Switzerland: 10 things you absolutely must see!

Known for its mountains, watches, chocolate, cheese and political neutrality, the picturesque Swiss Alps are a fairy-tale place to visit. The country has some unique features, such as the fact that it has three national languages. Depending on the region of Switzerland, tourists will find French, Italian and German spoken. Although there is no Swiss language, a German dialect, called Swiss German, is often spoken by those near the German border. Here are some of the main tourist attractions in Switzerland for tourists planning a trip.

10Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus in the Lake Lucerne region is full of legends. The mountain's name comes from a rumour that the famous Roman governor Pontius Pilate may have been buried there. Medieval Europeans believed that the mountain formed as a dragon rock that fell from the sky. The 2,100-metre peak offers views over the Swiss and French Alps and Lake Lucerne. Winter boasts a high-altitude Christmas market and summer offers hiking opportunities galore. This region can be reached by the world's steepest railway, with gradients of over 48%.

9Jet d'Eau

This gigantic fountain is one of the most famous landmarks in Geneva. Shooting 140 metres into the air, the Jet d'Eau is located where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhône river, and it's so large that it can be seen from kilometres away. At any moment, 7 tonnes of water are in the air, much of which sprays the spectators on the pier below. Two or three times a year it is lit pink, blue or another colour to celebrate a humanitarian occasion. The local bathing area, known as Bains de Pâquis, is one of the best spots to see the fountain.

8Grindelwald

The mountain town of Grindelwald is the largest ski resort in the Jungfrau region. This enchanting alpine town is both a summer and winter activity region. Tourists visiting in summer can enjoy spectacular hiking trails and some of Europe's most loved rock-climbing spots. Winter tourists can ski or try the local toboggan run. A number of peaks and mountain passes accessible locally make this a great choice for photographers and nature lovers. Festival lovers will adore the ice sculptures at the world snow festival.

7Rhine Falls

The Rhine Falls, near Schaffhausen, are the largest waterfalls in Europe. This extraordinary spectacle can be reached by a boat trip, which will also show visitors to Switzerland the enchanting basin, the castles along the river and the spectacular rock perched in the middle of the river at the top of the falls. There are viewing platforms that extend beyond the falls and let guests feel as if they are soaring directly above. A children's playground, a historic museum area and an adventure trail make the visitor centre a wonderful way to end the trip.

6Zytglogge

The clock tower gate in Bern is the oldest gate in the city, and it's a great historic site. The gate was built in 1100 and the clock that adorns the tower is one of the most spectacular and oldest clocks that can be seen anywhere in the world. Built in 1530, this clock was the main clock of the city for centuries. The Baroque style with golden accents is a beautiful picture for amateur and professional photographers. The tower boasts an astronomical clock, figurines, the chiming of the hours and two tower clocks, all driven by a single central mechanism.

5Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is a brightly coloured scarlet train that crosses the Alps starting in the town of Chur and ending in Tirano, just over the border in northern Italy. You can take the trip on Switzerland's most scenic train; the route lasts about 4 hours and crosses 196 bridges and 55 tunnels. Views of glaciers and mountain peaks and towns, bridges spanning 60-metre drops and many other breathtaking panoramas will flash by outside the train, while porters bring snacks and drinks. This is a trip not to be missed.

4Chapel Bridge

The Chapel Bridge is a 204-metre-long bridge that crosses the Reuss river in the town of Lucerne. It's the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe and one of the main tourist attractions of Switzerland. The covered bridge, built in 1333, was designed to protect the town of Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge there are a series of 17th-century paintings depicting events from the history of Lucerne. Much of the bridge and most of these paintings were destroyed in a fire in 1993, although it was quickly rebuilt.

3Jungfraujoch

The Jungfraujoch is a saddle in the Bernese Alps accessible by railway, which ends at the highest mountain station in Europe. Highlights include views from spectacular peaks such as the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, and the view of the great Eiger glacier nestled below them. The Sphinx observatory, one of the highest astronomical observation stations in the world, is also located here. The views are endless and unspoilt, although the facilities are basic. There's nowhere to stay overnight and only a handful of restaurants. The train journey to see everything in a day and the experience are, however, unforgettable.

2Chateau de Chillon

Chillon Castle (Château de Chillon) stands on the shores of Lake Geneva. For over four centuries, the water castle was the main fortress controlling water transport on the lake and guarding the land route to the Great St Bernard Pass. The castle boasts 14th-century art, underground vaults, 25 separate buildings with three courtyards and two circular walls. Hundreds of thousands of guests visit the castle every year. For those who dream of a great fairy-tale wedding, the castle can be rented privately for personal events.

1Matterhorn

The famous Matterhorn is an iconic emblem of the Swiss and Italian Alps. The mountain derives its name from the German words Matte, meaning meadow, and Horn, meaning peak. With its 4,478-metre summit, located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it's one of the highest peaks in the Alps. It's also one of the deadliest peaks in the Alps. Since it was first climbed, 500 climbers have died. The faces of the Matterhorn are steep and risky for novice climbers.