Switzerland, travel guide

Do you dream of discovering Switzerland and its breathtaking landscapes? We invite you to explore 12 must-see natural wonders in Switzerland. Whatever the season, Switzerland welcomes you for a variety of adventures: winter sports in renowned resorts, hiking in alpine pastures, lake cruises, cultural visits or gourmet escapades in regions famous for their wine and cheese. This country, rich in mountains, lakes, glaciers and forests, promises every visitor an unforgettable experience.

We've selected 12 exceptional natural sites for you, reflecting Switzerland's linguistic and cultural diversity. Discover alpine gems, peaceful lakes and hidden wonders, while learning the best ways to enjoy them. Ready for adventure?

Follow the guide!

Must-see Alpine gems

Switzerland, surrounded by France, l’Italie, l’Autriche, le Lichtenstein, l’Allemagne, célèbre pour ses montagnes majestueuses, propose des panoramas à couper le souffle et une multitude d’activités. Découvrez quatre destinations alpines essentielles à visiter en Suisse.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Zermatt, a charming ski resort and picturesque Alpine village, offers the perfect backdrop for exploring the Matterhorn, Europe's most iconic mountain. At 4,478 meters, the Matterhorn is a Swiss landmark and a haven for nature lovers. Admire its pyramid-shaped silhouette from exceptional vantage points such as the Gornergrat terrace, the Matterhorn glacier or the Rothorn.

Adventurers can climb its slopes via the Hörnli ridge, the most popular route among mountaineers, or explore the Matterhorn Museum, which details its history and conquests.

Le Jungfraujoch : le toit de l’Europe

Le Jungfraujoch représente le summum de votre voyage en Suisse, offrant le point de vue le plus élevé accessible par transport. Situé à 3’454 mètres d’altitude, il abrite la gare la plus haute d’Europe et offre une vue panoramique imprenable sur les Alpes. Le trajet en train à crémaillère, passant par la face nord de l’Eiger, est une expérience inoubliable.

Au Jungfraujoch, ne manquez pas le palais de glace, avec ses sculptures de glace, ou le Sphinx, un observatoire offrant une vue dominante sur le glacier d’Aletsch, le plus long glacier d’Europe et site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO.

La région d’Interlaken et les lacs de montagne

Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, offers landscapes of tranquil beauty. Enjoy lake cruises, admire the surrounding castles or relax on the natural beaches.

Interlaken is also the perfect starting point for discovering nearby peaks, such as Harder Kulm, offering magical views of the lakes and Alps, or Schynige Platte, enveloping you in a field of alpine flowers.

The Swiss National Park in Graubünden

The Swiss National Park, the country's oldest and largest nature park, is located in the western Rhaetian Alps, in the canton of Graubünden. Covering 174.2 km², it provides a habitat for exceptional flora and fauna, which can be explored via 80 km of hiking trails. See deer, ibex, marmots and golden eagles, and discover a variety of landscapes such as the Macun lakes, the Margunet viewpoint and the Val Trupchun valley.

The Swiss National Park is a prime destination for those seeking to reconnect with unspoilt nature.

Des lacs d’une beauté sereine

Switzerland, home to some of Europe's largest and most magnificent lakes, is brimming with exceptional natural sites. We invite you to discover four lakes that stand out for their color, diversity and undeniable charm.

Lake Geneva, between vineyards and castles

Lake Geneva, also known as Lac de Genève, is the largest natural lake in Western Europe, with a surface area of 580 km², divided between France (235 km²) and Switzerland (345 km²).

The lake is characterized by a variety of landscapes, from the vineyards of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc. It is also surrounded by numerous castles, testimony to the region's history and culture, such as Chillon, Yvoire, Prangins and Ferney-Voltaire. Visitors can explore Lake Geneva on scenic cruises, visit nearby towns such as Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux or Vevey, or enjoy water sports such as sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Lake Lucerne: a landscape steeped in myth

Lake Lucerne, or Vierwaldstättersee, is a glacial lake in the heart of Switzerland, surrounded by the cantons of Lucerne, Nidwalden, Obwalden and Uri. Its crescent shape and arms extending into the Alpine valleys are bordered by majestic mountains such as Rigi and Pilatus.

