Switzerland is a country of breathtaking natural beauty, with majestic mountains, serene lakes, and charming villages. But what makes it even more magical is the spectacle of the sun setting over the alpine landscape, painting the sky with vibrant colors and creating unforgettable memories.
If you are looking for the best places to enjoy the sunset in Switzerland, here are some of the top destinations that you should not miss. Stay vigilant and explore switzerland’s most stunning sunset spots with us here for an adventure of a lifetime…
Interlaken, the Lake Loving Adventure Capital
Its inevitable to start Switzerland’s most stunning sunset spots with the enchanting town of Interlaken, This town is both cute, quaint and highly touristy and its is the most popular tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region, surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. It offers many opportunities to admire the Interlaken sunset from different perspectives, such as:
- Harder Kulm: The top of Interlaken is a stunning viewpoint towering high above the town. You can reach it by a funicular railway that runs until 9 pm in summer. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lakes of Thun and Brienz, the mountains and the valley. You can also have a meal at the panorama restaurant or walk on the Two Lakes Bridge, a glass-floored platform that extends over the cliff.
- The Peninsula at lake of Thun
A fantastic location with the best sunset in Interlaken. Gaze toward the Swiss pyramid & Stockhorn and see their silouhettes accentuate and then disappear against the most stunning Swiss. skyline. Grab a Fondue backpack and get cheesy at the lake or have a barbeque around the corner this place is just amazing.
- Neuhaus: Neuhaus is an easily accessible lakeside spot at the lake of Thun. You can swim, play beach volleyball, make a fire or just relax on the grass. You can also walk through the nature reserve of Weissenau, where you can see wildlife, plants and a medieval castle rui..
- Höhematte: Höhematte is a large park in the center of Interlaken, where you can watch the sunset over the town and the mountains from a grassy hill. You can also enjoy some live music, street food or cultural events that take place there in summer.
- Kleine Rugen: Kleine Rugen is a local hill that offers a different perspective of Interlaken and the surrounding peaks. You can hike up from Wilderswil or take a bus to Rugenparkstrasse and then walk for about 15 minutes. You will find a viewing platform, a picnic area and a playground.
- Sunset Sup & Sip: This mesmerizing experience combines Switzerland’s greatest pleasures in one unique activity: Interlaken’s best sunset, SUP paddle boarding, Wine Sipping & Cheese Tasting. It really does not get much better than this….
Basel, the flatland hip & happening city
Basel is a cultural and historical city on the Rhine river, near the borders of France and Germany. It has many attractions to explore, such as museums, art galleries, churches and medieval buildings. But it also has some amazing spots to watch the sunset, such as:
- Fondation Beyeler: Fondation Beyeler is a renowned art museum that showcases works by modern masters such as Monet, Picasso, Klee and Warhol. It is located in a park with a pond and sculptures that reflect the changing colors of the sky. In summer, you can also enjoy some electronic music events in collaboration with Nordstern Basel, a leading club for electronic music.
- Viertel Dach: Viertel Dach is a rooftop bar on top of Hotel Viertelkreis, near the Basel SBB train station. It offers a cozy atmosphere with lounge chairs, hammocks and fairy lights. You can sip on cocktails or mocktails while admiring the view of the city skyline and the Jura mountains.
- Baltazar: Baltazar is another rooftop bar on top of Hotel Nomad, in the trendy Kleinbasel district. It has a stylish design with wooden furniture, plants and lanterns. You can enjoy some tapas or burgers while watching the sun set over the Rhine river and the old town.
- Hafenkran: Hafenkran is a unique accommodation option that lets you sleep in a converted harbor crane on the banks of the Rhine. It has two cabins with glass walls that offer an unobstructed view of the river and the city. You can also relax on the terrace or take a dip in the water.
Zermatt, the High Alpine heaven
Zermatt is one of the most beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps, famous for being the best place to view Matterhorn—one of the most iconic peaks in the world. It has many scenic spots to enjoy the sunset from different angles, such as:
- Stellisee: Stellisee is a small alpine lake that reflects Matterhorn in its clear water. It is one of the most photographed spots in Zermatt and a favorite among hikers and photographers. You can reach it by taking a cable car to Blauherd and then walking for about 20 minutes. The best time to go is in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and the lake is calm.
- Riffelsee: Riffelsee is another alpine lake that offers a stunning view of Matterhorn and the surrounding glaciers. You can reach it by taking a cogwheel train to Rotenboden and then walking for about 10 minutes. You can also enjoy some folklore music and a buffet breakfast at the Gornergrat summit station, which is part of a sunrise excursion package offered by Gornergrat Bahn.
