Northern Switzerland

Travel 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

5/5(3 area reviews)

Old Town Zürich is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Bahnhofstrasse and Fraumuenster. See more of Zürich by jumping on the metro at Paradeplatz Tram Stop or Rennweg Tram Stop.

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

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 the city at Rennweg Tram Stop or Sihlstrasse Tram Stop.

Zürich Center
Basel featuring modern architecture

Basel City Centre

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

Basel City Centre
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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Langstrasse

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
Basel which includes street scenes and a house

Old Town

Museums, art galleries, and live music are just a few things travelers like about Old Town. Sights like Basel Town Hall and Marktplatz are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Basel area at Marktplatz Tram Stop.

Old Town
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
The price is P17,842 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P17,842
P19,026 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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 breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,269 reviews)
"Hotel is very conveniently located steps from train station and old town. Room was clean and modern. Staff were excellent- friendly and helpful. Only drawback was external noise coming from the street into the early morning."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

4.5 out of 5
Zurich Airport, Kloten, ZH
The price is P13,103 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P13,103
P14,107 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (547 reviews)
"Excellent service clean rooms"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport
Hotel Allegra Lodge

Hotel Allegra Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Hamelirainstrasse 5, Kloten
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Kloten. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Everything was just great, the staff was very helpful, very convenient location (close to bus stops), very clean!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Allegra Lodge
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 Swiss National Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (109 reviews)
"Overall a pleasant stay. Clean and the location is pretty good. It would be even better if disposable slippers and extra waste bags were provided in the room for added convenience."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

City Pop 2Night Zürich City - Self check-in
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! (280 reviews)
"Clean and relatively new hotel with an easy access to the main train station and Zurich center"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Zurich Center
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! (422 reviews)
Great short stay
"Very clean and quiet. Small room with appliances including coffee machine, kettle and a fan."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

INSIDE FIVE City Apartments
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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