Old towns

Neuenburg Castle and the collegiate church have shaped the townscape of Neuenburg since the 12th century. The architecturally striking building complex is enthroned on a rocky outcrop above the city.

Some evenings, one could almost think that time has stood still in the old town of Schaffhausen: And on joining a Schaffhausen night watchman to tour the town, you can listen to some interesting facts as well as peculiar, spooky and amusing incidents from times long gone by.

The sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Orselina above Locarno is the most famous place of pilgrimage in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is rooted in the ancient tradition of votive gifts.

The church, which was originally part of a Franciscan monastery, is home to Switzerland's most famous Renaissance fresco. It covers the whole wall of the nave. The "Passion and and Crucifixion of Christ" is defined by great expressiveness and vividness of the individual scenes.

The scenic alternative to the traditional city tour. A grocer from the middle ages will accompany you on a trip back in time through the streets and alleyways of Schaffhausen.

A significant building with a Renaissance facade. In the interior you will find numerous frescoes and important Baroque decorations.

The medieval castle above the town of Thun is a striking focal point at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland region. This almost completely preserved symbol of power contains the Knights' Hall, one of the few surviving halls of its type from the Middle Ages.

The Helmhaus is located on the right-hand banks of the River Limmat in Zurich’s old town. Its temporary exhibitions reflect the lively art scene in Switzerland.

This splendid building on the market square was built in various stages between the 16th and 19th centuries and is still today the seat of the government and Parliament of the canton of Basel City.

The old town area of Biel/Bienne is a real gem. With its mediaeval buildings and squares, pretty shops and culinary specialities, this magical district is full of surprises and tasty treats. Whether architecture, culture, history or gastronomy – the old town scores high for variety. Biel is also the largest bilingual city in Switzerland. Here, the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland become one.

Schaffhausen is a town that has much to offer. Its mediaeval facades, 171 majestic oriel windows, winding alleyways, street cafes and restaurants combine with enchanting shops to give it a special appeal. This year there is a new way to experience Schaffhausen's old town.

Schaffhausen is one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns and is perfect for a guided tour.

On this guided tour, you’ll head off together in search of criminals and uncover their illegal wheeling and dealing in the city of St. Gallen.

Solothurn’s Jesuit Church may stand in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral of St. Ursen, but it is also well worth a visit – and about a hundred years older.

At the end of the 15th century, the town of Zug came into a certain amount of wealth when the Swiss became victors in the Burgundian Wars and came away with an abundance of spoils. A town hall was constructed from 1505 to 1509 in the late Gothic style.

The tower of the St. Lawrence Church affords a beautiful view of the Old Town and the Abbey Precinct.

One of the three remaining towers on the city walls serves as the Old Town’s southwest entrance and exit. In bygone days, it was on the Ochsenplatz, located just behind the Obertor, that goods were exchanged for the last time before they were taken across the Alps.

Team up with a seasoned beer sommelier and embark on a beer fact-finding tour: learn some interesting insights and anecdotes that are bound to impress people.

A visit to Bern in December is particularly magical thanks to the many Christmas markets and pop-ups. The numerous Advent experiences are within walking distance in Bern's UNESCO-listed Old Town. And many villages around Bern also offer enchanting markets and experiences during the Advent season.

Aarau has long been a hidden gem for those in the know when it comes to culture: in addition to its picturesque old town, Aarau impresses with notable historic buildings and surprises with exciting combinations of old and modern architecture.

The cathedral is a fitting symbol of the episcopal city of Chur. Somewhat plain from the outside, it impresses with its magnificent interior.

Stories from the night watchman. The “Unheimliches Thun” (Dark side of Thun) city tour offers titillating tales and a look into the world of the night watchman.

The intact walls surrounding the city and over 200 unique Gothic facades impart incomparable mediaeval charm to Fribourg. The old town is best explored on foot, like an open-air museum.

Discover Lugano’s charm with a guided food & wine tour.

The narrow, winding alleyways, the cheerful ambience of a traditional spa town and the almost Mediterranean climate of the northern part of the Jura — in Rheinfelden's old town you can discover, stroll, and enjoy. And that within walking distance.

The old town of Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, combines history with modern flair. Between small alleyways, the castle, the cathedral and lively markets, it offers cozy cafés and numerous boutiques.

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Old Town and discover the history of Biel-Bienne and the important places in the Old Town.

The Zytglogge (clock tower): Visit the landmark of Bern's Old Town and experience the history and mechanics of the tower on a guided tour.

In St. Gallen you'll find history at every turn. The city's landmark is the Convent of St. Gall with its Baroque cathedral. The convent, including the library and monastery archives, was added to the Unesco World Heritage List in 1983.

The old city of Vevey is dotted with historical monuments and museums bearing witness to its rich heritage. In addition, a large variety of boutiques and craftsmen can be found in the narrow paved streets, displaying their know-how and wares.

The Spalentor is the most imposing of the three city gates that were part of the large city fortifications dating back to the year 1400. Many important supplies entered the city of Basel from Alsace through this gate. From here, there is a wonderful view over the roofs of Basel’s old town and the hills of the Jura, the Black Forest and Vosges.

The Grossmünster is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of Zurich and the city's landmark. The view from the church towers is spectacular: far across Lake Zurich to the Alps.

Learn more about Solothurn's walls and their gates and towers.