Tour guides Switzerland

5 ideas for guided tours in Switzerland

• Lucerne

  

  To discover the Lake Lucerne region, nothing beats a stop in the charming town of Lucerne. This medieval-looking city is one of the most visited in Europe. Though it has only 80,000 residents, more than 5 million visitors come each year to admire its beauty.

  Lucerne is full of treasures waiting to be explored. First on the list is its magnificent Kapellbrücke covered wooden bridge, also known as the “Chapel Bridge,” which crosses the Reuss River. Built in 1333 and partially destroyed by fire in 1993, it has been faithfully restored.

  All year round, you can wander through the city’s narrow streets and pedestrian squares, where many artisans have set up shop. Boredom has no place in Lucerne — lakeside strolls and hikes to nearby Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are always within reach.

  Each season also brings multicultural exhibitions and festivals. Be sure to visit the city’s museums, such as the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Museum of Art, or the Bourbaki Panorama with its impressive circular fresco.

• Lauterbrunnen

  

  The breathtaking valley of Lauterbrunnen, located in the canton of Bern, is an unmissable stop on any trip to Switzerland. This mountain region has remained pristine, like something out of a dream.

  Just outside the town of the same name lies a remarkable nature reserve with 72 waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs. The most impressive, the Staubbach Falls, plunges from a height of 300 meters. The Trümmelbach Falls are a series of six underground waterfalls — the only ones in the world accessible to visitors thanks to special walkways and tunnels.

  The Giessbach mountain stream forms 15 successive waterfalls before spilling into Lake Brienz. Throughout the valley, charming villages appear, perfect places to stop while exploring the surrounding alpine pastures.

• Canton of Valais

  

  The canton of Valais remains the most visited region in Switzerland. Its landscapes are absolutely stunning and lie far from the main highways. Nature here is surprisingly diverse — towering glaciers touch the blue sky, and the surrounding peaks are home to some of the world’s most famous ski resorts: Crans-Montana, Verbier, and Les 4 Vallées.

  This canton is also dotted with high-altitude lakes and even boasts a nearly Mediterranean feel in places, with vineyards planted along the right bank of the Rhône Valley. It’s the perfect place to indulge your love of wide-open spaces.

  You’ll enjoy spending your holidays in its beautiful villages, such as Zermatt, lying at the foot of the Matterhorn. In addition to offering a vast ski area, this small village has preserved its old-world charm. A cable car takes you up to the Little Matterhorn, at an altitude of 3,883 meters, where an incredible panorama awaits.

• Bern

  

  Switzerland’s capital, set along the River Aare, feels nothing like a bustling metropolis. It’s more like a grand village, with beautifully preserved medieval architecture surrounded by ancient walls.

  The historic center was founded in the late 12th century and still showcases remarkable traces of its past: the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) with its astronomical clock, the Cathedral of St. Vincent dating back to 1421 with its spire rising over 100 meters, and the arcades with their covered shopping galleries.

  Bern is also famous for its many centuries-old fountains, still gleaming today. With more than a hundred of them, each one is beautifully carved and painted. Explore them on your own or with a Swiss tour guide for the perfect itinerary. Don’t miss the oldest one, the “Lenbrunnen” or Len Cistern, located in the State Chancellery.

• The castle of Chillon

  

  Standing proudly on a rocky islet on the edge of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle is a sight to behold. This oval-shaped fortress, built in the 11th century, became the residence of the rulers of Savoy from 1536 onward.

  It is remarkable for its two very different façades. To the south lies the princely residence, with its splendid Gothic-style windows, while to the north you’ll find the defensive side of the castle, complete with machicolations, curtain walls linking the towers, and arrow slits.

  Inside, you’ll wander through a succession of rooms, each furnished with period furniture, utensils, paintings, and weapons, making your visit a true journey back in time. The underground prisons are open to the public, as is the walkway atop the walls, offering exceptional views. Located in the commune of Veytaux, the citadel is easily reached on foot from Montreux.