List of major cities in switzerland alphabetically. Swiss cities - list of the most populous

All cities and resorts in Switzerland for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts in Switzerland: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews of tourists.

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Cities, resorts and regions of Switzerland on the map and alphabetically

Charming, sedate, but at the same time laid-back and always sincerely welcoming to their guests, the cities and resorts of Switzerland invariably offer quality rest for every taste and ... not for every wallet. However, the cost Swiss holiday one hundred percent justified: the service in the country is at the highest level, which, coupled with exceptional opportunities for skiing, treatment, excursion trips and simply blissful pastime on the picturesque lake shores makes Switzerland a must-visit destination for all connoisseurs of the good life.

Let's start with the "excursion", although in the case of Switzerland, with equal success, one could start with winter resorts, and with treatment, and with beach holiday. First of all, we recommend exploring the old Bern - there are a lot of interesting sights, including a magnificent gothic cathedral with the tallest bell tower in Switzerland, as well as mind-boggling museum collections, including the Albert Einstein House Museum. Most Big City The country of Zurich (it is not surprising that it is most often confused with the capital) boasts not only magnificent monuments of antiquity, but also exceptionally picturesque landscapes - after all, it is located on the shores of the most beautiful Lake Zurich.

Considering that the mountains occupy almost two thirds of the territory of Switzerland, it is clear that skiing is developed here perfectly. The most famous

Ironically, the most beautiful cities are not always the most popular. The top 10 most popular cities in Switzerland are based on the number of tourists visiting each city. Wherein popular resorts far from always so beautiful in terms of architecture.

- this is my personal selection that can help you plan your itinerary in Switzerland. Together with the 10 best tours in Switzerland, this will be a series must see in the country.

Top 10 most beautiful cities in Switzerland

1. Lucerne

Most beautiful city Switzerland, Lucerne is adored by all tourists. A picturesque old town with painted houses, a majestic lion sculpture carved into a sheer rock, and, most importantly, an indoor wooden bridge The 14th century, stretching across the Reuss River, whose tower rises against the backdrop of the jagged peak of Mount Pilatus.

2. Zurich

Zurich is the gateway to Switzerland for many tourists. Maybe my opinion is biased (I live in Zurich and the site was originally created specifically for Zurich), but I personally adore the old city of Zurich, with its medieval houses that have survived even from the 13th century, with its Lindenhof hill, from where great view to the Grossmünstra and Fraumünstra towers, to Lake Zurich and the ridge of the Alps on the horizon, and with its quiet craft streets of the Schipfe district, a shady paradise in the summer heat.

3. Stein am Rhein

Stein am Rhein is a tiny town not far from lake constance, in the north-east of Switzerland, captivates all tourists with its magnificently painted houses. Especially fabulous atmosphere here at Christmas, when all this beauty is complemented by a decorated Christmas tree with lights.

4. Thun

6. Gruyere

Gruyere- a tiny medieval town located on a hill in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, not far from Friborg. Gruyères is famous all over the world for its cheese, and from an architectural point of view, it attracts with its charm of an ancient city that grew up near the castle of the Counts of Gruyeres. Gruyere Castle is one of the most popular in Switzerland. And the traditional ensemble is complemented by the fantastic museum of Giger's "Aliens" and a cafe-bar, made in the same style.

7. Appenzell

Appenzell- the capital of one of the most traditional cantons in Switzerland, where an open vote of the inhabitants is still held once a year on central square. Appenzell will plunge you into the atmosphere of authentic Switzerland, the country of shepherds and farmers. And bright colorful houses Appenzell will cheer you up, especially after a glass of local Appenzell beer in one of the restaurants!

8. Zermatt

Zermatt- terrible tourist place! The city consists of only hotels, and crowds of tourists never disappear here. But despite this, here you can see very characteristic houses, traditional for this area, built on piles and columns of stones. Well, numerous alpine chalets- here that is not a house, then everything is in the style of a chalet!

