10 places to see Switzerland’s best bits

From sparkling glaciers to medieval villages and buzzing cities – there’s no shortage of sights and delights along Switzerland’s ultimate self-drive experience, the Grand Tour of Switzerland. And for a taster, here are a few of our favourite stop-offs.

1. Explore the city of culture and connoisseurs

Jam-packed with art, culture and modern architecture, Basel is Switzerland’s cultural capital.

Situated on the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland, it’s an eternal favourite among travellers, enticed by its beautiful Old Town, nostalgic bathhouses on the Rhine river and world-class restaurants aplenty.

So if you fancy yourself a culture vulture of sorts, Basel is a must-visit on your Grand Tour itinerary.

2. Stand atop a giant natural amphitheatre

Creux du Van, as it’s known, is a rocky cirque in the Val de Travers district, spanning over a kilometre wide and 150 metres deep.

The result of water erosion from a local glacier that caused landslides in the semi-circular shape you see today, this natural amphitheatre is also a haven for wildlife, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, birds of prey.

A must for nature lovers!

3. Stroll (and sip) your way around Switzerland’s most scenic vineyards

Of the five wine areas in Switzerland’s Vaud region, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces (between Lausanne and Montreux) is undoubtedly the most spectacular.

Here steep terraced vineyards stretch along the northern shores of Lake Geneva, with some vine terraces tracing as far back as the 11th century.

You can follow the 32-kilometre footpath (comprising seven smaller circuits) around the vineyards, from the eastern outskirts of Lausanne to the Chateau de Chillon, complemented by information panels along the way.

Then reward yourself afterwards by sampling local one at one of the authentic wine cellars nearby.

4. Step back in time in the Medieval town of Gruyères

At the foot of the Pre-Alps is the enchanting medieval town of Gruyères, set at the top of 82 metre-high hill that overlooks the Saane Valley and the Lake of Gruyère.

Best known for the delicious namesake cheese it produces, Gruyères is also characterized by its architecture, seemingly unaffected by time.

Towering above its car-free cobbled streets is The Château de Gruyère, dating back to the 13th century.

Today it’s a museum depicting 800 years of regional architecture, history and culture, while the nearby Château de St-Germain houses an exhibition of images and sculptures from Swiss Oscar-winning designer, H. R. Giger.

5. Board the highest railway station in Europe

In the heart of Switzerland is the Jungfraujoch (also known as the ‘Top of Europe’), which claims the title of highest railway station in Europe, located 3454 metres above sea level.

A popular journey for thrill-seeking travellers, the Jungfraujoch train ride leads through the Eiger and the Mönch peaks, giving those on board access to an alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, best viewed from the viewing platforms along the way.

6. Discover Lucerne’s ‘Wild West’

With its seemingly never-ending moors and rugged karst landscapes, it’s little wonder why Entlebuch was designated by UNESCO as the first biosphere reserve in Switzerland.

Spanning over 400 square kilometres, the area remains thick with outstanding natural beauty, untouched wilderness and idyllic Alpine pastures.

Explore the area via one of the many scenic hiking trails, then indulge in a nearby mud bath.

7. Follow in the footsteps of Switzerland’s famed freedom fighter

For a taste of Swiss history, pay a visit to Rütli – a mountain meadow on Lake Lucerne in the canton of Uri, where the oath of the Rütlischwur is said to have occurred, which was the legendary turning-point in Switzerland’s pursuit of independence.

Every Swiss National Day (August 1), the oath is re-enacted to commemorate the forming of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

It’s here you’ll also find the Schillerstein rock, which according to legend, is where Swiss freedom-fighting hero Wilhelm Tell jumped off a boat to escape the brutish Austrian governor Gessler.

For the full experience get on board one of the regular boat tours, departing from Brunnen and visiting the most significant historic sites around Urner Lake; the Tell Chapel, Tell Monument and the Tell Museum.

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8. Indulge the senses in Switzerland’s cosmopolitan melting pot

There’s never a dull moment in Zurich, home to the highest concentration of clubs in Switzerland, the country’s most famous shopping mile, over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, among a plethora of other cultural offerings throughout the city.

Alongside Zurich’s cosmopolitan appeal is its medieval backdrop, featuring the Old Town, medieval houses, historic narrow lanes as well as public buildings from the Renaissance period, adding to the charm of this entertainment hotspot.

9. Meet a childhood hero

For fans of the world-famous children’s book by Johanna Spyri, Heidi, the small wine-growing holiday region of Bündner Herrschaft is a must.

Situated in the northernmost corner of Graubünden, at the centre of Bündner Herrschaft is the town of Maienfeld – the fictional hometown of the novel’s protagonist, Heidi.

Characterised by rolling vineyards, patrician townhouses and Castle Salenegg, Maienfeld is also a haven for wine aficionados, hikers and picnic lovers.

10. Frollick through a nature-lover’s paradise

The Swiss National Park, covering a mighty 170 square kilometres in the Engadine, is the oldest national park in the Swiss Alps, having been founded back in 1914.

With some 80 kilometres worth of hiking paths and nature trails that thread through the area, there is something for all members of the family and fitness levels.

Be sure to keep a look out for wildlife – ibexes, chamois, marmots, northern hares, lizards and countless birds can be observed throughout the park.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius

A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.