Oberhofen Castle, Switzerland
When you visit Switzerland with your Eurail pass, it will be easy to see why three of its cities (Bern, Geneva and Zurich) list in the Top 10 Best Places to Live in Europe. Breathtaking beauty, friendly people, delicious chocolate and plenty of things to do make Switzerland an ideal rail destination. Come aboard, and discover all the places you can see in Switzerland.
Beauty and history in Bern
Switzerland’s capital is filled with centuries-old tradition, and modern-day flair. From the Gothic, 15th-century cathedral Münster of Bern (Berner Münster), which took more than 460 years to complete, to the High Street shopping and current fashion, Bern is a traveler’s best-kept secret. Be sure to visit Historic Old Town, with the Zytglogge clock tower. The old town, built in the 1400s, is now a UNESCO Heritage Site. More things to do in Bern
From Bern’s Central Station, the Zytglogge clock tower in the Historic Old Town is about a 10-minute walk.
Natural wonders in Interlaken
Nestled deep in the Alps, Interlaken may be known for its skiing, but there’s something to do all year round in this mountain paradise. Interlaken lies at the foot of three mountains – the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau – and between two lakes. Do not miss the Trümmelbachschlucht subterranean waterfalls (yes, underground). Ride a glass-ceilinged cable car into a 500-meter gorge and see the glacial waterfalls up close.
Use your Eurail pass for a discounted journey to the top of Jungfrau – it’s the highest railway station in Europe, and the view is unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Zurich’s energetic excellence
Switzerland’s largest city offers excellent food, endless shopping, and a busy downtown feel. The Bahnhofstrasse has the best shopping in town. Beautiful churches, like the Fraumünster (built in 852) and the Grossmünster (built in 1100) help tell the story of Zürich’s past. After an afternoon on the Lakeside Promenade, visit the Niederdorf – unique shops and busy craftsmen by day, excellent food and exciting clubs by night.
The Bahnhofstrasse begins just outside of Zürich’s main station (Zürich HB).
Real and retail paradise in Geneva
Geneva has something to offer every visitor. Boating, biking, hiking, and water recreation are just the top of the list. Geneva also offers phenomenal skiing and unforgettable shopping. The Rue de Reve and Rue de Rhone are very high-end shopping streets. The Salève is Geneva’s backyard mountain, and you can take a gondola ride to an observation point where all of Geneva is visible, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Don’t miss it.
The shopping area is a 15-minute walk from Geneva’s Central Station.
Lausanne
Home to the International Olympic Committee since 1914, it’s easy to see why the Committee chose Lausanne, with its rolling, vineyard-covered hills and place on the edge of Lake Geneva. Don’t miss Old Town and the Lausanne Cathedral – Switzerland’s finest example of Gothic architecture. There’s a wide selection of museums, including the Musée de L’Art Brut (art created by psychiatric patients & convicted criminals).
A metro will take you to the Old Town and cathedral.
Best time to travel in Switzerland
Summer is the height of tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. June is an excellent time to visit, followed by September or October. Switzerland in wintertime is an excellent choice if you enjoy winter sports.
Geneva, Switzerland
Events
- Zürich Theatre Spectacle
One of the top cultural summer events in Zürich, the Theatre Spectacle is a festival for new and cutting edge performances. - International Tree and Lights Festival
This annual winter festival in Geneva invites artists from all over Europe to decorate trees in prominent positions around the city centre - Grindelwald Yodelling Festival (Bernese Oberland)
In July people meet in this small town under the open sky to hear these sounds so typical to Switzerland. - Montreux International Jazz Festival:
The world's greatest jazz, blues and R&B artists gather here every July in Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. - Basler Fasnacht
This carnival celebration in Basel boasts three days of masked parties and costumed parades.
