Swiss city from the big game. List of largest cities in Switzerland

Switzerland, a small state in the heart of Western Europe, is associated primarily with banks - a symbol of reliability, watches - the embodiment of accuracy, chocolate - the emblem of the sweet life, and the majestic Alps, which occupy more than half of its territory.

Every year, Switzerland receives thousands of guests, including financiers, businessmen, and, of course, tourists who want to get to know this unique country better. The most popular cities for travelers are Geneva, Bern, Zurich, Lausanne, Lucerne, Basel, Lugano and Montreux. Each tourist chooses his own way of transportation depending on personal preferences - you can get to know Switzerland by traveling by plane, train, bus or car, and each method has its own advantages. However, the greatest independence, freedom and the opportunity to visit all the interesting cities of Switzerland with maximum comfort will give you a trip by car rented.

Basel


The city of Basel is often called the gateway to the country, as it is located on the very border of France, Germany and Switzerland. From the center of Basel to neighboring states can be reached by spending only about half an hour on the road. It was this fact that became the reason for the endless jokes that the people of Basel were “used” to relax in Germany, shop in France, and live in Switzerland. They speak in Basel a special, Basel dialect of Swiss German, which is very difficult to understand. However, the townspeople, communicating with foreigners, easily switch to literary German.

The city, the third largest in the country, is considered an important industrial and cultural center- Basel is called the capital of the Swiss chemical and pharmaceutical industry, the headquarters of international organizations are located here, the only port on the Rhine connecting the country with seaport in Holland, the oldest university in Switzerland, a large number of other prestigious educational institutions and more than forty museums.

Despite the fact that Basel is located in the very north of Switzerland, the climate here is mild - winters are quite warm, and summers are not hot at all, so a trip to Basel will be successful at any time of the year.

The majestic Rhine divides the city into two unequal parts - Greater and Lesser Basel, between which in the past there was a stubborn rivalry. Now only bizarre sculptures on bridges thrown over the river remind of these times, and today this is nothing more than a highlight in unique architecture Basel. The narrow streets of Greater Basel seem to be permeated with noble beauty carried through the centuries, they greet tourists with orderly rows of houses and numerous details that create an atmosphere of antiquity: signs, intricate door handles, openwork forged lattices, special devices for cleaning shoes at the doors of houses, mailboxes adorned with pictures...

Among the sights of Basel, the Münster Cathedral, the City Hall, the Fischmarkt Square with beautiful fountain with the statue of Our Lady, the Spalentor Gate and the Market Tower, the building of the former Franciscan Church Barfussenkirche, the Kleines-Klingenthal Monastery, the Art Museum, which presents masterpieces of world art, the Basel Museum of Antiquities, the Zoological Garden. You definitely need to visit one of the sports centers and spas with massage rooms and swimming pools, take a walk in the parks, where comfortable conditions for picnics and sports entertainment are created, or stay for a long time on the shopping streets of the city with all kinds of shops, boutiques and shops. However, the most memorable in Basel will be the bright carnivals, which are not inferior to those in Brazil. The most famous is the Maslenitsa carnival - tourists from all over Europe gather to watch the impressive nighttime costume procession, illuminated by huge painted lanterns.

You can get to Basel by car, bus, water transport, train, plane. There are two stations in the city, where domestic and international trains, and a small airport that receives flights from several countries, including from Russia. The BaselCard tourist card is very useful for city visitors, with which you can receive discounts in restaurants, tickets to museums and river cruises, or use ferries or guided tours for free.

Berne


small town Bern, located north of the Alps, can be safely ranked among the most interesting and famous cities Switzerland. Firstly, Bern, despite its small size, is considered the actual capital of the country - in the Swiss constitution there is no such thing as a "capital" at all, but it is in Bern that the government, parliament and central bank are located. Secondly, Bern is often called the "Museum under open sky”, because its entire historical part, lying on a peninsula in the bend of the Aare River and consisting entirely of architectural monuments, recognized as an object world heritage UNESCO. And thirdly, in 2014, the inhabitants of the country themselves called Bern the most beautiful city in Switzerland, and it is really unique - the most beautiful streets with sandstone facades, fountains, ancient towers - everything here seems to be saturated with the charm of the Middle Ages.

