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

Interlaken showing a lake or waterhole, street scenes and outdoor eating

Central Interlaken

5/5(1 area review)

Central Interlaken is known for its picture-perfect mountain views, and you can plan a trip to Interlaken Casino and Hoeheweg while you're in town.

Central Interlaken
Geneva featuring 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 featuring heritage architecture

Downtown Geneva

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

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

Geneva Old Town

Historic sites, lake views, and shopping are just a few things travelers 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 pond and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

Lausanne Center

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

Lausanne Center
Default Image

Old City of Bern

4/5(1 area review)

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

Old City of Bern
Essential by Dorint Interlaken

Essential by Dorint Interlaken

3 out of 5
8-10 Rugenparkstrasse, Interlaken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P22,999 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P22,999
P24,370 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (322 reviews)
"Easy access to train station and shopping and dining. Big spacious rooms with balcony."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva

4 out of 5
Rue du Rhône 46, Geneva
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,898 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P8,898
P9,769 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Will come again"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Ruby Claire Hotel Geneva
Mona Montreux

Mona Montreux

4.5 out of 5
Grand-Rue 81, Montreux, VD
The price is P14,984 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P14,984
P16,711 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Montreux. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Mona Montreux
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.
Los Lorentes Residences

Los Lorentes Residences

4 out of 5
Murtenstrasse, 147, Bern, BE
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bern. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (279 reviews)
"Nice and new facilities. Easy check in and front desk is compassionate"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Los Lorentes Residences
Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc

Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc

3 out of 5
Rue Thalberg 4, Geneva, GE
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Geneva. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (588 reviews)
"Big apartment for family good location in the center"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Geneve Mont Blanc
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! (211 reviews)
"Iman checked us in and was phenomenal. The front desk staff were all so welcoming and friendly! The rooms have super high ceilings and are modern with air conditioning and a large bathroom. There were a few hairs around our room and we were surprised to hear that we couldn’t leave to get gas and ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 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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