10 Unique Things You Must Do In Switzerland

Referred to as the "playground of Europe," this compact mountainous nation provides a variety of Alpine activities, ranging from skiing and sledding on pristine slopes to discovering a vast array of biking and hiking paths. However, Switzerland offers more than just its stunning landscapes. Here are 10 of the best ways to enjoy the surreal beauty!

1. Go Skiing & Hiking

Switzerland features some breathtaking hiking paths, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the nation. If you love hiking and adventurous sports, overlooking the Swiss hiking trails would be a mistake. In Switzerland, you have the opportunity to traverse both water paths and glacier routes, with the Haute-Nendaz trail standing out as a prominent water path. Among the most spectacular glacier hikes is the Aletsch Glacier. Other hiking paths worth exploring include the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, the Eiger Trail (which provides an alpine experience), and the Swiss Rhine Gorge Trail.

Skiing is considered one of the most famous pastimes in Switzerland, attracting a multitude of visitors to its ski resorts. Naturally, these ski resorts are luxurious and can be quite expensive, but if you're prepared to invest, the experience is unmatched. The most famous skiing locations in Switzerland encompass Verbier, Zermatt, St Moritz, and Davos-Klosters. These spots are recognized not only for skiing but also for their outstanding hospitality and exquisite dining opportunities. Make sure to sample the traditional Swiss fondue while you’re there.

2. Binge On Swiss Cuisine

Switzerland is bordered by several countries, including Germany, Italy, and France. As a result, the cuisine here showcases distinct influences from these three nations. Arguably, the most iconic dish from Switzerland is melted cheese, which comes in two primary forms. Fondue allows you to dip bread cubes into the melted cheese, while Raclette features melted cheese served alongside potatoes, pickles, and onions. Additionally, other well-known dishes include rösti, bircher muesli (a breakfast dish), and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, among various others. You might want to check out a grotto, a type of casual restaurant typically located in the Italian-speaking areas of Switzerland, where you can enjoy a wide array of food and beverages.

3. Explore Switzerland’s Sunniest Region

Visit the Ticino region for a unique Mediterranean atmosphere. Known to be one of the sunniest belts in the region, travellers can wander along Lugano’s Via Nassa, where you’ll find antique bookstores, stylish shops, and luxury jewelry outlets. Purchase fresh seasonal produce on Via Pessina.

Families enjoy Swissminiatur, an outdoor miniature museum located in Melide. During the one-hour tour, guests can admire 1:25 scale replicas of the country’s most iconic buildings and monuments. In nearby Morcote, discover arcade-lined historic mansions, lakeside gardens, and protected heritage sites, including the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso and the Tower of Capitano.

4. Plan a pilgrimage to Einsiedeln

Discover the rich history of Einsiedeln Abbey, a prominent pilgrimage destination in Europe dating back to the 10th century, and explore the daily routines of present-day monks through the Monkstrail scavenger hunt. Search for clues in the Chapel of Grace, which features the Black Madonna, and the stables of the “Cavalli della Madonna,” where monks have been raising horses since the Middle Ages. Listen to the choir's heavenly rendition of the Salve Regina (hymnal prayer) in the chapel daily at 4:30 p.m., or opt for a guided tour of the monastery's library.

5. Enjoy A Tuk-Tuk Tour In Geneva

If you're pressed for time, exploring Geneva on an electric tuk-tuk is one of the best options. This mode of transport is the latest addition to Switzerland's comprehensive range of eco-friendly transport systems. Experience local vineyards, taste delicious fondue, and appreciate some of Geneva's renowned architecture, all while being guided by a local expert.

6. Meet Charlie Chaplin in Lausanne

The Photo Elysée museum contains the historic photographic collections of Charlie Chaplin, an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who gained fame during the silent film era. Plateforme 10 is a newly established exhibition venue in Lausanne that features this acclaimed photography museum, along with the Vaud Museum of Fine Arts (MCBA) and the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (MUDAC), which is the sole institution in western Switzerland focused on design. Visitors can access MCBA for free on Saturdays to view the museum's extensive collection of over 10,000 paintings and take part in cultural events, guided tours, and interactive workshops.

7. Board The Iconic Swiss Train

Discover the wonders of Swiss engineering by riding the Brienz Rothorn Railway. This vintage steam rack railway has been operating daily through the Alpine meadows and the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz since 1892. It begins in the wood carving town of Brienz and finishes at Rothorn Kulm, which is 7,362 feet above sea level. On clear days, the summit provides a sweeping view of 693 mountain peaks. The journey to Rochers-de-Naye is an excellent opportunity to appreciate Switzerland’s natural beauty, showcasing magnificent views of Lake Geneva alongside the Swiss and French Alps.

8. Stroll A Medieval Town

Situated approximately 40 miles from the renowned Rhine Falls, the historic old town of Stein am Rhein was awarded its inaugural Wakker Prize for its efforts in maintaining historical structures and architectural legacy. Appreciate the Rathaus (town hall) and the half-timbered homes embellished with vibrant painted facades and oriel windows. At the Museum Lindwurm, discover how the Swiss people lived and worked in the 19th century.

9. Watch Water Turn To Wine In Zurich

During special events, the Münsterhof Fountain in Zürich releases wine through a unique mechanism linked to the fountain's well. When not serving wine, it stands as one of the over 1,200 public water fountains in the city, many of which provide drinkable water around the clock. Explore numerous fountains, with some originating as far back as the 15th century, on the city tour titled “Water in Zürich.”

10. Go On A Chocolate Tour

Switzerland is famous for two things: cheese and chocolate. Interestingly, there aren't many small, boutique chocolate shops throughout Switzerland since locals prefer Lindt and other commercial brands, consuming nearly 10kg per person annually. However, in Geneva, you can find some unique independent chocolate boutiques that offer a truly remarkable experience. These include Guillaume Bichet, Favarger, and La Maison du Rhône. The most enjoyable way to savor all this chocolate is by using a Choco Pass, which guides you on a chocolate tour around the city, allowing you to taste the finest chocolates (which, in my opinion, are the best in the entire country. Trust me on this).