15 Best Switzerland Tours

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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This small country in Central Europe has long been a popular destination with jetsetters, thanks to its combination of quaint, characterful cities and towns and some of the most jaw-dropping nature on the continent. Think crisp blue lakes, ice-white mountains, and lush green valleys and meadows.

A clutch of interesting and exciting cities makes Switzerland a fine place to stay, from the compact capital of Bern, to the banking centre of Zurich, and the multicultural Geneva. For adventure enthusiasts, head to Interlaken where you’ll find activities sure to increase the adrenaline, like skydiving, paragliding, and biking.

If you’re looking for gifts to take back home, there’s no chocolate in the world finer than that made in Switzerland, or if you really want to splash out, the world’s most intricate watches are made here.

To make your trip to this Alpine dream unforgettable, we’ve put together a list of 15 of the best tours that you can do in Switzerland. So, sit back, enjoy, and start planning your next holiday.

1. From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

JungfraujochSource: Shutterstock
Jungfraujoch

For any railway enthusiasts, this tour is a must as it will take you to highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch. Your day starts with a short coach journey from Interlaken to Grindelwald, where you’ll have a chance to ride on the cogwheel train.

During the journey, you’ll have spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains of Jungfrau, Mönch, and the notoriously difficult to climb Eiger.

On reaching the dizzyingly high station at Jungfraujoch, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the views from the top of the Sphinx Observation tower and plateau, which will provide you with breath-taking panoramas of the surrounding scenery and feel the chill as you enjoy the tunnels of the glacial Ice Palace.

You’ll return again on the cogwheel train before the coach takes you back to Interlaken.

2. From Lucerne: Titlis Full-Day Tour – Eternal Snow & Glacier

Mount TitlisSource: KeongDaGreat / shutterstock
Mount Titlis

This 5-and-a-half-hour tour will allow you to get acquainted with the magical winter wonderland Titlis glacier, no matter what time of year you visit.

You’ll be taken on a stunning drive through Alpine scenery on a coach to Titlis mountain before boarding a rotating cable car, offering you the best views of your surroundings.

This isn’t all though, the tour is packed with fun activities such as a visit to Glacier cave, riding the ice-flyer chairlift, experiencing Europe’s highest suspension bridge, and even a summer sleigh ride.

Sleep off all the fun on the afternoon coach journey back to Lucerne.


3. From Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken

GrindelwaldSource: Simon Dannhauer / shutterstock
Grindelwald

Experience the best of the Bernese Oberland with this full day trip from Zurich. A scenic coach trip will drop you in Interlaken, before you head to the glacier village of Grindelwald.

You’ll have the chance to see the world-famous triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, as well as seeing gorgeous views of the landscape from the many lookout points in the village.

Spend the afternoon taking part in some retail therapy in Interlaken, where you’ll find jewellery, watches, and chocolate, before your return journey to Zurich.

Cable car rides and “trottbikes” are optional extras on this tour.

4. Geneva City Tour

GenevaSource: Shutterstock
Geneva

Although Switzerland undoubtedly has some stunning natural beauty, it would be a crime not to spend some time in one of its wonderful cities. This walking tour of Geneva’s old town gives you the option to do just that.

This 2-hour tour will show you the main sights of Switzerland’s second-largest city, including the United Nations Offices, the Jet d’Eau fountain, and the flower clock, among others. A friendly and knowledgeable guide will inform you everything you want to know while walking and riding the city’s tramway.

Guided tours are available not only in English, but French too.


5. James Bond “Goldeneye” Bungee Jump from the Contra Dam

Contra Dam Bungee JumpSource: getyourguide.com
Contra Dam Bungee Jump

An activity only for the bravest and most daring of tourists, this tour will allow you to jump into Pierce Brosnan’s shoes and replicate his jump from the Contra Dam, one of the largest in the world.

The dam, located in the Italian speaking part of southern Switzerland isn’t only famous because of James Bond, but it has featured in a lot of other TV shows and films too.

You’ll get some training before the jump itself, and you’ll be rewarded with a drink and a certificate after you’ve completed it. After all, without the certificate your friends and family might not believe you’ve done such a daredevil stunt.

6. From Zürich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls

Stein am RheinSource: PONGPIPAT.SRI / shutterstock
Stein Am Rhein

This 5-hour tour, led by a multilingual English and German guide, will see you venture out into the picturesque lowlands of Northern Switzerland, adorned with vineyards and quaint villages.

As well as visiting Schoss Laufen’s medieval castle, you’ll see the highlight of the tour – Europe’s tallest waterfall, the Rhine falls, where you’ll be able to take a panoramic glass lift to appreciate the full scale of the mighty cascades.

On the way back, you’ll head back to Schaffhausen where you can appreciate the exquisite architecture, before heading back to Zurich.


7. Mt. Pilatus by Cable Car and Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise

Mt PilatusSource: CHEN MIN CHUN / shutterstock
Mt Pilatus

This tour to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountains is a great summer day out, which will see you ride a cable car, take the steepest train in Europe, and relax on an hour-long lake cruise.

After a short journey from Lucerne to Kriens in the morning, you’ll take a cable car whilst admiring views of the mountains from the panoramic windows. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike to the mountain peak. If not, have lunch (not provided) at one of the many restaurants and enjoy the view.

Head back down on the world’s steepest railway before a boat cruise on the lake of 4 cantons. Feeling relaxed from the cruise, board the coach back to Lucerne.

8. Bern: 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour

Bern, SwiterzerlandSource: TonyV3112 / shutterstock
Bern

Perfect if your short on time in the Swiss capital, this express tour will show you Bern’s most important sites in just 1 hour.

