Switzerland may be small, but every corner has its own character, from cosmopolitan lakeside cities to car-free mountain villages and Italian-flavoured southern towns. This tour runs through the destinations most Hong Kong travellers put at the top of their list, with a sense of what each offers and who it suits, so you can shape an itinerary that matches your travel style.

Zurich: the sophisticated gateway

As the country's largest city and busiest international airport, Zurich is where many trips begin. Despite its reputation as a financial hub, it is surprisingly relaxed, with a compact medieval old town of cobbled lanes, a river running through the centre and a lake fringed by promenades. Bahnhofstrasse offers high-end shopping, while the Old Town's cafes, galleries and churches reward slow wandering. In summer, locals swim in the clean river and lake right in the middle of the city, a habit that surprises many first-time visitors, and the lakeside lidos and boat trips make for a relaxed afternoon. The city also has a strong cultural streak, with respected art museums and a lively food scene that stretches from traditional Swiss fare to international cooking. A short funicular or tram ride brings you to viewpoints over the rooftops and, on a clear day, the distant Alps.

Who it suits: City lovers, shoppers and anyone arriving or departing on a direct flight who wants a comfortable first or last day. It is also an excellent base for day trips, thanks to fast onward rail links. For the full planning picture, see our complete guide to Switzerland for Hong Kong travellers.

Lucerne: the postcard on the lake

If you had to choose a single image of Switzerland, Lucerne might be it: a covered wooden bridge, a shimmering lake and a ring of mountains behind. The old town is largely traffic-free, painted facades line the squares, and lake steamers glide out towards nearby peaks. The famous Chapel Bridge, with its tower and painted panels, is one of the most photographed sights in the country, and the waterfront comes alive with cafes and strolling visitors on a fine evening. It sits in the heart of the country, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding bases for a first visit. From here you can reach a remarkable variety of day trips, from mountain summits reached by cogwheel railway and cable car to lake cruises and neighbouring towns, all without needing a car.

Who it suits: First-timers who want beauty and convenience in one place, and travellers who prefer a walkable town with mountains close at hand. Our guide to Lucerne and central Switzerland covers the excursions to Pilatus, Rigi and beyond.

Interlaken and the Jungfrau region: the adventure heartland

Set between two lakes with a mountain backdrop, Interlaken is the launch pad for the Jungfrau region, home to some of Switzerland's most jaw-dropping scenery. From here you can head up towards the famous Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, or explore the villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, the latter set in a valley threaded with waterfalls beneath sheer cliffs. Interlaken itself is compact and easy to navigate, with a broad green common where paragliders drift down from the surrounding heights, and it makes a comfortable hub with hotels and restaurants for every budget. Beyond the headline summit trip, the region offers cable cars, panoramic viewpoints, mountain lakes and some of the most memorable walks in the Alps, so it easily justifies several days rather than a single excursion.

Who it suits: Mountain scenery seekers, active travellers and families. This is prime territory for hiking the Swiss Alps in summer and for spectacular snow scenery in winter.

Zermatt: beneath the Matterhorn

Few mountains are as instantly recognisable as the Matterhorn, and the car-free village of Zermatt sits right at its feet. You arrive by train, leave the traffic behind and spend your days on scenic railways, cable cars and trails, all framed by that iconic peak. It is a resort with real atmosphere, buzzing in both winter and summer.

Who it suits: Anyone chasing the classic Alpine icon, keen skiers and hikers, and travellers who like a lively yet car-free mountain village. Read more in our dedicated guide to Zermatt and the Matterhorn.

Geneva: international and lakeside

French-speaking Geneva sits at the western tip of its namesake lake, defined by the towering Jet d'Eau fountain, a backdrop of vineyards and mountains, and a strong international character thanks to the many global organisations based here. The lakefront is made for strolling, and the surrounding wine country and nearby French Alps make for easy excursions. The old town climbs a gentle hill above the water, with a cathedral, museums and squares to explore, while the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux, further along the lakeshore, are a UNESCO-listed landscape that rewards a leisurely day of walking and wine tasting. Geneva also makes a convenient springboard for the western Swiss cities and for crossing into the French Alps, giving it an appeal beyond the city limits.

Who it suits: Travellers arriving via Geneva airport, Francophiles, and those who want a refined lakeside city with good onward links. Explore more in our guide to Geneva and Lake Geneva.

Bern: the medieval capital

Switzerland's capital is often overlooked, which is a shame, because its old town is one of the best preserved in Europe and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Arcaded streets shelter shops and cafes from the weather, a river loops around the historic centre, and a famous clock tower marks the hours. It is compact, atmospheric and easy to enjoy in a day.

Who it suits: History and architecture lovers, and anyone passing between the east and west of the country who wants a rewarding stop. Its central position makes it a natural break on longer rail journeys.

Lugano: a taste of the Mediterranean

Down in the Italian-speaking south, Lugano feels like a different country. Palm trees line a warm lakefront, the architecture leans Mediterranean, and the pace slows. Reaching it is part of the fun, as trains cross the Alps to descend into this softer, sunnier landscape. It pairs beautifully with a scenic rail journey.

Who it suits: Travellers who want warmth, lake swimming and an Italian atmosphere, and those combining Switzerland with a scenic crossing of the Alps. The Bernina Express famously links the high glaciers with this palm-fringed south.

Choosing between them

You will not manage every destination on one trip, and trying to do so leaves you spending more time on trains than in places. A common and comfortable approach is to combine a city (Zurich or Geneva), a scenic mountain base (Lucerne or Interlaken) and one iconic peak experience (Jungfraujoch or Zermatt). If you have longer, weave in Bern as a stop and Lugano as a warm-weather finale. The country's superb rail network, described in our Swiss Travel Pass explained guide, makes stringing these together straightforward.

By interest

  • Mountains and icons: Zermatt and the Jungfrau region.
  • Lakes and relaxation: Lucerne, Geneva and Lugano.
  • Cities and culture: Zurich, Geneva and Bern.
  • Scenic rail journeys: routes linking the Jungfrau region, Zermatt and the south.

The Hong Kong angle

For Hong Kong travellers, the practical points are reassuringly simple. Direct and one-stop flights land mainly at Zurich and Geneva, both with rail stations at the airport, so your first Swiss destination can be reached quickly and without a car. Switzerland is in the Schengen Area, so confirm your entry requirements early. Summer suits lakes and hiking and aligns with the school holidays, while winter delivers the snowy scenes many visitors dream of. Because Switzerland uses the Swiss franc and can be pricey, choosing two or three well-linked bases rather than hopping constantly will save both money and time.

Plan your trip

Sketch out a shortlist of destinations that match your interests, then link them with rail. Book flights into whichever of Zurich or Geneva best fits your route, and reserve accommodation early in peak seasons. Decide whether a rail pass makes sense for your itinerary, and keep your days flexible enough to chase good mountain weather. As always, confirm current prices, opening times and train schedules on official sources such as MySwitzerland.com, SBB and individual resort websites before you travel, as these details change through the year. With the right mix of destinations, Switzerland delivers variety far beyond what its small size suggests.