In a typical fairytale setting, you’ll see sparkling lakes, wooden bridges, and steel gates with intricate details — in real life, that’s Switzerland. I say that having frolicked on the peaks of Mount Engelberg and strolled alongside paddling swans in Lucerne. Nothing comes close to the green meadows with wildflowers near creeks that border dramatic silhouettes of the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland has a way of making every direction worth exploring. On a Rhine River cruise with Celebrity River Cruises℠, Basel is your gateway to wonderland. It’s an art-filled city and the perfect launching point for some of the most scenic places in Switzerland, from Alpine towns and lakefront cities to mountain railways and beautiful places tucked between valleys.
If you extend your vacation, continue your journey by train. The Swiss are known for one of the most efficient railway systems. Similar to the scenic views you can wake up to from your suite on board, booking a seat on a train is part of the journey — it’s not just a commute. Turquoise lakes, traditional villages, and lush greenery fill the canvas between the windowsills. From the medieval streets of Lucerne to the thundering waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland rewards cruisers before, during, and after their sailing.
Stunning Switzerland Stops
Beautiful traditional mountain playground in Grindelwald surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Alps
Switzerland’s most stunning stops feel like a green screen. I’ll never forget getting off the bus, looking up at the mountainous skyline in the distance, and thinking, “This can’t be real.” Except, it is.
Clean air. Landscapes untouched by the modern world. Water that’s so blue, it looks painted. These are the characteristics of Switzerland that linger long after you leave. The trains, the chalets, vibrantly colored flowers, and the surrounding mountains make reality feel like an imagination.
Lucerne & Lake Lucerne
Stunning historic city center of Lucerne situated along the River Reuss, featuring the Chapel Bridge and the Jesuitenkirche Church.
Lucerne is an ideal stop from Basel, just an hour away by train. The bustling city center sits at the edge of Lake Lucerne, a turquoise marvel graced by swans swimming under a long wooden bridge. The Chapel Bridge cuts across the water with gorgeous religious depictions decorated along painted panels lining the rafters overhead.
Walk along the cobbled streets of Old Town, where visitors can grab a coffee near the lakefront and hop on a paddle boat to see the mountainous skyline from a different perspective. Nearby, the historic Water Tower stands beside Chapel Bridge, creating one of the city’s most recognizable views. The streets are filled with clothing stores, cafés, and chocolate shops selling rich Swiss sweets — the perfect excuse for a decadent afternoon pitstop.
You can stroll around Lucerne for a few hours, then take the Lucerne-Engelberg Express from Lucerne station to Mount Engelberg, which is about a 45-minute ride.
I took the gondola to the top of the mountain, and the ski lift, skywalk, and powdery white views don’t disappoint. The higher you climb, the more the valley opens up below you. It’s a lot to fit in a day, but it’s completely worth every step.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is only a two-and-a-half-hour train journey from Basel. The valley lies between tall cliffs that tower over an enchanting town, with the faint, calming sound of water never too far away. It’s home to 72 cascading falls flowing against vertical rock facades, making it one of the most scenic places in Switzerland for waterfall views.
As the base of the Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen is the perfect launching pad for Alpine trails, mountain villages, and some of the most dramatic hiking in Europe. This area is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth — and standing between those cliffs, it’s easy to believe it.
Interlaken
Charming alpine village in the Lauterbrunnen valley on a sunny day
Between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz is Interlaken — the starting point to the Bernese Oberland. It’s only a two-hour train ride from Basel, and it’s an easy day trip after a Celebrity Rhine River cruise. Once you’ve found your sea legs, Interlaken is where Switzerland turns up the adrenaline. Paragliding, white-water rafting, and skydiving are just a few hair-raising adventures waiting here.
A ten-minute funicular allows you to experience the lush flora on Harder Kulm, and the St. Beatus Caves give you a hidden museum most people don’t even know exists. Interlaken has the perfect balance between thrills and tranquility.
Old City of Bern
Zahringerbrunnen bear fountain statue with Zytglogge clock tower in the background at Bern, Switzerland
The medieval Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above the Aare River, just an hour from Basel by train. The preserved buildings feel as though the town has been untouched for ages.
It has six kilometers of covered arcades known as the “Lauben,” filled with shops, cafés, and vaulted cellars. The Zytglogge clock tower stands in the center of the city and has been there since the 13th century. Every hour, visitors can see an animated show pop out of the tower. Bears have been a symbol of the city for centuries — representing strength, heritage, and pride — so don’t forget to stop at Bear Park along the riverbank before heading back.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald, Switzerland, with the iconic peaks of Eiger, Jungfrau, and Faulhorn in the Swiss Alps
Like Bern, Grindelwald is globally recognized as part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompassing the largest glacier system in the Alps, including the Aletsch Glacier. The town is about two-and-a-half hours from Basel in the German-speaking region of Switzerland.
