TOURISM · SWITZERLAND

What to visit in Switzerland?

3 cities · 61+ places selected by the community. Landmarks, hidden restaurants, nature and viewpoints.

The country

Switzerland has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German is the main language of more than 60% of the population; French is the language of Romandy, and Italian that of Ticino and part of Graubünden. Four cantons are officially multilingual: Bern, Fribourg, Valais and Graubünden.

The Alps cover about 58% of the country, the Plateau about 31% and the Jura 11%. Most of the population lives on the Plateau, while the Jura is sparsely populated. In the Jura, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2009 for their watchmaking town planning. Geneva is the second headquarters of the United Nations after New York and hosts 40 international organisations.

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Good to know

Before you go

When to go

The Alps form a barrier between the north and south of the country: in Ticino, temperatures are generally 2 to 3°C higher than on the Plateau, and the valleys of Valais and Graubünden are known for their dry climate. On the Plateau, the average is about 1°C in January and 17°C in July; at around 1,500 m, it is about −5°C in January and 11°C in July, and winter precipitation there falls mostly as snow.

December opens the winter sports season and January is ideal for skiing. Spring marks the start of the hiking season, with May opening the high season; in the mountains, about 120 Swiss Alpine Club huts are staffed from mid-June to mid-October. As for crowds, in 2025 July was the busiest month in hotels for Swiss guests and August for foreign guests.

Getting around

The Swiss Travel Pass, reserved for people who live outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein, gives unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, and covers public transport in more than 90 towns and cities; panoramic trains are included, excluding seat reservations or supplements. Several mountain villages are car-free, including Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Wengen and Mürren: check how to get there before setting off by car.

Hozy tip

To sleep in a Swiss Alpine Club hut, book well ahead: nights are in high demand in high season and at weekends, and you can book by phone, by e-mail or online.

CITIES

Featured cities

The cities with the most places recommended by the community.

3 cities

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Frequently asked questions

Visiting Switzerland, in practice

Which cities should I visit in Switzerland?

Hozy lists 3 cities in Switzerland: Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich. Each city offers landmarks, hidden restaurants, viewpoints and activities selected by the community.

How many days should I plan in Switzerland?

A 5 to 10 day trip lets you discover 2 to 3 major cities in Switzerland. For a full tour of the country, plan at least 2 weeks.

When is the best season to visit Switzerland?

The Alps form a barrier between the north and south of the country: in Ticino, temperatures are generally 2 to 3°C higher than on the Plateau, and the valleys of Valais and Graubünden are known for their dry climate. On the Plateau, the average is about 1°C in January and 17°C in July; at around 1,500 m, it is about −5°C in January and 11°C in July, and winter precipitation there falls mostly as snow. December opens the winter sports season and January is ideal for skiing. Spring marks the start of the hiking season, with May opening the high season; in the mountains, about 120 Swiss Alpine Club huts are staffed from mid-June to mid-October. As for crowds, in 2025 July was the busiest month in hotels for Swiss guests and August for foreign guests.

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Sources · consulted on September 27, 2026