Old towns

Aarau is known as the city of beautiful gables. And the opportunities for shopping are just as varied and colourful as the lovingly painted undersides of its roofs. As both a traditional market town and modern shopping city, Aarau has a lot to offer for wants and needs of all kinds, no matter whether for every day or for a special occasion.

Set on a hillside facing Lake Geneva and the mountains, Lausanne offers walkers plenty of extraordinary panoramic views. This downhill stroll will take you to the 10 most beautiful vantage points in the city.

In summer, the capital of the canton of Jura immerses itself in the world of comics. The “Delémont’BD” festival, which honours and celebrates the art of comics, breathes new life into Delémont’s old town. 

The Old Town of Lausanne has imposing buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, such as the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The charming city on Lake Geneva has a lot to offer otherwise as well. For instance, Switzerland's first subterranean mountain train.

Each Saturday, people come together to enjoy the colourful weekly market that stretches from Piazza Nosetto to the alleyways of the old town.

Due to its multicultural character, Geneva is often called the smallest metropolis. It has a lively Old Town with wine taverns, art galleries and antique dealers. The Cathedral of Saint Pierre sits on the peak of the hill on which the Old Town is located.

Solothurn is said to be the most beautiful baroque city in Switzerland. The imposing buildings were constructed in various epochs: ranging from the first half of the 12th century, when the clock tower was built, to 1773, when St. Ursus Cathedral was constructed in baroque and neo-classical style.

From the historic villages of Lavaux to the vertiginous peaks of the Rochers-de-Naye and the pristine waters of Lake Geneva, visiting Montreux Riviera is like stepping into a postcard. An immersion in the very heart of dramatic landscapes where great outdoors, panoramic views and the lifestyle are the keywords.

The Münster is one of Basel's main sights. Situtated in a promiment position high above the Rhine River, the former episcopal church presides high above the region.

The stately trees and broad promenade are picture perfect at any time of the year. All three of the parks in Rheinfelden are popular spots for snapping photos as they are located directly on the Rhine and offer a wonderful view of the old town.

Sion, called Sitten in German, is the capital of the Canton of Valais. The Old Town, which lies between the hills of Valère and Tourbillon, dates back to the Middle Ages and is home to numerous sights and attractions, such as one of the world's oldest organs that can still be played.

The well-preserved castle of Neuchâtel, which is over 1,000 years old and from which the city gets its name, towers above the small city of Neuchâtel. From here, you have the best view for miles.

Culinary delights, culture and beer all come together in the small city of Rheinfelden on the Upper Rhine in Aargau. Where a small medieval old town, the oldest Zähringer town in Switzerland, invites you to take a stroll. On leaving the town, one building in particular catches the eye: that of the Feldschlösschen brewery. It is the leading brewery in Switzerland and produces excellent beer.

Winterthur is mentioned in documents as early as 1180. At that time, the Romans called this settlement Vitudurum. The compact rows of houses, the alleys and lanes, backyards and squares make for charming excursions.

Aarau combines history, nature and culture in a number of different ways. The city offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. From historical journeys of discovery to relaxing hours spent on the River Aare or interactive museum visits – there’s plenty to experience here for children and adults alike.

The Stadtkirche Biel is appreciated for its well-balanced proportions and the simplicity of the interior.

Discover the picturesque old town, impressive sights and beautiful parks in a fun way, with an enjoyable round of city golf.

Back in Roman times, there was a fort standing guard over the river crossing where the old bridge in Olten is now. The old bridge was first mentioned in 1295.

On the first Friday of every month, Biel’s old town shows its most beautiful side. A vibrant street festival gives the town a unique atmosphere.

The St. Gallen Collegiate Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world. It is the heart of the abbey district and immerses you in history with its large baroque hall and valuable manuscripts.

Forces Motrices, the imposing cultural center, “swims” in the middle of the Rhone River. Located in the former water works it is today a renovated oasis with theater and opera performances as well as exhibition halls with a capacity of 950 persons.

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

With just 1,100 seats, Zurich’s is the smallest of the great international opera houses, and offers an exceptionally intimate experience of top performances.

Thanks to its well-preserved medieval townscape, the Old Town of Bern was entered onto UNESCO’s listing of World Heritage Sites in 1983.

The lively cultural centre and spa town of Baden offers not only the most mineral-rich thermal waters in Switzerland but much more besides.

Munot has been proudly overlooking the town of Schaffhausen for well over 400 years. The tower contains the quarters of the Munot watchman, who rings the famous Munot bell for five minutes every evening at 9 p.m. – by hand, of course, just like in 1589.

This landmark of Zug is 52 metres high and rises above the other town towers. The lower part was constructed as a simple passageway through the town’s oldest circular wall. Hans Felder snr., from Bavaria, the master builder who built St. Oswald's Church, increased the tower height in 1478-1480.

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

If you like to spend your time shopping in a small, beautiful town, Solothurn in the perfect place for you! Wherever you turn, you'll find smart shops and small boutiques that invite you to browse their wares.

Once a year, Aarau’s old town is transformed into an atmospheric backdrop for the Bachfischet, one of the oldest living customs in Switzerland. With a festive lantern procession through the darkened alleyways of the old town, the end of the annual cleaning of the city’s stream has been celebrated for centuries. At the same time, the city offers numerous unique highlights that make Aarau an unforgettable travel destination.

Every Saturday from the beginning of April to the end of October, there is an interesting guided walking tour of the city. It offers the chance to discover the new Lugano train station, and the recently restored cathedral and to see the city from above.

A cool dip, right in the middle of Basel's old town!