Unlike German-speaking neighbors - Germany and Austria - the Confederation does not know the so-called "right to be a city." This means that the Gemeinde (communes) themselves decide on the issue of their name. Usually a city in Switzerland is a locality with more than 10,000 inhabitants. There are, however, exceptions in both directions: for example, Könitz (part of the agglomeration of the city of Bern) calls himself "gemeinde", although almost 40 thousand people live in it. The reverse example is the capital of the canton of the same name, which itself has chosen for itself the status of not a city, but a “main place”.

List

The largest cities in Switzerland

NumberCityPopulationPopulationCanton
1 337’900 402’275
2 174’999 196’150
3 Basel166’009 173’960
4 Lausanne114’889 132’626 In
5 122’484 128’848
6 Winterthur88’767 105’676
7 57’023 80’501
8 69’836 74’581
9 Lugano25’872 62’792 Ticino
10 Biel/Bienne48’840 53’031
11 Tun39’981 42’929

Guide to the cities of Switzerland

Check out the absolutely fantastic video guide to the cities of Switzerland:

Which city in Switzerland is the capital?

In which locality located ? Wrong question! In order to debunk such an erroneous opinion, which is so widespread in Russian-speaking sources, the Portal “Switzerland Business” will continue to tirelessly repeat: The Confederation has no capital! Therefore, Bern can only be called only the unofficial (or administrative) center of the country.

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The most beautiful cities in Switzerland

At the same time, it is extremely important to understand that most ratings are compiled by foreigners or based on their opinion. Foreigners, having been far from everywhere in the Confederation, by definition, cannot give a more or less representative rating of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. By the way, that is why so often on the top lines are and - i.e. cities that tourists see most often.

The Switzerland Business Portal is proud to be able to publish news and materials in the format “About Switzerland. From Switzerland." This fact allows us to share with all readers a much broader understanding of the realities of our country. With regard to the topic of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, this means that Zurich is still the same in our rating and is far from in the first place.


Switzerland Tourism / swiss-image.ch, Roland Gerth
. Photo: swiss-image.ch/Andreas Gerth
In the heart of the city - Grand Pont (“ big bridge”). Graphics: swiss-image.ch/Ivo Scholz

Tiered city overlooking Lake Geneva.


Geneva, © Switzerland Tourism / Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas

City of peace and home to the multitude international organizations. Being almost the most expensive city Switzerland for living, Geneva is at the same time in the top of the list of the most comfortable cities.


Zurich. Graphics: swiss-image.ch/Jan Geerk

The banking capital of Switzerland and. At the same time, Zurich is the most populous city in Switzerland.


Bellinzona in winter. Photo: swiss-image.ch/Andreas Gerth

Everyone is literally obliged to visit Bellinzona at least once. Its castles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Who wouldn't want to take a boat ride in ?Graphics: swiss-image.ch / Roland Gerth The capital of the canton and the fortress of Munot. Graphics: swiss-image.ch / Philipp Giegel

If you want to visit places where the lion's share of tourists have not been, then the city of Schaffhausen is the one! The city has unique history and beauty.


Old city Lenzburg. Photo: site

Quite unfairly, many tourists ignore Lenzburg. However, instead of spending the day or part of it in Zurich, it is more useful to get to Lenzburg in just 20 minutes by train. One local is worth a lot!


Old City. Graphics: chensiyuan, GFDL

Fairy tale for real? Let me introduce - Stein am Rhein. This cozy town with its painted houses will not leave anyone indifferent.


View of the castle from the Rathausplatz. Graphics: Andrew Bossi

If you have never heard of the city of Thun, then you cannot yet be called a connoisseur of Switzerland. But don't worry! At the next opportunity, be sure to go to this wonderful town in.

Swiss cities in the world wealth ranking

The largest cities in Switzerland - Zurich and Geneva - were included in the ranking of the richest cities in the world. Both cantonal capitals have become a real magnet for international investors, collectively concentrating decent capital. The championship went to another continent.

