Pick up your rental car at the airport (following the instructions you'll receive before departure) and hit the road.

Pre-trip tips:

Even in summer, temperatures can drop to 10°C, so windbreakers and sturdy shoes are a must.

Switzerland is extremely expensive for dining out. Make use of Migros and Coop supermarkets, where you can grab great sandwiches, Swiss cheeses, and chocolates at reasonable prices.

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF), though card payments are widely accepted.

In Switzerland, mobile data roaming charges may apply depending on your carrier's plan.

Be careful on mountain trails and stick to marked paths only.

Protect nature—always dispose of your trash properly and respect local rules.

Don't forget to bring your good mood and a sense of adventure to explore the beauty of Switzerland!

How about a stroll through the city center? Winterthur has a huge advantage – it boasts the largest contiguous pedestrian zone in all of Europe. In the evening, once the shopping rush dies down, the historical core transforms into a quiet, safe, and beautifully lit spot that’s just a few steps away from your accommodation. Crystal-clear drinking water flows from almost every stone fountain in the old town, so you can refill your bottles for free whenever you like.

Get ready for a massive dose of nature's power! The Rhine Falls are among the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Europe. Every second, a huge amount of water crashes over their rocky edge, creating a deafening roar, a fine mist, and sometimes even a beautiful rainbow. From the viewing platforms, you can get almost within reach of the churning water and experience a unique view of the power of the Rhine River. In the middle of the falls stands a tall rock that has withstood the current for thousands of years and has become a symbol of this place. The Rhine Falls were formed approximately 15,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. Today, they are one of the most visited natural attractions in Switzerland.

• Parking for passenger cars is free for the first 1–5 hours, each additional hour costs 2 CHF.
• Access to the viewing platforms (Känzeli, Belvedere) from the south bank is via Schloss Laufen castle.
• Sightseeing boats run directly below the falls. The most popular is the "Rock Tour" (yellow boat no. 1), which drops you off on the rock cliff in the middle of the roaring water. Boat tickets are purchased separately at the pier.

The park was created by Swiss sculptor and painter Bruno Weber, who believed that art should awaken imagination and joy. For over forty years, he transformed this place into a unique open-air masterpiece. Every sculpture is an original, hiding plenty of tiny details that you'll only discover if you look closely. You should even go see the restrooms, even if you don't actually need to use them. While walking through the park, you'll feel like you're in a magical kingdom where reality blends with the world of dreams. Every turn surprises you with a new piece of art, inviting you to explore and take photos.

Bruno Weber Park is the largest sculpture park in Switzerland and one of the most interesting places of its kind in Europe. It’s proof that imagination truly knows no bounds.

• There are only a few spots for the disabled right at the park entrance. You must park your car in the valley at the Stadthalle Dietikon sports hall (Fondlistrasse 15) and walk uphill to the park for about 10 minutes.
• The park is open year-round, but only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• There is a small snack stand (kiosk) in the park, but it's better to bring your own snacks and drinks.

The Jet d'Eau (literally "water jet") is an iconic lake fountain, Geneva's most famous landmark, and one of the tallest fountains in the world. Water jets up to a stunning height of 140 meters directly from the surface of Lake Geneva.

The fountain is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering with breathtaking specifications. 

Two massive engines pump 500 liters of water per second. At any given moment, about 7 tons of water are suspended in the air above the surface. It takes exactly 16 seconds for a single drop to fly up and fall back into the lake.

• Watching the fountain and accessing the pier leading to it is completely free.
• Its operation is overseen by a team of five veteran staff members. If strong winds pick up (which would spray water onto the road and houses) or heavy frost hits, the fountain is immediately turned off.
• A narrow concrete walkway (the Jet d'Eau pier) leads to the fountain. You can walk literally a few meters from the jet itself.
• If you want the perfect photo with the fountain and the mountains in the background, hop on the yellow Mouettes water taxis (the line from Pâquis harbor to Eaux-Vives), which pass by in close proximity.

Head up Mont Salève, often called the “balcony of Geneva.” From the summit, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the entire city, the vast Lake Geneva, and the surrounding Alps. On a clear day, you can even spot Europe's highest peak, Mont Blanc.

Although Mont Salève is located in France, its position offers the best vantage point of Swiss Geneva and its famous Jet d'Eau fountain. For the people of Geneva, it serves as a primary suburban recreation area.

• There are several places to leave your car along the mountain ridge; all parking areas are on the French side and are completely free.
• Near the upper station, there is a modern playground, and inside the building, you'll find an interactive exhibit dedicated to the nature and history of the mountain.

Step into a world where laughter knows no bounds. That's exactly what awaits you at Chaplin's World, a unique museum dedicated to the legendary actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin. You'll visit his actual home – the elegant estate where he spent the last 25 years of his life with his family. You'll discover what he was like not just as a famous film actor, but also as a father, a musician, and a man with a big heart.

