Where to stay in Switzerland: regions and hotels

If you're visiting Switzerland for the first time and want to see the country's most famous landscapes without too much moving around, the best base is Geneva or Zurich, as both have international airports and easy train connections to the mountain resorts. If you're travelling with a partner and desire a romantic atmosphere with lake and mountain views, Lucerne is one of the country's most beautiful choices, with its wooden Chapel Bridge and boat trips on Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee). Families with children usually prefer Interlaken, where distances are short, there are parks and activities, and the cable cars to nearby mountains start almost from the town centre.

For those looking to combine high-level mountaineering tourism with luxury accommodation, Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, remains the most iconic Swiss resort, with no cars allowed in the village and views that are hard to forget. Travellers on a more limited budget will find better value for money in Bern, the capital of the country, where the medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site but accommodation prices remain more reasonable compared to Zurich and Geneva.

Switzerland is not a cheap destination in any of its regions, but differences between cities do exist and it's worth knowing about them before booking accommodation. Below, we analyse the six main regions, with specific hotel suggestions for every budget and need.

Getting around Switzerland

Switzerland has two main international airports for visitors from Greece, Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport, with direct flights from Athens operating seasonally, mainly from spring to autumn. Both airports are directly connected to the main train station of each city within a few minutes, making the train clearly preferable to a taxi or a rental car for those staying in the city centre.

The Swiss railway network is one of the densest and most reliable in Europe, with trains reaching almost every village, even mountain destinations like Zermatt, where access is exclusively by train because the village prohibits conventional cars. If you plan to visit more than two cities within a week, it's worth considering the cost of a Swiss Travel Pass, which covers trains, buses and many cable cars, because individual tickets are expensive.

Distances between major cities are short compared to other European countries. From Zurich to Lucerne, the train takes about 45 minutes, to Bern about an hour, while Geneva is around two and a half hours away. Interlaken is almost in the centre of the country, between two lakes, and is a good base for day trips to Jungfraujoch and Schynige Platte without having to change accommodation.

The season you choose largely determines the nature of your trip. Summer, from June to September, is the best time for hiking on mountain trails and boat trips on the lakes, with accommodation prices at their highest, especially in Zermatt and Interlaken. Winter, from December to March, transforms the same resorts into ski destinations, with Zermatt remaining open all year round thanks to its glacier ski area. Spring and autumn are quieter periods, with lower prices in the cities but limited operation for some mountain cable cars.

A practical point worth knowing before booking accommodation is that almost all Swiss cities offer visitors a hotel-issued guest card, which provides free use of public transport for the duration of your stay. This significantly reduces the cost of getting around the city and is worth asking about upon arrival.

Zurich

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and usually the first point of arrival for visitors from Greece. Its centre, around the train station and the Niederdorf old town, combines boutiques, restaurants and easy access to Lake Zurich. It's a good base for both a short city break and as a starting point for the rest of the country.

1. Fred Hotel Hauptbahnhof

A small, modern hotel next to the main train station, ideal for those who want to travel easily by train to other cities.

• Average cost: 140 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and train travellers

2. Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich

A historic five-star hotel directly opposite the station, with classic aesthetics and a high level of service.

• Average cost: 350 to 500 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and luxury travel

3. Hotel St.Gotthard

A central hotel on the famous Bahnhofstrasse, with comfortable rooms and easy access to shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 220 to 300 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

Lucerne

Lucerne is one of the most photographed cities in the country, thanks to the wooden Chapel Bridge and the landscape with the lake embracing Mount Pilatus and Rigi. Its centre is small and easily walkable, so the choice of area here is less important than in other cities, as long as the hotel is close to the lake or the old town.

1. Grand Hotel National Luzern

A historic five-star hotel on the lake, with classic decor and mountain views from many rooms.

• Average cost: 300 to 450 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and luxury travel

2. Seehotel Sternen

A small hotel by the lake, in a central location near the old town, with affordable prices for the area.

• Average cost: 150 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

3. Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

A classic hotel on the promenade, with a long history of hosting famous guests and lake views.

• Average cost: 280 to 380 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Interlaken

Interlaken is located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and serves as the natural base for those who want to go up to Jungfraujoch or go hiking, paragliding and rafting. It is a small town, easy to get around on foot, with two train stations serving different directions towards the mountain villages.

