Tour guides Switzerland

5 ideas for guided tours in Switzerland

• Lucerne

  

  To explore the Lake Lucerne region, there’s nothing better than a stop in the charming town of Lucerne. This medieval-looking city is one of the most visited in Europe. With just 80,000 inhabitants, it welcomes over five million visitors each year.

  Lucerne is full of treasures waiting to be discovered. First among them is the stunning Kapellbrücke covered wooden bridge, also known as the Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River. Built in 1333 and partially destroyed by fire in 1993, it has since been rebuilt identically.

  All year round, you can wander the town’s narrow streets and pedestrian squares, home to many artisans. In Lucerne, boredom simply isn’t an option. Lakeside promenades and hikes to nearby mountains such as Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi are easy to reach.

  In every season, you’ll have the chance to enjoy multicultural exhibitions or festivals. You can also visit the city’s museums, such as the Swiss Museum of Transport, the Museum of Art, or the Bourbaki Panorama with its giant circular fresco.

• Lauterbrunnen

  

  The breathtaking Lauterbrunnen Valley, located in the canton of Bern, is an absolute must-see when visiting Switzerland. This mountain region has remained untouched, like something out of a dream.

  Not far from the town of the same name lies a stunning 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 thanks to specially built walkways and tunnels.

  The Giessbach mountain stream is made up of 15 successive falls that flow into Lake Brienz. The entire valley is dotted with charming villages, perfect stops for exploring the surrounding alpine pastures.

• Canton of Valais

  

  The canton of Valais is one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist regions. Its landscapes are absolutely stunning and far from the main highways. Nature here is surprisingly diverse. Towering glaciers brush the blue sky, and the surrounding peaks are home to some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts: Crans-Montana, Verbier, and Les 4 Vallées.

  This canton is dotted with alpine lakes and, in some areas, almost Mediterranean vegetation, with vineyards stretching 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, nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn. In addition to its vast ski area, this little village has preserved its old-world charm. A cable car takes you up to the Petit Cervin at 3,883 meters, where an impressive panorama unfolds before you.

• Bern

  

  The Swiss capital, set along the banks of the Aare River, feels nothing like a bustling metropolis. It’s a grand village, with beautifully preserved medieval charm and encircled by old ramparts.

  The historic center was founded at the end of the 12th century and still displays remarkable traces of its past: the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) with its astronomical dial, the Cathedral of St. Vincent dating back to 1421 with a spire rising over 100 meters high, and the arcades lined with covered galleries.

  Bern is also famous for its many historic fountains, still shining today. Numbering over a hundred, each 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 of them all, the “Len Cistern” or Lenbrunnen, located at the State Chancellery.

• The castle of Chillon

  

  Standing proudly on a rocky islet on the edge of Lake Geneva, the Château de Chillon is a must-see. This oval-shaped fortress, built in the 11th century, became the residence of the rulers of Savoy in 1536.

  It is notable for its two very distinct façades. To the south lies the princely residence, with its magnificent Gothic-style windows, while to the north is the defensive section of the castle, with machicolations, curtain walls connecting the towers, and arrow slits.

  Inside, you’ll pass through a series of different rooms. Each space, filled with furniture, utensils, paintings, and weapons, turns your visit into a true journey back in time. The underground prisons are open to the public, as is the walk along the ramparts, which offers stunning views. Located in the commune of Veytaux, the citadel is easily reached on foot from Montreux.