Things to see and do German-Speaking Switzerland

Located 200 m from the Clock Tower, on the second and third floors of Kramgasse 49, this museum is a reconstruction of Einstein's apartment, where he carried out his early work on the theory of relativity. Portraits, photos, film, copies of documents and letters help us to better understand this genius. The tour takes you back to the life of Einstein, his wife Mileva and their son Hans Albert, between 1903 and 1905. Stroll through the two floors, surrounded by period furniture. A guided tour is also available.

The building dates from before the 9th century. It is the oldest parish church and the only baroque church in Zurich. It is difficult to miss its clock, whose dial is the largest in Europe. It measures 8.70 m in diameter. Until 1911, the bell tower was used as a fire lookout tower. It houses five bells, the largest of which weighs more than 6 tons. Inside, the choir dates back to the 13th century and most of the furniture and decoration to the 18th century. Rudolf Brun (1290-1360), who was the first mayor of the town, is buried here.

Flamboyant Gothic font, Baroque chair. An exceptional acoustics that motivates high level concerts in July-August.

The Altes Zeughaus, or former arsenal, is one of the most impressive buildings in Solothurn, and that's saying something! The museum has remained true to its military vocation, housing a collection of weapons and uniforms, from halberds to automatic pistols. Inside the building, you can admire numerous firearms, as well as nearly 400 suits of armour from the 15th to the 17th century. The exhibitions are fun and suitable for the whole family.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Solothurn is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building and has existed since 1902. An exceptional setting for a remarkable institution: indeed, it has many works dating from the Middle Ages, Swiss masters of the 19th and 20th centuries, French painters (from Degas to Léger), primitive art and graphic cabinet, and above all a good knowledge of Swiss and foreign art: Cézanne, Matisse, Van Gogh, Klimt. To be discovered!

It is a park, a museum and an oasis of calm all in one. Here we learn that large glacial potholes prove that 20,000 years ago, during the last ice age, Lucerne was covered by glaciers. Fossils of shells and palm leaves show that 20 million years ago the Lucerne region was a beach with a subtropical climate. The Glacier Garden also has the oldest Alpine relief by F. L. Pfyffer von Wyher and a mirror labyrinth in the style of the Alhambra in Granada.

For all football fans! With over 3,000^m2 of exhibition space, the Fédération Internationale de Football Museum traces the great moments in the history of football and pays tribute to a sport whose popularity around the globe is unrivalled. In addition to the original FIFA World Cup trophy, the museum exhibits over 1,000 objects, 4,000 books and archive documents, and 1,400 photographs depicting the world's footballing heritage.

Immerse yourself in the world of comics, caricatures and cartoons, unique in Switzerland. The Cartoonmuseum Basel offers 3,400 original works of art on three floors of a modern building. This collection is the fruit of a passion and commitment to narrative drawing. With over 10,000 works, the museum celebrates the legacy of this art form. Thematic exhibitions, inspiring workshops, guided tours (in French) and artist talks enrich each exhibition.

Learn about Eastern Swiss traditions through the secrets of making the world-famous Appenzeller cheese. The demonstration cheese dairy will introduce you to traditional Appenzeller cheese-making skills and traditions. During the tour, you'll be able to taste and make your own appenzeller, and have the chance to compose your own herb blend. Listen to the sound of typical bells, admire the imposing cheese cellar housing over 15,500 wheels of cheese and the gigantic cheese cauldron.

Discover the Swiss Architecture Museum (S AM), nestled a stone's throw from the Tinguely fountain. It showcases the city's contemporary architecture, bridging the gap between those in the know and those eager to discover. Basel shines on the European scene with works inherited from modernism and recent creations. The S AM offers three major exhibitions a year, revealing the "History and Present of Switzerland". Debates, guided tours and enriching publications.

