Switzerland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Immerse yourself in a land of beauty and history

 

UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) protects sites across the world which are deemed to be of outstanding universal value, whether they are natural phenomena or created by man's ingenuity.

Thanks to Switzerland's natural beauty and cultural history, there are plenty of fascinating World Heritage Sites to visit. Please read on for more information about the Sites and recommendations on convenient resorts in which to stay. We can arrange multi centre holidays taking in 2, 3 or 4 World Heritage properties - just let us know where you would like to go! 

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Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier

This stunning site comprises a vast area from the impressive Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif to the furthest stretches of the 23km Aletsch Glacier. Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe offers a world of eternal snow and memorable views and the Aletsch 'river' of frozen ice is simply awesome. Don't miss the scenic Oeschinensee, a joy in the summer months. On the southern side, the alpine forests, flowers and streams make for spectacular walks and you can enjoy a different perspective on the glacier with a cable car trip to beauty spots such as Bettmeralp and Riederalp. Just by Brig station is the World Nature Visitor Centre with its 100m² panorama screen and fascinating exhibitions. Recommended resorts: Interlaken, Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald, Brig


We can create a holiday combining the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier with Rhaetian Rail and staying in Interlaken, Brig and St. Moritz.

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier

This stunning site comprises a vast area from the impressive Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau massif to the furthest stretches of the 23km Aletsch Glacier. Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe offers a world of eternal snow and memorable views and the Aletsch 'river' of frozen ice is simply awesome. Don't miss the scenic Oeschinensee, a joy in the summer months. On the southern side, the alpine forests, flowers and streams make for spectacular walks and you can enjoy a different perspective on the glacier with a cable car trip to beauty spots such as Bettmeralp and Riederalp. Just by Brig station is the World Nature Visitor Centre with its 100m² panorama screen and fascinating exhibitions. Recommended resorts: Interlaken, Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald, Brig


We can create a holiday combining the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier with Rhaetian Rail and staying in Interlaken, Brig and St. Moritz.

 
Rhaetian Railway (Albula-Bernina lines)

This is regarded as one of the world's most spectacular routes, crossing the Alps through two magnificent passes. Running from Thusis to Tirano (just over the Italian border), the line takes in stunning mountain scenery and engineering marvels including 55 tunnels and 196 viaducts and bridges. The passing scenery is second to none, with the Morteratsch Glacier, idyllic villages and the ever present Alps. Make time for the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün.Recommended resorts: Chur, St. Moritz, Pontresina, Davos

We can create a holiday combining Rhaetian Rail with the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier and staying in Interlaken, Brig and St. Moritz.

Rhaetian Railway (Albula-Bernina lines)

This is regarded as one of the world's most spectacular routes, crossing the Alps through two magnificent passes. Running from Thusis to Tirano (just over the Italian border), the line takes in stunning mountain scenery and engineering marvels including 55 tunnels and 196 viaducts and bridges. The passing scenery is second to none, with the Morteratsch Glacier, idyllic villages and the ever present Alps. Make time for the Albula Railway Museum in Bergün.Recommended resorts: Chur, St. Moritz, Pontresina, Davos

We can create a holiday combining Rhaetian Rail with the Jungfrau-Aletsch Glacier and staying in Interlaken, Brig and St. Moritz.

 
Lavaux, wine terraces

The lush terraces of Lavaux form Switzerland's largest vineyard area and offer scenic views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The vineyards can be traced back to the 11th century, when monks produced the wine. Today the region has many picturesque wine villages which visitors can reach on charming little trains. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the local produce and enjoy delightful walks. Recommended resorts: Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne

We can create a holiday combining the Lavaux vineyards with Bellinzona castles and staying in Montreux and Lugano.

Lavaux, wine terraces

The lush terraces of Lavaux form Switzerland's largest vineyard area and offer scenic views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The vineyards can be traced back to the 11th century, when monks produced the wine. Today the region has many picturesque wine villages which visitors can reach on charming little trains. There are plenty of opportunities to sample the local produce and enjoy delightful walks. Recommended resorts: Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne

We can create a holiday combining the Lavaux vineyards with Bellinzona castles and staying in Montreux and Lugano.

