Tourist Attractions & Monuments Switzerland

A real living museum at the foot of Montriond hill and a stone's throw from the Milan park and its playgrounds, the Botanical Garden cultivates more than 6,000 species of plants from all over the world in its rock gardens, water features and flowerbeds. This little corner of paradise is overflowing with colour and offers a serene and pleasant visit. The museum and the garden offer temporary botanical and artistic exhibitions to make the visit more enjoyable.

This English-style park surrounds a mansion built for wealthy financier Vincent Perdonnet (1768-1850). The family motto is inscribed on the rear façade: Toujours agité, jamais abattu!

The bourgeois residents of Rue de Bourg often owned a second home outside Lausanne, when the city was still surrounded by fortifications and vineyards (the vineyards belonged to the bishop, then were bought by private individuals, including the city of Lausanne). At the time, these residences were known as "maisons de maître", and the park surrounding them as "campagne". Thus, we also speak of the Désert countryside and the Hermitage countryside.

In front of the house, the Olympic rings on the ground evoke the original headquarters of the Olympic Committee. In 1756, the owner of the property, Philippe de Gentils, Marquis de Langallerie, had a theater built, where Voltaire presented plays during his visits to Lausanne. He also built a "folie". In the ^18th century, this was the name given to holiday homes, with their original, mixed Gothic, Baroque and medieval architectural styles, conducive to daydreaming, gallant encounters and invitations to travel, hidden away in the parks of castles or in the countryside. In fine weather, the pavilion offers light refreshments and pastries.

In summer, concerts and film screenings take place in this superb setting with waterfall, grotto, underground passage and aviary populated by superb macaws.

The Flon warehouses district is currently very popular with Lausanne's various cultural circles and real estate developers, and contrasts sharply with the medieval city.

In the ^19th century, goods arrived from the port of Ouchy or from the railway station. Businessman Jean-Jacques Mercier facilitated traffic by digging the metro. Goods were deposited on rails and taken up the Bel-Air elevator (which today leads to the Fnac) to continue westwards to the Chauderon station. Traffic ceased in 1974, and the former warehouses were taken over by culture, before becoming objects of covetousness for major groups. Today, the ^19th-century Flon buildings that have survived include the N2O bar and the Butterfly store. For the Mercier family, incorporated as LO Holding, Flon has long been a hole in the ground. In several former warehouses, the cellars are magnificent and still undeveloped. Enter, for example, the former customs warehouse at no. 17 (opposite Maniak): first you'll see a large glass roof and, in the basement, a vast space under arches that serves simply as a storeroom for the ground-floor stores.

From the Flon, you can see the recently renovated Métropole Lausanne shopping center building just above, as well as the Bel-Air tower, Switzerland's first "skyscraper", which appears here much longer than it is high. You can also see the Maison du peuple, sometimes humorously referred to as the "Kremlin". It houses the headquarters of the Socialist Party and the People's Workers' Party.

Today, in addition to art galleries, the Flon district is home to the well-known MAD and Atelier volant nightclubs (opened in the 1980s), trendy bars like Pur and N2O, high-rent apartments and studios for photographers and architects, a jazz school, and a growing number of stores.

As a result, Flon has earned its letters of nobility, and many Lausanneers say that their city's new alternative center is now moving further west. Artists tend to move towards Sébeillon and Malley. The disused Sévelin train station has been transformed into a vocational school, and culture has taken over the former warehouses: the Docks, the Sévelin 36 dance school, the Arsenic theater. Further afield, in Malley, the Théâtre Kléber Méleau is located in the former gasworks.

In winter, a free skating rink is set up on the Flon.

Housed in a building dating from 1618 with facades painted in Mannerist style, the museum allows visitors to grasp the full extent of these constructions that have shaped the mountain landscape. The bisses are small irrigation canals on gentle slopes (0.5 to 1%). They are the legacy of Roman ingenuity, but it was not until the Middle Ages that farmers began to tame the run-off water. The effigy of the CHF 100 banknote since 2019 is the great bisse of Ayent.

This unique site is worth a visit. At an altitude of 700 m, it offers a sumptuous view of the lake and the Alps. This leisure park with its large green spaces will meet the expectations of young and old. There is plenty of room to spend the day with family and friends. The choice is very large: water balls, car circuits, trampoline, minigolfs, kid's club for the little ones with a plethora of games, activities, workshops, an animal park, walks, volleyball, outdoor games, an adventure park, tree climbing and a zip line and a family coaster.

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.

From Yvonand to Démoret, the trail ranges between Valleys and Vaud countryside and offers breathtaking views of Lake Neuchâtel. Throughout the course, the hiker has the opportunity to discover the many cultural riches of this surprising region, such as the St. Martin Tower, the Oak-Pâquier round Church, the Roman catacombs of Démoret, etc.

