Overview Destination

Basel
Where culture is the architecture for the unforgettable

An architectural masterpiece showcasing a circular opening revealing the clear blue sky, surrounded by a patterned structure creating wave-like illusions.

Stroll beside the mighty River Rhine and a panoply of choices are there for you: step into a museum to marvel at sublime examples of Renaissance masters? Wander through the atmospheric old town’s squares and streets? Or just pull up a chair at an open-air café and enjoy an apéro with cosmopolitan cool? With a rich heritage spanning from Roman times to today’s buzzing art world, Basel is history and Basel is now. Let us show you how to make the most of this city on the borders of Switzerland that’s at the heart of its cultural scene.

A lively street scene with a person walking by an Art Basel advertisement showcasing a green sculpture.

Blown away by Art Basel

This renowned art fair sees the city’s galleries filled with exclusive vernissages, standout shows and exceptional exhibitions that mix established names with new artists. Basel lives and breathes inspiring visual culture – the more art you see, the more alive you’ll feel.

Freie Strasse in Basel during carnival, featuring a participant adorned in a handmade and distinctive costume, showcasing the unique artistry of each mask.

Three days of glorious revelry

In the late winter mists at 4am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, the drums and pipes announce the start of carnival (or Fasnacht). For three days the streets of Basel are alive with masked entertainers, colourful parades, infectious fun and plenty of confetti.

Scenic view of Rhine embankment with boat crossing the river in Basel

Float down the Rhine

Experience Basel from a serene perspective, letting the gentle river current guide you. From the water, either in a traditional Weidling boat or even your own swimming costume, you can take in sights such as the medieval cathedral and magnificent Mittlere Brücke.

Urban art on canvas by Robert Indermaur, depicting a vibrant scene with people.

Marvel at the museums

Culture in Basel is for every day, not just the art fair. The city is packed with world-class museums and galleries, such as the Fondation Beyeler or the Kunstmuseum. We know them all inside out so come with us on a magical trip to the Swiss cultural capital.

A vibrant market scene in Marktplatz with a prominent red historic building and tower in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Shop like the locals

Basel’s markets and boutiques are brimming with delights. Our guide will take you to the and best-kept secrets and sellers famed for their one-off artisanal products, tempting gourmet delicacies and hearty regional produce. You won’t get closer to the heart of Basel than this.

Travel in Basel

A serene view of a cityscape during sunset, with the sky painted in hues of blue, pink, and orange. Buildings silhouette against the vibrant sky, and their lights reflect on the calm Rhine river below.

This is a city on the edge. Of Switzerland, that is. Walk too far down some streets and you’ll end up in France or Germany: they are that close. This position at the heart of Europe and on a navigable stretch of the River Rhine made Basel an industrial and commercial powerhouse. But Basel is also a city of the mind, ideas and ambience. It is steeped in a history of learning (its university was the first in Switzerland, where the Dutch scholar Erasmus taught) and of vibrant culture, with a wealth of galleries and museums.

Wherever you want to go in Switzerland, we can make it happen. Just click on the link to find out all we have to offer in every region of this beautiful country.

Explore Switzerland

Overview Region

To the big city and beyond

Zurich & the north

View of Zurich at sunrise, showcasing the city’s historic architecture, river, and distant mountains.

Ancient secrets, amazing art, natural wonder and the quintessential craftsmanship of Swiss watches: all waiting to be discovered in this under-spotlighted part of the Alpine Republic. Founded by the Romans almost 2000 years ago, Zurich today is Switzerland’s posh mini-metropolis known for its affluence. The tri-border city of Basel is a haven for fine arts and culture. Follow the River Rhine to the Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein for some epic nature and a history lesson across medieval cobblestones. Yes, this region is a comprehensive Swiss education covering the basics during just one leg of your alpine adventure.

People enjoying a panoramic view of Zurich city with historical architecture from a shaded viewpoint.

The little big Swiss city

Hectic city vibes disappear once you’re beside Lake Zurich admiring the Alps, even in Switzerland’s financial and commercial hub. Soak up the priceless art in the Kunsthaus and explore the narrow streets of Niederdorf. Indulge in the finest chocolate and some retail therapy along Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich’s modern finesse, ancient Roman roots and traces of the Reformation make for a profoundly fascinating experience.
Explore Zurich with Cosa

A person observing a large, colorful abstract painting in a bright, spacious art gallery.