The most pleasant stay in Bern will be from mid-April to mid-October - at this time it is not hot and sunny weather. Tourists arriving in Bern are in a hurry to see the main attractions: Bern Cathedral, built in the late Gothic style; Zytglogge tower with ancient astronomical clock, they show not only the time, but also the movement of the stars and the signs of the zodiac, and the figurines of bears, a rooster and the ancient Greek god of time Chronos, set in motion by a clock mechanism, play whole performances every hour; unique Bernese well fountains and the famous fountain with the terrible name "Child Eater"; Berengraben - an open enclosure surrounded by a moat with water, where bears live - the heraldic symbol of the city of Bern; the graceful Niederbrücke bridge and the oldest bridge in Bern, the Untertorbrücke; City Hall, Nidegg Castle and numerous city museums. A walk through the Matte quarter will be memorable - once artisans lived here, and, surprisingly, for several hundred years the quarter has hardly changed in appearance. Shoppers will disappear for a long time on the streets of Spitalgasse, Postgasse and Marketgasse, where Bern's trade is concentrated - from street markets to expensive boutiques and luxurious jewelry stores.

Bern is famous for its entertainment, which is why it annually attracts thousands of tourists - here you can visit a huge number of various sports competitions, exhibitions, festivals and carnivals, and young people will be carried away into the maelstrom of nightlife by bars, restaurants, casinos and nightclubs. By the way, regarding cafes and restaurants, many tourists note that in places with traditional Swiss cuisine, prices are much higher, so travelers who want to save money and the townspeople themselves prefer Asian, Italian and French establishments. Accommodation in Bern will also cost a lot, but at the same time local hotels are distinguished by excellent service, even in the simplest boarding house the rest will be very comfortable.

The nearest airport is located in Belp, however, it accepts international flights not from all countries, for example, from Russia by plane you can fly to Zurich or Geneva, and from there you can get by train, bus or car. Tourists traveling by car can focus on three routes: N1 (E25) leading from Basel and Zurich, N12 (E27) ̶ from Geneva and Lausanne and N6 from Thun and Interlaken.

Lugano


"Rio de Janeiro of the Old World", "sunny hallway of Switzerland", "diamond Italian Switzerland» ̶ all this is about the city of Lugano, which lies in the very south of the country. It seems that even its unofficial names are filled with soft sunlight What can we say about the city itself! It really seems like a real southern paradise with a special relaxed resort atmosphere created by palaces, temperamental residents, palm trees, exotic flowers and bright sun. Although Lugano and the Mediterranean Sea are separated by a decent distance, the weather here is very reminiscent of a mild mediterranean climate- Lugano is protected from cold winds by mountains, the sun shines here almost all year round, the temperature is on average higher than in other cities of Switzerland, and the cleanest Luhansk lake, which is also called Cherizo, completely replaces the sea. However bathing season here it is somewhat shorter - it lasts from June to September, but water activities are widely represented: yachting, water skiing, windsurfing, paragliding. Mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, hiking along mountain routes are very popular in Lugano, Mount Monte Generoso is especially loved by tourists because of the magnificent panoramas that open from its top and the unique children's park Swiss Miniature, where, in addition to fascinating attractions, all the sights of Switzerland are presented in miniature, it will take just a couple of hours to “see” the whole country. West of Lugano on Mount Breno is located ski center, however, winter entertainment will be available only for three months - from December to early March.

Once in Lugano, it is hard to believe that this city is in Switzerland, because its architectural sights bear little resemblance to the buildings of the romantic French-speaking Switzerland and the austere buildings of the German-speaking part of the country. Lugano is nothing but sunny Italy. However, this is not surprising, given the close proximity southern state. In the center of the old town you can see the Palazzo Civico, surrounded by a magnificent park; luxurious old villas, the most famous of which is the country villa Malpensata, which now houses the Museum fine arts, Chiani and Favorita; medieval churches of San Rocco and St. Mary, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, decorated with ancient frescoes. Lugano is also popular with fashionistas, as Milan, the world's fashion trendsetter, is only 80 kilometers away, and in Lugano you can buy almost all the things of world brands, while the prices here are much lower. Most of the boutiques are concentrated on Via Nassa, as well as in the village of Medrisio, where you can buy luxury clothes and accessories at big discounts in hyperstock.

