14 Things to Do in Switzerland

You’re probably thinking Switzerland costs a fortune, but you’d be surprised how much you can experience without breaking the bank. Smart train passes enable epic Alpine journeys, free hiking trails lead to world-famous peaks, and charming old towns won’t charge you a cent to wander their cobblestone streets. From thundering waterfalls to chocolate factories, here’s how you can tackle Switzerland’s most iconic experiences while keeping your wallet happy.

Ride the Train to Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe”

When you’re planning your Swiss adventure, the train ride to Jungfraujoch should top your list – it’s literally Europe’s highest railway station at 11,332 feet above sea level. You’ll need seat reservations from May through October, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The journey takes you through stunning Alpine tunnels carved between the Eiger and Mönch mountains, with a scenic stop at Eismeer station.

Once you reach the “Top of Europe,” you’ll find plenty to explore without breaking the bank – wander the free glacier plateau, visit the Ice Palace, or hike to nearby peaks. The location also houses Europe’s highest research station, contributing vital data to climate and weather studies in extreme alpine conditions.

Pack warm layers and sunglasses since temperatures stay below freezing year-round. The views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks make every franc worthwhile.

Take a Boat Cruise on Lake Geneva and See the Jet D’eau

Why not combine Switzerland’s stunning Alpine scenery with one of Europe’s most iconic water features? A Lake Geneva boat cruise offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps while showcasing the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, which shoots 140 meters high.

You’ll find cruise options from budget-friendly 55-minute trips (CHF19) to longer paddle steamer tours (CHF33-46). For maximum savings, consider the day pass at CHF64 for unlimited lake travel.

First class provides better outdoor views and upper deck access—worth it for clear weather. The circular Geneva cruises give you prime Jet d’Eau viewing angles plus glimpses of Château de Chillon and elegant lakeside mansions.

Book online or at the dock, and if you’ve got a Swiss half-fare card, you’ll save CHF10-23 on tickets. You can pay in either Swiss francs or euros, though Swiss franc prices are currently slightly more affordable.

Explore Zermatt and Get Close to the Matterhorn

Nestled beneath Switzerland’s most famous peak, Zermatt offers you unparalleled access to the iconic Matterhorn without breaking the bank. Take the budget-friendly Gornergrat cogwheel railway to 3,089 meters for spectacular panoramic views of 29 peaks over 4,000 meters.

You’ll find excellent value hiking the free 5 Lakes Walk trail, where perfect Matterhorn reflections create Instagram-worthy shots at Stellisee lake.

Explore Zermatt’s car-free village on foot, strolling Hinterdorfstrasse and along the Matter Vispa river at no cost. The Matterhorn Museum provides fascinating mountaineering history, while the Edelweiss Trail offers mid-height views above the valley.

For adventure seekers, Europe’s longest suspension bridge near Furi delivers dramatic thrills, and various cable car combinations let you customize your mountain experience. Don’t miss the historic wooden buildings in Zermatt’s Old Town, where 16th-18th century architecture creates photogenic scenes that showcase authentic Swiss mountain culture.

Walk Through Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and Old Town

Standing as Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge offers you a free journey through 650 years of Swiss history while connecting the city’s charming Old Town districts.

You’ll walk across 672 feet of wooden planks while admiring 17th-century triangular paintings that depict local legends and patron saints under the bridge’s protective roof.

The octagonal Water Tower makes for perfect photos, though you can’t tour inside.

After crossing, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Town without spending a franc.

Browse the riverside cafes for affordable meals and continue to the lakeside promenade for stunning mountain views.

This pedestrian-only route serves as your ideal starting point for discovering Lucerne’s historic districts while staying within budget. The bridge comes alive during the annual Lozärner Fäscht with traditional music, dance performances, and regional cuisine celebrating local culture.

Experience the Bernina Express Scenic Railway

Four hours aboard the Bernina Express takes you on one of Europe’s most spectacular train journeys, connecting Switzerland’s Chur to Italy’s Tirano without breaking your budget on expensive tours or guides.

You’ll climb to 2,253 meters through 55 tunnels and cross 196 bridges, including the stunning Landwasser Viaduct. The panoramic windows let you witness dramatic landscape changes—from alpine glaciers and blue lakes like Lago Bianco to Mediterranean palm trees as you descend into Italy.

