Would like you make your first Switzerland trip this year and confused what are the best things to do in Switzerland, don’t worry this article will help you what to do in Swiss and how to make your first Swiss trip more memorable and adventure one.
But as a newbie to this world’s beautiful and adventure centric destination, backpackers have to know some little information about why Switzerland is the greatest destination on earth and what things you should keep or what to pack while traveling inside of this “Heaven on Earth”.
Why is Switzerland the Greatest Destination on Earth?
As we know that Switzerland is one of the most sought after destinations in every backpackers bucket list and I wish it would happen yours too. But knowing the country before packing your backpack is very important.
There are plenty of things waiting for you in Switzerland, especially for devoted adventure seekers. There is no place on earth like Switzerland which offers year round Alpine hiking, paragliding, winter skiing and spectacular railways journey which help travels ride amidst beautiful landscapes and snow covered mountains.
Besides that, the place even witnesses an ideal location to see vibrant cuisines like Swiss chocolates, rich cultural landmarks, festivals and villages and heaven for lifestyle lovers.
What to Pack?
Before heading over to Switzerland as a backpacker there are things you’d have to pack. Make sure which season you’re going to plan to visit and pack according to that. Suppose during winter it is better to pack gloves, a hat, snow shoes or boots, wool socks and a warm coat.
If you’re going during the summer season it is better to keep pairs of shorts/shirts, sweaters, scarves, swimsuits and sneakers or hiking shoes. If you go through what are the best travel shoes, probably there are more chances to get an idea pair of shoes that help to choose hikers while hiking/explore Switzerland.
Do not forget to pack with some basic medical kits, sun glasses and water bottles as additional items while packing. Since Switzerland is heaven for photography, if you’re so curious about photography then bringing a camera along with you is also a good idea.
7 Best Things to Do in Switzerland to Newbies
1. Book Your Seat at Scenic Train Ride
Starting a Switzerland journey by taking a ride in the region’s most spectacular trains is always a welcoming idea. Even today Switzerland contains Europe’s longest rail line system, which includes the longest rail tunnels in the world. But what is a curious thing which travellers must know during his/her travel journey that place witnessing the highest railway station in Europe, called Jungfraujoch which is 3,454 m in the Swiss Alps. Passing through these epic mountain views in a train journey is a lifetime experience during your Nomadic life.
Glacier Express is the most recommended train journey often considered as the slowest train journey in the world. Starts from Zermatt city and passes through Bring- Andermatt- Chur and finally reaches St. Moritz. It covers around 291 km of hilly areas passing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels within an 8 hours journey.
Glacier Express passes through Mattertal Valley and in the heart of Swiss Alps which helps us to connect country’s 2 best resort areas such as Zermatt and St, Moritz. Don’t forget to take a stop at Rhine Gorge (considered as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland) where numbers of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters exist and Oberalp Pass, a region’s most rugged landscapes waiting to you take a picture with it.
Bernina Express, the most epic and UNESCO World Heritage listed train journey, starts from Chur to Tirno. Bernina express covers 144 km within 4 hours. Within its 144 km of train journey you will pass through 196 bridges and 55 tunnels most importantly high altitude of Bernina Pass.
The primary purpose of booking a seat at Bernina Express is to enjoy breathtaking Bernina Pass, where the train goes through Lago Biano, Landwasser Viaduct before reaching Tirano. Take a stop at Landwasser Viaduct and Brusio Circular Viaduct, both are most recommended places to enjoy curved limestone mountains and sheer cliff tunnels. If you’re coming from Italy, then Bernina Express is a good travel option to reach Switzerland, this train journey connects 2 major countries. So, book your Swiss Scenic Train Journey today to enjoy most unforgettable train journey in the world.
2. Hike in Swiss Alps
Probably hiking in the Swiss Alps is equally important and worth it same like enjoying Scenic Train Rides. As we discussed earlier, Switzerland is a place which often connects adventurous backpackers from its gorgeous mountains ranges and hiker’s friendly standardised trails which boasts all skill level hikers.