Space Gutenberg allows to discover the techniques of typography and printing in old, lithograph, the manufacture of paper to the tank, etc. The machines, which it is possible to manipulate, date mainly from the th. You will also be able to acquire a printed text in the old, on homemade paper!

The Yvonand Tourist Office, located in Yvonand, Switzerland, is a tourist information and reception center. It is located next to the Hôtel-Restaurant de la Gare, just a 2-minute walk from the Yvonand train station. The office offers advice on the many things to do in the region, as well as useful documentation to help you organize your stay, such as brochures, hiking maps and information on accommodation and local events.

The Sainte-Croix/Les Rasses Tourist Office is located in the center of Sainte-Croix, next to the town hall. It's within easy walking distance of the train station, just 5 minutes away. The office offers advice on what to do in the area, as well as useful documentation to help you organize your stay, such as brochures, hiking maps and information on accommodation and local events. During the winter season, a tourist information chalet is also available in Les Rasses, at the foot of the ski lifts. Here you can book ski lessons.

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.

Not far from the famous Diable gorges, in a magnificent setting,  this professional adventurers team offers varied water activities: rafting, hydrospeed, kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, mountain activities- via ferrata,  mountaineering - and an adventure playground with several levels. Reservations required for a tonic weekend with friends.

The online tourist guide observes the Office du Tourisme du Moléson in Gruyères. Visitors can obtain information on the region's tourist attractions and get tips on what to do. Among the attractions mentioned is a playground located in Moléson-sur-Gruyères. It can be reached on foot in 5 minutes from the free parking lot and public transport. The playground is designed for children and features games such as a castle with 4 towers, slides and ropes. There's also a pretty wooden square with various games for children of all ages. Admission to the playground is free.

A German poet, poet and painter, Hermann Hesse adopted Swiss citizenship in 1924 and lived in Montagnola until his death in 1962. The light of the Collina d'Oro fascinated the artist. Many celebrities (including Theodore Heuss, Thomas Mann and Bertolt Brecht) came to Montagnola to Visit him. The museum retains valuable testimonies of the last 43 years of Hermann Hesse, including books in the garden. The Balisé d'Oro can be admired along the marked route «On the steps of Hermann Hesse».

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.

The association Pré en Bulle proposes to create links between the districts of Grottes, Cropettes, Montbrillant by activating the associative and collective fabric. It sets up activities for children, teenagers and the general public. In addition to the bicycle exchange, it offers an original way to discover Geneva, and more particularly the Grottoes district. Why not take a bike or simply your two feet, a headset and let yourself be guided through the unusual places of the district, in a completely free way? The audio recordings are provided by the association, as well as the mp3 player if you don't have one with you. Visiting this neighborhood with locals, on a bike, is a very personalized way to get to know all the details.

In the ^18th century, Carouge was home to about 450 artisans. The toponymy of the roads and the architecture of the houses of the city testify to this past wealth. A new city built according to a checkerboard plan, the old districts are articulated around the current Ancienne and Vautier streets. Do not hesitate to explore these small streets to soak up the charm of this city, which already seems far from Geneva. In the past, the Genevans liked to come here to indulge themselves, in total contradiction with the austerity encouraged by the Calvinist ideas.

It's a beautiful park, adorned with magnificent trees, and a great extension to the walk along the road that climbs to the end of the botanical garden. The Penthes estate (owned in 1650 by the lord of Penthaz, hence the name) climbs a hillside, offering spectacular views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. In the center stands the Château de Penthes, a ^19th-century manor house. The Château de Penthes gourmet restaurant offers an escape between Indonesia and Morocco, a stopover in a very pleasant tropical setting!

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 Espace images de Vevey is the permanent showcase of Images Vevey's activities, dedicated to the presentation of contemporary photographers. Opened in 2010, the Espace Images is the result of close collaboration between the Cultural Service of the City of Vevey and the Festival des Arts Visuels. Exhibitions are proposed and the photographers are only chosen among the participants of the Vevey International Grand Prix of Photography. This enables the incredible visual heritage that arrives in Vevey every two years to be showcased in a lasting way.

Marmottes Paradis is home to five of the world's fourteen species, from Russia and North America. Housed in 400 m² pens, they are protected from predators by fences. In one of the parks, a tunnel allows you to observe the interior of the burrows through large portholes. Two other parks are equipped with cameras so you can examine the marmots' underground activity. An educational center provides information on the different species of marmot in the world.