• There is a dedicated paid parking lot directly in front of the museum grounds.
• Buy your tickets online to get a discount on the price.
• Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours to tour the entire complex, including the gardens. There is a huge amount of things to try and see.
• There is one main themed restaurant located directly within the Chaplin’s World complex, as well as outdoor refreshments during the season.

Quai Perdonnet in Vevey is one of the most beautiful lakeside promenades in Switzerland. Beyond its breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, it is renowned as an open-air gallery. 

While walking here, you will come across several iconic and very interesting sculptures:

1. The Giant Fork (La Fourchette) - an 8-meter-tall stainless steel fork stuck directly into the bed of Lake Geneva, a few meters from the shore.
2. A life-size bronze statue of the famous comedian Charlie Chaplin stands in the park right by the lake, just a short walk from the aforementioned fork.
3. Emerging directly from the water at the edge of the promenade are elegant statues of mythical sea horses (or nymphs) being ridden by young women.

While strolling along the promenade, you will encounter a quiet but highly significant site – the Jan Palach monument. Standing directly on the shore of Lake Geneva, it commemorates the story of the young Czech student who sacrificed himself in January 1969 in protest against the occupation of Czechoslovakia and for the preservation of freedom. The monument was unveiled in 1997 and was created by Czech sculptor Milan Knobloch. Its dominant feature is a shape resembling a flame – a symbol of courage, hope, and the longing for freedom. On the pedestal, you will also find a well-known quote by Václav Havel: “Jan Palach's sacrifice became a challenge to seek paths to freedom.”

Chillon Castle – A fairytale fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva. Its towers, ramparts, and stone walls reflect on the lake's surface, creating an unforgettable scene set against a backdrop of snow-capped Alps. Just arriving at the castle is an experience in itself. The immediate surroundings of Chillon Castle offer beautiful hidden spots that are well worth exploring before or after your visit.

• Directly opposite the castle (across the main road) is a large parking lot reserved for visitors. While parking here is free, it is time-limited (usually to 3 hours).

For music fans, Montreux in Switzerland is a sacred place. Freddie Mercury, the frontman of the British band Queen, found his second home here, along with a sense of peace and incredible inspiration for his music during the final years of his life.

Queen Studio Experience. Step into the recording studio located right inside the casino building (Casino Barrière de Montreux), which houses Mountain Studios. The band Queen owned these studios in 1979 and recorded a total of 7 albums there, including their final one, Made in Heaven. Entry to this museum is completely free. 

The most significant memorial site is Freddie's life-sized bronze statue (standing about 3 meters tall). It is located on the main square, Place du Marché, right by the water.

The statue, created by Czech-born sculptor Irena Sedlecká, captures Freddie in his iconic pose from the 1986 Wembley concert—with his right fist raised to the sky and his jacket open.

The view that the bronze Freddie is forever looking out at over the lake is exactly the same one that used to bring him peace.

The mountain resort of Zermatt (situated at an altitude of 1,608 m above sea level below the iconic Matterhorn) has one key feature: a complete ban on cars. The entire town is car-free; only special quiet electric vehicles and horse-drawn carriages are allowed. If you're driving, you'll need to plan your logistics through a parking terminal in the valley. The last point you can reach by private car is the village of Täsch, located about 5 km before Zermatt. There is a huge indoor parking garage (2,100 spaces) directly connected to the train station, from where trains run to Zermatt. Trains run every 20 minutes from early morning until late at night. The trip takes just 12 minutes.

The walk from the Zermatt train station to the Sunnegga-Rothorn funicular station (where you depart for the 5-Seenweg hike) is very simple, quick, and can be done on foot in 8 to 10 minutes of leisurely walking (approx. 650 meters). There is no need to buy cable car tickets months in advance. You can simply purchase them on the morning of your trip directly at the ticket office or at a machine at the lower funicular station in Zermatt.

For the 5-Seenweg hike, it is best to buy the 5-Seenweg Combi-Ticket. It is designed specifically for this route and includes:

🚠 a ride from Zermatt via Sunnegga to Blauherd (the starting point of the hike),

🚟 a ride back from Sunnegga to Zermatt after finishing the hike.

A funicular ride from Zermatt to Sunnegga and a connecting gondola ride to Blauherd (2,571 m a.s.l.). After completing the 5-Seenweg route, return from Sunnegga back to Zermatt. 

The famous panoramic 5-Seenweg (Five Lakes Trail), which offers breathtaking views of the majestic Matterhorn – the mountain that has become a symbol of all of Switzerland.

During the hike, you will discover five unique mountain lakes – Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee. Each of them has its own atmosphere. The biggest highlight is the view of the Matterhorn, which, in good weather, reflects beautifully on the surface of Stellisee lake. The route takes you through meadows full of alpine flowers, past mountain streams, and through a landscape that will make you feel like you're in a fairy tale.

