Top-rated Switzerland landmarks & activities (TripAdvisor)

5-Day Switzerland Highlights Itinerary — Overview

Experience Switzerland’s best in five days with a mix of iconic peaks, historic towns, lakeside scenery and unforgettable alpine rail journeys. Start in Zermatt to admire the Matterhorn and take accessible panoramas from Gornergrat; travel to the Jungfrau region for the Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe” and glacier views. Explore Château de Chillon on the shores of Lake Geneva, then enjoy the culture and charm of Bern’s medieval Old Town and Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge. Take in the power of the Rhine Falls, soak up Mediterranean-flavored mountain panoramas from Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore near Lugano, and ride the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Balance active hikes and scenic excursions with relaxed lakeside promenades and historic sites for a compact, varied Swiss experience.

Recommended Activities

1
Matterhorn
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Iconic alpine peak and symbol of the Swiss Alps offering dramatic scenery, excellent hiking and mountaineering opportunities, and unforgettable photo views from Zermatt and surrounding vantage points. The nearby Gornergrat railway and cable cars provide accessible panoramas and glacier views for non-climbers.
2
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
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High-altitude destination reached by a scenic cogwheel train delivering spectacular panoramic vistas of glaciers and peaks. Visitors can experience snow year-round, visit the Ice Palace, observation platforms with sweeping views of the Aletsch Glacier (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and enjoy easy access from Interlaken and Grindelwald for surrounding hikes and activities.
3
Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle)
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Well-preserved medieval lakeside castle on Lake Geneva with centuries of history, atmospheric rooms, dungeons and towers to explore. Its picturesque setting and exhibits illustrate regional heritage and provide beautiful views across the lake toward the Alps; it's easily combined with visits to nearby Montreux and the lakeside promenade.
4
Old Town (Altstadt) — Bern
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A UNESCO-listed medieval city center with well-preserved sandstone arcades, medieval fountains, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower; offers atmospheric cobblestone streets, museums (like the Einstein Museum), vibrant markets, and panoramic views from the Rose Garden—ideal for cultural history, leisurely walks, and people-watching.
5
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) — Geneva waterfront & Jet d'Eau
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A scenic lakeside promenade with the landmark Jet d’Eau fountain, elegant parks and promenades, and views across the water to the Alps; the area combines outdoor relaxation, boat cruises, international institutions (UN, Red Cross), museums, and cafés—great for sightseeing, photography, and easy access to surrounding towns.
6
Lucerne Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) & Old Town
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A picturesque timber bridge dating to the 14th century featuring interior paintings, which together with the adjacent Water Tower forms an iconic city image; Lucerne’s compact Old Town offers preserved medieval architecture, lakeside promenades, cultural attractions (museums, concerts), and convenient access to nearby mountains for day trips.
7
The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall)
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Europe’s largest plain waterfall offers dramatic cascades, thunderous sound and misty viewpoints accessible by platforms, boat trips that take you close to the falls, and nearby walking trails and castles—perfect for nature lovers, photography and short family-friendly excursions.
8
Monte Brè / Monte San Salvatore (Panoramic hikes from Lugano)
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Twin peaks above Lugano providing Mediterranean-flavored alpine panoramas over Lake Lugano, surrounding mountains and Swiss-Italian scenery; both offer accessible funiculars and well-marked hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, local restaurants and quieter nature experiences compared with central alpine resorts.
9
Bernina Express (Scenic train route) — Bernina Pass area
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World-famous panoramic rail journey crossing the UNESCO-listed Bernina Pass with spectacular views of glaciers, viaducts (including the Brusio spiral), alpine lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes; the route links picturesque towns and is a memorable, relaxing way to experience Swiss high-Alpine scenery without strenuous effort.
10
Sächsische / Swiss National Park area (Scenic hiking) — Zermatt / nearby alpine areas
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