Switzerland Holidays

Holidays in Switzerland offer an impressive mix of soaring alpine peaks, pristine lakes, and historic cities. It's a country of dramatic contrasts, where you can be skiing down a mountain one day and strolling along a palm-lined promenade the next. Whether you're planning a summer of hiking through meadows, a winter on the slopes of the Swiss Alps, or a city break filled with culture, you'll find it here. From the iconic Matterhorn peak above Zermatt to the shores of Lake Geneva and the scenic journey of the Glacier Express, Switzerland is a year-round destination with two distinct personalities.

Where to go in Switzerland

Switzerland's compact size makes it easy to explore, but its diverse regions each offer a completely different experience. Choose between classic alpine villages, vibrant cultural hubs, and serene lakeside towns – or combine a few for the ultimate Swiss adventure.

Lucerne and Lake Lucerne

For many, Lucerne is the picture-postcard image of Switzerland. Its well-preserved medieval old town features frescoed houses and the famous Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge dating back to the 14th century. The city sits on the edge of Lake Lucerne, where you can take a boat trip for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the striking Mount Pilatus.

Interlaken and the Jungfrau region

Set between the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland and a hub for adventure. This area, known as the Jungfrau region, is a paradise for hikers and thrill-seekers. From here, you can access mountain villages like Grindelwald and take the train up to Jungfraujoch – the highest railway station in Europe – for impressive views of the Aletsch Glacier.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

No trip to the Swiss Alps is complete without seeing the Matterhorn. The car-free village of Zermatt lies at the foot of this iconic, pyramid-shaped peak. It's a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, with hundreds of kilometres of pistes. In summer, the area is a paradise for hikers, with trails offering constant views of the famous mountain.

Geneva, Zurich and Basel

Switzerland's cities are clean, efficient, and packed with things to do. Geneva sits on the shores of the vast Lake Geneva, where the Jet d'Eau water fountain shoots 140 metres into the air. It's a global hub with a chic atmosphere. Zurich combines a historic centre with a modern edge, particularly in the trendy Zurich West and Langstrasse districts, where old factories now house cool bars and art spaces. For a culture-rich break, head to Basel, which is home to around 40 museums and a charming old town.

Lugano and Locarno

In the south, the Italian-speaking region of Ticino offers a different flavour of Switzerland. Here, towns like Lugano and Locarno have a distinct Mediterranean feel, with lakeside promenades, open-air cafes, and even palm trees. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy gelato, and explore charming villages perched in the surrounding valleys.

Switzerland by scenic train

The Swiss rail network is an attraction in itself. The trains are famous for their punctuality and the striking scenery they pass through. A journey on one of the panoramic trains is a must-do. The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St Moritz on a route that crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. For more dramatic alpine landscapes, the Bernina Express travels over high mountain passes with sweeping views from its panoramic windows.

When to visit Switzerland

Switzerland is truly a year-round destination. The main ski season runs from December to April, when resorts like St Moritz, Verbier, and Zermatt are covered in snow. For hiking, cycling, and swimming in the lakes, the best time to visit is during the summer months from June to September, when the weather is warm and the alpine meadows are full of wildflowers. The shoulder seasons of May and October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. If you're a music fan, the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival takes place on the shores of Lake Geneva every July.

Swiss food and drink

Swiss cuisine is hearty, warming, and perfect after a day in the mountains. Cheese is central to many traditional dishes. You can try a classic cheese fondue, where you dip bread into a pot of melted Gruyère and Emmental, or raclette, where melted cheese is scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions. Another popular dish is rösti, a pan-fried cake of grated potatoes. A trip here isn't complete without sampling authentic Swiss chocolate, known for its rich and creamy texture.

Things to do in Switzerland

Beyond the classic activities, Switzerland offers plenty of memorable things to do:

• In winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding, try snowshoeing, or simply enjoy the cosy atmosphere of an alpine village.
• During the summer, take a boat trip across Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne for a fresh perspective on the landscape.
• For something different, you can visit CERN near Geneva – the world's leading particle physics laboratory.
• Or for a more relaxed pace, find a local producer and learn about the country's famous cheesemaking and chocolate-making traditions.

With its blend of natural drama and urban sophistication, Switzerland offers a holiday for every kind of traveller.