Get to know about the history of the city from a friendly and knowledgeable local guide as you stroll through the historical centre, where the best cafes and restaurants will be pointed out to you where you can spend a little time once the tour is over.

See the city’s expanse of fountains, cobblestone streets, and the famous clock tower. It might be short, but you’ll learn a lot.


9. Basel: City Tour in a Vintage Streetcar

Basel City Tour In A Vintage StreetcarSource: getyourguide.com
Basel City Tour In A Vintage Streetcar

Another city and another tour which is perfect for those short on time. Step back in time onto a vintage streetcar and enjoy the sights of Basel. No need to worry about traffic as the city centre is car free.

The streetcar is a symbol of Basel, and a great way to experience the city as your knowledgeable local guide recounts you with stories of the history and culture of the city.

You’ll come away from the tour remembering the atmosphere of the bumpy but fun ride, and having learned a lot about one of Switzerland’s most charming cities.

10. Interlaken: Night Sledding with Fondue in the Swiss Alps

Night SleddingSource: getyourguide.com
Night Sledding

A unique and unforgettable activity taking place in Interlaken, enjoy being picked up in comfort from your hotel before feeling the adrenaline of night sledding under the stars.

The gondola will whisk you up to enjoy the beautiful panoramas before spending an hour of fun on the slopes, passing through woods, frozen waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

After your sledding experience is over, you’ll be treated to a traditional Alpine meal, followed by one of the symbols of Switzerland, a fondue.

Make sure that you bring warm winter clothing, as night sledding on a snowy mountain is unsurprisingly very cold.


11. Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken

Tandem Paragliding In InterlakenSource: getyourguide.com
Tandem Paragliding In Interlaken

Another Interlaken adventure, feel the adrenaline rush in a tandem paraglide with a trained and qualified pilot.

This 2-hour tour is an excellent opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the Jungfrau region, even if you have no prior experience of paragliding. Meeting point pick up and transport is included, up to the jump-off point at Beatenberg in Amisbühl.

Your flight will last between 10 – 30 minutes, depending on wind conditions on the day. During the flight, you’ll drop 800m in altitude, and you’re sure to land with a massive smile on your face.

12. Zurich: Culinary Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Swiss Cheese Fondue And Wine Tuk-Tuk TourSource: getyourguide.com
Swiss Cheese Fondue And Wine Tuk-Tuk Tour

This unusual tour is bound to be a memorable one, and your own personal electric tuk tuk, driven by a local guide, is an environmentally friendly and fun way to make your way around the city of Zurich.

You’ll make a short stop before a fondue and a bottle of Swiss wine are loaded into the back of your tuk tuk, which you’ll be able to enjoy while riding around the city. Your local guide will give you an insight into Zurich like no other.

On this trip, you’ll be eating only the finest regional products. Don’t miss this opportunity for quirky, delicious, and fun tour of Zurich.


13. Queen of the Mountains: Day Trip to Rigi and Lucerne

Rigi mountain in Alps, SwitzerlandSource: Mariia Golovianko / shutterstock
Rigi mountain in Alps, Switzerland

Be your own guide on this fabulous trip which will show you the best of the Swiss Alps. After your comfortable bus trip from Zurich, you’ll experience riding a cable car, a cogwheel train, and a boat.

You’ll stop at Vierwaldstättersee, the country’s fourth largest lake, before ascending Rigi – aka the queen of the mountains. Rigi’s slopes are bedecked by spas and thermal baths, a perfect place to relax on reaching the top.

Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll have a view of an astonishing 13 lakes from the summit of Rigi. From below, view Rigi from the town of Lucerne, after riding on the world’s oldest funicular railway, built in 1871. After an action-packed day, head back to Zurich by coach.

14. Igloo Building with House-Warming Party

Igloo Building With House-Warming PartySource: getyourguide.com
Igloo Building With House-Warming Party

This once-in-a-lifetime activity is sure to be a memorable high point of your holiday – after all how many people come home having built an igloo?

This winter activity is led by an expert guide, who will help you build your igloo from the ground up. After two and a half hours of hard work and bonding with your building ‘colleagues’, you’ll have a fully-fledged igloo.

As a reward, and to celebrate the birth of your construction, enjoy a housewarming party with traditional home-made schnapps and local gingerbread.


15. Snowmobile Tour of Madesimo & South Side of the Splügen Pass

Snowmobile TourSource: getyourguide.com
Snowmobile Tour

In this post, we’ve so far covered travel by funicular, cogwheel railway, cable car, and boat. However, we’ve not considered one of the most fun – the snowmobile.

Madesimo is one of the best spots for winter sports in Switzerland, and a perfect place to try your hand at riding one of these vehicles. On your tour, you’ll ascend 700m, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the winter scenery, Lago Nero, and the Splügen pass.

You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide, who will make sure that you’re safe and comfortable at all times on your snowmobile.



15 Best Switzerland Tours:

  • From Interlaken: Day Trip to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe
  • From Lucerne: Titlis Full-Day Tour – Eternal Snow & Glacier
  • From Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken
  • Geneva City Tour
  • James Bond "Goldeneye" Bungee Jump from the Contra Dam
  • From Zürich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls
  • Mt. Pilatus by Cable Car and Cogwheel Train & Lake Cruise
  • Bern: 1-Hour Must-See Express Tour
  • Basel: City Tour in a Vintage Streetcar
  • Interlaken: Night Sledding with Fondue in the Swiss Alps
  • Tandem Paragliding in Interlaken
  • Zurich: Culinary Tour by Tuk-Tuk
  • Queen of the Mountains: Day Trip to Rigi and Lucerne
  • Igloo Building with House-Warming Party
  • Snowmobile Tour of Madesimo & South Side of the Splügen Pass