Switzerland is one of those countries considered by many as the epitome of luxury travel. It has endless options for luxurious accommodations with impeccable service and top-notch facilities. And if it’s the food you’re after, you’ll find numerous world-class restaurants specialising in local and international cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking spectacular mountain views or memorable outdoor adventures, this Alpine Paradise has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland on a luxury trip.
1. Jungfrau
A trip to Jungfrau is one of the best things to do on your luxury trip to Switzerland. Nestled on the highest points of the Swiss Alps, it’s a magnificent place to play in the snow, marvel at the panoramic views of the majestic snow-capped mountains, and walk through an ice cave.
Also referred to as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfrau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The protected area has an elevation of over 3,000 metres, and being here feels like you are literally on top of the world.
Visit the Sphinx Observatory, one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. While it’s not open to the public, you can visit the open viewing deck known as the Sphinx Observation Deck. From here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aletsch glacier.
If you want to explore the Aletsch Glacier, take the elevator down to the underground towel and walk to the glacier. You can trek into the snow for closer views of the spectacular glacier. It’s also a popular area for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Next, check out the Glacier Plateau, a popular photo stop at Jungfrau. Aside from the guaranteed snow and ice for most of the year, it offers breathtaking views of the Silberhorn and Jungfrau mountains.
2. Saas-Fee
A haven for winter sports enthusiasts, Saas-Fee is one of the most incredible places to visit in Switzerland on a luxury trip. It’s also the perfect place for those seeking to stay at luxury chalets in Switzerland with the whole family. The valley lies in the canton of Valais, home to four charming mountain villages featuring beautiful wooden houses with gabled roofs.
Saas-Fee is one of Switzerland’s premier ski resorts, attracting thousands of snow enthusiasts. Boasting breathtaking Alpine scenery and reliable snow conditions, it offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding for all levels. The best part is that it’s home to the Fee Glacier, where you can ski all year round. In addition, efficient lift systems service Saas-Fee’s ski area, allowing you to enjoy skiing to your heart’s content!
One of the top things to do in Saas-Fee is to visit the Ice Pavilion. At 3,500 metres above sea level, the pavilion is housed inside a glacier, which makes it a fascinating place to explore. Step into an enchanting world of shimmering ice as you walk through it. Admire the intricate ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls, and sparkling crystals as you stroll inside the icy pavilion.
3. Bern
Bern is Switzerland’s charming capital city, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Bern is perfect for those interested in exploring impressive galleries and museums and sampling the region’s finest cuisine, including the world-famous Swiss chocolates and cheeses.
Since Bern is a small and compact city, it’s easy to explore on foot. Begin in the Bern Museum of Fine Arts. Showcasing an exceptional collection of local and international arts, it has over 50,000 masterpieces covering 800 years of art history.
Those looking for adventures can take on lots of outdoor activities in Bern. The magnificent city is home to the scenic Aare River, where you can go rafting, kayaking, or hiking by the river. Those interested in skiing can venture into the Alps, where you’ll find plenty of excellent ski resorts.
Bern is an ideal base for exploring other cities in Switzerland. From here, you can embark on several day trips and excursions to places like the stunning Emmental Valley, the town of Thun, and the charming village of Gruyeres. You can catch a train ride from the Bern train station close to the Old Town.
4. Zermatt
Switzerland stands out as a prominent European summer camp destination for children and teenagers, and Zermatt emerges as the ideal family escape with outstanding kids’ camps and a variety of family-friendly activities. This appealing spot is readily recognisable by its unique narrow peak, which is famously depicted on the packaging of Toblerone chocolates. It is nestled against the backdrop of the legendary Matterhorn, one of Europe’s tallest mountains.
Zermatt is most renowned for its stunning slopes, making it a popular ski destination in Switzerland. Thus, skiing is one of the best things for families to do in Zermatt. Beyond the winter sports, there’s more to enjoy in this popular ski resort.
If you’re visiting Zermatt in summer, you can try mountain biking. You’ll find many cycling trails around the town, taking you to the mountain for outstanding views. Hiking is also a popular activity in summer. You can hike the 5 Lakes trail, which begins at the centre of the town.
If you have spare cash for shopping, visit Zermatt’s main street, where you’ll find a line of shops and boutiques. After a day of shopping, visit one of the cafes in town to indulge in a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
5. Lake Lucerne
Lake Lucerne is Switzerland’s fourth-largest lake, a must-visit for anyone heading to the country. The scenic lake has stunning shores partly formed by steep mountains, bordered by the picturesque towns of Lucerne and Weggis.
Start by exploring the beautiful Old Town of Lucerne. It sits between the river and the old city wall. You’ll have to prepare for lots of walking and climbing many steps. However, the views will make your efforts worth it. The Old Town is full of captivating beauty and history, dating back to the 8th Century. What started as a small fishing village is now a bustling town home to restaurants specialising in Swiss and international cuisine.
No visit to Lake Lucerne is complete without going on a boat trip around the lake. Hop aboard one of the historic paddle steamers, departing from Lucern, and take you to Fluelen and other villages by the lake.
Published by HOLR Magazine