Book 2nd class seats to save money while still enjoying air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and those same incredible views. The multilingual audio guide explains landmarks without extra cost. For the best views, sit on the right side during the Chur-Pontresina section to catch the famous Landwasser viaduct.

Travel year-round for different experiences: summer’s emerald valleys or winter’s snow-covered peaks. You’re getting world-class scenery at commuter train prices.

Hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley Among 72 Waterfalls

Seventy-two waterfalls thunder down from towering cliffs as you walk the spectacular 8-kilometer trail through Lauterbrunnen Valley, one of the Alps’ most dramatic hiking destinations that won’t drain your wallet.

This family-friendly route takes just two hours from Lauterbrunnen railway station to Stechelberg, with minimal elevation gain making it perfect for beginners.

You’ll witness Switzerland’s third-highest waterfall at Staubbach Falls—nearly 300 meters tall and completely free to visit. Don’t miss walking behind the cascading water during summer months. The famous poet Goethe found inspiration here, writing his Song of the Spirits over the Water after visiting these thundering cascades.

The underground Trümmelbach Falls requires an entry fee but offers Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls, where 20,000 liters of glacier meltwater thunder through mountain tunnels every second.

The well-marked trail follows the icy blue Lütschine river, creating an unforgettable alpine experience.

Visit the Swiss National Park in the Engadine Valley

While most Swiss attractions cost a fortune, you’ll find excellent value at Switzerland’s oldest national park, where a single entry fee grants access to 170 square kilometers of pristine Alpine wilderness in the stunning Engadine Valley.

Founded in 1914, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers 100 kilometers of marked hiking trails for all skill levels.

Start with the easy 3.4-kilometer Lake Ova Spin loop from parking P3, perfect for families.

More adventurous hikers can tackle the 8-kilometer trek to Il Fuorn.

You’ll spot chamois, red deer, and marmots while exploring diverse ecosystems from valleys to 3,165-meter peaks. The park operates with a philosophy of minimal human interference, allowing nature to evolve naturally while visitors witness these pristine wilderness processes.

Visit the National Park Centre in Zernez for interactive displays and trail maps.

Take advantage of guided nature walks from June to October—they’re included in your entry fee.

Discover Bern’s Medieval Old Town and Bear Park

Step into Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and you’ll find Switzerland’s best-preserved medieval city center, where cobblestone streets and 6 kilometers of covered arcades create Europe’s longest shopping promenade.

You’ll discover colorful 16th-century fountains, the striking Zytglogge clock tower with its hourly animated shows, and the Gothic Bern Cathedral offering panoramic views from its spire.

The compact layout makes walking between landmarks easy and budget-friendly. Don’t miss the nearby Bear Park, where you can watch Bern’s symbolic bears in their naturalistic habitat by the Aare River.

The park’s free viewing areas from pedestrian bridges provide excellent photo opportunities while showcasing the city’s wildlife preservation efforts. During summer, the Aare River becomes a natural playground where locals and visitors enjoy swimming, floating, and river rafting in the refreshing alpine waters.

Take the Cable Car up Mount Pilatus From Lucerne

Rising 7,000 feet above Lake Lucerne, Mount Pilatus offers Switzerland’s most dramatic cable car experience through the “Dragon Ride” – a heart-stopping aerial journey that’ll have you feeling like you’re flying over the Alps.

You’ll start by taking bus line 1 from Lucerne station to Kriens, then board the gondola to Fräkmüntegg station.

The real thrill begins with the Dragon Ride‘s cockpit-like cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling windows during the steep 3.5-minute climb to Pilatus Kulm.

For better value, consider the Golden Round Trip combining the world’s steepest cogwheel railway (48% gradient) with the cable car.

At the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and peaks like Eiger and Jungfrau, plus hiking trails and family-friendly activities at Krienseregg’s adventure playground. For transportation inquiries or hotel bookings, contact PILATUS-BAHNEN AG at +41 (0)41 329 12 12 or visit their office at Schlossweg 1 in Kriens.

Explore Grindelwald and the Eiger North Face

From Lucerne’s dramatic peaks, head southeast to Grindelwald, where you’ll find yourself face-to-face with one of the Alps’ most intimidating walls of rock and ice. The Eiger North Face towers 1,830 meters above this charming mountain village, creating Switzerland’s most dramatic backdrop.

You’ll reach Grindelwald easily by train from Interlaken in 35-45 minutes.