The lake is steeped in myths and legends closely linked to Swiss history, such as the Grütli, where the first cantons swore union against the Habsburgs, and the legend of William Tell. Visitors can discover Lake Lucerne by boat, visit its castles and museums or take a cogwheel railroad to admire the view from the peaks.

Les lacs de montagne d’Oeschinen et de Brienz

Les lacs d’Oeschinen et de Brienz, situés dans les Alpes bernoises près d’Interlaken, sont de véritables trésors naturels. Le lac d’Oeschinen, à 1578 mètres d’altitude, offre un panorama exceptionnel avec son eau d’un bleu profond et est entouré de sommets impressionnants. Classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, il est parfait pour la randonnée, le ski, la pêche sur glace ou une promenade en barque.

Lake Brienz, meanwhile, is renowned for its emerald-green water at an altitude of 564 metres. Its clarity invites you to swim, kayak or stand-up paddle. A boat trip will take you to the picturesque villages along its shores, and the St. Beatus caves offer a natural spectacle of stalactites and stalagmites not to be missed.

Lake Thun and its turquoise waters

The turquoise-blue Lake Thun, located between Thun and Interlaken, covers an area of 48.3 km². Its surroundings of snow-capped peaks, forests, vineyards and castles offer an idyllic setting for water sports enthusiasts.

Cruises on the lake offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, while the shores of the lake are home to charming towns and villages to explore. Schadau Castle, with its 19th-century architecture and romantic lakeside park, is a must-see.

Lesser-known natural wonders

Switzerland, a country renowned for its famous mountains and lakes, is also home to hidden gems, perfect for explorers and nature lovers keen to discover new horizons.

Below, discover four lesser-known but equally fascinating natural sites.

The Rhine Falls, a natural power

Les chutes du Rhin, plus grandes chutes d’eau d’Europe en termes de volume, se trouvent à la frontière entre la Suisse et l’Allemagne, près de Schaffhouse. Elles sont le résultat de l’évolution du Rhin qui, il y a 15 000 ans, a dû se frayer un chemin à travers une couche de calcaire dur.

The spectacle is breathtaking: over a width of 150 metres, hundreds of cubic metres of water fall from a height of 23 metres with a deafening noise. A rock stands in the middle of the tumult, witness to this natural force for thousands of years. You can contemplate the Rhine Falls from a number of vantage points, or get up close and personal by boat, heading for the foot of the rock or the castles along the river.

Lauterbrunnen Valley and its 72 waterfalls

The Lauterbrunnen Valley, located in the Bernese Alps near Interlaken, is a glacial valley known for its 72 waterfalls tumbling down vertical rock faces, some reaching 400 meters in height.

The Staubbach waterfall, a source of inspiration for the poet Goethe, is one of the most famous. The valley offers many walks to admire these spectacular falls, and to visit picturesque villages such as Wengen, Mürren or Gimmelwald. The St. Beatus caves, with their stalactites and stalagmites, or the cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch, nicknamed the roof of Europe, are also attractions not to be missed.

The Aare Gorge, nature's sculpture

Près de Meiringen, dans le massif de l’Aar, se trouvent les gorges de l’Aar, creusées par le fleuve éponyme dans le calcaire. Elles plongent à près de 200 mètres de profondeur et se rétrécissent jusqu’à un mètre de largeur à leur point le plus étroit, offrant un contraste saisissant entre la roche sombre et l’eau turquoise.

Footbridges and tunnels allow you to explore the gorge on foot, offering an immersive experience of the power of water and the surrounding wilderness.

Le glacier d’Aletsch, un voyage à l’époque glaciaire

Le glacier d’Aletsch, plus grand glacier des Alpes avec ses 23 kilomètres de long, 86,6 km² de superficie et 800 mètres d’épaisseur, se situe dans le canton du Valais. Encadré par les sommets de la Jungfrau, du Mönch, des Fiescherhorner et de l’Aletschhorn, il est inscrit au UNESCO World Heritage Site pour la beauté naturelle qu’il représente.

Numerous viewpoints, such as the Bettmerhorn, Eggishorn or Moosfluh, offer spectacular panoramas of the glacier, revealing its unique bluish color and impressive crevasses. An expert-guided walk across the glacier reveals a world of ice, rock, alpine flora and forests.

