Switzerland may be small, but it delivers big - soaring peaks, glacial valleys, vineyard-clad hillsides and elegant cities set beside sparkling lakes. Whether you’re planning a hiking vacation, a scenic rail journey or a cultural city escape, Switzerland offers the perfect balance of adventure and refinement. 

Here’s your guide to what not to miss - plus how you can experience it on a self-guided hiking vacation with Macs Adventure. 

Browse our self-guided hiking trips in Switzerland >

What Should I Not Miss in Switzerland? 

If you’re visiting Switzerland for the first time, these experiences belong at the top of your list: 

• Seeing the Matterhorn in Zermatt 
• Exploring the Bernese Oberland 
• Riding the Glacier Express or Bernina Express 
• Walking part of the Via Alpina 
• Swimming in an alpine lake in summer 
• Relaxing in a thermal spa 
• Wandering the historic old towns of Bern, Basel, Zurich or Geneva 
• Strolling through Valais vineyards 

Many of these highlights can be woven into a self-guided hiking itinerary, allowing you to experience Switzerland slowly and meaningfully - on foot. 

With Macs Adventure’s self-guided Switzerland hiking tours, you can explore iconic alpine landscapes while we take care of accommodations, luggage transfers and route planning. 

Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland 

Zurich blends cosmopolitan energy with easy access to nature, making it an ideal starting or finishing point for a Swiss adventure. The main language spoken here is Swiss German, though English is widely understood. 

Highlights: 

• Explore the Niederdorf (Old Town) 
• Walk along Lake Zurich 
• Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate 
• Stock up on chocolate where the Swiss treat themselves go 
• Coffee and truffle at Sprungli or Teuscher, and take some Laderach chocolate home 
• Take in views from Uetliberg Mountain 

Zurich is also a convenient gateway to eastern Switzerland and the Engadin Valley, where Macs Adventure offers walking routes through wide alpine landscapes and traditional villages. Starting or ending your hiking trip in Zurich makes for a seamless blend of culture and mountain scenery. 

Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland 

Set on Lake Geneva with Mont Blanc in the distance, Geneva combines lakeside beauty with international sophistication. The main language spoken here is French, though English is widely understood. 

Highlights: 

• Visit the Jet d’Eau 
• Wander the Old Town 
• Cruise across Lake Geneva 
• Explore museums and historic landmarks 
• Tour the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations 

Geneva is also well placed for accessing the Valais region, home to vineyard trails and dramatic mountain landscapes. Several Macs Adventure alpine routes, including sections near the Walker’s Haute Route, are easily combined with time in Geneva. 

Things to Do in Lucerne, Switzerland 

Lucerne is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, framed by mountains and set beside Lake Lucerne. The main language spoken here is Swiss German, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants. 

Highlights: 

• The Chapel Bridge 
• A lake cruise 
• Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi excursions 
• The colorful Old Town squares 
• The Verkehrshaus (transportation museum), flying the simulation planes is a highlight! 

Lucerne also connects easily to central Swiss hiking regions. Our self-guided walking Lucerne trips and itineraries through Via Alpina and surrounding alpine routes allow you to experience the mountain scenery that rises so dramatically beyond the city. 

Things to Do in Bern, Switzerland 

Switzerland’s capital offers medieval charm and a relaxed pace of life. The main language spoken here is Swiss German, specifically a local dialect known as Bernese German, though English is widely understood. 

Highlights: 

• Walk beneath UNESCO-listed arcades 
• Visit the Zytglogge clock tower 
• Relax by the Aare River 
• Enjoy views from the Rose Garden 

Bern pairs beautifully with hiking in the Bernese Oberland, just a short journey away. Macs Adventure’s hiking vacations in this region let you explore dramatic peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows, with the option to include time in Bern before or after your trek. 

Things to Do in Interlaken, Switzerland 

Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is the gateway to the Jungfrau region. The main language spoken here is Swiss German, specifically a local dialect known as Bernese German, though English is widely understood. 

Highlights: 

• Travel to the Jungfraujoch 
• Visit Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen 
• Paraglide over the valley 
• Hike lakeside and alpine trails 

Many of our Bernese Oberland hiking trips pass through or near Interlaken and Grindelwald, making it an ideal base for exploring classic Swiss alpine scenery on foot. 

Things to Do in Lugano, Switzerland 

In southern Switzerland, Lugano offers a Mediterranean feel with Swiss efficiency. Lugano is in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, so Italian is used in daily life, signage and official communication. German and English are also commonly understood, especially in tourist areas. 

Highlights: 

• Stroll the lakeside promenade 
• Ride the funicular to Monte Brè 
• Explore traditional hillside villages 
• Enjoy scenic lakeside walking trails with swaying palm trees 
• Take serene boat rides 
• Top off your trip with a slice of Italian pizza and gelato 

Lugano also connects to eastern alpine routes and the Engadin Valley, which features in several Macs Adventure self-guided hiking itineraries. Alternately, for a more easy-going hiking vacation, our Relaxed Trails of Maggiore and Lugano itinerary is perfect for travelers wanting to combine gentle walking with a softer, sunnier atmosphere. 

Beyond the Cities: Switzerland’s Iconic Hiking Regions 

Bernese Oberland & Grindelwald 

Towering peaks, glacier views and alpine meadows define this region. Our hiking vacations here allow you to explore well-marked trails, take cable cars to panoramic viewpoints and stay in charming mountain villages. 

Browse our Bernese Oberland & Grindelwald itineraries > 

Zermatt & the Matterhorn 

Few experiences rival hiking with views of the Matterhorn. Macs Adventure offers routes near Zermatt and along the iconic Walker’s Haute Route, ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenge. 

Browse our Walker’s Haute Route itineraries > 

Browse our Matterhorn itineraries > 

Valais 

Home to more than 40 peaks over 4,000 metres, Valais is one of Switzerland’s most dramatic and rewarding hiking regions. This is big mountain country - glaciers, high alpine passes, deep valleys and traditional villages framed by some of the highest summits in the Alps, including the Matterhorn. 

Valais is also where sections of iconic trails such as the Via Alpina and the Walker’s Haute Route pass through, linking the Bernese Oberland with Zermatt and beyond. 

Check out our Via Alpina itineraries > 

Engadin Valley 

A quieter alpine escape with distinctive architecture and vast landscapes. Ideal for hikers looking for scenery without the crowds. 

Each region showcases a different side of Switzerland - and each can be explored at your own pace with full support along the way. 

Dive into our Engadin Valley itineraries > 

Explore the best hikes in Switzerland for more inspiration > 

Why Choose a Macs Adventure Trip to Switzerland? 

Switzerland is best experienced slowly - one valley, one mountain pass and one lakeside village at a time. 

With Macs Adventure, your self-guided Switzerland hiking vacation includes: 

• Hand-picked, comfortable accommodations with daily breakfasts 
• Daily luggage transfers 
• Detailed route notes, maps and navigation via our award-winning app 
• 24/7 local support throughout your trip 

Whether you’re hiking in the Bernese Oberland, exploring the Via Alpina, hiking near Zermatt and the Matterhorn, or discovering the Engadin Valley, we handle the logistics - so you can focus on the views, the fresh mountain air and the unforgettable experience of exploring Switzerland on foot. 

Ready to discover the very best things to do in Switzerland? Your adventure starts here. 

Check out our guide to hiking in Switzerland for everything you need to know about your Switzerland hiking adventure.