No matter where you are heading on either from Zermatt, Jungfrau or Interlaken, decide to take a hike at one of the world’s incredible hiking trails that help every backpacker unleash the region’s spectacular Matterhorn and Eiger peaks. The reason is simple: The Swiss Alps are places where jagged peaks, glaciers and alpine meadows are iconic attractions available to us after completing a 15,203 feet journey.
One of the country’s best attractions that contains suspension bridges (offers perfect views of Matterhorn). Besides that, getting views of Jungfrau, Monch, Eiger and Mont Blanc are some of the best things to do in the Swiss Alps. If you decide to plan to go hiking with your family then Madrisa mountain is a good option to reach where family or children’s can hike, not just that they can enjoy their time with skiing and stay there.
3. Enjoy Country’s Best Waterfalls
Waterfalls are another interesting and attractive element in Switzerland. Compared to the rest of the world, waterfalls offer epic views to nomadic backpackers from its vertical height and sheer volume of water discharges.
Today the country owns around 100 waterfalls and each discharges vast liters of water amidst the most spectacular alpine settings and Glacier Mountains. Visiting every waterfall is really a tedious task, but you must go through Rhine Falls, Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls.
Rhine Falls discharge around 250 to 600 cubic meters per second during winter and summer respectively, making it one of Europe’s largest waterfalls by water volumes. To get a more thrilling experience you’d book a boat ride to the base or center of the waterfall. Boat rides allow visitors to admire the beauty of waterfalls, countryside and castles.
Staubbach Falls located in Lauterbrunnen, drops its water from 300 meters making it one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland. Water dropping into the Lütschine River. Most eye catching waterfalls are located above the scenic village of Lauterbrunnen and the valley that exhibits epic views to photographers.
Don’t miss to watch the region’s greatest glacier fed waterfalls, Trümmelbach Falls. Discharge 20,000 liters of glacier water per second from the trio peaks such as Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. When you get closer to these falls, you can hear the raring sounds and drizzle of these aggressive waterfalls and due to these aggressions every year waterfalls carry 2000 tons of boulders.
4. Explore Old Towns
The Old Town of Switzerland is an ideal place to understand the country’s century old history, cultures and vibrant mediaeval old architecture styles. Old town witnessing numbers of UNESCO World Heritage streets, Stein am Rhein preserved old town center home to colorful fresco paintings and Solothurn a popular Baroque town.
Zurich Old Town is the greatest point during the expeditions of the old town. Niederdorf is a historic city in Zurich where a number of guide houses, Grossünster and Fraumünster including boutiques and plenty of cafes exist.
Bern’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to hundreds of ornate historic fountains, iconic Zytglogge, Arcades, Renaissance fountains and century old mediaeval streets. Each of these historic architectures represent city’s 12th century memories.
Try to figure out a boulevard in Lucerne’s Old Town. Located amidst the city hall and Chapel bridge along the Reuss river considered as the most beautiful mediaeval things home to some of the country’s best old town squares, monuments, ornate decorated facades and pedestrian streets.
5. Indulge in Swiss Cuisines
Experiencing the country’s diverse, unique and stylish mouthwatering cuisine options is a must add things to your Switzerland travel bucket list. Most Swiss cuisines contain cheese, especially Fondue. Fondue is a most sought after dish to try which is purely made by the Gruyère and Emmental cheese and served along with bread. Cities like Zermatt and Lucerne restaurants often serve Fondue dishes especially under mountain chalets and local restaurants.
Looking to try any crispy or traditional rich dishes, then attempt Rösti. Rösti is the crispiest and delicious potato dish which is served after the pans are fried. Restaurant Kreuz in Grindelwald or Mountain inn in Lauterbrunnen are recommended places to try Rösti.
Basler Läckerli a tasty gingerbread biscuits from Basel contains honey, almonds and Kirsch as an additional flavour. Basler Läckerli can be tried at major top end bakeries of Basel like Läckerli Huus and Jakob’s Basler Leckerly.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is the most recommended Zurich cuisine purely made by sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce. Usually Zürcher Geschnetzeltes are served with Rösti as a supplement or prime dish.
If you’re passing amidst the Valais region or plan to stay at Château de Villa, then we recommend you to try Raclette. Raclette is made with roasted potatoes, pickles and cured meats. The dish comes into its original taste after melting a wheel of raclette cheese.