Visiter la Suisse – Conclusion

Are you tempted by a getaway to Switzerland, this multi-faceted nation offering breathtaking panoramas? Then you've made an excellent choice. Indeed, Switzerland abounds in impressive natural treasures, from majestic mountains and peaceful lakes to towering glaciers and spectacular gorges.

This article has highlighted 12 exceptional natural sites that reveal the richness and splendor of Switzerland. Whether you're passionate about sports, culture, gastronomy or simply looking for a relaxing break, Switzerland is sure to meet your expectations. Don't delay, plan your trip to Switzerland now and discover its hidden gems!

Suisse – FAQ

What's the most beautiful place to visit in Switzerland?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the beauty of Switzerland is subjective and depends on individual tastes. However, here are a few must-sees that offer breathtaking scenery:

• The Swiss Alps: The Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn... These iconic mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views and numerous outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, mountaineering).
• The lakes: Le lac de Genève, le lac des Quatre-Cantons, le lac de Lucerne… Ces étendues d’eau cristallines sont parfaites pour se détendre, faire de la voile ou simplement admirer les paysages environnants.
• Historic towns: Lucerne, Berne, Genève… Ces villes allient charme médiéval et architecture moderne, offrant un mélange de culture et d’histoire.

When is the best time to visit Switzerland?

The best time to visit Switzerland depends on what you want to do:

• Summer (June-August): Temperatures are mild, days are long and outdoor activities are plentiful. It's high tourist season, so expect more crowds.
• Autumn (September-October): Les couleurs de l’automne sont magnifiques, les températures sont agréables et les foules se dispersent.
• Winter (December-February): The ski resorts are lively, the snow-covered landscapes are enchanting, but the days are shorter.
• Spring (March-May): Nature wakes up, flowers bloom and temperatures start to rise. It's an ideal time of year for nature lovers.

What documents do I need to enter Switzerland?

Pour les ressortissants de l’Union européenne, de l’Espace économique européen ou de la Suisse, aucune formalité particulière n’est requise. Une pièce d’identité valide suffit. Pour les ressortissants d’autres pays, les formalités peuvent varier. Il est conseillé de consulter le site officiel des autorités suisses ou l’ambassade de Suisse dans votre pays pour connaître les conditions d’entrée spécifiques.

What are the best seasons to visit Switzerland and its natural wonders?

The ideal time to visit Switzerland varies according to your interests. Winter, from December to March, is perfect for lovers of skiing, snow and Christmas markets. For those who prefer hiking, admiring flowers and attending music festivals, summer, from June to August, is recommended. Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) offer pleasant weather, magnificent scenery and a rich cultural offering in Swiss cities.

How do you get around Switzerland's many nature reserves?

In Switzerland, trains and cars are the two main options for exploring natural sites. Trains are environmentally friendly and punctual, serving most of the country's nature parks and mountain lakes. The car, on the other hand, offers greater freedom but involves tolls and parking charges.

What equipment and precautions do you need to enjoy the Swiss landscape to the full?

For an optimal experience, it's essential to equip yourself according to activity and season. For camping, pack a tent, sleeping bag, stove, food and water. For skiing or hiking, pack warm, waterproof clothing, appropriate footwear, helmet, goggles and poles. Follow safety instructions, protect yourself from the sun, hydrate regularly and stay on the marked trails to avoid the dangers of electricity, cold, snow or the mountains.

What activities and attractions are not to be missed near Switzerland's natural wonders?

La Suisse, avec ses montagnes, lacs, glaciers, forêts et cascades, offre une multitude d’activités et d’attractions. Ne manquez pas de pratiquer le ski, la luge, la randonnée ou le parapente dans les Alpes suisses, avec des stations célèbres telles que Zermatt, Davos, Grindelwald ou Verbier. Admirez le lac Léman, le plus grand lac d’Europe occidentale, et explorez les villes et villages environnants comme Genève, Lausanne, Montreux ou Vevey. Visitez le glacier d’Aletsch, le plus grand glacier des Alpes, classé au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, et découvrez les activités proposées comme le pont suspendu, le train panoramique ou le musée du glacier. Enfin, explorez les chutes du Rhin, les plus grandes chutes d’eau d’Europe, et profitez d’une croisière, d’une balade à vélo ou d’une visite du château de Laufen pour une vue spectaculaire sur ce phénomène naturel.

To find out more about Switzerland, visit the official website.