The 11 Can't-Miss Towns In Switzerland
Europe's most powerful waterfall, the continent's highest cable car station, and a hotel built on stilts over a lake all sit within one country you can cross by train in an afternoon. That density is Switzerland's real gift to travellers. Pick the right towns and a single trip delivers the Matterhorn at sunrise, an 11th-century castle on the shore of Lake Geneva, a trail passing the sources of four great rivers, and a hall of 120 vintage racing cars beside the Bodensee. The eleven towns below run from the Rhine in the north to the Italian-speaking south, each paired with a hotel worth the stay. Plan generously. The trains will keep up.
Schaffhausen
Perched by the Rhine River in northern Switzerland, some 52 kilometres (or 32 miles) north of Zürich, is the timelessly beautiful town of Schaffhausen. For anyone who loves Swiss watches, Schaffhausen is a must-stop for the IWC Schaffhausen Museum that provides an insider’s view of the history and legacy of one of the largest luxury watchmakers in German-speaking Switzerland. Just to the west, an amazing natural treasure can be found at Rheinfall (or the Rhine Falls) the 150 metre-wide and 23-metre high waterfalls that are the most powerful in all of Europe. Back in town, visitors can find another impressive display of power at Munot, a sturdy fortification built between 1564 and 1589, and one with a bell tower that continues to ring out every night at 9:00 PM.
Staying in Schaffhausen’s charming Old Town, Tailormade Hotel RÜDEN Schaffhausen provides a cosy yet stylish space to settle down in one of their sleek and peaceful guest rooms.
Romanshorn
The town of Romanshorn has a tradition of constant movement, yet it also sports a lovely lakeside setting that may be hard to leave behind. At the Museum am Hafen, visitors can step into the town’s original 1852 Customs House and see the town’s transformation into a key transportation hub for the Lake Constance region. Speaking of the lake (known as Bodensee in German), Schweizerische Bodensee-Schifffahrt offers scenic lake cruises, special excursion trips, and a simply nice way to sail to the German side of the lake. And back in Romanshorn, sports car enthusiasts should check out Autobau Erlebniswelt and their esteemed collection of 120 classic sports cars and vintage racing cars.
Glarus
Venturing out to the rugged expanse of the Glarus Alps, about 61 kilometres (or 38 miles) west of Vaduz (Liechtenstein), the town of Glarus offers a unique glimpse into a more tranquil side of Swiss mountain life. After all, Glarus has Lake Klöntal, an enchanting lake full of turquoise-blue water that’s ideal for swimming, paddling, and quiet picnics. Then, to the east of town sits the 2,441-metre (or 8,009-foot) tall Mürtschenstock with a beautiful trail that works well for long mountain hikes. And to the south, Gufelstock is another mountain suitable for long backcountry hikes and seemingly endless panoramic vistas that may even extend out to Lake Constance on clear days.
For anyone wanting to go all in on the full Glarus Alpine experience, it’s worth booking a summertime stay at the Äugstenhütte mountain hut. Located in the protected zone of the Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona UNESCO World Heritage Site, Äugstenhütte is ideal for escaping the hubbub of the outside world, retreating into an undisturbed Alpine environment, and enjoying the rustic yet friendly atmosphere of this classic country cabin that serves a three-course evening dinner and a morning breakfast buffet.
Davos
Davos might draw a certain elite jetsetting crowd when the World Economic Forum comes to town every January, but summer marks a more laid-back season in this ski town high in the Rhaetian Alps of eastern Switzerland. Up on Jakobshorn, travellers can hike the mountain trails to wildflower fields and bucolic pastures, and they can bike the nation’s longest single track that sits around 2,600 metres above sea level. In addition, folks can ride the Parsenn funicular up the Weissfluhjoch, take in the incredible views from the comfort of the train, and take advantage of the mountain’s extensive network of hike and bike trails. Meanwhile, anyone wanting a more easygoing day in the mountains can tee off at Golf Club Davos, which offers packages for playing nine or 18 holes of golf at their picturesque Davos and Klosters courses.
When in Davos, travellers can indulge in many “only in Davos” experiences at Hotel Schatzalp. Not only does the hotel operate their own funicular connecting their main campus to the central village (via a fun four-minute ride), but they also offer a fine selection of mountainside accommodations, a verdant botanical garden, a wellness space with three saunas, and a delicious lineup of restaurants.
