Compare Switzerland holidays

Packed with plenty of accessible cities, some of Europe’s best ski resorts and incredible natural parks, holidays in Switzerland are perfect for outdoor pursuits. Back inside, you can eat your way around the food scenes of Zurich and Basel, lose yourself in the Baroque beauty of St Gallen and plenty more.

Food and drink

For all things fresh and local, hit Zurich’s Markthalle Im Viadukt for breakfast, lunch or dinner – or just for the cheese. If you prefer fine dining, head for the haute cuisine hangouts in Basel where you’ll have five Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.

Wherever you go, remember that no visit to Switzerland is complete without generous helpings of chocolate. For the authentic experience, pop into the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. You can even join a workshop or tasting session.

Winter sports

Skiing and snowboarding are some of Switzerland’s favourite pastimes. Beginners will be best off on the nursery slopes of Saas Fee, and there are loads of family-friendly runs in Grimentz, too.

Elsewhere, Andermatt and Zermatt are forever popular for good reason. Three hours apart by a stunning rail journey through the Alps, they each have a unique character and superb slopes. Zermatt’s views, most notably its dramatic Matterhorn backdrop, give it a little something special.

Sightseeing

Despite being relatively small, Switzerland has a lot of city sightseeing. In Bern, you can walk the medieval streets of its UNESCO-listed old town or dig into its history in its many museums. For culture by day and dancing by night, Zurich ticks more boxes than most. 

If you’d rather take a break by the water, you might want to consider Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s perfect for hikes, boat tours and wide open spaces with stunning mountain-to-lake views.

Railroads

Taking the train might not be top of your tourist to-do list in most countries. But this is Switzerland.

Book your seat on the Glacier Express to take in the views between Zermatt and St Moritz. You’ll wind through alpine meadows and breathtaking mountains, by raging rivers and ancient castles.

One of the most striking rail journeys in Switzerland is the hydro-powered train up to Jungfraujoch. It has the highest-altitude railway station and certainly requires a head for heights, but the views back across the Bernese Alps and forests below are more than worth it.

Lakeside escapes

There’s no scene more Swiss than a log cabin by a lake, and there are several resorts that bring that very dream to life. For more of an urban lake holiday with considerable wow factor, Lake Geneva and Lake Lucerne are hard to beat.

For mountain view boat trips with fewer crowds, you might prefer the less frequented Lake Maggiore, near the Italian border. While you’re there, do visit the botanical park on the Brissago Islands – and take a camera!

Switzerland is fantastic all year round. From the warmth of July and August to the deep powdery snow of January and February, the best time to visit will depend on what you want from your trip.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The most popular times to visit Switzerland are during its warm summers and snow-covered winters. Booking outside these times is your best bet if you want a cheaper break. The arrival of spring in March and April is beautiful, and the autumnal colours in October and November are equally stunning.

When should I go for the best weather?

The hottest months are usually July and August, but April, June, September and October are better if you want to explore Switzerland’s cities without working up too much of a sweat. For the best snow, pack your salopettes (ski pants) and visit between January and March.

For family holidays

Switzerland’s compact capital, Bern, is great for a family city break. Between the old town, the Rosengarten, and Tierpark’s leopards, snakes and monkeys, there’s plenty to see and do for all ages.

For more outdoor adventure, Interlaken has a lot going on. It’s packed with hiking trails, ziplines and adventure parks, all perfect for kids and adults. And nearby, the medieval lake town of Thun gives you plenty of opportunity for waterborne fun too, with canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

For cheap holidays

Thanks in large part to its busy and well-connected airport, Zurich is a great choice for a cheap city break in Switzerland. As the most populous and one of the most visited cities in the country, it has a good range of accommodation, bars, restaurants, museums and more.

To keep costs down while you’re here, visit the botanical gardens and walk through the Langenberg Wildlife Park. Both are fun and free all year round. Many museums are free to enter too, depending on the season or day of the week.

For winter sports

Zermatt, St Moritz, Verbier, Davos, Grindelwald… Switzerland has more than its fair share of incredible winter sports resorts. But when it comes to size and variety of slopes, they don’t come much bigger than Les Portes du Soleil.

With 12 resorts crisscrossing some 650km (400 miles) across the Swiss–French border, it’s one of the largest ski regions in the world and a must visit if it’s your first time on the slopes.

For reliable snow for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, Laax has 60-plus runs and the world’s largest halfpipe.

For hiking

With thousands of miles of marked trails, Switzerland has a hike around most corners. To take in an amazing national park, the Macun Lakes are a great starting point. In around eight hours, you’ll wend your way through the Alps, past empty shores and imposing glaciers to a plateau of small lakes scattered about like strewn pearls.

For something a little lighter on time, try the beautiful Rigi Panorama Trail. It's a pleasant two-hour amble along an old railway track and is accessible to almost all, including those with wheelchairs or pushchairs.

For a city break

There are plenty of amazing city breaks in Switzerland. Zurich, Lucerne, Bern and Basel are all lovely options, but few places capture the essence of the country like St Gallen.

Its baroque cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Abbey precinct will quench your thirst for European history, and its theatres, museums and art nouveau architecture are a true cultural treat.

For some quintessentially stunning Swiss views, head into the hills to gaze across Lake Constance and beyond.