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 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 Museum Rietberg or FIFA World Football Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Morgental Tram Stop or Butzenstrasse Tram Stop to get around town.

District 2
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
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 White and Blue House and Basel Town Hall are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Basel area at Marktplatz Tram Stop.

Old Town
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
4 out of 5
420 Badenerstrasse, Zürich, ZH
The price is ¥22,546 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥22,546
¥24,693 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Located within walk to tram and near a couple of cool neighborhoods. Expensive stay in a minimalist room. Friendly service."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Crowne Plaza Zürich by IHG
Novotel Zurich City West
Novotel Zurich City West
4 out of 5
Schiffbaustrasse 13, Am Turbinenplatz, Zürich, ZH
The price is ¥41,228 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥41,228
¥44,079 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Zürich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Good: Lobby, Breakfast, clean hallways and rooms. Needs improvement: staff serving breakfast needs more training on how to interact with guests Suggestions: As the room pricing is on the higher side, it would be better if breakfast is included."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Novotel Zurich City West
Hotel Allegra Lodge
Hotel Allegra Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Hamelirainstrasse 5, Kloten
The price is ¥19,572 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥19,572
¥21,606 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,015 reviews)
"Great property and amenities. We just didn't like that there was no AC."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (87 reviews)
"Easy to get into the unit and check in. Clean. Staff very responsive to messaging."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (274 reviews)
"Location was excellent, everything was accessible. Good breakfast. Helpful staff. Only drawback, being very hot, there was no air conditioning."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 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 Swiss National Museum and ETH Zurich ...
7.4/10 Good! (410 reviews)
Had a good time in a great location
"I had a phenomenal time in Switzerland and enjoyed having INSIDE FIVE as a home base. There was enough room for the four of us-- and we especially enjoyed late nights on the courtyard! Cheers."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Northern Switzerland