In 2025, Switzerland continues to captivate global travellers with its natural wonders and cultural jewels. From the roaring power of Rhine Falls to the serene charm of alpine villages, here are the country’s most visited destinations—anchored in data from official statistics and authoritative sources.
1. Rhine Falls – Switzerland’s Top Natural Attraction
Switzerland’s most visited tourist site is the Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Flowing at up to 600 m³ per second in summer, the falls draw countless visitors to the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zürich. Its accessibility and spectacular volume make it a perennial favourite.
2. Bern’s Bear Exhibit – A Free, Iconic City Attraction
Following closely is the Bear Pit exhibit in Bern, featuring Switzerland’s symbolic ursine residents. Free of charge for visitors, it remains one of the most frequented attractions in the capital city.
3. Zoo Basel – Leading Paid Attraction with Over 1.2 Million Visitors
Zoo Basel, known locally as “Zolli,” tops the list of Switzerland’s paid attractions. In 2024, it welcomed 1,226,274 visitors, earning its place as the most visited paid site in the country.
4. Most Visited Cantons by Overnight Stays
Tourist interest extends deeply across regions. In terms of overnight stays, the canton rankings for recent years are:
- Zurich: Approximately 6.7 million overnight stays
- Bern: Around 6.36 million
- Graubünden: About 5.5 million
- Valais: Approximately 4.43 million
Zurich’s dominance reflects its urban appeal and connectivity, while Bern, Graubünden, and Valais benefit from heritage, mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation.
5. Alpine Regions: Drawn by Landscapes and Adventure
The Alps remain a vital backbone of Swiss tourism. Approximately 60–80 million tourists visit the Alpine regions annually, engaging in skiing, hiking, and mountain adventures—highlighting their enduring popularity.
Broader Tourism Trends in Switzerland
- In 2023, Switzerland received around 20.8 million visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 5%. Tourism revenue reached CHF 18.4 billion, a new high.
- The top international visitor sources were Germany, the United States, France, the UK, and Italy.
- Among EU residents travelling abroad, Switzerland ranked among the top three destinations, alongside the UK and Türkiye.
Summary Table: Top Switzerland Attractions by Visitors
| Rank | Attraction / Region | Visitor Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhine Falls | Most visited natural site |
| 2 | Bern Bear Exhibit | High footfall, free entry |
| 3 | Zoo Basel | 1.23 million paid visits (2024) |
| – | Zurich Canton | 6.7 million overnight stays |
| – | Bern Canton | 6.36 million overnight stays |
| – | Graubünden Canton | 5.5 million overnight stays |
| – | Valais Canton | 4.43 million overnight stays |
| – | Swiss Alps (overall) | 60–80 million region-wide visitors annually |
Switzerland’s 2025 tourism landscape showcases a compelling mix of natural grandeur, urban sophistication, and cultural resonance. From the thunderous Rhine Falls and historic bear enclosures of Bern to the beloved Zoo in Basel and picturesque Alpine destinations, the country offers unforgettable experiences for all types of visitors.
Backed by clear, data-driven reporting and anchored in real-world statistics, this feature provides readers with trustworthy insights into Switzerland’s most visited places—delivered with clarity and neutrality in line with journalistic and AdSense standards.