Planning a trip to Switzerland and deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. Despite its compact size, Switzerland offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences, from cosmopolitan cities and medieval old towns to alpine resorts and panoramic rail routes that glide through mountain passes.
For Australian travellers, Switzerland is particularly appealing for its ease of travel. Trains run like clockwork, distances are short and the journey itself often becomes the highlight. Whether you are drawn to lakefront cities, snow capped peaks or UNESCO recognised heritage towns, understanding Switzerland's regions will help you shape a holiday that flows naturally from one place to the next.
This guide explores the best regions to visit in Switzerland, what each is known for and how they fit into a well paced itinerary.
Fun Trivia About SWITZERLAND'S REGIONS
- Switzerland has four national languages, and the language spoken often changes as you travel between regions.
- The country's rail network is considered one of the most reliable in the world, making scenic train journeys a key part of Swiss travel.
- Several Swiss cities, including Bern, have UNESCO listed old towns that are still fully lived in today.
- You can travel from palm lined lakes in the south to glaciers in the Alps in just a few hours by train.
- Some of Switzerland's most famous mountain views are accessible without hiking, thanks to cogwheel trains and cableways.
Zurich and Lake Zurich: A Polished City With Alpine Access
Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and a natural starting or finishing point for many journeys. Known for its role as an economic and educational hub, it also offers a surprisingly relaxed travel experience, with walkable streets, lakeside promenades and historic quarters.
The old town is compact and full of character, with medieval houses, narrow lanes and viewpoints that reveal the city's layered past. Zurich's location makes it ideal for excursions, whether that means a boat ride on Lake Zurich or a quick rail journey into the surrounding hills. For a deeper exploration of urban Switzerland, the most beautiful cities in Switzerland showcase architectural marvels across different cantons.
A favourite local escape is Uetliberg, Zurich's own mountain. A short train ride followed by an easy walk leads to a lookout with sweeping views over the city, the lake and, on clear days, the Alps.
"Zurich felt like a gentle introduction to Switzerland. We loved having culture, nature and lake views all within easy reach." – Priya N., 2023
Lucerne and Central Switzerland: Lakes, Legends and Mountain Peaks
Lucerne is often described as the gateway to central Switzerland, and it earns that title with ease. Set beside Lake Lucerne and framed by dramatic mountains, the city combines storybook scenery with excellent transport connections.
The medieval Chapel Bridge forms the heart of the city, while the Musegg Wall and its preserved towers hint at Lucerne's fortified past. Beyond the old town, Lake Lucerne's winding shape creates ever changing views, best appreciated on a scenic cruise.
Lucerne is also the base for classic mountain excursions. Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the Mountains, can both be reached by rail and cableway, offering expansive views without demanding physical effort.
Interlaken and the Bernese Highlands: Switzerland at Full Volume
Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is often where travellers feel they have stepped into a postcard. The surrounding Bernese Highlands deliver towering peaks, green valleys and a sense of scale that defines alpine Switzerland.
The region offers flexibility. You can keep things relaxed with lake cruises, village strolls and mountain viewpoints, or lean into adventure with activities such as paragliding, canyoning and rafting. Railways and cableways connect Interlaken to iconic destinations in the Jungfrau region, making it easy to experience high altitude scenery. If you're visiting during the warmer months, Interlaken activities to enjoy in the summer range from gentle lake walks to adrenaline-pumping mountain sports.
"Even on our quieter days in Interlaken, the scenery felt unreal. Everywhere we looked, there was another mountain view." – Chloe W., 2022
Bern and the Bernese Lowlands: History You Can Walk Through
Switzerland's capital city, Bern, surprises many visitors with its calm pace and architectural harmony. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its well preserved medieval layout and six kilometres of covered arcades.
These arcades, known locally as Lauben, make Bern one of Europe's longest weather sheltered shopping promenades. Combined with landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and views over the Aare River, Bern offers a rewarding stop that contrasts nicely with alpine regions.
Bern works particularly well as a cultural pause between mountain focused destinations.
Basel: Art, Architecture and the Rhine
Basel sits at the meeting point of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it an excellent base for cross border rail travel. The city is known for its strong arts scene, historic architecture and relationship with the Rhine River.
In warmer months, locals float down the river using waterproof bags, a tradition that reflects Basel's relaxed confidence. The old town, city gates and market squares provide plenty to explore on foot, while museums such as the Kunstmuseum Basel anchor the city's cultural reputation.
"Basel was elegant without feeling formal. It was the perfect place to slow down before continuing our journey." – Marcus J., 2021
Graubünden and Davos: High Altitude Scenery and Scenic Rail
Graubünden is Switzerland's largest canton and one of its most dramatic. Located in the south east, it borders Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein and is home to alpine valleys, high mountain passes and legendary rail routes.
Davos, the highest town in Europe, offers year round appeal. Summer brings hiking, biking and lake swimming, while winter transforms the region into a snow sports hub. What Graubünden lacks in glitz compared to St Moritz, it makes up for in raw natural beauty.
This region is also central to some of Switzerland's most scenic rail journeys, making it a favourite for rail focused itineraries. The most scenic rails in Switzerland include several routes that wind through Graubünden's pristine valleys.
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express: Rail as the Main Event
Switzerland's panoramic trains turn travel days into highlights. The Glacier Express links Zermatt and St Moritz, passing through deep gorges, high bridges and alpine valleys. While some passes cover the route, seat reservations are required, a detail worth planning for early.
The Bernina Express travels along a UNESCO recognised railway line between Switzerland and Italy. It climbs to over 2,000 metres before descending past glaciers, lakes and stone viaducts, offering one of the most visually striking train journeys in Europe.
"We planned our route around the Glacier Express and it was absolutely worth it. The scenery just kept changing." – Emily C., 2024
Lugano and Ticino: Mediterranean Switzerland
Ticino feels worlds away from the snow capped Alps. Italian is the main language here and the atmosphere is distinctly Mediterranean, with palm trees, cafés and lakeside promenades.
Lugano sits on the edge of Lake Lugano, surrounded by mountains that provide excellent viewpoints. The town's traffic free centre, museums and event calendar make it a refreshing contrast to Switzerland's northern regions.
Lake Geneva and Montreux: Elegant Lakeside Living
The Lake Geneva region is known for its mild climate and polished charm. Montreux, in particular, is famous for its lakeside promenade, Belle Époque buildings and cultural events.
The town also works well as a base for rail travel along the lake and into nearby regions, allowing travellers to explore without changing accommodation too frequently.
Zermatt and Valais: Matterhorn Country
Zermatt is synonymous with the Matterhorn and remains one of Switzerland's most iconic alpine villages. Car free streets, mountain railways and extensive walking trails define the experience here.
With over 400 kilometres of hiking paths in summer and world class skiing in winter, Zermatt suits both active travellers and those who simply want to enjoy mountain scenery from comfortable vantage points. The top 5 Switzerland mountains feature several peaks visible from Zermatt's terraces and cable stations.
Expert Travel Tips
- Summer is ideal for lakes and mountain excursions, while shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.
- Panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express require seat reservations even if you hold a rail pass
- Switzerland's rail network allows you to minimise hotel changes by using day trips from key bases
- Pack layers regardless of season, as temperatures change quickly with elevation.
- Australians should check current advice on the Smart Traveller website before departure.
References
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Swiss Federal Railways
- Glacier Express Official Site
- Bernina Express Official Site
- Australian Government Smart Traveller
Picture yourself stepping off a panoramic train into crisp mountain air, with the Matterhorn towering above medieval village streets. Our Switzerland packages bring together the country's most scenic railways, historic cities, and alpine villages into one seamless journey.