Zurich and Geneva are among the richest cities in the world. This is evidenced by the published study "New World Wealth", the author of which was the consulting company of the same name. However, both cantonal capitals cannot boast of high positions.

The financial capital of Switzerland - Zurich - took 22nd place. The total sum of all private assets local residents(for example, cash, real estate, stocks and jewelry), concentrated in the city, totals 715 billion dollars.

French-speaking Geneva was slightly higher - on the 17th line. The Swiss city has become home to $820 billion in private assets.

Year after year, the cities of Switzerland are named in the lists of the best places to live: their names are on everyone's lips, and landscapes with emerald alpine meadows fascinate with their beauty. Large Swiss cities are the headquarters of many international organizations, which makes this country even safer and more comfortable for living and recreation.

We present a list of beautiful and interesting cities Switzerland to visit.

Zurich

Zurich (photo: @newyorkcity)

The largest city in Switzerland, the southern part of which "hugs" Lake Zurich. The city is regularly named among the most expensive, safest, most comfortable places to live both in Europe and around the world.


The old architecture of Zurich (photo: @giniella)

This is a really expensive city. Calm and majestic, with a touch of Swiss snobbery.

Geneva


Geneva (photo: @meesha31)

Geneva is located in the very west of Switzerland, where it is surrounded on all sides by France and Lake Geneva. Geographical position with a favorable climate and the economic situation of the country makes Geneva one of the most livable cities in the world.


Geneva (photo: @thc.pix)

In addition, the city is called the capital of the world, because here are the headquarters of a lot of international organizations, such as the UN, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and World Organization healthcare.

Basel


Basel (photo: @mina.juveler)

Basel, located in the very north of Switzerland, geographically connects three states at once. In the northwest it shares the border with France, in the northeast with Germany.


Basel (photo: @basel_ig)

The city of universities, museums and the birthplace of the famous football club, Basel is much more soulful, cozy and inviting than haughty Zurich and Geneva.

Lausanne


Lausanne (photo: @mgrima)

Swiss Lausanne is the "Olympic Capital" of the world and one of the major cultural centers of the country. It houses the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee and other sports organizations, many museums and a picturesque old town.


Lausanne (photo: @professeur_bell)

Lausanne stands on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, which has a positive effect on both the urban landscape and the ecological situation.

Berne


Bern is the capital of Switzerland (photo: @larisapopescu)

Capital of Switzerland, center political life countries. Part northern border The city runs along the river Are. The historic center of Bern, which has grown since the 13th century on a peninsula, is listed world heritage UNESCO.


Sunny Bern (photo: @schok77)

Among other attractions, Bern has the Albert Einstein Museum, the Alpine Museum and the Tram Museum.

Lucerne


Lucerne (photo: @christian_tandler)

Lucerne is located in the heart of Switzerland, and thanks to its favorable geographical position and developed transport communication, from here you can easily get by train to all largest cities countries.


6 km from Lucerne stands beautiful castle Meggenhorn (photo: @lauren.borsheim)

Beyond the beautiful historical center, Lucerne has a very picturesque landscape, which forms the architect, together with Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus.

Locarno


Italian architecture on the streets of Locarno (photo: @simone_bertagna88)

Swiss city in the Italian canton of Ticino, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, most of which lies in Italy.


View of Lake Maggiore in Locarno (photo: @peakvisor_app)

Locarno is known primarily as a major European balneological resort, as well as the city hosting the international film festival.

Lugano


Picturesque Lugano (photo: @berlinandaround)

An Italian-speaking city in the canton of Ticino, known as the "Rio de Janeiro of the Old World". The southern part of Lugano stretches along both banks of the lake of the same name in the south of Switzerland, and the eastern outskirts are adjacent to the border with Italy.


Cityscape of Lugano (photo: @gayle.t)

Despite the fact that the city is small, it hosts a lot of cultural events. It was here that the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in 1956.