Caution: you are entering the temple of chocolate! The Lindt House is the size of four soccer stadiums and takes you on an interactive journey to the origins of chocolate. You'll discover how cocoa conquered Europe, and learn how Swiss pioneers revolutionized the world of chocolate in the ^19th century with their inventions. Did you know, for example, that cocoa beans were once used as currency? At the end of the tour, you'll be able to taste as much white, dark and milk chocolate as you like. Exciting and addictive!

Beuggen Castle is a jewel. Nestled in a nature reserve at the crossroads of Germany, Switzerland and France, it stands on the banks of the Rhine. The building is divided into two parts: the old castle, dating back to the ^13th century, and the new one, built in the ^16th century. From the Rhine, you can admire the façade of the old castle. Since 2017, this charming building has become a venue for accommodation, events and catering. This picturesque site also welcomes tourists for guided tours, subject to booking.

Welcome to Basel's Music Museum, housed in the former prison since 2000. With 3,300 exhibits, it houses the world's largest collection of musical instruments. On three floors, discover 650 instruments spanning five centuries of history, including the oldest drum (1571), a viola da gamba by Joachim Tielke (circa 1704) and the "Weber-Unika" orchestrion from 1925. Explore eighty-four refurbished cells with interactive displays and exhibits for complete immersion.

Discover the HeK in Münchenstein, dedicated to digital culture. It explores the visual arts, music, theater, dance, performance and design. It's an interdisciplinary venue where media and technology come together to showcase the digital culture of the ^21st century. Exhibitions, mini-festivals and debates immerse you in this dynamic world. The Genusswerk&co bistro offers a variety of menus, cakes and sandwiches. Enjoy a good time on the terrace!

Over the past thirty years, the Fondation Herzog's photo lab has become a treasure trove: 30,000 selected photographs offer a unique insight into industrial societies on four continents from 1839 to 1970. Each exhibition prompts visitors to reflect deeply on current issues. In Dreispitz, the Foundation flourishes in premises designed by Herzog & de Meuron, inviting total immersion. A library and private tours offer expert insights.

Discover the Historical Museum and immerse yourself in Basel's history through three captivating exhibits: Barfüsserkirche, from prehistoric times to the present day, cathedral treasures, tapestries and dances of death. Musikmuseum, a breathtaking collection of over 650 instruments spanning five centuries of musical evolution. Haus zum Kirshgarten, transformed into a housing museum, offers a journey back in time to the heart of ^18th-century bourgeois opulence. Each room is carefully furnished to immerse you in the atmosphere of this sumptuous era.

Beautifully dubbed the Golden Circuit, this combination of several types of transport allows you to complete a loop around Mount Pilatus: by boat, cogwheel railway, cable car and gondola. You'll discover every facet of Mount Pilatus: the magnificent Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, the cogwheel railroad, alpine meadows, rivers, towering peaks, flora and fauna, delicate enzianes and, of course, the Swiss Alps with no fewer than 73 peaks. An unforgettable experience.

The Zugerberg Bahn is a must-see attraction in Zug. Located just eight minutes from the city center, it offers easy access to the Zugerberg mountain. Although not the largest mountain in the region, Zugerberg offers a variety of activities to suit all tastes. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mountain bike trails and the Zugerberg Trail. In winter, there are toboggan runs, cross-country ski trails and winter hiking trails. The Zugerberg Bahn is also wheelchair-accessible. For those wishing to extend their stay, there are restaurants and accommodation options available on site. Whether you're looking for a day of outdoor adventure or simply to enjoy the panoramic views, the Zugerberg Bahn is a must-see when visiting Zug.

This cave serves as the basis for student research at the Swiss Federal Technology Institute (ETH). Several posters at the entrance to the cave provide detailed information on the history of the glacier.

This association lists the 16 shipping companies on the country's lakes and rivers. Here are the details of the lakes and rivers of the country included in the pass: Lake Geneva, Lake Neuchatel, Lake Biel, the Rhine in Basel, the Rhine and the Untersee, Lake Constance, Lake Greifen, Lake Zurich, Lake Walenstadt, Lake Hallwil, Lakes Zug and Aegeri, Lake of the 4 cantons, Lakes Thun and Brienz (Interlaken), Lakes Maggiore, Garda and Como and Lake Lugano.

