Switzerland: Cities and Regions

Geneva Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city, Geneva is the world’s capital for international organizations. Lac Leman (a.k.a Lake Geneva) has some of Europe’s most scenic views from its French-Alps-facing northern edge.

Zurich Hip, populous, German-speaking Zurich is Switzerland’s financial capital (its name originally meant “too rich” in German). Luzern, with its landmark lake and walking bridge, Kapellbrücke, is a thirty-minute drive away.

Bern Switzerland’s capital city is situated in the Bernese region, home to some of Europe’s most striking mountains. Interlaken is a tourist must and a gateway into the Swiss Alps.

Zermatt The signature image of Switzerland is the Matterhorn, a tooth-like mountain overlooking the ski village of Zermatt at the southern end of the Swiss “Valais.”

Ticino Practically in northern Italy, Ticino represents Switzerland’s 6.5% of Italian-speakers. On the southern, sunnier side of the Alps the towns of Lugano and Locarno maintain a Swiss feel.

St. Moritz Long known as a ski-resort destination for the rich and famous, this illustrious mountain village in the country’s southeast corner can also be done by the budget traveler.