Montreux


Sunset Montreux (photo: @the_travelopher)

Francophone resort town, famous for its jazz festival. Montreux has the perfect geographical position in the so-called Swiss Riviera: it stands in the Alps on the shores of Lake Geneva.


Shiloh Castle on Lake Geneva in Montreux (photo: @missblorente)

It was in this town at the Montreux Palace Hotel that Vladimir Nabokov spent the last 17 years of his life with his wife. Nabokov is buried near Montreux, in the town of Clarens, and in Montreux there is a monument to the writer.

Solothurn


The peaceful landscape of Swiss Solothurn (photo: @finalmente_d)

Not as famous as the larger cities of Switzerland, very compact, Solothurn is well worth a visit. It combines in its architecture Swiss, Italian and french styles, and it is the largest city in the country, built in the Baroque style.


Architecture of Solothurn (photo: @karin_vo_van)

In 1980, Solothurn was awarded the Architectural Preservation Prize.

Zug


Landscape of Zug (photo: @arpaleo)

The small city is located at the same distance (about 30 km) from Lucerne and Zurich, and, like them, lies on the coast of the lake of its name. The idyllic landscapes of Zug are mesmerizing and dazzling, which is why this perfect place for a calm measured rest surrounded by mountains and by the lake.


The picturesque architecture of Zug (photo: @umanocravo)

By the way, the Swiss say that in Zug you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Switzerland.

St. Gallen


St. Gallen (photo: @weheartstgallen)

University city in the north-east of Switzerland, near Lake Constance, in one of the highest regions of the country. St. Gallen grew up around the Benedictine monastery of St. Gall, after whom it was named.


A beautiful street in St. Galler (photo: @weheartstgallen)

The monastery of St. Gall or St. Gaallen Abbey with a beautiful library is the largest cultural center medieval Europe. In 1983, the entire monastery complex was listed by UNESCO as "a perfect example of a large Carolingian monastery".

Schaffhausen


Cityscape of Schaffhausen (photo: @mikajabuka)

Most northern city Switzerland, located just 15 minutes from the border with Germany. Schaffhausen is known to tourists for two things. Firstly, there is a factory for the production of the famous brand of Swiss luxury watches IWC Schaffhausen.


View of the Rhine (photo: @kenocopur)

Secondly, it is in Schaffhausen that the famous Rhine waterfall is located - the largest flat waterfall in Europe.

Winterthur


Evening Winterthur (photo: @fronthauber)

Art and culture lovers should not miss a visit to this town 20 minutes north of Zurich.


View of Winterthur (photo: @themellendeed)

Winterthur combines the status of a major industrial center countries with the honorary title of the Swiss city of museums with the richest collections of collections.

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You can’t take your eyes off the charming landscapes of Switzerland - of course, because this compact European country located in the Alps, along which an impressive Railway. The cities of Switzerland - large and small - are beautiful in winter, when ski resorts celebrate their high "season", in spring and summer, when rich emerald alpine meadows are buried in bloom. However, this is a desirable place for tourists all year round - excellent cuisine, exquisite jewelry and watches, culture, nature do their job! Because it small state, in one week you can visit many cities in Switzerland.

Under the canopy of the peaks reflected in the lake surface: the cities of Switzerland

Bern: de facto capital

Ancient Bern will appeal to travelers who love to shop and admire ancient architecture. The city is famous for its bakeries selling traditional confectionery and pastries. The heart of Bern is the magnificent architecture of the 12th century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spectacularly scattered along the banks of the River Aare. The main city "hit" is Zytglogge, a stunning clock tower, in which moving puppets play the role of chimes. In addition, de facto Bern is not just a city of Switzerland, but also its capital, there are several important government buildings here.