A small opera house worthy of the world's greatest! With its 1,100 seats, the Zurich Opera House - or Opernhaus - welcomes international stars. Each season, the opera's orchestra accompanies at least 250 performances with passion and artistic quality. As one of the world's most renowned opera houses, you won't be surprised to see debutantes dressed in ball gowns. You too can take a few waltz steps, visit the disco room, the cigar bar or relax in the lounge. Chic and expensive!

Switzerland was first and foremost an agricultural country with crops produced by family farms. This grain museum pays tribute to the rural world, to farmers and their grain harvests. The history of wheat harvesting and flour production is presented, as well as special exhibitions on nutrition and the culture of eating and drinking. The 100-year-old Tiefenbrunnen industrial mill is still grinding. You can also get your hands dirty and make your own bread.

What's not to love about "poking around" in the nooks and crannies of the old town to find Ali Baba's barracks of toys from yesteryear? This small museum is an exquisite discovery: a collection of toys from the ^18th to the ^20th century forms a miniature world that takes us into the everyday life of these eras. Beautifully preserved dolls, cars, figurines and children's books take visitors back to the lost world of childhood. A collection that never gets old!

This Haus Konstruktiv museum is the perfect way to keep up with the latest artistic trends! Its collections are housed in the former Selnau power station. It was founded by the Zurich artists behind the concrete and constructive art movement. Constructive art, it should be remembered, expresses the desire to link technical advances in construction with abstraction. The museum offers exhibitions of concrete and conceptual contemporary art. Of particular interest is "The Rockefeller Dining Room" by Swiss artist Fritz Glarner.

The small tram museum tells the history of Zurich through its urban transport and specifically its tramway, which has a long tradition in the city. Visitors are offered an interesting journey into the world of trams: old vehicles (from 1897 to 1960), drivers' uniforms, ticket machines, miniatures and even a giant model of the traffic network. Some of the vintage vehicles run on the VBZ line 21 between January and November every last weekend of the month between Burgwies and the old town.

When the former orphanage was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century, the cellar became the entrance to the present Zurich police building. In 1924, Augusto Giacometti painted frescoes with other artist friends that give an incredible light to the dark vaults. The paintings represent the trades that contributed to the development of the city. The ceilings are adorned with beautiful flowers in orange and brick tones which have given their name to this very special place which the people of Zurich call Blüemlihalle (the hall of flowers). Not to be missed!

The Basler Personenschiffahrt company offers boat trips on the Rhine to discover the city of Basel in a different way. From the river, admire the monuments: the cathedral, the Roche Tower and the picturesque houses of the old town. There are various options all year round for the whole family and all budgets, with or without meals: brunch on board at weekends, a cruise with a lock, a sunset walk or a fondue on a December evening.

Welcome to Basel, where Roche skyscrapers, symbols of architectural daring, dominate the skyline. Building 2, 205 m high, embodies modern engineering and is the emblem of Swiss skyscrapers. Inside, you'll find a harmonious blend of comfort, technology and aesthetics. Work and meeting spaces encourage creativity. Immerse yourself in the sustainability of these towers, examples of energy efficiency while honoring architect Otto Rudolf Salvisberg. Finish with a visit to the top floor Lounge 47 for a panoramic view of Basel.

Discover Holzpark Klybeck, an urban oasis for creativity and innovation since 2014. An incubator for bold urban projects, it is home to a diversity of artistic expressions. A deep reflection on space and architecture develops here, offering a new perspective on our environment. A pallet stage hosts shows and concerts. Two bars and a restaurant complete this immersive experience. The Gannet, lighthouse boat and seabird, embodies the spirit of innovation. Holzpark Klybeck is the perfect blend of culture and conviviality.

