Northern Switzerland

Travel Guide

Appenzell
St. Gallen
Zurich
Northern Switzerland
St. Gallen which includes tranquil scenes

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

Old Town which includes night scenes and a bay or harbor

Old Town Zürich

4.5/5(368 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 featuring a city, a river or creek and a house

Zürich Center

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(233 area reviews)

Museums, art galleries, and historic 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
Spiral staircase in the Volkshaus #architecture. Zurich really has so many interesting staircases !

Langstrasse

3.5/5(71 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
Basel featuring 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
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich

4 out of 5
Thurgauerstrasse 116, Opfikon, Zurich
The price is ¥19,855 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
¥19,855
¥21,920 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
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! (712 reviews)
"Some surface areas and floor areas were not entirely clean of drips and dust/debris. Facilities and room amenities were excellent."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025

Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
Ruby Mimi Zurich

Ruby Mimi Zurich

4 out of 5
4 Beatenpl., Zürich, ZH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥32,443 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥32,443
¥34,986 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,342 reviews)
"This hotel is perfect. I took the train in from the airport and walked just a few minutes to a quiet street to find Ruby Mini. The staff is so friendly and helpful. It’s centrally located with everything you need and the rooms are spacious, clean and welcoming. It has a fun and young vibe to it that ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025

Ruby Mimi Zurich
citizenM Zürich

citizenM Zürich

4 out of 5
Talacker 42, Zürich
The price is ¥32,064 per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
¥32,064
¥34,593 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
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! (1,078 reviews)
"Great overall but don’t face the courtyard as there’s a bar that pumps music til midnight Thursday -Saturday Breakfast was yummy! Staff nice!"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

citizenM Zürich
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (150 reviews)
"Good stay. Clean. Bead was not super comfortable and the room was too warm, but overall the price/benefit was worthwhile"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 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! (450 reviews)
"One of the rooms that we had was excellent. I think that the other room was still being renovated so wasn't at the highest standard of the other room. Overall good location, good check in, friendly people."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 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! (289 reviews)
"Much of the TV stations had no signal, especially English stations. Murphy bed had iron legs that stood out. More than once the two of us stubbed our toes. Overall good. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 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