The hotel business plays one of the key roles in the economy of Lugano, so the choice of hotels, inns and hostels is wide - the most expensive are located in the center and on the lakefront, and tourists who prefer to save money can easily find accommodation in more remote areas - here prices are times in 2-3 below. Restaurants and cafes of Lugano greet guests, of course, with a classic Italian menu, which presents risotto, pasta, polenta, ravioli and other famous hits of Italian gastronomy.

As in any resort town, life in Lugano does not stop for a minute - rich daytime walks and excursions are replaced by vivid night experiences for tourists - clubs, casinos, bars, discos urge you to have fun until the morning.

There are no direct flights from Russia to Lugano - only a few countries' planes arrive at the small Lugano-Agno airport, and you can get here by train, bus or car from Zurich, Geneva or Milan.

Lucerne


The city of Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland, is often called the embodiment of all stereotypes about this country. Lucerne is known among tourists as one of the most beautiful cities Switzerland - surrounded by mountains dressed in white caps of snow, it is comfortably located on the shore picturesque lake with crystal clear water, and its architecture is exactly what foreigners imagine it to be - neat, like gingerbread houses, old chapels, medieval bridges, powerful fortress walls and towers - Lucerne resembles a revived illustration from an old chivalric novel.

Despite the fact that Lucerne is small in size and very compact, a week is hardly enough to see all its sights. calling card cities are the Wasserturm tower and the wooden covered bridge Kapellbrücke - this is the oldest bridge in Europe that has survived to this day, its construction dates back to 1333. Another symbol of Lucerne is the touching sculpture "The Dying Lion" - it is carved right into the rock in memory of the events of 1792, when the soldiers of the Swiss Guards died during the assault on the Tuileries Palace, protecting the life of the French king. In Lucerne, unlike many other cities in Switzerland, the remains of ancient defensive structures have survived to this day - this is the Museggmauer fortress wall with nine towers, one of which has an old clock that has the "right" to ring a minute earlier than other hours. It will be interesting just to walk along the streets of the old city to see the frescoes and bas-reliefs that adorn almost every building, to look at the Knight's Palace, to visit the park-museum, which is called the Ice Garden, which presents unique exhibits extracted from ancient glaciers; visit the ancient churches of the Franciskanerkirche and the Hofkirche; Europe's largest Museum of Transport, Museum of Art and Alpenarium with a 3D panorama of the Alps, moreover, so realistic that a complete "presence effect" is created.

After getting acquainted with the culture and architecture of the city, tourists go to the mountains, the most popular of them is Pilatus with interesting hiking trails for walks in the summer and playgrounds for sports in the winter. Shopping fans will appreciate the many boutiques and shops located in the old part of the city, and for lovers of peace and a relaxing holiday Lucerne can offer lake cruises and walks on the most beautiful embankment. Although for people who prefer active recreation, the promenade will become an attractive place, here you can go windsurfing, water skiing or go fishing by renting tackle.

Lucerne has no shortage of hotels - the most expensive ones are located on the lakefront, and more affordable options can be found near the station. In winter, by the way, travelers have the opportunity to use the Snow Card, which guarantees significant discounts on hotel accommodation and the right to ski in one of 13 sports zones. To receive the card, you just need to stay in one of the hotels participating in this program.

The cuisine of Lucerne will seem unusual - the neighboring countries have had a strong influence on the Swiss culinary traditions, but taking a little bit from each cuisine, in Switzerland they created their own - traditional dish here boiled potatoes with home-smoked sausages, rice with minced meat, fruits and berries and pear gingerbread are considered.

You can get to Lucerne from Zurich, from where trains run twice an hour, and motorists can focus on the A2 Basel - Lugano, A8 Lutzen - Interlaken and A14 routes, connecting Lucerne with the A4 highway to Zurich.

Montreux


The small resort town of Montreux in the west of Switzerland is undoubtedly worthy of being included in the list of the most beautiful Swiss cities, it is not for nothing that it is called the “Pearl of Swiss Riviera"and" City of Music and Flowers ".