In 2012, this new museum was created by the merger of the Schwab and Neuhaus museums of history, art and archaeology. The permanent archaeology exhibition of the Schwab Museum was transferred to Neuhaus, while the temporary exhibitions are now housed in the former building. The permanent exhibitions focus on the city's watchmaking past, the painter and writer brothers Karl and Robert Walser, and 19th-century bourgeois life.

William Tell is a national hero. Who doesn't know of his famous daring and dexterity in handling the crossbow with such precision that it has become a Swiss quality par excellence? His life is still shrouded in mystery by historians. In the small village of Bürglen, the museum covers six centuries of documentation, representations and objects that take us back to the world of primitive Switzerland. It houses the collection of Basel-born Ernst Stückelberg, famous for painting the frescoes in the chapel of William Tell on Lake Uri.

Right in the heart of the town of Baden lie the ruins of Stein Castle. Originally built in the year 1000, it has since been destroyed twice: once in 1415 by the Confederates, and again in 1712 during the Second Villmergen War. Today, only the ruins remain of the former castle, which once belonged to the Habsburgs. Overlooking the town, the castle is well worth a visit for its panoramic view of the old town and surrounding vineyards. A wonderful discovery for the whole family.

In the heart of the Gundeldinger district, behind the SBB train station, the Gundeldinger Feld, a former silk factory dating back to 1893, was transformed in 1999 into a dynamic hub embodying Basel's renewal. Today, it's home to a diverse community: unique restaurants including the famous Blindekuh, where food is enjoyed in the dark, cafés, art collectives and innovative businesses. Hall 7 offers an unparalleled climbing experience. A cosmopolitan youth hostel completes the offer. A model eco-district to discover!

The office offers information on tourist activities and attractions in the area. Ice skates in sizes 33 to 46 can be rented for CHF 2 at the Bever tourist office in Via Maistra 21.

The Swiss National Park is a nature reserve protected from all human influence and intervention. The founding of the Swiss National Park in 1914 was a milestone in the history of nature conservation. It was the first national park in the Alps and Central Europe. At 172 km², it is Switzerland's largest nature reserve. According to the criteria of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is a category 1 reserve, the highest level of protection. Discover it on a hike.

This leaning tower, a curiosity in the city, dates back to the 13th century. It is 33 m high and inclined at 5.5 degrees (its inclination is higher than that of the Tower of Pisa). It is the last vestige of the church of St. Mauritius, which was partially demolished in 1893. Rehabilitation work has been regularly undertaken: the latest was in 2013 to reduce the angle of inclination. If you're passing through St. Moritz in winter, stop here: the sight under the snow is worth the trip. A trip to take pictures with the family.

Above St. Moritz, you can discover the original alpine hut from the film Heidi. For your information, the adventures of the little alpine girl were set by the author, the Zurich writer Johanna Spyri, on the slopes of the Falknis, near Maienfeld, on the Austrian border. The film was made in 1952 and made the courageous and endearing little Swiss mountain girl famous all over the world.

Set in the very beautiful villa of the artist, the museum presents paintings, sketches, studies of this painter with naive style, which was also writer (1891-1978).

Opened in 1908 and designed by the architect Nicolaus Hartmann, the museum is dedicated to the Alpine landscape painter Giovanni Segantini. The Italian painter, who came from the Symbolist movement of the late 19th century, spent the last five years of his life in St. Moritz. This building, which was erected only nine years after his death, is a kind of memorial. His most famous work, the triptych Werden, Sein, Vergehen (Becoming, Being, Disappearing), a masterpiece of dazzlingly realistic light and colour, is on display here.

Poschiavo is a charming town in Switzerland. For tourist information on the area, you can visit the Valposchiavo tourist office, located at Vial da la Stazion in Poschiavo.

The tourist office is located in Stampa, in the middle of the valley. This is the village of artist Alberto Giacometti.

