether you want to bask in the country’s beautiful nature, visit historical sites, or even explore the reputed banking and financial sector. Read on to find out how promising this country can get.
The famous cheese was invented in the Canton of Fribourg in Gruyères, Switzerland. In the region, you can also try other traditional dishes like rösti, macaroni d'alpage, and, of course, the famous fondues
What crosses your mind when you think about Switzerland? Probably the Alps, world-class chocolate, and political neutrality. Surely, these are all features this country is known for, but let’s go the extra mile; it’s time for the unconventional wonders Switzerland has in store:
Did you know that Switzerland has been making wine for a long time? Other European countries like Spain and Italy are known for their wine industries, but Switzerland is often forgotten despite its long-time tradition. When you visit the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, not only will you explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you will also be able to learn more about the place while indulging in some wine and snacks.
This old yet well-preserved vineyard lies right next to Lake Geneva, offering breathtaking views and scenic walks for nature and wine enthusiasts. If you want to visit, you can arrive by train, bus, or boat, making it an accessible site for those interested in a different kind of experience.
You guessed it: here’s where the famous Gruyère cheese was invented. Gruyère cheese is named after Gruyères, a medieval town in the heart of the country. However, you can enjoy more food than this delicacy. Try traditional dishes such as röstis, macaroni d'alpage, and, of course, the famous fondues. The views are also outstanding, as the town is right at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by beautiful nature and greenery, allowing for worthwhile hikes and walks.
Apart from dining and hiking, Gruyères offers interesting museums, including the HR Giger Museum, which hosts multiple works by the creator of Alien. Other important museums include the Tibet Museum and La Maison du Gruyère, where you can see cheesemakers produce the delicious Gruyère cheese.
Creux du Van is arguably a must-visit for nature lovers. It is an amphitheatre-looking rock formation with cliffs of around 160 meters in height. You can hike for hours on end and never stop seeing new breathtaking landscapes that will not leave you indifferent. This natural rock area in the Jura Mountains offers stunning panoramic views and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including ibex and marmots.
Other perks of this area include its accessibility and culinary offerings. You can arrive here by foot from the neighbouring village of Noiraigue or by car from St-Aubin, Couvet, or Travers. Food and drink-wise, you can take part in food tours, enjoying cheese and wine as well as other treats like traditional Swiss absinthe.
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As a country of multiple cultures and languages, Switzerland’s cuisine is a unique blend of neighbouring culinary traditions and presents unique foodstuffs. For example, you can visit Lugano, a town close to the Italian border, and enjoy delicious pizza, pasta, and tiramisu. But this section explores other options you can encounter in the country.
Are you familiar with chocolate brands like Lindt? This one, in particular, is from Switzerland, but you may find it readily available at many supermarkets worldwide. Swiss chocolate is world-class, and if you are a food enthusiast, visiting chocolate stores and factories is a must to understand further the art of making chocolate, from bean to bar.
For example, at Maison Cailler, located in Broc, you can witness how professional chocolatiers work and make this sweet treat from scratch, visit a chocolate history museum, or participate in chocolate-making workshops. Also, consider visiting Lindt’s Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, located in the canton of Zurich, where you will see a huge chocolate fountain and learn about Swiss chocolate heritage.
If you have read so far or just know a thing or two about Switzerland, you know that cheese is a staple in the local cuisine. Apart from visiting cheese factories, as discussed above, you can also try various local dishes featuring cheese. Two popular and tasty options are fondue and raclette.
Fondue is often served in a communal pot where bread cubes can be dipped. It can be made with garlic, wine, or kirsch. This dish is typically served with meats, potatoes, and vegetables. Raclette, originally a favourite of shepherds, is melted cheese that can be served with various foods and is made with different ingredients, such as herbs, pepper, or truffle.
Zurich is more than a leading financial city in the world, which we will discuss later. It is also a city where you can try delicious cuisine with a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains in the background. Guided tours often include stops at iconic street food spots where you can try specialties like raclette sandwiches. If you are up for a sweet treat, renowned confectioneries and patisseries offer exquisite pastries and the city’s best hot chocolate.
