Western Switzerland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Grindelwald
Grindelwald
Geneva
Western Switzerland
Western Switzerland

Overlooking Lake Geneva, the breathtaking snow-capped Alps provide the backdrop for medieval history, culture, luxury shopping and Swiss chocolate.

Fly to Geneva, the gateway to Western Switzerland’s stunning Alps, lakeside vineyards and ancient villages. The historic medieval architecture along Lake Geneva is dwarfed by the Jet d’Eau, a huge water jet rising from the lake. Visit narrow streets and cozy cafés and antique shops in buildings dating back to the 12th century in the Vieille Ville (Old Town). Stop at one of the city’s famous chocolate shops for the true taste of Switzerland or do some luxury shopping in boutiques along the lake.

Ride the train running along Lake Geneva’s western shore through several pretty towns and villages to Lausanne. This lakeside town is at its best during summer, when you can enjoy outdoor concerts and alfresco dining overlooking the water. With your fondue or raclette meal, try a local wine from one of the vineyards surrounding Lausanne.

A visit to Bern’s medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a must while in Western Switzerland. Many of the houses, cathedrals and fanciful fountains date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Bern is also the home of the Swiss Houses of Parliament. The monumental Renaissance-style building at the heart of Swiss political life is open for public visits on most days. From here enjoy a fantastic view of tall mountains.

The snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps are dotted with resorts and ski slopes, historic villages and hiking trails. Take the train winding up through the rock in Eiger Mountain to Europe’s highest station, Jungfraujoch. From here, ride up to the Sphinx peak for stunning views of the Alps and Aletsch Glacier.

On your way back to Geneva stop at Bex. Hike the trails that begin at Les Plans-sur-Bexfor a chance to spot an ibex among the fir forest and alpine wildflowers. For the adventurous, the 4- to 5-day Tour des Muverans hiking trail starts here and winds through Western Switzerland’s alpine scenery, with shelters for overnight stays.

Where to stay in Western Switzerland

Thun featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a lake or waterhole

Central Interlaken

Central Interlaken is known for its captivating mountain views, and you can make a stop by Interlaken Casino and Hoeheweg while in the area.

Central Interlaken
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Geneva City Centre

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Geneva City Centre. Check out top attractions like Mont Blanc Bridge and Paquis Baths, and jump on the metro at Cornavin Tram Stop or Mole Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Geneva City Centre
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Downtown Geneva

Known for its panoramic lake views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Geneva. Check out top attractions like Flower Clock and Rue du Rhône, and jump on the metro at Coutance Tram Stop or Cornavin Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown Geneva
Saint-Pierre Cathedral showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Geneva Old Town

Historical sites, lake views and shopping are just a few things travellers like about Geneva Old Town. Sights like Saint-Pierre Cathedral and Place du Bourg-de-Four are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Geneva area at Molard Tram Stop.

Geneva Old Town
Lausanne featuring a square or plaza and a pond as well as a large group of people

Lausanne Center

Lausanne Center is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Lausanne Cathedral and Place of Riponne while in the area.

Lausanne Center
Default Image

Old City of Bern

Unique features of Old City of Bern include the historical sites and museums. Make a stop by Bern Clock Tower or Bern Town Hall while you're exploring the area.

Old City of Bern
Essential by Dorint Interlaken

Essential by Dorint Interlaken

3 out of 5
8-10 Rugenparkstrasse, Interlaken
The price is ₹37,088 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹37,088
₹39,249 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Alpine Garden ...
9/10 Wonderful! (308 reviews)
"The views were stunning and the apartment was in excellent condition. Very accessible to the restaurants and train station"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

4 out of 5
Rue du Rhône 46, Geneva
The price is ₹10,201 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,201
₹11,392 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (996 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and helpful. Hotel is somewhat of a different concept for us - check-in at top floor combined with roof top bar area. Dark, modern decor hallways were different as well. Room was clean and quiet. Check-in process was somewhat cumbersome due to need to fill in information on ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
Hotel Suisse

Hotel Suisse

3 out of 5
10 Place Cornavin, Geneva, GE
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"This hotel is conveniently located by the train station and within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and local attractions."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Hotel Suisse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Los Lorentes Residences

Los Lorentes Residences

4 out of 5
Murtenstrasse, 147, Bern, BE
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bern. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (272 reviews)
Great 2 night stay
"Great facilities to enable self catering, supermarket literally 2 mins walk from hotel. Main bus route into centre also just a few minutes away with very frequent service. Also, great restaurant Noa very close and the huge free swimming pool(s) 5 min walk away. Great stay for us. Small issue with ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Los Lorentes Residences
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva

Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva

4 out of 5
Route de Meyrin 125, 1219, Chatelaine, Vernier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Vernier. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Fantastic accommodation and really helpful staff."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In

Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In

3.5 out of 5
Trüsselstrasse 4a, Bern
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bern. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Wankdorf Stadium and PostFinance ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (236 reviews)
"Really convenient location and excellent communication with the hotel manager."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Western Switzerland