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With Switzerland’s central position in Europe, it’s the best launchpad for an adventure to see all the wonderful places to visit near Switzerland. Your adventure will involve exquisite cultural experiences and views of stunning locations. Within just a few hours, you can stroll through medieval towns in Germany, drink wine and dine in France, or sunbathe lakeside in Italy. These places are a refreshing change from the Swiss precision we witness in Switzerland; they’re an uncomplicated combination of charm, food, and history that transcends the Swiss borders. Whether it’s a long weekend or just a day, the countries neighbouring Switzerland all have amazing opportunities.
10 Places To Visit Near Switzerland
Places to visit near Switzerland have a diverse mix of cultures, scenery, and heritage, all within a short train ride. From alpine villages to Mediterranean coasts, neighbouring countries will take your European adventure to the next level.
1. France
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
With a long western border with Switzerland, France provides an easy blend of heritage, cuisine, and rural beauty. Just beyond the border of Geneva lies the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its culinary prowess and Renaissance architecture. Strasbourg dazzles with its timber frame houses and Franco-German character to the north, and even further, Colmar possesses charming canals and colourful facades. If wine is your passion, the Alsace Wine Route will take you into storybook villages, sampling Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The high-speed TGV makes Paris an easy weekend trip as well, with the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre all awaiting your presence.
Nearest Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Major Attractions: Colmar, Strasbourg, Paris
2. Germany
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Germany shares its boundaries with Switzerland and is an ideal place to visit for someone looking forward to a union of history and nature, and enjoying the life of a big city. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) has one of the prettiest and nearest regions with dense forests, cuckoo clocks, and spa towns such as Baden-Baden. The town of Freiburg is a university town that has the medieval flair of cobblestone streets and a cathedral of Gothic style. Lake Constance (Bodensee) also serves as a compromise since it runs along the borders of both countries and is perfect for using the water, cycling, and walking by the shores of the lake.
Nearest Airport: Frankfurt Airport
Major Attractions: Freiburg, Lake Constance, Munich
3. Italy
Photo: Rebe Adelaida / Unsplash
Italy is right next to Switzerland, and there is a drastic change in all aspects, whether it is the culture, food, or the landscape, which is a mere drive or a tour by train. An hour away is Milan (two from Zurich), a fashion and Gothic-architecture mecca, with the epochal attractions of the Duomo and the Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci. Italian Lakes- where the lakes Como, Maggiore, and Lugano are the famous choice for romantic breaks: lakeside villages, villas, and cruises. Turin is a rather underrated city that is full of baroque architecture, the king and queen’s palace, and coffee culture.
Nearest Airport: Rome’s Fiumicino Airport
Major Attractions: Milan, Lake Como, Turin
4. Austria
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Austria is located east of Switzerland and presents a perfect combination of Alpine peaks, imperial history, and cultural heritage. Innsbruck and Salzburg, the western cities in Austria, are particularly easily reached and are great short-visit destinations. Innsbruck is ideal as a skiing and mountain resort and is situated in the centre of the Tyrolean Alps. The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg, is bewildered with baroque, the fortresses on the hilltop, and the history of The Sound of Music through music. And to people who have more time, there is Vienna with her luxurious palaces, her great coffee houses, her fabulous orchestras.
Nearest Airport: Vienna International Airport
Major Attractions: Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna
5. Liechtenstein
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled between eastern Switzerland and western Austria, Liechtenstein is one of the smallest and most curious states in Europe. Only a 30-minute drive away from St. Gallen and an hour away from Zurich, this microstate in the Alps is a place of stunning mountain views, calm villages, and ancient royal history. Vaduz, the capital, has a princely castle towering above the town, a contemporary art museum, and compact shopping. To those fond of nature, Malbun is a calm mountain resort, which is an ideal hiking area during summer and a skiing area in winter. Although it is small, Liechtenstein is a good choice for a variety of experiences, with the Swiss peacefulness laced with the national peculiarities.
Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport
Major Attractions: Vaduz, Malbun
6. Slovenia
Slovenia is a beautiful destination in the south of the Alps and is among the hidden places to visit near Switzerland, with spectacular scenery and unbeatable prices. It is close to Switzerland but not directly on its borders, and it can be reached by car or flight, and offers a traveller unsullied nature and calm towns. Lake Bled stands out with its church in the middle of the lake and a castle on the top of the hill, which can be taken as a subject for a photograph and a romantic boat ride. Slovenia is a walkable country, with an old town, lively markets, and green initiatives, with the capital, Ljubljana, being famous.
Nearest Airport: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport
Major Attractions: Lake Bled, Ljubljana, Triglav
7. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the places to see near Switzerland, offering a lesser-explored experience that provides a magical blend of Gothic architecture and history, complemented by affordable activities. It does not have a border, but it is close enough to be reached by short flights or rail networks. Its beautiful capital city is Prague, and the city is famous because of the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square, and finally, the great Prague Castle. With its cobblestone streets, medieval towers, and colourful cafes, the city has an atmosphere that takes one straight out of a fairytale. The traveller is offered views of hearty Czech cuisine, the world-famous pilsner.
Nearest Airport: Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
Major Attractions: Prague, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora
8. Luxembourg
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
Situated between France, Belgium, and Germany, Luxembourg is a small yet beautiful country and a quick flight or a beautiful train ride from Switzerland. The capital, Luxembourg City, is characterised by cliffs, a fortress wall, and a contrast of medieval charm and modern institutions. You can walk the Old Quarters and Fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, above deep gorges. You can also travel to the lovely hilltop castle in Vianden to see one of the loveliest castles in Europe. You can also hike the lush trails in the Mullerthal region, often called “Little Switzerland.” Even though it is small, Luxembourg has a surprising amount of geography and history.
Nearest Airport: Luxembourg Airport
Major Attractions: Luxembourg City, Vianden, Mullerthal
9. Monaco
Photo: Rundvald / Wikimedia Commons
Monaco is a luxurious mini-state on the French Riviera and one of the most exclusive tourist attractions near Switzerland, attracting people who are interested in luxury and all things by the sea and Mediterranean charisma. It does not possess an international border with Switzerland, but Monaco is conveniently accessible by train or short flight to Nice and then by an ocean ride. With its yacht-filled harbours and chic shops, the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino presents a specific combination of extravagance and action. Visit the iconic old town of Monaco-Ville, experience the changing of the guard ceremony at the Palace of the Prince, or stroll through the gardens on the cliffs that overlook the water.
Nearest Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Major Attractions: Monte Carlo, Monaco-Ville, Prince’s Palace
10. Belgium
Photo: Johan Bakker / Wikimedia Commons
Belgium is a picturesque and small nation with a rich culture that offers the perfect European escape from Switzerland. Belgium cannot be reached directly, but it can be easily accessed by high-speed train or a short flight. Its capital, Brussels, puts together a massive historical structure and modern-day dynamism that is reflected through the eye-dropping Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the EU Parliament. Bruges is a fantasy-like town, with canals, old structures, and well-celebrated chocolate houses, and Ghent has a university-town feeling with gothic towers and cafes by the river. A real treat is Belgian food, do not forget to taste waffles, fries, or Trappist beer.
Nearest Airport: Brussels Airport
Major Attractions: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent
Discover amazing places to visit near Switzerland—a dreamland of unique cultures, historic cities, and breathtaking views just a short trip away. Whether you seek France’s sophistication, Germany’s traditions, or Italy’s style, these neighbouring countries perfectly complement your Swiss adventure. Well-connected travel networks make weekend getaways or longer trips easy. Ready to explore beyond the Alps? Plan your exciting cross-border excursions with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Kristīne Zāle / Unsplash