In the heart of Graubünden, Arosa welcomes you at an altitude of 1800 metres. The Arosa Card is free for all guests staying overnight in the resort and entitles them to many free leisure activities in the region. It gives unlimited use of the bus service, Arosa-Weisshorn cable car, Hörnli gondola cable car, RhB Langwies mountain railway, pedal boat hire, indoor skating rink, local museum. Information is available at the office.

Built in the 1226 th century by the lords of the Toggenburg, he commanded the provost abbots who were owners from 1798 to. These governors traditionally lived in the Maison zum Toggenburg, added in the th century to the south wing of the castle. Also admire the entrance gate of 1566, and the Household House (1540) in the east wing. Today, the castle houses a local museum.

Wartegg Castle on Lake Constance dates back to 1557 and is now privately owned. It served as a refuge for important personalities on several occasions: during the French Revolution, in 1860 for Louise de Bourbon-Parme, expelled from Italy, and finally in 1919-1921 for the Austrian imperial family. Today, the château, owned by the Mijnssen family since 1994, also serves as a hotel. The 25 rooms enjoy a superb view of the English park, surrounded by the Appenzell hills. An idyllic setting for a stay in Switzerland.

Knie's Kinderzoo is home to around 400 animals representing 70 species for the greatest pleasure of the youngest... and their parents. In addition to the classic visit of the zoo, several activities are offered (some of them are not free of charge): giving breakfast to the monkeys in the morning or spending an hour in the giraffe, camel or sea lion enclosure. It is also possible to follow a caretaker during his work in order to get a better look behind the scenes. Everything is designed to educate children. There is also a restaurant overlooking the lake.

Géo-Weesen-Amden geo-Road was designed as a geological path. A beautiful experience for walkers! There are beautiful walks along the transverse valleys (Tamina, Weisstannen, Schils and Murg). The 30 km of the Walsaweg, which connects Bad Ragaz with New, is a route of choice.

The Five Lakes hike, which happens in one day, is recommended: The walk begins at the Pizol hut, accessible by gondola from Bad Ragaz or Wangs. We're headed to start towards the Wildseeluggen, and then you'll be guided by the small yellow panels. The full walk takes about 3 h 30 if you are only walking on foot. If you go down to the Pizol hut, you will have to forecast the whole day.

There are also itineraries for bicycle lovers. But you can also opt for boat tours on the Wallensee or the lakeside tour (a beautiful day in perspective).

Housed in two neighbouring houses, the Buherre Hanisef house and the town hall, the museum retraces the history of the region in five areas, spread over the five floors of the building: the first two in the Buhere Hanisef house, the other three in the town hall. The museum begins with an overview of the history of tourism in the region, followed by a focus on handicrafts, including woodworking and cooperage, and several rooms devoted to regional history, embroidery and the role of the state.

Located near Oberberg Castle, Walter Zoo is Switzerland's largest private zoo, with 500 animals and 130 different species: camels, wolves, tigers, leopards, llamas, kangaroos, jaguars, pumas, zebras, yaks, parrots, bears and many birds, not to mention a 1,250 m² chimpanzee park. Before your visit, don't forget to check the program on the website, as each day is punctuated by a series of appointments: pony rides in the morning, tiger meals in the morning, chimpanzee meals in the afternoon... These are moments not to be missed.

Not far from the Ostfriedhof cemetery is the St. Gallen Botanical Garden, a beautiful and well-maintained place. To make the most of its treasures, a visit in spring is recommended. Around 8,000 plants from all over the world are presented to the public here. Divided into several sections, the garden is a place to relax, to meet, but also to learn. Indeed, many exhibitions and guided tours are organized to familiarize visitors.

This is a most unusual museum! The Museum of Beer Bottles in St. Gallen is the first of its kind in Switzerland. Here you will find Christian Bischof's impressive collection of over 3,000 bottles from 260 different breweries. The oldest samples, clay bottles, are over 140 years old. A visit is worthwhile for Swiss beer lovers and the curious.