1. Hotel Central Continental

A central hotel near Interlaken West station, convenient for those who want to start their mountain excursions early.

• Average cost: 140 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

2. Hotel Du Nord

A hotel with views of the Jungfrau mountain, in a quiet location near the centre, with a traditional Swiss feel.

• Average cost: 130 to 180 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

3. Hotel Bernerhof

A family-run hotel in the centre of Interlaken, with direct access to shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 120 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Geneva

Geneva is the most cosmopolitan city in French-speaking Switzerland, home to international organisations, the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain and easy access to the French Alps. It is an expensive city but a good choice for those who want to combine an urban experience with day trips to the surrounding area.

1. Warwick Geneva

A hotel next to Cornavin train station, with comfortable rooms and easy access to the city centre and the lake.

• Average cost: 220 to 300 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

2. citizenM Geneva

A modern hotel with functional design, convenient for short stays and close to the station.

• Average cost: 180 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and travellers with light luggage

3. The Ambassador

A hotel with views of Lake Geneva and the Jet d'Eau fountain, in a quiet location near the centre.

• Average cost: 200 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Zermatt

Zermatt is the most famous mountain resort in Switzerland, built at the foot of the Matterhorn and accessible only by train, as conventional cars are not allowed in the village. It operates all year round, with hiking and mountaineering in summer and glacier skiing even in the summer months.

1. National Zermatt

A hotel in the village centre, with Matterhorn views from several rooms and direct access to the cable cars.

• Average cost: 200 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

2. Unique Hotel Post

A hotel with a lively atmosphere, known for its bars and restaurants, close to the train station.

• Average cost: 180 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and young groups

Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its famous arcades and the Zytglogge clock tower. It has a calmer pace than Zurich and Geneva and usually offers better value for money in accommodation.

1. Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel

A modern hotel in the centre of Bern, a few minutes' walk from the old town and the train station.

• Average cost: 140 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and train travellers

2. Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

A five-star hotel next to the station, with a spa and classic luxury, one of the most renowned in the city.

• Average cost: 280 to 380 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and luxury travel

If your trip also includes other European destinations, you might be interested in our guides for Lake Como in Italy or for Bulgaria, two destinations that are easily combined with a trip to Central Europe. For a general overview of the country before you leave, also read our article what Switzerland is famous for.

It's also worth knowing that arriving by plane doesn't always mean staying in the same city as the airport. Many travellers land in Zurich and continue the same day by train to Lucerne or Bern, as the journey is short and comfortable, with luggage easily transported thanks to spacious train stations. If you prefer to avoid travelling on the first day due to fatigue, an overnight stay near Zurich Airport before continuing your journey is a sensible solution, especially if your flight arrives late in the evening.

When planning a trip to Switzerland, it's a good idea not to try and fit too many cities into a few days, as the cost of accommodation and transport quickly adds up and the experience becomes rushed. A more realistic approach is to choose two or three bases, for example, Zurich and Interlaken, or Geneva and Lucerne, and take day trips around these instead of changing accommodation every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best region to stay in for a first visit to Switzerland?

Zurich is the most practical choice, as it combines an international airport, a central train station, and easy connections to all other cities in the country.

How many days are needed to see the main sights of the country?

A seven to ten-day itinerary allows you to see Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Geneva or Bern without rushing, with two or three nights at each stop.

Is a car necessary to get around Switzerland?

Not necessarily. The train covers almost all popular destinations with great precision, and in places like Zermatt, cars are not even allowed.

Which season is most affordable for accommodation?

Spring and autumn have lower prices in the cities, while summer and winter significantly increase costs in mountain resorts due to hiking and skiing.

Is Switzerland an expensive destination for accommodation?

Yes, it is one of the most expensive destinations in Europe; however, Bern and Interlaken offer relatively more affordable options compared to Zurich, Geneva, and Zermatt.

Which city is the best base for families with children?

Interlaken is the most convenient option for families, as it has short distances, gentle activities, and easy access to cable cars and lakes.

Should I book accommodation in Zermatt well in advance?

Yes, especially for the ski months and summer hiking months, as rooms in the village are limited and prices increase closer to the date.