 
The Old Town of Bern

The well preserved medieval quarter of Switzerland's capital city offers a unique charm. The quaint Old Town is framed by the Aare River and offers spectacular views of the Alps. There are 6km of limestone buildings and medieval arcades, Renaissance fountains with colourful figures and a beautiful Cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops. Bern is a truly a gem of medieval architecture. Recommended resorts: Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken

We can create a holiday combining Bern's Old Town with the Abbey of St. Gallen and staying in Lucerne and Appenzell.

The Old Town of Bern

The well preserved medieval quarter of Switzerland's capital city offers a unique charm. The quaint Old Town is framed by the Aare River and offers spectacular views of the Alps. There are 6km of limestone buildings and medieval arcades, Renaissance fountains with colourful figures and a beautiful Cathedral surrounded by picturesque rooftops. Bern is a truly a gem of medieval architecture. Recommended resorts: Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken

We can create a holiday combining Bern's Old Town with the Abbey of St. Gallen and staying in Lucerne and Appenzell.

 
Castles of Bellinzona

With its castles, walls, towers, battlements and gates, this impressive 13th century fortress is an amazing sight. In days gone by, the medieval castles of Castelgrande, Castello Montebello and Castello Sasso Corbaro protected Bellinzona, which was a strategic political and trading point. Castelgrande now houses museums, while Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are the best preserved medieval castles in the country. Recommended resorts: Lugano, Locarno, Ascona

We can create a holiday combining the Bellinzona castles with the Lavaux vineyards and staying in Montreux and Lugano.

Castles of Bellinzona

With its castles, walls, towers, battlements and gates, this impressive 13th century fortress is an amazing sight. In days gone by, the medieval castles of Castelgrande, Castello Montebello and Castello Sasso Corbaro protected Bellinzona, which was a strategic political and trading point. Castelgrande now houses museums, while Montebello and Sasso Corbaro are the best preserved medieval castles in the country. Recommended resorts: Lugano, Locarno, Ascona

We can create a holiday combining the Bellinzona castles with the Lavaux vineyards and staying in Montreux and Lugano.

 
Abbey district of St. Gallen

The beautiful Abbey is the landmark of historic St. Gallen. Two of the highlights are the ornate baroque Cathedral and the Abbey Library, which also is known as Seelenapotheke (healing place of the soul). This fascinating Library contains 170,000 books and manuscripts and a 2,700 year old Egyptian mummy. The surrounding streets features 16-18th century merchant houses with brightly painted windows. Recommended resorts: St. Gallen, Lucerne, Appenzell

We can create a holiday combining the Abbey of St. Gallen with Bern's Old Town and staying in Lucerne and Appenzell.

Abbey district of St. Gallen

The beautiful Abbey is the landmark of historic St. Gallen. Two of the highlights are the ornate baroque Cathedral and the Abbey Library, which also is known as Seelenapotheke (healing place of the soul). This fascinating Library contains 170,000 books and manuscripts and a 2,700 year old Egyptian mummy. The surrounding streets features 16-18th century merchant houses with brightly painted windows. Recommended resorts: St. Gallen, Lucerne, Appenzell

We can create a holiday combining the Abbey of St. Gallen with Bern's Old Town and staying in Lucerne and Appenzell.

 
Monte San Giorgio

This wooded mountain rises 1,100m above Lake Lugano yet thanks to 19th century fossil hunters, we know that millions of years ago it lay 100m beneath the surface of an ocean! Thousands of perfectly preserved fossils of fish and ancient marine creatures have been discovered here; discover them in the museum in Meride. The mountain is a wonderful place for walking in verdant woods and vineyards. Recommended resorts: Lugano, Locarno, Ascona

Monte San Giorgio

This wooded mountain rises 1,100m above Lake Lugano yet thanks to 19th century fossil hunters, we know that millions of years ago it lay 100m beneath the surface of an ocean! Thousands of perfectly preserved fossils of fish and ancient marine creatures have been discovered here; discover them in the museum in Meride. The mountain is a wonderful place for walking in verdant woods and vineyards. Recommended resorts: Lugano, Locarno, Ascona

 
Val Müstair-Parc Naziunal & St. Johann Monastery

The Müstair Valley is only accessible via the Ofen Pass and offers a secluded haven with a mild climate. Try the walking trail along the River Rom, whose meadows can be carpeted in alpine flowers. Together with the neighbouring Swiss National Park this is a wonderful place to discover nature. Müstair's Monastery of St. Johann dates from the time of Charlemagne and is also recognised by UNESCO. Recommended resorts: Scuol, St. Moritz, Pontresina