Melide
Down in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, around 70 kilometres north of Milan (Italy), is the curious town of Melide, a place that somehow packs the entire country (or, at least, a compact representation of it) into one central spot. Yes, really, Swissminiatur is an open-air museum that’s been displaying over 130 handcrafted miniatures of Swiss landmarks and icons since 1959. Or, for those wanting a more naturally Swiss space, there is an attraction less than half an hour away in Carona. Parco San Grato extends for over 200,000 square metres and protects the region’s most robust array of conifers and colourful flowers like azaleas and rhododendrons. It has everything from quiet walking paths to family-friendly grilling spaces to make the perfect day at the park. And for an extra dose of adventure, the nearby Monte San Salvatore is the “Sugar Loaf Mountain” with scenic hiking trails, a fascinating history museum, the Ristorante Vetta San Salvatore, and even a funicular that heads down to the neighbouring town of Paradiso.
Back in Melide, Swiss Diamond Boutique Hotel La Romantica features sleek, striking, and cutting edge Swiss design at the shore of Lake Lugano, yet it’s also a surprising “oasis of peace” with plush guest quarters, a full-service spa offering services enhanced with Biologique Recherche products, and fine dining at Ristorante Le Rive.
Andermatt
Nestled in the Adula Alps of central Switzerland is Andermatt, a mountain town at the crossroads of rugged outdoor adventures and world-class luxury. When it comes to epic excursions, Andermatt certainly delivers, with top highlights including the Vier-Quellen-Weg (or Four Springs Trail) in the Gotthard Massif that leads up to the sources of the Rhine, Reuss, Ticino, and Rhône Rivers. But for those seeking a more comfortable mountain-top experience, they can ride the gondola up to Gourmetrestaurant Gütsch by Markus Neff and feast on a gourmet lunch at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Then, for the ultimate in Swiss Alpine luxury, The Chedi Andermatt goes above and beyond. This five-star resort features spacious and stylish rooms and suites, as well as the full-service Chedi Spa with a heavenly indoor-outdoor pool area, and the finest dining at the two Michelin star Japanese Restaurant.
Zermatt
Zermatt may be world-renowned for a certain mountain that’s one of the world’s most photographed, yet it’s still a remarkable town that’s worth exploring in person. To reach some of the best vantage points of that iconic 4,478 metre-tall (or 14,692 foot-tall) Matterhorn peak, travellers can hike the 5-Seenweg (or Five Lakes) Trail and also discover five glacial lakes and rare wildflowers along the way. Or, for a more comfortable way up, they can ride the gondola to Europe’s highest mountain station (at 3,883 metres, or 12,739 feet, above sea level) at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and tour the icy Glacier Palace, dine at the continent’s highest-altitude restaurant, or simply take in the views of some 38 “four-thousander” mountains and 14 glaciers spanning across three nations. Then, for a change of scenery closer to town, Gornerschlucht (or the Gorner Gorge) is a fascinating oasis where Gornera glacier-fed water rushes through a 220 million-year-old serpentinite rock cleft.
For some elegant and elevated yet down-home, family-style hospitality, it’s hard to beat The Sisters Zermatt. This pair of four-star boutique hotels (Hotel Chesa Valese and Hotel Daniela) has two relaxing full-service spas, a full breakfast buffet available every morning, and cosy chalet-style accommodations.
Neuchâtel
Shifting over to the sparkling shores of the Lac de Neuchâtel (or Lake Neuchâtel) in the French-speaking north west of Switzerland, the town of Neuchâtel goes grand with its rich medieval heritage and gorgeous natural beauty. To the west, folks can reach the Creux du Van natural rock amphitheatre, “Switzerland's Grand Canyon” with 200 metre-high rock walls and critical habitat for native wildlife like ibexes, lynxes, and chamois. Venturing into town, it’s hard to miss the Château de Neuchâtel, a well-preserved 1,000-plus year-old castle that continues to house the Canton of Neuchâtel government and the Romanesque-Gothic Notre-Dame church. And to the north of town, the Château et musée de Valangin is a medieval castle that opens to the public during the summer season to tour the exhibitions of 17th to 19th century period furnishings, a medieval-inspired outdoor garden, and the Mangelune Garden that’s adorned with contemporary sculpture art.
