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18 Top Things To Do In Switzerland If You've Never Been There Before

Major wanderlust ahead.

Cover image via Jungfraubahnen

Switzerland. This beautiful country known for its picturesque landscapes and delicious chocolates is probably already on your bucket list.

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It's a destination for everyone - not just for those with with deep pockets - as there are plenty of budget options available with careful planning.

Travellers can make big savings on admission to some of the country’s best trains and must-see attractions with the help of Swiss Travel Passes and Coupons that are great for pain-free travelling to must-visit destinations in Switzerland.

With that said, here are some of the must-dos when in Switzerland:

1. An excursion to Harder Kulm, to reach the summit of Interlaken

When at Harder Kulm, make sure you make your way to the vantage platform, Two Lakes Bridge. As the name suggests, it's a viewing platform that offers a stunning view of Interlaken and the two lakes it's sitting in between - Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

2. Take a train ride to Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top Of Europe

The view from the train itself all the way to Jungfraujoch (pronounced as "yong-frau-york") is simply amazing, but just wait until you get to the Europe's highest altitude railway station - the view from the top is even more breathtaking.

Don't forget to make your way further up to the Sphinx Observatory, which is one of the highest observatories in the world.

3. Explore the Ice Palace

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At Jungfraujoch, you can head to the Ice Palace and walk through the series of tunnels with rooms and have a good look at the elaborate ice sculptures carved inside a glacier. 

4. Go on a classic rail journey in the Swiss Alps

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Some people say experiencing the trains in Switzerland is the best way to see the country. It's true that some train routes are just more beautiful than others, but passengers will surely catch more than just a glimpse of all the splendours of Switzerland.

Some of the most amazing scenic rail journeys with trains include the Bernina Express, GoldenPass, Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama, The Jungfrau, and many more.

5. Experience what it’s like to have meals in a moving train while ogling at breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps

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Dining options are available on certain SBB's (Swiss Federal Railways) trains and on some of Germany's ICE (Inter-City-Express), which has connecting train services to Switzerland.

6. Get to THE 'Meeting Point'

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Zurich Main Station is one of the busiest train stations in the world and when people say, 'I'll see you at the meeting point later', what they really mean is that they'll be meeting you at the cube clock which is pretty hard to miss.

7. Visit the alma mater of Albert Einstein

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Take a ride on the UBS Polybanch and you'll arrive at the hillside university campus where the icon of science studied in Zurich. The polytechnic is now known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich).

8. Treat yourself to the amazing scenery of Zurich's old town

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While UBS Polybahn is frequently used by students to get up to the university easily, it's not unusual to spot tourists onboard as visitors want to get up high on the hill that is overlooking the Old Town and the River Limmat.

9. Go up Zurich's Uetliberg mountain for panoramic shots of the city and even the alps from a distance

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You can take a direct train from Zurich to Uetliberg. The mountain stands at 872 metres above sea level, which is not too high for Swiss standards, but you could still get a spectacular panoramic view of the city, lake, and the Alps.

You can also opt to pay two Swiss Francs to access the observation tower for a better view.

10. See the largest clock face in Europe

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Yup, it’s not London's Big Ben! St. Peter Church in Zurich has the largest tower clock face in Europe!

11. Visit this cathedral in Geneva and get a spectacular view in exchange

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It's slightly challenging to climb up a few flights of stairs at St. Peter's (or Pierre in French) Cathedral, but it will be a worthwhile experience when you reach the top and enjoy a 360° panorama view of the city and the lake.

12. Make a trip to Lake Geneva where Frankenstein originated from

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Lake Geneva is where the groundbreaking publication of English author Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was penned at in the summer of 1816. Frankenstein has been dubbed as the world's first ever science fiction novel.

13. Enjoy top-class shopping in Geneva

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It's retail indulgence at Geneva's most famous shopping district, which lies between rue du Marché and rue du Rhône.  

From high-end designer boutiques to department stores for touristic purchases, it's easy to cover all grounds with the efficient public transport system in the city centre.

14. When you're tired, take a seat on this really loooong bench in Geneva

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Found in La Treille Park, the 120 metres-long bench is arguably the longest wooden bench in the world.

It's recommended for visitors to stroll around the square and then head over here to get a much needed rest under the shade of chestnut trees, as you look at the monuments below the Old Town.

15. Take the Gornergrat train for a glorious view of one the most famous mountains in Europe - the Matterhorn

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Of all the mountains that make up the alps, the Matterhorn in Zermatt is probably the most famous as the classic peak juts out from surrounding glaciers.

It's definitely on every expert climbers' list of mountains to conquer. 

16. Discover the delicious, authentic Swiss food

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Most Swiss cuisine have influences from the German, French and North Italian cuisine. From the mouthwatering cheese fondue to the Zurich-style diced veal, be sure to try as many dishes as possible while you're there because the dishes may differ throughout the different regions in Switzerland.

17. Stuff yourself and indulge in top-quality Swiss chocolates

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Pro tip: Get your chocolate supplies from the local supermarket such as Coop for a cheaper price!

18. Join the local festivities and make your way to the bustling Christmas markets

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Whether you're looking for a hot bite to eat or buy some homemade handicrafts, you're sure to have a lovely time as you stroll around the beautifully decorated market stands that add to the festive mood.

So, will you be making a trip there soon? ;)

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There is a lot to love about Switzerland, especially if it's your first time there:

Need more ideas on where to go next? We've got you covered:

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