Montreux lies on a low hill between two bays of Lake Geneva, on three sides it is reliably protected from northern winds high Alps, so the climate here is unusually mild. Once here, you can’t even believe that this is the center of Europe, it seems as if you were on the Mediterranean coast - luxurious mansions and villas are literally buried in the lush greenery of cypresses, magnolias, palm trees, laurels, almonds and exotic flowers, and only dazzling whites rising above the city the peaks of the Alps are reminiscent of the proximity of ski resorts.

The city of Montreux was once small village, whose inhabitants were engaged in fishing and winemaking, but in the middle of the 19th century, Montreux, due to its extraordinary beauty, gained fame as a resort - all the creative elite of Europe began to come here to relax and draw inspiration. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, the luxury hotel Montreux Palace was opened here, which still retains its popularity. And in general, little has changed in a century and a half - today the resort of Montreux is still in demand by actors, musicians, writers, and annual jazz festivals, Classical music festivals and the Festival of Laughter attract crowds of art lovers and cultural entertainment enthusiasts.

Fashionable hotels, villas, restaurants, cabarets, casinos stretch along the coast, and tourists often spend their time here, but it’s still worth looking into residential areas and succumbing to the charm of antiquity. Neat houses of the townspeople stretch along narrow cobbled streets, and each of them is remarkable for something - painted windows or doors, pots of flowers, funny and cute trinkets that bring fabulous notes to the city landscapes.

Not far from Montreux is one of the most famous castles in Europe - Chillon. The ancient fortress was founded in the 10th century, and the Knights' Hall and the Hall of Justice, dungeons, dungeons, the duke's bedroom, and the old chapel still keep the spirit of that era. It was in this castle that the supporter of the church reform, Bonivard, languished in prison, and, having got here, you perfectly understand why Byron was so fascinated, who later glorified Chillon Castle in his poem.

Montreux, like any resort town, is famous for its variety of entertainment - in summer, Lake Geneva is great for swimming and aquatic species sports, you can go hiking in the mountains or fly on a hang glider or paraglider. A trip on the GoldenPass panoramic train will be memorable - its route runs in such a way that breathtaking views will open one after another. And in winter, tourists are welcomed by ski resorts and downhill sledding tracks and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in all of Europe.

You can get to Montreux by train from Geneva, which runs every hour, the travel time will take a little more than an hour. There are no direct trains from Zurich to Montreux, only with a change in Lausanne, from where the train leaves three times an hour, and Montreux can also be reached by car, following the A9 highway.

Zurich


The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, is located in the northeast of the country, on the coast of the picturesque Lake Zurich. The historical part of the city is divided by the Limmat River, which gently turns to the west, residential and commercial buildings stretch along its banks, and there are magnificent parks and gardens. The city is surrounded by low mountains covered with dense forest, and on the top of one of the mountains ̶ Uetliberg ̶ there is an observation deck from where you can take a look at the whole of Zurich.

Zurich is known as the economic and financial capital of Switzerland, because it is here that the Swiss Stock Exchange, the headquarters of insurance companies, major banks and various corporations are located. But among regular guests The city is not only businessmen, Zurich is also popular with tourists, as one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in Switzerland. Entertainment here for every taste - lovers of a relaxing holiday can go for a walk along the winding streets of the old city or along the lakefront, enjoying the silence. fans active rest V winter period can opt for one of the ski slopes located near the city, and the Alpamare water park, the largest in Western Europe, is perfect for the whole family. Unforgettable impressions on young people will leave a dynamic night life Zurich, especially in summer - the fun in the clubs smoothly flows into open areas and continues until dawn. And, of course, the two most important components of any trip are shopping and sightseeing. Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorfstrasse are considered the best place for shopping, where you can buy anything from world brands to handicrafts - the number of shops, boutiques, and all kinds of souvenir shops here will make you forget about everything for a long time. As well as the main attractions of Zurich, a few days are hardly enough to get around and go around all the interesting places, but tourists always try to visit the most famous ones: the largest Grossmünster Cathedral; City Hall; Fraumünster Women's Abbey, made famous by Marc Chagall's stained glass windows; the oldest church of St. Peter in Zurich, decorated with the largest clock in Europe; House of the Guild of Artisans; historical square Lindenhof, which once served as a customs house for the Romans; The Kunsthaus is one of the most famous museums in Switzerland, where you can see paintings by famous painters.