Heading down to the lake, guests can enjoy a luxe and laid-back waterfront stay at Hôtel Palafitte. As the only hotel built on stilts over the lakeshore, folks can stay in a private pavilion suite with direct access into the lake, and they can dine at restaurants serving fine Romandie cuisine.
Verbier
High in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland’s Valais canton, Verbier is a premier ski town that continues to impress long after (most of) the winter snow melts. For one, visitors can ride the cable cars up to the Mont Fort mountain station at 3,300 metres (or 10,827 feet) above sea level, hit the local mountain bike trails, try some local cheeses and other edible delights, and simply take in the panoramic views extending from the Bernese Alps to Mont Blanc and the Rhône Valley below. Meanwhile, for hikers wanting a more rustically beautiful journey, they can catch La Planie trail at the Les Ruinettes cable car station and head out to the Alpine wilderness. From town, explorers can also take the Sentier des Chamois route into the Haut Val de Bagnes nature reserve where animals like mountain goats, chamois, and marmots roam free in the mountains.
To complete the ideal Verbier getaway, Virgin Hotels offers rooms, suites, and even the option to book the entire property at The Lodge. Sir Richard Branson's Swiss chalet now invites guests to relax at their stylish and sumptuous private quarters, dip into their indoor pool and outdoor hot tubs, indulge in soothing spa treatments, and try additional activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Montreux
Montreux is often referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Geneva” that dazzles with its signature blend of historic charm and natural wonders. Right by the lake, Le Château de Chillon has stood strong since the 11th century, and it hosts a museum full of medieval historic exhibits and interactive events that happen year-round. Moving to higher ground, the Rochers-de-Naye cogwheel railroad takes passengers on a journey up 1,600 metres to the lovely Rochers-de-Naye mountain with ample opportunities to go hiking, biking, and even via ferrata climbing. Even close to town, Les Gorges du Chauderon is a lush and tranquil nature preserve full of forest and meadows along the Baye de Montreux river that flows from the mountains down to Lake Geneva (also known in French as Lac Leman).
No trip to Montreux feels complete without checking into the legendary Hôtel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace by the lake. Since 1906, this Belle Époque hotel has marked the pinnacle of Swiss Riviera luxury, and it continues to shine bright in 2026 with newly renovated guest quarters, a full menu of services and treatments at the lakefront Fairmont Spa, and delicious dining at their on-site restaurants.
Coppet
Coppet is an enchanting Mediterranean-esque village located in the Nyon District. Thanks to the relatively mild climate of this region, vineyards abound around here. Wineries like Domaine Debluë in Founex and Cave de la Charrue in Commugny, both only a few minutes' drive away, open on weekends for visitors to experience the magic in person. And in town, Le Château de Coppet opens in the summer for public tours of this medieval fortress that was first built around 1280, then rebuilt and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries into a lavish country estate.
Whenever travellers feel like settling down, they can head up towards the French border and check into the cosy Auberge Le Relais Chavannes-de-Bogis boutique hotel and restaurant. Come for the bright and soothing guest rooms with private bathrooms and breakfast included, and stay to dine at their restaurant serving seasonal French-Swiss cuisine and locally sourced wines.
Don’t Miss These Swiss Gems
Switzerland has so many can’t-miss attractions and features that one can easily plan an extended trip just to explore around the country. Up north, Schaffhausen is a must for Swiss watch lovers, and for waterfall enthusiasts who wish to see Europe’s mightiest cascades at Rheinfall. Meanwhile, for those wanting to escape to the pristine Alpine backcountry, Glarus sits near the majestic Mürtschenstock and Gufelstock mountains, while Andermatt opens up to the mountain wilderness where four European rivers begin their respective journeys downstream. Then, for travellers seeking more showstopping scenery, Zermatt is home to the internationally renowned Matterhorn, and Verbier is a year-round haven for sky-high Alpine luxury. And last, but certainly not least, Montreux is the “Pearl of Lake Geneva” with the spectacular Château de Chillon and the historic cogwheel trains heading up to Rochers-de-Naye. Whatever floats your boat the most, you won’t want to miss a thing while travelling around Switzerland.