Here, you can test your balance on the Spiderweb, walking on a coarse-meshed net seven meters above the Lütschine. For the less daring traveler, take the Wengen–Männlichen cable car to the top and catch a unique view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Depending on the time of year you travel, Grindelwald transforms into one of the top ski destinations in Europe. It’s a destination that earns its reputation year-round.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Zermatt is the furthest stop from Basel at around three-and-a-half hours by train, which probably deserves more than just a day trip. The village is synonymous with the Matterhorn — one of the most famous mountains in the world. Spending two or three days here gives you time to take it all in.
Zermatt is entirely car-free, so you can get around by electric taxis, horse-drawn carriages, and complimentary local buses. The air alone is worth the trip. For history buffs, the Rhine Valley between Basel and Zermatt also passes some of the most stunning castle destinations in Europe along the way. For an even higher perspective, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers a dramatic Alpine viewpoint with a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Scenic Train Routes Accessible From Basel
Switzerland’s epic railway system is one of the easiest and most incredible ways to get around the country. For cruise travelers extending their trip, the trains are not just a commute, but a large part of the experience itself. The Swiss Travel Pass can give you unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats — something worth looking into if your exploration doesn’t stop at disembarkation.
Glacier Express
The most famous rail journey is the Glacier Express. It runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz — an eight-hour ride where you’ll see mountainscapes, green pastures, and jaw-dropping waterfalls along the way. It travels across nearly 300 bridges and through more than 90 tunnels. The train has a full-service bar, fine dining, and panoramic windows designed to make sure you never miss a beautiful view.
Bernina Express and Rhaetian Railway
The Bernina Express connects the north and south of Europe, starting from Chur to Tirano, Italy. The train crosses the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway, one of the highest crossings in the Swiss Alps. It passes through 55 tunnels and over 195 bridges — nearly four-and-a-half hours of Switzerland’s most dramatic scenery framed by your window.
Together, routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express show why train travel is such a memorable part of a Switzerland itinerary. If you have more time before or after your cruise, they can also help you build a larger Grand Tour through the country’s lakes, mountain towns, and Alpine passes.
Travel Tips for Switzerland
You can visit Switzerland year-round, but the best time depends on what you’re after. In winter, the country transforms into an elite ski destination; in summer, it’s ideal for hiking, lake days, and other outdoor activities. Spring offers the best of both worlds. When I visited Mount Engelberg in March, the base of the mountain had sweeping green spaces while the peaks were still a winter wonderland. It truly felt like two completely different places. Fall brings fewer crowds and colorful foliage — a great time to book a long scenic train ride.
If this is your first river cruise, packing right makes all the difference. Regardless of the season, Switzerland requires layers. Temperatures in the mountains change quickly, and you have to take the elevation into account, too. Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy hiking boots are a non-negotiable.
One of the best travel tips for Switzerland is to leave room in your schedule. Trains are efficient, but scenic stops, lakefront cafés, and mountain weather can all change the pace of the day. Give yourself enough flexibility to linger when the natural beauty makes you want to stay a little longer.
Guests who want more time in Switzerland can also extend their trip with Before and After Stays in Lausanne. Set on Lake Geneva, Lausanne gives you extra time to enjoy Switzerland’s lakefront scenery, mountain views, cafés, and cultural sites before or after your river cruise, with key details arranged for a smoother start or finish to the journey.
Before and After Stays include:
- Your choice of a premium or ultra-premium hotel stay.
- Daily breakfast at your hotel.
- Transfers between the airport, hotel, and ship.
- Daily small-group tours with local hosts, personalized to your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best scenic train rides?
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are the two most popular scenic train rides in Switzerland.
What is the most beautiful part of Switzerland?
Of course, this is subjective; however, the Jungfrau region is widely considered the most beautiful. It encompasses Lauterbrunnen Valley, Grindelwald, and Interlaken.
How do I get around Switzerland from Basel?
The easiest way to get around Switzerland from Basel is by train. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can get unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats.
What traditional foods should I try in Switzerland?
Traditional Swiss food includes fondue, raclette, rösti, and Swiss chocolate.
Sail To Switzerland By River Cruise
Switzerland is one of those places where gratitude surrounds you simply for how beautiful the world is. The country’s most scenic places aren’t just a place to visit, but an unforgettable memory worth bragging about. Sailing on a Rhine River cruise adds a certain sparkle to a trip you wouldn’t normally get if you arrived by plane — another mode of transport that makes your journey just as much a part of the excitement.
Ready to see Switzerland from a different angle? Explore river cruises to and from Switzerland today.