Zurich: the favorite of shopaholics

Zurich is an ideal place to explore art and culture, the city has a lot of museums and trendy modern galleries. The nature of the surroundings of the center of the German-speaking canton will also not disappoint the tourist: nearby is the picturesque Lake Zurich and magnificent peaks Zurichberg and Uetliberg. You can go on a boat trip or have a hike / picnic in the mountains. Zurich is a favorite of shopaholics, it has wonderful boutiques, as well as a rich night life. With friendly bars, great shopping and photogenic scenery, Zurich is one of the best destinations for holidays in Europe.

Lucerne: at the foot of Pilatus

Another very beautiful city in Switzerland is Lucerne. Its recognizable symbol is the historic Kapellbrücke covered bridge with water tower. Panoramic views of the Alps, atmospheric city squares, Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, old houses with frescoes - all this is like a balm for the soul of an experienced traveler who has seen many beauties. Take a cruise on the lake, visit the Swiss Transport Museum, the Dying Lion monument, the modern Culture and Congress Center and find out that Lucerne is a very friendly city that you don't need a guide to explore.

Zermatt ski resort

Do not forget that some cities in Switzerland are considered ski resorts upper class. For epic mountaineering and skiing adventures, Zermatt is a must. A small mountain town transforms in the winter season and is literally teeming with tourists! In addition, this is one of the few places on the planet where you can ski in the summer. Explore the city at a leisurely pace, then use the cable car to reach mountain top and enjoy the panorama of Zermatt and its surroundings. There is also a train connecting the resort with neighboring cities– this is an incredibly scenic track! Zermatt is not allowed to use gas-powered cars, so it is very environmentally friendly.

Arosa: a protected area

If the beauties of Zermatt are not enough for you, here is another one swiss city(rather - a commune), excellently suited for winter sports. Arosa is the "secret weapon" of Switzerland, securely hidden in a remote area of ​​the country and offering epic landscapes. There are all the conditions for an Alpine spa vacation (for example, the Tschuggen Bergoase salon). Try culinary delights in Tschuggenhuttte, admire the beautiful church and experience hiking trails. You should not think that Arosa is a purely “winter” resort: in March, an annual music festival is held here, and in summer, a car race.

Basel: center for the arts

To experience the unique multicultural atmosphere of Switzerland, choose Basel, which has strong influences from both French and German traditions and art. One of the main attractions of the city is Basel Art Museum, there are other museums, galleries and theaters. For this, Basel is called the "city of art". Don't forget to take pictures of the Town Hall and the Basel Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral with superb statues. The Rheinfahre ferry offers tours on the Rhine River - its banks are fabulously beautiful.

Geneva headquarters and parks

Geneva - important city not only in Switzerland, but throughout the world. Here are the headquarters of the International Red Cross, the United Nations and many other organizations of world importance. But, of course, for a tourist in Geneva, not only its humanistic purpose is important, it is a city of parks, spread out on the shores of an amazing lake, in the middle of which the famous Jet D'Eau fountain beats. To explore all the sights of Geneva, its museums of art and clocks, you can rent a bicycle.

Lausanne: vineyards and hillsides

Some of the best ski mountain trails on the planet are located near Lausanne, it is the home of the International Olympic Committee. In addition, the city itself is a neighbor of Geneva and the lake of the same name. Lausanne is known as great resort open air with chic vineyards in the suburbs, it is a favorite vacation spot for famous writers. It is very pleasant to do trekking here. If you get to Geneva, it's easy to go to day trip to Lausanne by train. It will be an exciting experience!

Lugano: fantastic landscapes close to the Mediterranean

Snow and cold weather are not for you, and even warm drinks by the fireplace will not help? Then go to Lugano in May-August. This Southern City Switzerland, which is famous for warm summers with fresh Mediterranean air, and also for classic music festival. The city is built along beautiful lake Lugano has always attracted celebrities. Even today they are not averse to relaxing on the stunning shores of a charming reservoir. You will fall in love with these fantastic landscapes! Lugano is also an excellent transit point between Switzerland and Italy.