Ahh. The Alps. Nothing says ski resorts and fresh snow like the Swiss Alps. The looming mountain range plays an integral backdrop to many of the country’s best destinations, making for one hell of a photo. But that’s not all the mountains are good for. Thousands flock to Switzerland each year to have a go on a few ski runs, but more importantly, to visit the jaw-dropping scenery. Switzerland may be that beautiful girl you hated in high school because she was just too pretty. Except you can’t hate Switzerland; it’s just too nice. The people, the landscape, the food, the cities, the villages, and so on make this country one of the best places to visit in Europe. I had the pleasure of spending three whole weeks here and I was blown away by their hospitality, their style and their everyday lives. I wanted to be Swiss! It seems like they have it all sorted. Check out the list below of the best destinations to visit in Switzerland for some major travel inspiration:
Zurich
The most cosmopolitan city of them all, Zurich is a beauty. Known as a place to do business, especially banking, Zurich has transformed itself into a glitzy destination filled with incredible nightlife, restaurants and shopping. Walks along the promenade can lead you to the lanes of old town. Lake Zurich itself has plenty to do. Whether you’re looking for some boating action, water-skiing, or just a relaxing place to soak up the sun, this is your spot.
Montreux
Located on the French side of Switzerland, Montreux is a beautiful and expensive resort town on Lake Geneva. It’s classy vibe and stunning location make for a good excuse to visit, regardless of the time of year. If you’re into jazz, the Montreux Jazz Festival is held in July, bringing in famous acts from all over the world. A casino, a castle and a colorful flower-filled promenade make Montreux a must-see for any visitor. Montreux is also a great jumping off point to visit the rest of the region, hitting up the wineries in Villeneuve, and medieval villages in the region of Lavaux.
Geneva
This global headquarter city of both he United Nations and Red Cross, Geneva is a world-wide city with international influence everywhere you look. Only a stone’s throw from France, Geneva heavily caters to its neighbor, with the majority of locals speak French, the culture sways French and the food, well, French. But that’s just one of the quirky elements to this stunning city. With bohemian districts to get lost in like Carouge, Geneva hosts plenty of neighborhoods with funky local hot spots for shopping and dining.
Zermatt
The tiny village below the mighty Matterhorn is indeed, one of the most stylish and most visited. Zermatt looks like it stepped straight out of a luxury travel magazine. With swanky bars, stunning resorts, and traditional Swiss chalets, your money might run out fast, but you sure won’t want to leave. The train ride into the village is enough to keep you there for the rest of your life. Popular in winter and summer, the outdoor environment in Zermatt is buzzing. Take the train to the top of the mountain to oohh and ahhhh at the incredible view or hike up as far as you can, taking in the fresh air. After a day on the mountain, relax in one of the many exclusive spas before going out on the town. For a small town, Zermatt knows how to party.
Interlaken
If you think of Switzerland and you imagine a small village at the bottom of massive mountains with cute little chalets and a church, you have just imagined Interlaken. This traditional Swiss resort town is a popular one. Outdoors is the name of the game here, whether it’s on the lake, in the sky or on the mountain. You can take a funicular up to the impressive Harder Kulm for one of the best views in the world. Close to Grindelwald, this is a must-do, even if it’s just to see it’s incredible scenery by train.
Grindelwald
This village is located in the country’s Bernase Alps and isn’t far from Interlaken. Being found in the Jungfrau region, you’re going to see your fair share of mountainous landscapes with beautiful, fairytale-like villages. Grindelwald is just that. A popular destination in winter for skiing and big hikes in summer, this Swiss town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With hikes to waterfalls, limestone walls and epic mountaintop vistas, Grindelwald is not only a popular spot for tourists, but locals as well.