Accommodation in Zurich is a bit more expensive than in other cities in Switzerland, but offers are plentiful, from campsites and hostels to luxury luxury hotels. Zurich restaurants deserve special attention, which can surprise you with original cuisine - German, French and Italian culinary traditions are miraculously intertwined here, foie gras and cheese fondue are rightfully considered the favorite delicacies of guests, and local beer and delicious sausages have become favorites among visitors in bars.

You can move around the city using public transport - the most common here is the tram - thirteen lines cover the entire city with a dense network, buses and trolleybuses also run around the city, however, car trips will become more convenient, as this allows you not to depend on the flight schedule and stop locations.

Getting to Zurich is very easy - international Airport, located 10 kilometers from the city, operates in 150 directions, you can also get there by train, bus or car - it all depends on the personal preferences of the traveler.

Geneva


Geneva, the second largest city in Switzerland, is called one of the most interesting cities in the country, it is truly unique - it is a special world, completely different from the rest of Switzerland. On three sides, the city is surrounded by the possessions of France, and with the territory of Switzerland it is connected only by a narrow strip of land and Lake Geneva, which the locals call Leman. The Rhone River, originating in Lake Geneva, divides the city into two parts - on the left bank there is historical Geneva with old houses, cobbled streets, restaurants, boutiques and shops, and on the right bank - the modern business part of the city.

Until now, many people believe that the capital of Switzerland is Geneva, but the question of the main city of the country is actually not so simple - several cities fought for the right to be called the capital, but each of the contenders for this role had both advantages and disadvantages , therefore, a compromise decision was made - the term "capital" should not be used in the Constitution at all, and the city of Bern was chosen as the seat of the federal authorities, that is, the de facto capital. Nevertheless, Geneva is a large and significant political and economic center of the country, since the headquarters of numerous international organizations are located here - the UN, the Red Cross, the WHO, the WTO and others, which is why Geneva is considered the unspoken capital not only of Switzerland, but of all peace. In addition, according to international research agencies, Geneva is named the best city to live in the world. Probably for this reason, foreigners aspire here for permanent residence - they make up about 40% of the total population of the city, and on the streets of Geneva, despite the fact that the official state language is French, you can hear speech in almost any language.

The sights of Geneva are no less unique than its history, because in the appearance of the city you can find the influence of almost all Western European cultures. Geneva is extraordinarily elegant - amazing architecture, the water surface of the Rhone River and the lake, the landscapes of the mountains of the Jura and the Alps, merge into a special unique look. Travel agencies offer a wide variety of tours to Geneva, allowing you to get acquainted with the famous center of international diplomatic activity and one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Travelers are recommended to visit the most famous sights of Geneva: the Jet d'Eau fountain, located right on Lake Geneva, where jets of water soar into the sky to the height of a 50-story building; unique flower clock; the ancient Cathedral of St. Peter, whose history goes back several centuries; the Basilica of Notre Dame, which has become one of the symbols of Geneva; the hundred-meter "Wall of the Reformation", built in memory of the leaders of the religious movement; Place Bourg de Four, the University of Geneva, many other architectural monuments, museums and even the hadron collider located in the vicinity of Geneva - a visit is available to everyone by appointment.

Getting to Geneva is very easy - Cointrin International Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city. You can get to the center of Geneva from the airport by bus or by train - railway stations have direct access to the arrivals desks, while passengers can use free tickets valid for 80 minutes after the aircraft has landed. And for those who especially appreciate comfort and independence, more convenient way will be a transfer by taxi or rental car.

The list of the largest cities in Switzerland includes not just densely populated places. All settlements of this country have beautiful buildings, magnificent natural views and a special local charm. Sheer cliffs, majestic sculptures, quiet streets are inherent in many cities in Switzerland. This article provides a description of the most major cities in alphabetical order in Russian.