You can take part in food tours to try multiple types of cheese, cured and smoked meats, freshly baked bread and wine, all while meeting new people and checking iconic buildings.
Several boats and ferries will take you on a tour to enjoy one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Europe, Lake Geneva in Switzerland
You might know about some of these mainstream must-sees, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth a visit. Indeed, you’ll hardly go wrong, as many have already enjoyed the following experiences and talked wonderfully about them.
The Matterhorn is the pinnacle of any trip to Switzerland—quite literally. This mountain is one of the highest on the continent, offering stunning views that, in some cases, allow you to see the Mediterranean in the distance. Take a cable car ride from Zermatt to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest cable car station.
At Glacier Paradise, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Matterhorn peak, standing majestically at 4,478 meters. The viewing platform offers a 360-degree perspective, allowing you to see the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps at the same time. Also, the perennial snow is perfect for skiing in summer—so much so that ski professionals train here in the summertime.
If you look at Lake Geneva on the map, you might also see the name ‘Lac Léman.’ These two words mean ‘Large Water'; indeed, it is one of the largest lakes in Europe. Multiple boats and ferries will take you on a ride to enjoy beautiful landscapes, elegant cities, or the majestic Alps. You can start a tour in Geneva and then visit the towns of Montreux and Laussane, each with its own charm.
In Geneva, the lakeside promenade and the famous Jet d’Eau fountain are a must. Montreux is popular because of its annual jazz festival and the medieval Chillon Castle perched on the lake’s edge. Finally, Lausanne is the icing on the cake, offering the historic Ouchy district and gourmet dining options.
The third and last mainstream must-see on our list is another natural wonder: Jungfraujoch. This is an excellent place for mountaineers, adventurers, and ski enthusiasts, as it has snow year-round and other activities that will hardly leave you indifferent. The Ice Palace, for example, is a masterful piece of art featuring ice sculptures and elegant corridors.
Getting to this mountain is also a worthwhile experience, as not only will you enjoy the stunning scenery from the pinnacle of the Jungfraujoch, but you will also witness beautiful landscapes on your way. You may opt for the cable car or just the railway; regardless, you’re in for breathtaking views you will never forget.
Switzerland has a strong track record of legal security and fiscal responsibility, which is why its currency, the Swiss franc (CHF), has long been one of the strongest in the world, making the country a safe haven for those interested in protecting their net worth
This article couldn’t be complete without exploring Switzerland's banking and financial sectors. To be clear, Switzerland is expensive and probably not the best option for some expats, but it comes with perks you can take advantage of wherever you reside. In this section, you can discover how the Swiss financial system can help you protect your wealth.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is one of the strongest currencies in the world, backed by prudent monetary and fiscal policies. The European debt crisis in 2011 prompted many EU investors to buy CHF, and to this day, Switzerland remains a safe haven for those interested in protecting their net worth.
But perhaps you already know about this currency and its strength, and you even have some savings in CHF. The point of this section is to invite you to explore the country’s banking and financial sectors in person.
As an investor, you can ensure that your funds and assets are well-protected in Switzerland, as privacy is non-negotiable. You can explore banks, meet professionals, and discuss your goals with them. Most likely, you will find a product or service to help you protect your wealth. Finally, if you want to take advantage of the Swiss investment-friendly climate, take a look at some of its gold vaults.
The Swiss Finance Museum is also worth a visit, especially if you want to learn more about the origins of the economic system, the stock market, and how the financial world has evolved over time.
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It is one of the most expensive countries in the world, definitely not the best place to live, but if you're interested in visiting, there will be no shortage of places to explore and incredible experiences to enjoy
Switzerland has lots to do and see, whether you want to bask in beautiful nature, try delicious food or even find investment opportunities. It is indeed one of the most expensive countries in the world, and I will never say this is the best place to live for everyone. However, if you want to come for a visit, you will have no shortage of places to explore. Plan your trip in advance, especially if you want to get the most out of your days here. Also, check the investment opportunities this tiny country offers, and perhaps you will find something that resonates with you.
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