Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Zermatt, Switzerland. Gornergrat tourist train with Matterhorn mountain in the background. Valais region.
Zermatt, Switzerland. Gornergrat tourist train with Matterhorn mountain in the background. Valais region.

The Best of Switzerland

#14 best destination in the world

Map view

St. Moritz, Engadin

The ski slops of St. Moritz, Switzerland
  • St. Moritz is a high Alpine resort town in the Engadine
  • Popular pastimes include skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, and nearby there is also the world-famous Cresta Run toboggan course
  • It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1928 and 1948

#19 in Best Ski Resorts in the World

Grindelwald

Winter scenery of Grindelwald village on the snowy hillside with Wetterhorn mountain under blue sky in background, viewed from a gondola of Eiger Express cableway, in Berner Oberland, Switzerland
  • Grindelwald is a village located in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Oberland
  • Grindelwald is a hub for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and climbing
  • The village has a history of tourism dating back to the 18th century, making it one of the first destinations in the Bernese Alps to attract visitors

Lake Geneva

Panoramic view of Geneva skyline with famous Jet d'Eau fountain and traditional boat at harbor district in beautiful evening light at sunset, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
  • Lake Geneva is a deep lake on the north side of the Alps, shared between Switzerland and France
  • It is known for its scenic beauty and offers various recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking along its shores
  • The lake region is also famous for its vineyards and picturesque towns

Lake Lucerne

Famous boats on lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstatersee) in Weggis village with the view of Pilatus mountain and Swiss Alps in the background near famous Lucerne (Luzern) city, Switzerland
  • Lake Lucerne is a lake often referred to as the "Lake of the Four Cantons" because it is bordered by the cantons of Lucerne, Nidwalden, Uri, and Schwyz
  • The lake is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing
  • Other activities include boat cruises, which provide views of the surrounding landscape

Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen - August 22, 2013: view of Lauterbrunnen town with the Staubbach Falls. The town is a popular tourist attraction and gateway to the Jungfrau.
  • Staubbach Falls is a waterfall located just west of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Highlands
  • The waterfall drops 297 metres (974 feet) from a hanging valley that ends in overhanging cliffs above the Weisse Lütschine
  • In the summer, there is a specially constructed gallery that allows visitors to view the falls from behind, providing a unique perspective

Pilatus, Lucerne

Pilatus mountain peak and Lucerne lake view, alpine peaks of Switzerland
  • Pilatus is a mountain massif located near Lucerne, that features several peaks and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, climbing, cycling, and fine dining
  • The area is well-known for its views over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Swiss Alps
  • Visitors can reach the summit via a cogwheel train from Alpnachstad or a cable car from Kriens, making it accessible year-round

Rhône River

Aerial view of Junction between Rhône and Arve rivers in Geneva, Switzerland, shot in Autumn. Vue aérienne de la Jonction entre les deux rivières prise en automne par un drone, Genève, Suisse.
  • The Rhône River is a significant waterway that flows through both Switzerland and France
  • It originates from the Rhône Glacier in the Swiss Alps
  • It is notable for being the only major European river that flows directly into the Mediterranean Sea, serving as an important historical and economic route

Matterhorn, Valais

Matterhorn
  • The Matterhorn is a mountain of the Alps, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland
  • It is renowned for its distinctive pyramid shape and is one of the most iconic peaks in the world
  • The mountain was formed millions of years ago through geological processes involving the collision of land masses
  • The first successful ascent of the Matterhorn was achieved in 1865, and it remains a popular destination for climbers, though it presents significant challenges

#15 in Best Attractions in the World

Gornergrat, Valais

Zermatt, Switzerland. Gornergrat tourist train with Matterhorn mountain in the background. Valais region.
  • Gornergrat is a prominent mountain ridge located in the Pennine Alps, near Zermatt
  • It stands at an elevation of approximately 3,089 meters (10,135 feet) above sea level and is renowned for its panoramic views, surrounded by twenty-nine peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn
  • The Gornergrat can be reached via the Gornergrat Railway, which is notable for being the first electric cogwheel railway in Switzerland, inaugurated in 1898
  • The area is popular for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, with trails that cater to various skill levels

Verbier

Winter in Verbier, Valais, Wallis, Switzerland 3
  • Verbier is a renowned village located in the canton of Valais
  • It is primarily known as a holiday resort and ski area in the Swiss Alps
  • The ski area boasts over 410 kilometers (about 255 miles) of ski runs and 93 lifts, making it one of the largest ski domains in Switzerland
  • The village offers panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc and the Combins mountain ranges

#4 in Best Ski Resorts in the World

Zermatt

Our beautiful baby by night 🌌 The Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
  • Zermatt is a renowned mountain resort village located in the Swiss Alps
  • It is famous for its views of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the world
  • The village is car-free, with visitors typically arriving by train
  • Zermatt is a year-round destination, offering skiing and mountaineering in winter, as well as hiking and climbing in summer

#9 in Best Ski Resorts in the World

Altstadt, Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland - October 3, 2024: Street scene from historic downtown old town Zurich Switzerland with architecture and people in view.

Best time to visit: June-Sept

  • Altstadt, or Old Town, is the historic center of Zurich
  • This area encompasses the original city layout before 1893 and is characterized by its medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets
  • Altstadt is considered the cultural heart of Zurich, filled with guild houses, picturesque squares, and important churches
  • Much of Altstadt is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for walking and exploring its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as bars and clubs

Lake Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland. Panorama of the city from the air. View of Zurich Lake. Limmat River Expiry Site, Aerial View

Best time to visit: June-Sept

  • Lake Zurich historically served as a transport route, but today it is a popular destination for various recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and picnicking along its banks
  • The lakeside promenade is lined with parks and gardens, making it a prime destination for tourists and locals alike