The Most Beautiful Places in Switzerland: Stay at the Playground of Europe
Switzerland is a true gem of Europe, with nature that is often described as heavenly and views to die for. No wonder this country, despite its expensiveness, remains a sought-after destination for travellers from around the globe. But what sights should you visit straight away when in Switzerland, and what are the best places to stay next to those sites? Let’s find it out and begin planning your next adventure!
Lake Lucerne and the town of Lucerne
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The most famous of Switzerland’s many lakes, the picturesque Lucerne is a stockpot of water activities. It can be observed from either of four viewpoints: Pilatus, Rigi, Stanserhorn, and Klingenstock, which also make up for excellent hikes. The town by the lake is also a stunner, surrounded by dramatic mountains and built up with charming medieval buildings. You will need more than a day to explore all the Lucerne’s sights: cobbled streets, ancient temples, architecture, monuments, and, of course, the lakeside promenade. In order to try more of the possible attractions, it is recommended to pay a visit in the summer.
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, 5 stars
Established in 1845
Hosts a number of events: Voxpop Festival, LUZERN LIVE, Lucerne Blues Festival, Retro Festival, World Band Festival, etc.
101 rooms and suites (25 to 65 m²), three restaurants, spa centre
Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle (Chateau de Chillon)
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The romantic medieval castle located on a small island fascinates every visitor with its historic spires and towers rising in front of the lake. You can find Chillon Castle next to the town of Montreux, between the Alps and Lake Geneva. The 11th-century structure became famous due to Lord Byron, who wrote a poem about the man imprisoned in one of the castle’s dungeons. Within the ancient walls, precious works of art, such as frescoes and 14th-century paintings, are kept. After the castle’s thorough examination, head to the fancy town of Montreux, known for its jazz clubs, grand hotels, and terraced vineyards. From the lakefront, you can embrace Lake Geneva’s picture-perfect beauty: calm waters fringed with the mountain backdrop.
Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, 5 stars
Established in 1906
Hosts Montreux Jazz Festival and Montreux Christmas Market
Features 15 venues for up to 1,200 guests
236 rooms and suites, two cafes and two restaurants, spa centre
Jungfraujoch
Photo by Ondine B. on flickr.com
Nicknamed the “Top of Europe” for the highest rail station in Europe, Jungfraujoch is a breathtaking site with views of several mountain peaks – Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger – to say nothing of sprawling glaciers. The altitude of Jungfraujoch, located in the Bernese Alps, is 3,454 m (11,332 ft), and it can be reached via the historic railway constructed in 1912. The town of Kleine Scheidegg, situated 30 minutes away, offers some exciting options to diversify your trip: the Ice Palace takes you to the realm of frost, and the Sphinx Observatory, equipped with an ultrafast lift to the deck where visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Alps.
Hotel Eiger Mürren, 4 stars
Organises group excursions and wine tastings
Rooms and suites (22 to 120 m²) with mountain/forest views
Restaurant and bar, spa centre, indoor swimming pool
Interlaken
Photo by Artur Staszewski on flickr.com
The resort town of Interlaken (translated as “between lakes”) is placed between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The town is an excellent venture point for outdoor enthusiasts, with lots of exciting activities available nearby: paragliding, hiking, boating, skydiving, you name it. If you prefer calmer experiences, you can have them at Interlaken’s retreats or posh restaurants. The scenic Jungfraujoch is just a short drive away, allowing you to combine both sites in one trip. To fully avail yourself of the entertainment Interlaken offers, plan your visit in the summer.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, 5 stars
216 rooms and suites
Three restaurants (including one Michelin-starred), an exclusive spa centre of 5,500 m², two swimming pools, a kid’s club
Zermatt and Matterhorn
Photo by Dannis Jarvis on flickr.com
Stopping at the village of Zermatt, which sits at the foot of the soaring Matterhorn, is a meditative experience, with not a single car ruining the natural serenity that reigns in the area. The village is remarkable due to its authentic chalets and horse-drawn carriages. Utilise the trains, from where you can appreciate the high-altitude panorama, and cable cars, which make it possible to go on a day trip to Italy through the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing. As for Matterhorn, you have probably seen this peak on the package of the Swiss chocolate Toblerone. If you come in the spring, you’ll have a chance to admire the alpine nature in full bloom, with flowers covering the meadows.
CERVO Mountain Resort, 5 stars
54 rooms and suites, 7 lodges
Spa centre with onsens, hot stone baths, sauna, features a holistic programme
Four restaurants, one of which is on the slope
Cultural programme – concerts, workshops, mindfulness sessions
Lake St. Moritz and the town of St. Moritz
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St. Moritz is a classic combination – a serene lake among snow-capped mountains. It is located in the Engadine Valley, 1,856 m (6,089 ft) above sea level. The town is one of the first Swiss ski resorts, featuring rows of elegant buildings, traditional chalets, and grand hotels. St. Moritz has a distinctive glamorous vibe, making another combination alive – luxury and nature. The mountainous town has been known as a prime destination for winter sports since the 19th century and has hosted two Winter Olympics. Besides hitting the slopes, which may seem too extreme, you can spend time at St. Moritz Lake, which freezes in the winter, creating a nice playground for ice skating and ice sailing. After a long cold day spent outdoors, there is nothing better than to lounge at a spa, a thermal pool, or a sauna, all aplenty in the town.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz, 5 stars
Established in 1896
155 rooms and suites with lake views
13 bars and restaurants, spa centre, winter and summer activities
Bern
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The historic city of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, is a sight to feast the eye. Even if you don’t consider yourself an art lover, you won’t help but feel sheer astonishment at the glimpse of the fairytale-like cobbled streets, quaint stone houses, and charming flower gardens. Whatever itinerary you have, make sure to see the Zytglogge clock tower adorned with animated figures, stroll along the Aare River, take a look at the Federal Palace, and explore Swiss great history at the Bern Historical Museum, which also contains the Einstein Museum. Spring and summer are the best times to endeavour all Bern’s manifold outdoor activities and events.
Hotel Bellevue Palace, 5 stars
Established in 1875
126 rooms, of which 25 suites
Two restaurants and two bars, gym and sauna
Conclusion
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We have reviewed both the most beautiful places in Switzerland and the best places to stay in Switzerland. This is an unbelievably stunning country, conveniently located in the heart of Europe, which allows you to combine it with other countries, like neighbouring Germany, France, or Italy. However, Switzerland has enough fantastic natural and urban places to satisfy even the most discerning travellers. You can’t be wrong when selecting it as your next travel destination: anywhere you go, you will encounter snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, and refined architecture. When you’re sure about the place, pass on to the next issue: accommodation. Hotelin.com has got you covered on that: we offer hundreds of options, disregarding the exact destination, and a number of filters designed to narrow down your search. Moreover, we collect hotel rates from all the major booking platforms to guarantee you’ll get the best deal. Let nothing stop you – see Switzerland at least once in a lifetime; this will be an unforgettable journey!