Introduction
Combining many of the best elements of its neighbours, Switzerland is a stunningly attractive year-round destination, ideal for anyone seeking adventure and beauty in the great outdoors. Immerse yourself in the charms of its medieval towns, embrace local culture at an array of colourful festivals and, of course, head for the Alps for all manner of mountain-based excitement.
Spectacular rail journeys
To explore the country or access the mountains in style, we recommend you ride the rails; the Jungfrau Region railways in the Bernese Oberland snake their way up to Schynige Platte, where you get unforgettable views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch. There's the iconic Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz and the narrow gauge Bernina Express – a World Heritage route of high mountain passes and pretty alpine valleys, which links the towns of Chur and Lugano.
Switzerland's city gems
The capital, Bern, is one of Switzerland's most charming cities. Squashed against the River Aare, it's a quiet place that looks as if it hasn't changed for centuries. In contrast the commercial and financial centre, Zurich, has undergone a renaissance and is no longer simply a dour banking hub but a hip and happening city full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Geneva acts as the gateway for many tourists but is worth pausing in to see Lake Geneva and the vineyards that sweep around its shores and up the slopes of the surrounding hills.
Year-round adventure
For Alpine splendour at its most enchanting, head to Lucerne or Zermatt, where the mountains loom large and there is a culture of activity and adventure, from summer hiking and mountain biking to some of the best skiing on Earth. Lucerne, lapped by the lake of the same name also offers fabulous winter fun, whilst Zermatt, dominated by the Matterhorn, combines iconic views with world-class climbing and supen winter slopes. Then of course, there are the likes of St Moritz, Verbier and Davos, serving up glamour a plenty during the long winter season.
