Northern Switzerland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Appenzell
St. Gallen
Zurich
Northern Switzerland
Northern Switzerland

Walk around the lake in the country’s largest municipality and visit the Old Towns of this region’s historic and cultural cities.

Northern Switzerland is a cultural haven, comprising some of the country’s most cosmopolitan cities and picturesque countryside. While its southern counterpart is renowned for ski resorts, this area contains several of the nation’s largest cities, with some of the country’s most impressive architecture.

Spend time in the industrial, economic and cultural hub of ZurichOpens in a new window. Snow-capped mountains surround Switzerland’s largest city, which has an Old Town that is among Europe’s greatest treasures. Gaze up at the Charles Tower of GrossmünsterOpens in a new window church, visit the Helmhaus gallery along the river and see Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows in the FraumünsterOpens in a new window church.

Follow the Limmatquai riverside promenade and stroll along the main shopping strip, the BahnhofstrasseOpens in a new window. Try the Lake Promenade for views of Lake ZurichOpens in a new window. Dress warm for freezing winters and expect pleasant, warm summer days.

At the lake’s southeastern end is the enchanting village of Rapperswil-Jona. Admire the majestic architecture of the Rapperswil Castle and visit the Rapperswil-Jona Municipal Museum.

Northeast of Zurich is the multicultural former industrial town of Winterthur. Visit some of its many museums and galleries, such as the Winterthur Museum of Photography and the Winterthur Natural History Museum.

Continue north to the town of Schaffhausen, where you will find the Rhine Falls. The cascades are 490 feet (150 meters) wide and 75 feet (23 meters) high.

Drive west from Zurich for about 1 hour to reach BaselOpens in a new window, known for its many galleries and museums. It has a wonderful Old Town, with highlights such as the Basel Cathedral and its plaza, Münsterplatz. The city has an exciting atmosphere and great food. Try local cheese-and-onion tarts and gingerbread biscuits. Hike through the picturesque terrain of Arlesheim to see churches and castles.

The region makes up the northern part of this relatively small Western European country. It shares borders with Germany, France, Liechtenstein and Austria. Fly to international airports in BernOpens in a new window or ZurichOpens in a new window and travel around the country via excellent rail links.

Visit Northern Switzerland to find some of Europe’s most cultured and historic towns.

Where to stay in Northern Switzerland

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Old Town Zürich

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bahnhofstrasse to Fraumuenster – discover Old Town Zürich, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town Zürich
Lindenhof which includes a house, a city and a river or creek

Zürich Center

5/5(1 area review)

While you're in Zürich Center, take in top sights like Lindenhof or Swiss Casinos Zurich, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rennweg Tram Stop or Sihlstrasse Tram Stop.

Zürich Center
Basel which includes modern architecture

Basel City Centre

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Museums, art galleries and historical sites highlight some notable features of Basel City Centre. Make a stop by Basler Muenster or Munsterplatz while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Marktplatz Tram Stop or University Tram Stop to get around town.

Basel City Centre
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Langstrasse

3.5/5(11 area reviews)

Noted for its bars and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Langstrasse. Top attractions like Helvetia Square and Bernard Jordan Gallery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Helvetiaplatz Tram Stop or Backeranlage Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Langstrasse
Museum Rietberg

District 2

Lake views, spas and gardens highlight some notable features of District 2. Make a stop by Mythenquai Beach or Museum Rietberg while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Morgental Tram Stop or Butzenstrasse Tram Stop to get around town.

District 2
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Niederdorf

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Niederdorf for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Central Library Zurich and Polybahn Funicular. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Rudolf-Brun-Brucke Station.

Niederdorf
citizenM Zürich

citizenM Zürich

4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is AU$275 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$275
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,096 reviews)
Very nice contemporary hotel. Funky decor, friendly staff, very convenient location.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

citizenM Zürich
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

4 out of 5
Thurgauerstrasse 116, Opfikon, Zurich
The price is AU$217 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$217
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Opfikon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (745 reviews)
will definitely go back and recommend to friends

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is AU$306 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$306
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,352 reviews)
Simply an amazing hotel. Centrally located. They cater to any need you have.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
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.
City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in

4 out of 5
Militarstrasse 106, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (165 reviews)
Would stay again

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
INSIDE FIVE City Apartments

INSIDE FIVE City Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Motorenstrasse 11, Zürich
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, an area shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund Stadium ...
7.4/10 Good! (463 reviews)
Nice overall experience was good. Very neat and clean apartment. Relatively smaller in size as compared to other apartments with 3 occupancy. Very clean kitchen and appliances.

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center

4 out of 5
Stampfenbachstrasse 60, Zürich
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (294 reviews)
Everything was nearby . Staff especially Hicham was really helpful and kind ! Only thing about the room was temperature would not get warmer. Breakfast was amazing !! One thing that got me upset . One day my father didnt feel good i went I grabbed the Breakfast for him the staff yelled at me

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Switzerland