Capital of art and culture

Basel, the dramatic tri-border city on Switzerland’s edge, is so close to Germany and France you can almost stand in all three simultaneously. It’s a dreamy stop for art and architecture fans, with events like Art Basel and the carnival plus heaps of museums. Cultivated travellers always feel right at home here in this eclectic yet played-down cultural city.
Visit Basel & its museums

The powerful rush of water cascading amidst green landscapes and architectural beauty.

A mighty natural wonder

You can admire the Rhine Falls from the shore – if you want to be boring. Or you can hop on a boat for a rocky adventurous encounter, and really hear Europe’s largest waterfalls roar. Stay dry for Instagrammable photoshoots on lookout points and then get drenched on the tiny island in the middle of the rumbling 150-metre-wide falls.
Where the water rushes and roars

Close-up of hands working on the delicate internal components of a wristwatch, showcasing precision and expertise.

Tales of time and watchmaking

Geneva isn’t the only place to jump into the unparalleled craftsmanship and precision behind Swiss watches. Switzerland’s north also dives deep into the national passion of timekeeping with museums, boutiques and even ateliers where you can make your own Swiss timepiece. Fun fact: the oldest watch retailer in the world, founded in 1760, is in Zurich.
Make your own watch with Cosa

A street where the buildings are canvases, displaying rich and detailed paintings that reflect the city’s cultural heritage.

A colourful medieval gem

Along Switzerland’s northern border, the Rhine is usually the dividing line from Germany. Not in Stein am Rhein, which lies over on the ‘other’ bank but has been Swiss for centuries. This historic town’s half-timbered buildings are proudly embellished with colourful murals and fresco painting. And when you need a break from buzzing streets, head to the quiet riverside.

Summer view of a ship on the Rhine River, with the historic old town and Munot fortress in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

Zurich & the north in brief

The northern border of Switzerland runs roughly along the River Rhine from Lake Constance to France, covering the cantons of Schaffhausen, Zurich, Aargau, Solothurn and Basel. With Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, and its industrial hub, Basel, this region is home to around three million people, or a third of the Swiss population. You’ll also find Switzerland’s tallest building (Roche 2 Tower at 205m), the FIFA headquarters and maybe even a celebrity: this was where Tina Turner lived and became Swiss. Whether it’s sampling Aargau’s signature carrot cake or taking a boat on Lake Zurich, you’ll love exploring this part of Switzerland.

When to go

All year

Why go there

History and culture
Art and architecture
Natural wonder

What to see

Zurich
Art Basel
Rhine Falls

Explore all of Switzerland

Wherever you want to go in Switzerland, we can make it happen. Just click on the link to find out all we have to offer in every region of this beautiful country.

Explore Switzerland

Overview Country

Switzerland
Our home will be your home

A bed placed outdoors offers a serene setting with a captivating view of Lake Wallensee. Switzerland

First things first: we know Switzerland, inside out and top to bottom. That shouldn’t be a surprise (we are Swiss after all!) but it’s always interesting to notice how many people don’t actually know what’s on their doorstep. You won’t have that problem with us. But we don’t want to overwhelm you with our in-depth knowledge and limitless passion for all things Swiss, so let’s start with introducing you to the regions of Switzerland. Each one is packed with wonderful sights and unique experiences just waiting for you.

Spectacular view from the train en route to Interlaken, Switzerland

Where the cows speak French

Sunny day at Lake Geneva by "The Fork of Vevey," a modern installation art piece, against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps on a clear and bright autumn day.

Suisse Romande

Much of life in western Switzerland revolves around the croissant shape of Lake Geneva, with its historic towns, elegant ships and famous residents. This French-speaking region, known as Suisse Romande, is the home of two Swiss passions: watches and wines, so take the time to enjoy both.

Suisse Romande

A capital region for exploring

Bern, Switzerland, winter charm along the Aare River, with the picturesque Alps as a backdrop

Bern & the Oberland

The atmospheric old town of the Swiss capital sits in a giant loop of the River Aare with the peaks of the Bernese Oberland dominating the horizon. Swap town for country for alpine hikes in the shadow of the Eiger and scenic train rides, including up to lofty Jungfraujoch.

Bern & the Oberland

The heart of the nation

Statue of Wilhelm Tell, the folk hero of Switzerland at the Rathausplatz of Altdorf, Switzerland.

Lake Lucerne region

From the urban delight of Lucerne to the rural idyll of cow-dotted fields and the mighty Gotthard massif, the landscape of central Switzerland is picture perfect. Beyond the scenery of Lake Lucerne, you can discover spectacular train rides and a dramatic helping of Swiss history.