• Route length: approximately 9–10 km
• Walking time: approx. 2.5–3.5 hours (depending on pace and stops)
• Difficulty: easy to moderately demanding hiking trail
• Elevation gain: approximately 300–400 m 
• Highest point: around 2,600 m a.s.l.

Don't forget sun protection, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water. The trail is also suitable for children who are capable of walking for several hours in mountain terrain. On the route and in its immediate vicinity, you will find first-class mountain huts with restaurants and large terraces that offer stunning views of the Matterhorn.

The 5-Seenweg trail leads through an alpine landscape that is home to many mountain animals. With a bit of luck, during the hike, we might spot:

🐐 Alpine ibex (Steinbock) – the majestic mountain "king" with large curved horns, often found on rocky slopes,

🦌 chamois – quick and agile mountain climbers that can scale even very steep rocks,

🐿️ alpine marmots – cute rodents whose whistling is often heard from alpine meadows,

🐄 Swiss cows – typical inhabitants of mountain pastures, whose cowbells create the unmistakable atmosphere of the Alps,

🦅 eagles and other birds of prey – circling high above the mountain peaks,

🐦 alpine birds, such as yellow-billed choughs, which often approach tourists.

The Great Aletsch Glacier (Grosser Aletschgletscher), at 23 kilometers long, is the longest and largest glacier in the entire Alps. This monumental natural phenomenon in the canton of Valais has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. It weighs an incredible 11 billion tons, and if it were to melt, its water could supply every person on our planet with drinking water for 4.5 years. Due to global warming, the glacier is retreating at a rate of up to 50 meters per year. You shouldn't put off a visit, therefore.

You can reach the glacier from the parking lot via two cable cars:

1. Cable car Fiesch → Fiescheralp (approx. 10 minutes).
2. Transfer to the cable car Fiescheralp → Eggishorn (approx. 5 minutes).

Hiking tips:

1. You can break up your return journey by hiking down the valley to the terminal station of the first cable car, Fiescheralp, and taking that back down to the car park. In other words, you skip the second cable car ride back from Eggishorn.
2. Alternatively, you can just hike from Eggishorn to Märjelensee (about 1–1.5 hours one way) and take the cable car back the same way. The views of the glacier are still incredibly impressive on this shorter route.
3. Or combine both hikes, going to Märjelensee and then down the valley to the Fiescheralp cable car.

Essentials include water, a functional windbreaker, sturdy hiking boots, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.

The village's landmark is the nearly 300-meter-high Staubbach Falls, whose fine spray turns into a rainbow mist on sunny days. The atmosphere is completed by traditional wooden chalets, flower-filled meadows, and majestic mountain peaks in the background. The village of Lauterbrunnen itself offers classic wooden Swiss cottages covered in geraniums and unforgettable views from the local cemetery, which is one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland.

First Mountain (2,168 m above sea level) is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Grindelwald area. You can get there by the Firstbahn cable car in about 25 minutes. Buy your ticket at the lower station (if you don't have one online) and board the 6-seater cable car.

Right at the top station, the First Cliff Walk by Tissot begins – a metal walkway attached to the rock face. It is about 40 meters long and leads to a viewing platform that extends several meters out into the open space above the valley. Admission is free; you only pay for the cable car ride from Grindelwald to First and back, and it offers a unique view of the Eiger, Wetterhorn, and Schreckhorn peaks, as well as the surrounding glaciers.

Head to the picturesque mountain village of Meiringen, which left an indelible mark on literary history as the site of Sherlock Holmes' final showdown with his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty.

Your steps in Lucerne will inevitably lead you to the Reuss River, which divides the city into two halves connected by architectural gems.

Chapel Bridge is the most famous landmark in Lucerne and the oldest surviving covered wooden bridge in Europe. It was built in the 14th century as part of the city's fortifications and remains one of the most photographed spots in all of Switzerland. The bridge is over 200 meters long, and its uniqueness lies not only in its characteristic wooden structure but also in the triangular paintings under the roof. These were created in the 17th century and depict significant events in Lucerne's history as well as legends of Swiss patron saints. In the middle of the bridge stands the octagonal Water Tower, which served over the centuries as a watchtower, city treasury, archive, and prison.

A stroll across the Chapel Bridge offers a unique view of Lucerne's historic center, the Reuss River, and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Just a few minutes' walk from the center of Lucerne lies one of the most interesting natural sites in Switzerland – the Glacier Garden. This unique geological park commemorates the Ice Age, when the entire area was covered by a massive glacier.

The Glacier Garden is a place where nature, science, history, and fun come together in a unique way. It offers an extraordinary look into the Earth's distant past and is one of the most interesting attractions Lucerne has to offer.

Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal): Famous American author Mark Twain called this monument 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.' The dying lion carved into the rock face is a tribute to the Swiss Guards who heroically fell defending the Tuileries Palace in Paris during the French Revolution.

Don't forget to be at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Return the (refueled) car and head to your gate. Have a safe flight home!