Multicolored and fragrant, the Rambertia alpine garden intoxicates you with the scent of its thousand alpine flowers and plants, half of which come from other countries in Europe, America, Asia and Nepal in particular. The garden's location, at 1,980 m, on the eastern ridge overlooking the Rochers-de-Naye combe, was chosen for its favorable climate. The garden is dedicated to Eugène Rambert, a Montreux poet. It is accessible via a 400 m path from the terminus of the little train.

Always dynamic and available, seniors are full of good ideas to share so as not to remain isolated. The Guides d'accueil of the Mouvement des aînés de Vaud offer a wide range of activities throughout the year, including leisure activities, excursions and training courses. They are also the ones who will guide you on a day out in Lausanne to discover all its secrets. The kindness, knowledge and, above all, the benefit of sharing the lives of local people will enrich your visit to the city. Don't hesitate to call on their knowledge.

Lake Geneva is a stopover for a large number of migratory birds on their way from Siberia to Europe, Africa or South America to make their wintering quarters. An artificial island has been created for them, offering them peace and quiet in a beautiful setting. You'll be able to observe them in excellent conditions, and find out all you need to know at the bird house and on educational panels. Two telescopic sights are freely accessible.

Experience Geneva's historical moments as if you were there! Every Sunday, at the Brunswick monument, a guide in a cap awaits you and accompanies you to seven statues of historical figures who share the urban landscape of Geneva. A dozen actors and actresses in costume perform 4 to 5 minute sketches. Head for the landing stage for the re-enactment of Sissi's assassination, Rousseau Island, the bust of Henry Dunant or the Reformers' Wall... A walking tour, exclusively outdoors, with no particular difficulty.

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.

The Domaine de la Vigne Blanche overlooks the harbour of Geneva. The Domaine offers a wide range (19 in total!) of high quality Swiss wines: whites, rosés and reds. Among the famous wines of the domain, La Vigne Blanche, La Réserve de la Commune de Cologny and La Cardamone, are in their image, close to nature and the soil. Solid, generous, fine and authentic, they all have an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée and carry the Vinatura label.

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.

When you arrive by air, this airport kiosk will provide touristic information about Geneva, its region and neighboring France. Very handy info about eventual discovery ideas, upon arrival!

Perched 230 metres above sea level on a rocky outcrop, this ducal fortress is part of the city's fortified enclosure, classified by Unesco as a World Heritage site (year 2000) along with the Castelgrande and Montebello castles. Its name derives from its position, on top of a rock, like the feathers of a raven - in the Corbatt dialect. It is typical of the Sforza family, with a quadrangular tower, a keep and impressive walls 4.70 m thick. It was built in 1479 by Benedetto Ferrini, a military engineer from Florence, but he died of the plague before seeing it completed. In fact, it's the only one of the three castles with a precise construction date! It was built in just over six months, to complete the defensive line and block the road to Milan for the Confederates. The Emma Poglia room inside the castle is particularly opulent and refined, in a Baroque and Nordic style, all in solid walnut. It dates back to the ^17th century. This room was also used as a "stüva", or heating room, as evidenced by the room's stone stove, which bears the family coat of arms. Don't miss the view over the city from the castle's Belvedere, which houses temporary exhibitions. In winter, the château is closed, but the exterior and interior courtyards are open to visitors. Please note: the restoration work carried out between 2004 and 2006 has enabled the surrounding network of paths to be redeveloped with respect for nature.

These circuits, lasting approximately 5 hours, were initiated in 2012. On the programme: guided tours in small groups (max. 7 people) in the vineyards of Chablais or Lavaux, with wine tasting and meal included. A very privileged way to discover the particularities of Lavaux wines. You follow the coast in a mini bus with guides and enjoy privileged access to the estates. The price is degressive for groups, but even if the quality is there, it may still put off some.

A fun way to discover Sion's historic town center, as well as other routes such as Lac de Montorge and Domaine des Îles. Kids love this little red-and-white train that looks just like a big one! For adults, it's a great way to discover the region while saving a little money. It runs all summer long, but can also be privatized for events involving ten or more people. Along the way, listen out for historical information.

The first non-stop round-the-world balloon flight started in 1999 from Château-d'oex. Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jone, who made this crazy challenge on board the Breitling Orbiter 3, inspired the creation of this museum in the former town hall. It includes a reception area, a shop and a partly multimedia exhibition presenting the history of the hot-air balloon. Invention, technology, adventure: everything has been done to recreate the world of balloonists. The Breitling Orbiter 1 capsule can be seen near the balloon take-off area.

Plage de Crottaz, or Plage de la Grotte, is a small open-air relaxation area, a gravel beach in a picturesque location, with a 3-meter diving board as well as changing rooms, toilets and showers. Access is via a tarmac path between two properties (be sure to mark the path). It's sheltered from the wind and shaded in places, which is good to know on hot summer days. Gonelles beach is nearby.