Lake Lucerne region

Urban life made easy

Stand-up paddleboarding on the scenic Schanzengraben, capturing the adventurous spirit of water enthusiasts

Zurich & the north

Zurich might be Switzerland’s metropolis but it’s also compact and pleasant. With cobbled streets in the old town and swish shops along Bahnhofstrasse, the city centre is a delight. And it’s the starting point for exploring the north, from the mighty Rhine Falls to the museums of Basel.

Zurich & the north

Where Swiss traditions live on

Folk costume of a Man from Appenzell Innerrhoden, traditional costume of The Swiss Shepards.

Eastern Switzerland

You’ve probably never heard of a Hackbrett, let alone heard one being played. That isn’t too surprising given that it’s a musical instrument from Appenzell in eastern Switzerland. Life here is as Swiss as Swiss can be, so why not experience these rich traditions and festivals yourself?

Eastern Switzerland

Get high on fresh air

Capricorn surrounded by a alpine scenery in the mountainous region of Graubünden, Switzerland.

Graubünden Alps

The stunning mountainous landscapes of the eastern Alps dominate the canton of Graubünden, which is both the largest and emptiest in Switzerland. Glamorous resorts like St Moritz vie for your attention with scenic hikes, rustic villages and amazing train rides.

Graubünden Alps

More than the Matterhorn

A winding trail leading towards the iconic Matterhorn mountain, with a mountain lake in the foreground and a backdrop of alpine scenery under a bright blue sky.

Valais Alps

Don’t tell everyone but the best place to see the majestic Matterhorn isn’t in Zermatt itself. Luckily, we know where you’ll get the perfect shot of this iconic peak. But there’s more to the Valais Alps than just one mountain so have your camera ready for the majestic Aletsch Glacier.

Valais Alps

La Dolce Vita Swiss style

Ticino

South of the Alps is Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton where life is more relaxed. With its elegant towns and glittering lakes, this region will soon have you enjoying languid lunches, exploring hidden valleys, admiring great architecture and relishing Switzerland’s sunniest climate.

Ticino

Essential facts

Switzerland sits at the heart of Europe, surrounded on all sides by the European Union (but it is not itself a member). The country is made up of 26 cantons, or mini-states – each with their own traditions, but with a federal government and parliament in Bern. Around nine million people (and 1.6 million cows) call Switzerland home and there are four national languages. It has a Latin official name, Confoederatio Helvetica, that is shortened to CH.

Time zone

UTC +1

Dialling code

+41

Local currency

Swiss franc

The big Swiss quiz

Question 1

The 72 waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley inspired which author to create a fantasy elven kingdom?

Overview Experience

Local festivals
for every season

Switzerland

Die traditionellen Silvesterchlaeuse in der Umgebung von Waldstatt. The traditional Silvesterchlaeuse in the area of Waldstatt.

Switzerland Tourism: swiss-image.ch/Roland Gerth

The Swiss love their festivals. So much so that every town and village seems to have one of its own. Some are found across the whole country, such as the descent of the cows from the mountains every autumn. Others, like the spring carnival in Basel, attract crowds in their thousands. Wherever they happen and however big they are, Swiss festivals are not just a date in a calendar but are cherished as part of local life. Yes, many have become attractions for outsiders to watch but they are mainly organised for and by locals. We’ve picked seven of our regional favourites, spread across the year to show that Switzerland really does have a festival for every season.

Chocolates, cauldrons and costumes

Chocolates, cauldrons and costumes

Back when Geneva wasn’t Swiss but still an independent city-state, soldiers from neighbouring Savoy tried to conquer the city by scaling the walls. They hadn’t reckoned with Madame Royaume, who raised the alarm and poured a cauldron of hot soup over the invaders. This unusual victory on the night of 11-12 December 1602 is celebrated today as the Escalade, with chocolate cauldrons that are smashed open to reveal marzipan vegetables. Locals also dress in medieval costumes for official parades and singing door-to-door.

When: December
Where: Geneva

classical concert at the Menuhin festivals in Gstaad Switzerland

Musical magic in the mountains

The cultural scene in Saanenland changed forever when Yehudi Menuhin moved to Gstaad in 1957. What started with two events in August that year grew to become one of the best classical music festivals in the world. Chamber music is still the core of this annual delight but has long been joined by symphony concerts. We love the custom-built festival tent as much as the intimate atmosphere of concerts in local churches. Not forgetting the inspiring scenery all around. For seven weeks each summer, the Gstaad Menuhin Festival lights up many lives so why not join them?

