vacationing in Switzerland.

Although you will likely never tire of seeing the snow-capped Alps, you will find the rest of Switzerland equally remarkable. In the midst of glorious "mountainscapes" of the Alps you will find a number of compact, elegant cities that are full of character and idyllic villages snuggling along lakes, rivers and sometimes in the shadow of the looming Alps - but where to go and what to see?

Switzerland looks like a small country on the map, but once you are on the ground in Switzerland (officially called the Swiss Confederation), you will discover an endless variety of places to visit. Now, if you just had an endless vacation to explore them! Let us do the legwork for you. Read our recommendations on the best places to visit in Switzerland and then make your reservations for a vacation in the alpine heaven.

The Swiss excel at business, but do not neglect enjoying life. Although the country has a rich history and numerous prestigious cultural attractions, the countryside and mountains are the magnets that attract most tourists. Whether you travel to Switzerland for skiing, hiking, mountain climbing or just sight-seeing, you will remember the scenic vistas for the rest of your life. Saying that Switzerland is a beautiful country is an understatement, but you will not understand how much of an understatement until you visit. If you have a chance, take one of the Extraordinary Train Journeys mentioned near the bottom of this page for the thrill of a lifetime.

Switzerland's cuisines differ based on the region of the country you visit, but in most locations you will find excellent restaurants featuring French, German and Italian cuisines. We have found the Swiss preparation of German and French dishes, to be heavenly. Of course, Italian food is now a worldwide staple and you will find fine Italian dining throughout Switzerland. Dinner, of course, is just the introduction as a variety of night life will be available to you, almost anywhere in the country.

Be sure to see our new road map of Switzerland, based on Google Maps, that shows the locations of our recommendations for the Best Places to Visit in Switzerland. You can also route between locations using the map.

Read our sections on Switzerland Travel Information and Switzerland Facts to complete your basic preparation for vacationing in Switzerland.