The jaw dropping Swiss Alps, the scenic vistas and cable car rides, the luxurious chocolate, the sound of cowbells, medieval towns, and boundless activities, makes Switzerland a top pick for a must visit. Enjoy my list of the best things to do in Switzerland.
1. Paragliding
One of the most popular, thrill inducing activities in the Alps. You can try your hand at this activity in places such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen. There’s no better way to view the surrounding mountains and clear, blue lakes than running off a mountain, having a guide pull the parachute, and feeling the wind pick you up and carry you off gently while you stare in awe at everything.
2. Canyon Swing
Located at Glacier Canyon in Grindelwald, this is sure to get your heart pumping. Your guide will harness you in and then you will jump from 90 meters into the deep gorge below. You will free fall and then swing between the canyon walls at 120 km/h.
3. Ride the Steepest Cogwheel Train in the World up to Mt Pilatus
The cogwheel train will take you from Alpnachstad to the mystical Mt Pilatus at a 48% gradient. Mt Pilatus is known for its intriguing legends, the most well-known being that dragons once lived and roamed these mountains. Once at the top take in the staggering views of the lake below and the surrounding mountains. You can hike one of the many trails or take the cable car down to go on the summer toboggan ride or for the children, a ropes course.
4. Walk the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
This wooden bridge was built in the 14th century and along its wooden panels it contains paintings from the 17th century. Another thing that makes this bridge special is that it is considered the oldest covered bridge in Europe and it’s very picturesque with the nearby water tower and medieval Old Town.
5. Accomplish a Via Ferrata
Originally used by WW1 soldiers, these iron paths are situated on the side of scraggly mountains and were once used for the transportation of items. I recommend doing the one from the top of Murren to Gimmelwald. It is 1.4 miles long and takes around 3 hours to accomplish. In Murren, you can rent equipment from a local shop, but make sure you have the proper footwear, or they will not loan you the gear. Using your carabiners and harness, you must strap and unstrap yourself along the long metal cable. This trail can be a tad physically challenging due to the many ladders you must descend. Other obstacles include: two tightropes, one area of extreme exposure where you will be looking straight down into the valley below while you are walking along the iron rungs, and a narrow swinging bridge you must cross at the end. Challenging, yes. Exhilarating, also yes. The views are some of the best I have ever seen in my life.
6. Lindt Museum in Zurich
Have you ever dreamed about visiting Willy Wonka? How about seeing the largest flowing chocolate fountain? Is your ideal of a good time sampling as much chocolate as possible? The aroma of chocolate will lead you through the front doors and into the factory where you can take an audio tour of the museum. It features loads of information about the origins of chocolate, the evolution of it, and how it became so big in Switzerland. The best part is all the samples you get along the way. There are 3 main sampling stations. One includes 3 different melted chocolates to taste, then you will move along to another station that combines unique flavors and gives you a taste of each, and lastly you will be able to grab so many lindt truffle balls to fill up on.
I also recommend taking a class here. I took a chocolate molding class that allowed me to create an absolutely adorable, tasty chocolate teddy and allowed me to decorate two truffle balls to take home as a sweet souvenir.
They also have a cafe that has delectable paninis, creamy hot chocolate, and rich ice-cream. This is the best thing to do in Zurich.
7. Grindelwald First
Take the cable car up to this adventurer’s paradise. You can wander along the cliff walk peering over the edge to amazing views, hike the many trails, take the first flyer (which is essentially a zipline), take the first glider, or make your way down by either mountain carting or Trotti bike. You need to plan several hours here to enjoy what it has to offer.
8. Explore Launterbrunnen
Known as the land of 72 waterfalls, this mystical valley inspired J.R.R Tolkien and it’s believed he based the land of Rivendell off of this magical location. The waterfall of Staubbach will greet you as it cascades over the rock face behind a pasture full of dairy cows. If you walk further past the quaint village full of cafes and restaurants you will find Trummelbach Falls. Trummelbach Falls are ten glacier fed waterfalls inside of a mountain accessible by lift and it’s truly unique because of these features. It’s the only of its kind in all of Europe.
Switzerland is truly paradise and whatever you choose to do here, I’m sure you will have the best time. If you will be going to nearby Italy, check out my food guide for ideas.
Delicious Foods and Drinks to Try in Italy: – Venture with a Ginger