Western Switzerland

Travel Guide

Grindelwald
Grindelwald
Geneva
Western Switzerland
Western Switzerland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Western Switzerland

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

Central Interlaken

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

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

Central Interlaken
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Geneva City Centre

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

Geneva City Centre
Geneva showing heritage architecture

Downtown Geneva

4/5(111 area reviews)

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

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

Geneva Old Town

5/5(7 area reviews)

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

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

Lausanne Center

4/5(40 area reviews)

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

Lausanne Center
Default Image

Old City of Bern

5/5(31 area reviews)

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

Old City of Bern
Hotel Suisse
Hotel Suisse
3 out of 5
10 Place Cornavin, Geneva, GE
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"We had the junior suite and it was super clean. The hotel location next to the central station makes it very convenient and walkable to the lake and old town. Of course transportation options are right outside your door."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Hotel Suisse
Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Essential by Dorint Interlaken
3 out of 5
8-10 Rugenparkstrasse, Interlaken
The price is RM1,889 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
RM1,889
RM1,996 total
7 Jun - 8 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Alpine Garden ...
9/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
Very convenient hotel beside the train station
"Nice modern hotel. It’s directly beside the train station. So if you exit from the right train door, the hotel entrance is directly in front of you. The view from the room was nice too. Staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 3 Jun 2025

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
4.5 out of 5
45 Avenue Des Alpes, Montreux, VD
The price is RM1,516 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
RM1,516
RM1,656 total
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreux. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Best hotel of our trip. We stayed at 7 hotels in our recent trip and by far this was the best. Very luxurious, amazing clean and comfortable rooms, and the VIEW from our balcony wow wow wow. Great location on The promenade facing the Lake. The staff was very helpful and friendly, the train station ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hapimag Resort Interlaken
Hapimag Resort Interlaken
3.5 out of 5
Höheweg 95, Interlaken
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (259 reviews)
Great time in Interlaken
"Perfect location for both Interlaken train stations, lots of things to do. Lovely view from the balcony."

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Hapimag Resort Interlaken
Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In
Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In
3.5 out of 5
Trüsselstrasse 4a, Bern
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Bern. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Wankdorf Stadium and PostFinance ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (226 reviews)
"This was my first stay with Kooook , and i must say it was amazing, Its all digitalized yet personalized, property manager was kind enough to extend my checkout for 1 hour (which is unlikely in Europe) and keep my luggage, Kitchen area is amazing to cook and coffee tea arrangements were fantastic ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf – Online Check In
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
Adina Apartment Hotel Geneva
4 out of 5
Route de Meyrin 125, 1219, Chatelaine, Vernier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Vernier. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (189 reviews)
"Loved this hotel! Convenient location, kind staff, walked nearby to the restaurants and grocery and souvenir shops along the street. Close to the airport as well. Would stay again!"

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

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

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