For budget-friendly viewing, hike the free Eiger Trail from Kleine Scheidegg to Alpiglen—it’s six kilometers with incredible close-up views and climbing history displays. Consider purchasing a Jungfrau Travel Pass for free or discounted transport on trains, cable cars, and funiculars throughout the region.

Don’t miss the First Cliff Walk, a free 45-meter observation platform at 2,166 meters.

Take the cable car up to Grindelwald-First, then hike to Bachalpsee Lake for those famous mirror reflections of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Tour the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich

While many attractions promise sweet experiences, the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg delivers an immersive journey through 5,000 years of chocolate history that’ll satisfy both your curiosity and your sweet tooth.

Located just 5-10 minutes from Kilchberg train station, you’ll easily reach this chocolate paradise via public transport from Zurich. Book tickets online ahead of time—this place gets packed during peak seasons.

Your tour includes unlimited tastings from chocolate fountains featuring milk, dark, and white varieties, plus mystery flavors from unlabeled dispensers.

You’ll witness modern chocolate production through glass windows and marvel at the nine-meter chocolate fountain centerpiece. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a guided tour that provides exclusive insights into the facility with groups of 1 to 15 participants per guide.

Don’t miss the hands-on workshops where Lindt Master Chocolatiers teach praline-making techniques, or browse the world’s largest Lindt shop spanning 500 square meters.

Experience the Swiss Riviera in Montreux and Vevey

Nestled along Lake Geneva’s northeastern shore, the Swiss Riviera towns of Montreux and Vevey offer an irresistible blend of Belle Époque charm, world-class museums, and stunning Alpine scenery—all without the hefty price tags you’ll find in more touristy Swiss destinations.

Start your exploration in Montreux’s Old Town, wandering cobblestone streets lined with cozy cafés and artisan boutiques. The lakeside promenade provides postcard-perfect views, while boat trips across Lake Geneva add scenic value to your visit.

In Vevey, you’ll discover the fascinating Alimentarium food museum and Chaplin’s World, celebrating Charlie Chaplin’s legacy. Don’t miss the bustling Tuesday and Saturday markets—among Switzerland’s largest. Look for the iconic giant fork sculpture near the Alimentarium along the lakeside promenade.

Take the funicular up Mont Pèlerin for panoramic Alpine views. Explore UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards for wine tastings. Visit the medieval Château de Chillon, just 3km from Montreux.

Stand Next to the Thundering Rhine Falls

Experience Europe’s most powerful waterfall at Rhine Falls, where 700,000 liters of water crash down every second just outside Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. You’ll feel the thunderous roar and vibrations from multiple viewing platforms that hover over the cascading water.

Take the budget-friendly 15-minute boat cruise for CHF 10.50 to see the 150-meter-wide falls from river level, or splurge on the Rock Tour to climb viewing platforms on the central rock itself.

You can easily walk the 3-4km circular trail around the basin for free, accessing different vantage points from the pedestrian rail bridge above. The falls formed 14,000 years ago when limestone cliffs were carved by ancient glacial activity, leaving behind the dramatic cascade you see today.

The falls are accessible by train via two nearby stations, and there’s disabled access with elevators and lifts to key viewing areas.

Ride the Glacier Express Through the Swiss Alps

Eight hours aboard the legendary Glacier Express will take you on one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz through 291 kilometers of breathtaking Alpine scenery.

You’ll cross 291 bridges and pass through 91 tunnels while traveling at a leisurely 24 mph – perfect for soaking in views of the Matterhorn, Rhine Gorge, and snow-capped peaks through panoramic windows.

Book both your ticket and seat reservation separately through the official website, as spots fill quickly. Second-class tickets offer excellent value, while Excellence Class costs around CHF 470 for premium dining. The route is fully covered by Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and GA travel cards.

The train runs year-round and includes multilingual commentary. Plan your onward connections carefully, as you’ll arrive in remote alpine towns with limited transport options.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Switzerland offers incredible experiences without breaking the bank if you’re smart about it. Get a Swiss Travel Pass to save on trains and boats, pack lunches for scenic rides, and stay in hostels or budget hotels. Don’t skip the free activities like hiking Lauterbrunnen’s trails or exploring Bern’s Old Town. With careful planning, you’ll create unforgettable Alpine memories while keeping your wallet happy. Switzerland’s worth every franc you’ll spend.