When: July to September
Where: Gstaad

A fiery winter spectacle

In many places a festival of fire would be deemed unsafe. But not in Liestal. Here it’s called Chienbäse and is celebrated the night before carnival starts in neighbouring Basel. It’s an impressive spectacle, with the medieval town centre lit up by fire in all shapes and sizes. Giant flaming carts get pulled through the narrow streets and vast wooden torches are carried on weary shoulders. You can feel the intense heat on your face but remember to wear old clothes and a hat: flying embers land everywhere.

When: February or March
Where: Liestal

Switzerland Tourism: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

Diccon Bewes

Ringing in the start of spring

Switzerland Tourism: swiss-image.ch/Christof Sonderegger

Ringing in the start of spring

Boys in blue smocks and red hats are a common sight on 1 March in the Engadin and Val Mustair, Graubünden. Many of them carry huge cow bells (around their waists, not their necks!) while older ones crack long whips and the rest sing in groups. Girls traditionally don’t take part, though some villages let them join in. Known as Chalandamarz, this is to celebrate the end of winter, with the bells and whips there to scare away the evil spirits and welcome the start of spring.

When: March
Where: Graubünden

Everything you can do with chestnuts

Switzerland Tourism

Everything you can do with chestnuts

Nothing marks the changing of the seasons quite as clearly as food (or the weather, though that is getting more unpredictable). And nothing says autumn quite like chestnuts, as much in colour as in taste. This little brown wonder is celebrated all across Ticino in October and nowhere more so than the Castagnata in Ascona. Here the marroni are centre stage, with over 2000kg of them roasted or transformed into delicious jams, breads and cakes. It’s a sensual feast, thanks to the crackling fires and sweet chestnuts.

When: October
Where: Ascona

Celebrating the New Year twice

Some traditions are so special they simply must be celebrated twice. That’s the case with Silvesterchlausen in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, which marks the new year under two calendars: first the Gregorian in December and then the Julian in January. Local men (but not women) walk from house to house and farm to farm, ringing bells and singing old songs. All are dressed in elaborate costumes, ranging from velvet suits with beautiful carved headdresses to leafy robes and papier-maché masks. It’s one of our favourite festivals.

When: December and January
Where: Urnäsch region

Switzerland Tourism

Alphorns galore!

Alphorns galore!

You’ve undoubtedly already heard an alphorn, maybe even two or three together. Just wait until you’ve heard 150 being played at the same time: guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Every July the town of Nendaz hosts this grand ensemble and also an official alphorn competition. Nothing says Switzerland more than the sound of music from this impossibly long instrument. It needs around 70 hours of labour to make one – and roughly as long to learn to play a tune! Originally used for communicating in the mountains, it’s now an essential part of Swiss tradition.

When: July
Where: Nendaz

You can discover all seven inspirations for 2023 here. Or if you’d like to know more, please contact us directly.

Basel Where culture is the architecture for the unforgettable

Blown away by Art Basel

Three days of glorious revelry

Float down the Rhine

Marvel at the museums

Shop like the locals

Travel in Basel

More Switzerland for you

Zurich & the north

Local festivals for every season

Bern & the Oberland

Suisse Romande

To the big city and beyond

The little big Swiss city

Capital of art and culture

A mighty natural wonder

Tales of time and watchmaking

A colourful medieval gem

Zurich & the north in brief

When to go

Why go there

What to see

Explore all of Switzerland

Want more Swissness? Here it is

In the hands of a watchmaker

Local festivals for every season

Zurich

Basel

Switzerland Our home will be your home

Where the cows speak French

Suisse Romande

A capital region for exploring

Bern & the Oberland

The heart of the nation

Lake Lucerne region

Urban life made easy

Zurich & the north

Where Swiss traditions live on

Eastern Switzerland

Get high on fresh air

Graubünden Alps

More than the Matterhorn

Valais Alps

La Dolce Vita Swiss style

Ticino

Essential facts

Time zone

Dialling code

Local currency

The big Swiss quiz

Question 1

The 72 waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley inspired which author to create a fantasy elven kingdom?

More Switzerland for you

Best Swiss train rides

Local festivals for every season

Suisse Romande

Local festivals for every season

Switzerland

Chocolates, cauldrons and costumes

Chocolates, cauldrons and costumes

Musical magic in the mountains

A fiery winter spectacle

Ringing in the start of spring

Ringing in the start of spring

Everything you can do with chestnuts

Everything you can do with chestnuts

Celebrating the New Year twice

Alphorns galore!

Alphorns galore!

Written by: Diccon Bewes on 11 January 2023

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Where culture is the architecture for the unforgettable

Switzerland
Our home will be your home

Local festivals
for every season