Val Müstair-Parc Naziunal & St. Johann Monastery

The Müstair Valley is only accessible via the Ofen Pass and offers a secluded haven with a mild climate. Try the walking trail along the River Rom, whose meadows can be carpeted in alpine flowers. Together with the neighbouring Swiss National Park this is a wonderful place to discover nature. Müstair's Monastery of St. Johann dates from the time of Charlemagne and is also recognised by UNESCO. Recommended resorts: Scuol, St. Moritz, Pontresina

 
Watchmaking in La Chaux-de-Fonds

La Chaux-de-Fonds is Switzerland's capital of watchmaking, an industry synonymous with the country itself. At the multimedia 'L'Espacité', you will find discover how the town evolved as watchmaking changed from a craft into an industry. In the town itself you can see the traditional houses and workshops of the master watchmakers. Just a few minutes by train lies Le Locle, where you will find the fascinating Horlogerie Museum, with over 2,700 watches and 700 wall clocks from over the centuries. Recommended resorts: Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne, Bern

Watchmaking in La Chaux-de-Fonds

La Chaux-de-Fonds is Switzerland's capital of watchmaking, an industry synonymous with the country itself. At the multimedia 'L'Espacité', you will find discover how the town evolved as watchmaking changed from a craft into an industry. In the town itself you can see the traditional houses and workshops of the master watchmakers. Just a few minutes by train lies Le Locle, where you will find the fascinating Horlogerie Museum, with over 2,700 watches and 700 wall clocks from over the centuries. Recommended resorts: Montreux, Vevey, Lausanne, Bern

 
Origins of the Alps at the tectonic area, Sardona

See with your own eyes how mighty mountains are created. The Alps were - and are still being - formed by the slow collision of African and European plates, as layers of rock fold over each other. From the visitor centres in Glarus and Elm, you can clearly see the layers in this beautiful natural phenomenon. Enjoy a fascinating guided walk and you may also spot ibex and bearded vultures. Recommended resorts: Chur, Flims

Origins of the Alps at the tectonic area, Sardona

See with your own eyes how mighty mountains are created. The Alps were - and are still being - formed by the slow collision of African and European plates, as layers of rock fold over each other. From the visitor centres in Glarus and Elm, you can clearly see the layers in this beautiful natural phenomenon. Enjoy a fascinating guided walk and you may also spot ibex and bearded vultures. Recommended resorts: Chur, Flims

 
Architectural works of Le Corbusier

Celebrating the buildings of the Swiss master which are considered 'Outstanding Contributions to the Modern Movement', two of which are in Switzerland. l'Immeuble Clartè is in Geneva, while La Petite Maison au Bord du Lac Léman is just along the lake from Vevey; a splendid example of 1920's modern archictecture, designed for Le Corbusier's parents. You can find more celebrated architecture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Recommended resorts: Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva

Architectural works of Le Corbusier

Celebrating the buildings of the Swiss master which are considered 'Outstanding Contributions to the Modern Movement', two of which are in Switzerland. l'Immeuble Clartè is in Geneva, while La Petite Maison au Bord du Lac Léman is just along the lake from Vevey; a splendid example of 1920's modern archictecture, designed for Le Corbusier's parents. You can find more celebrated architecture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Recommended resorts: Vevey, Montreux, Lausanne, Geneva

 

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

World Heritage holidays

We can arrange holidays in resorts within visiting distance of all the Swiss UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Under each description is a list of recommended resorts. Please call us on 0800 619 1200 for your holiday planning. 

World Heritage holidays

We can arrange holidays in resorts within visiting distance of all the Swiss UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Under each description is a list of recommended resorts. Please call us on 0800 619 1200 for your holiday planning. 

Planning your ski holiday

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  • Airports around the UK
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  • 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation 
  • Flexible number of nights  
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Scenic rail holidays

Ask us about the Swiss scenic rail journeys - a great way of combining resorts to create your own two or multi centre holiday
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Express
Gotthard Panorama Express

Planning your holiday 2024

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  • Decide where you would like to stay
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  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
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