6. Visit Lauterbrunnen Valley
Often called the Valley of 72 Waterfall, Lauterbrunnen Valley is a great stopping point for leisure travelers and those who seek to spend more time with nature. The valley is home to car-free villages, place to enjoy panoramic views of Staubbach benches and Bernese Alps.
Switzerland’s most picturesque valley town Lauterbrunnen is home to popular Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls and Mürrenbach Falls and other sheer numbers of waterfalls that cascades over limestone cliffs.
However, the valley is even remembered as a “Fairytale” due to its 1,000 meters of limestone cliff, chalets amidst lush green meadows and beautiful cascading waterfalls.
Exploring Lauterbrunnen Villages is a very crucial thing before finishing your valley trip. Villages like Wengen, Murren and Gimmelwald are well known for its car free, jaw dropping views and wooden chalets, making it a great spot to experience traditional Swiss cultures and lifestyles.
7. Visit Scenic, Cultural and Historic Rich Cities of Switzerland
Each time when you head on to Swiss cities each one has a special feature that exhibits a different side of the cultural and historic legacy of the country. As a newbie enthusiastic backpacker it may be a good idea to explore the country’s best cities to understand the history, culture of the region along with some scenic beauty.
Start your city expedition from the iconic Zurich City, a city considered as the country’s largest city offers charming old towns, vibrant arts scenes and beautiful lakeside views. Try to take a leisure stroll amidst its world famous historic old town to spot the city’s major attractions such as Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster church, and Niederdorf.
While strolling do not forget to take a stop at Niederdorf to enjoy the epic view of Zurich city and Zurich Lake. If you’re a foodie, don’t worry, your stroll will cover some of the restaurants and cafes, which serve diverse classic Swiss gourments and traditional cuisines.
Walk southwest of Switzerland to reach Geneva, another iconic Swiss city known for its luxury stuff, watchmaking legacy and iconic Jet D’Eau fountain. Even today despite all its beauties Geneva welcomes high end lifestyle lovers from its century old luxury watchmaking like Rolex or Patek Phikippe origin.
As a newbie, Geneva is a cool place to find the world famous Jet d’Eau fountain. Located on Lake Geneva known for its 140 meters of height and 500 liters of water discharge per second at the speed of 200km/h.
Old town of Geneva largest among other old towns characterised by the Cathedral of St. Peter, Cobblestone streets, and historic houses. Rhea Mont Salève to get aerial views over Geneva and Lavaux vineyards. Would like to take any adventure activity and then go skiing at Alpine mountain, which is easy access from Geneva.
Bern is a UNESCO World listed old town on the bank of Aare River. Like Zurich, Bern is a place ideal for strollers where a number of ancient sites are located within walking distances. City old town is a place where beautiful arcades, cathedrals and eye-catching sandstone houses with fountains exist that are representing mediaeval old architecture. Moreover, Zytaglogge Clock Tower is an iconic attraction of the city representing how rich the city is when it comes to the architecture.
Do not miss to visit Bear Park, Gurten and Gantrisch Nature Park to understand city nature centric things. And additionally Lake Thun, Lake Biel and Lake Murtens are available to you within walking distance from your stays for deeper understanding. Try to travel Berness Train Ride if you like to pass through mountains, Alpine ranges and the surrounding beauties of the city.
Your intention of packing a backpack to Swiss to maximise historical and architectural beauties, then Lucerne City is for you. The city is famous for its mediaeval old buildings and its architectures like Chapel Bridge and picturesquare streets. Its Lake Lucerne is the city’s iconic attraction which is covered by the surrounding mountain views which help photographer’s paradise.
Interlaken nestled amidst Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, perfect location for naturalist and adventure activity lovers. Where visitors go to enjoy canyoning and boat ride in Lake Brienz. Try Skydiving and bungee jumping in Harder Kulm or hiking at Schunige Platte.
For Additional References;
1. 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland For Newbies.
2. Where to Stay in Switzerland.
3. Where to Stay in Swiss Alps.
4. Best Restaurants in Switzerland.
5. Best Hotels in Switzerland.
6. 10 Recommended Swiss Cuisines.