Swiss cities with the largest population

The list of cities in Switzerland with more than one hundred thousand people includes:

  1. Basel - almost 165 thousand people live in Basel.
  2. Bern is one of the largest cities in Switzerland, with a population of almost 123 thousand people.
  3. Geneva is a city populated by 183 thousand local residents.
  4. Lausanne is a Swiss corner with 122 thousand inhabitants.
  5. Zurich - 365 thousand inhabitants are registered in this city.

All of these cities in Switzerland are ideal for travel. The alphabetical list allows you to notice that there are not so many large cities in this country. The most visited among them are Zurich and Bern.

Basel

Basel is one of the most beautiful cities in Geneva. It is no coincidence that it is included in the list of the largest settlements in this region. Basel is the third most populated city in Switzerland. Visually, it consists of two parts, each of which extends along beautiful river Rhine. In this area, a modified German language is spoken. In the people it is called the Basel dialect of the Swiss-German language. The pharmaceutical and chemical industries are actively developing in the city. Tourists are advised to visit here the paper mill museum, the city gate Spalentor, the Münster Cathedral, the Town Hall and other important places for the city.

Berne

This object from the list of cities in Switzerland is distinguished by its medieval style. The bear has long been considered the symbol of this region. His image can be found on the central clock of the city, in parks and squares, on souvenirs. As for real live animals, they are not a wonder here either, and you can meet them at the local zoo. Bern is a mix of ancient museums and modern buildings. Walking around the city, you just need to visit the local cathedral. It is the most important. It is Gothic in style. A feature of the cathedral is a hundred-meter calm, a ten-ton bell and bas-reliefs depicting episodes of the Last Judgment. Also, do not disregard the Einstein Museum, the Munster Cathedral, the rose garden, Mount Gurten and other attractions.

Geneva

This region from the list of cities in Switzerland with a large population is distinguished by its originality. Today, business financial flows are concentrated in Geneva. There are many banks of various types, as well as all kinds of financial corporations. It was in Geneva that the headquarters of various world-class organizations settled. among them the Red Cross, the UN and the WTO. The symbol of the city is a unique fountain. It is located in the waters of the local lake and in its height it is able to reach a height of one hundred and forty meters. In the city, you should also take a walk along the old cobbled paths of the Bourg des Fours. The city has a lot of parks and green areas, which makes it one of the most environmentally friendly in the country. The inhabitants of Geneva appreciate this feature very much and try to exist as comfortably as possible in harmony with nature. So the locals created a landmark of flowers and greenery - an ecological clock.

Lausanne

Most of the local population speaks French. German and Italian languages ​​are also sometimes found here. The main advantage of Lausanne, of course, are the alpine beauty. As for attractions this city Switzerland, the list of the most spectacular of them includes the Art Brut Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. Shouldn't be ignored observation deck located opposite cathedral. Despite the steep climb, which takes a lot of strength, endlessly beautiful views open here, looking at which tourists forget about fatigue. There is an Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Here are historical photos, legendary achievements and other attributes of this event.

Zurich

Zurich in the list of cities in Switzerland ranks first in terms of the number of inhabitants. The natural decorations of this region are Alpine mountains and Guests of the city are greeted by the most beautiful Train Station. It captivates with its scale and luxury. Columns, sculptures, historical monuments give it even more significance. Here you can take a walk along the beautiful promenade. For the perfect cultural getaway, a visit to the Zurich Opera is highly recommended. Excursions to the local zoo will be no less exciting, National Museum, FIFA Museum.

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.

  • Detail:

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 is the 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 the world and home to many 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 town of 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 amount of all private assets of local residents (for example, cash, real estate, stocks and jewelry) concentrated in the city on, totals $ 715 billion.

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

World Travel

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28.02.18 10:22

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 shopping and admiring the old 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 - perfect place for exploring 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 the magnificent peaks of Zurichberg and Uetliberg. You can go on a boat trip or have a hike / picnic in the mountains. Zurich is a favorite among shopaholics, with great boutiques and a vibrant nightlife. With friendly bars, great shopping and photogenic scenery, Zurich is one of the best holiday destinations 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 a 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 Swiss city (rather a commune) that is perfect 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 the 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 is an 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 take a 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 is the southern city of Switzerland, which is famous for its warm summers with fresh Mediterranean air, and also for its 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.