- Schwarzsee: Schwarzsee is a dark-colored lake that contrasts with the white snow of Matterhorn. It is also a sacred place for pilgrims, who visit the chapel of Maria zum Schnee (Mary of the Snow) on its shore. You can reach it by taking a cable car to Schwarzsee station and then walking for about 5 minutes. You can also hike to the Hörnlihütte, the base camp for climbers who want to ascend Matterhorn,
- Gornergrat: Gornergrat is a rocky ridge that offers a panoramic view of 29 peaks over 4,000 m high, including Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Liskamm. You can reach it by taking a cogwheel train from Zermatt, which is the highest open-air railway in Europe. You can also stay at the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, the highest hotel in the Swiss Alps, and enjoy a sunset dinner or a sunrise breakfast,
Zurich, the big city vibes
Zurich is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Switzerland, with a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene. It is also located on the shores of Lake Zurich, which provides many opportunities to enjoy the sunset from different vantage points, such as:
- Uetliberg: Uetliberg is a hill that overlooks Zurich and offers a sweeping view of the city, the lake and the Alps. You can reach it by taking a train from Zurich main station or by hiking from various trails. You can also have a drink or a meal at the Uto Kulm hotel and restaurant, which has a terrace and a tower with an observation deck,
- Lindenhof: Lindenhof is a historic square that was once the site of a Roman castle and a medieval palace. It is now a public park that offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of Zurich. You can sit on a bench or on the grass and watch the sun set over the Limmat river and the old town,
- Bürkliplatz: Bürkliplatz is a square that connects Lake Zurich with the Limmat river. It is also a hub for boat tours, markets and festivals. You can stroll along the promenade or take a ferry to enjoy the sunset over the lake and the mountains.
- Frau Gerolds Garten: Frau Gerolds Garten is an urban garden and cultural space that occupies an old industrial site near Zurich’s main station. It has various containers that serve as bars, restaurants, shops and studios. You can enjoy some food and drinks while watching the sun set over the railway tracks and the Prime Tower, Zurich’s tallest building.
Geneva, the French connection
Geneva is a global city that hosts many international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. It is also situated on Lake Geneva, which is one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Europe. It has many spots to enjoy the sunset from different perspectives, such as:
- Jet d’Eau: Jet d’Eau is a fountain that shoots water up to 140 m high in the air, making it one of Geneva’s most recognizable landmarks. It is located at the end of a pier on Lake Geneva, where you can watch the sun set behind it and create a rainbow effect.
- Mont Salève: Mont Salève is a mountain that lies across the border in France, but offers an amazing view of Geneva and Lake Geneva. You can reach it by taking a bus from Geneva to Veyrier and then taking a cable car to the summit. You can also hike or bike up from various trails. You can enjoy some snacks or drinks at one of the restaurants or cafés on top.
- Parc des Bastions: Parc des Bastions is a park that lies at the foot of Geneva’s old town wall. It has many attractions, such as giant chess boards, botanical gardens, statues and monuments. You can also see the Reformation Wall, which depicts some of the key figures of Protestantism. You can watch the sun set over the park and illuminate the wall.
- Bains des Pâquis: Bains des Pâquis is a public bath complex that lies on a peninsula on Lake Geneva. It has various facilities, such as swimming pools, saunas and a whole lot more aquatic facilities. Dip, dive and soak upt the sun that sets in this nice and tranquil location.
Bern, the Aare river swimming capital
Bern is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, as well as a stunning natural setting. It has many places where you can enjoy the sunset and admire the view of the city and the mountains. Here are some of the best sunset spots in Bern, according to Bern Welcome:
- Aare, the river swimming fun at sunset
Aare swimming is Switzerland’s national summer hobby so there is no better way then ending your day with a float down this gentle and fun river. Jump in at Eichholz and float down into downtown Bern with the sun setting the back ground. Grab a beer at one of the many river side bars and just chill relax and enjoy the Swiss summer vibes.
- Rosengarten: Rosengarten is a park that overlooks the old town of Bern and offers a panoramic view of the Aare river, the parliament building and the cathedral. You can also see the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, such as Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, on a clear day. You can reach it by bus (line 10) or by foot from the city center. You can also have a drink or a meal at the Rosengarten restaurant, which has a terrace with a view.
- Gurten: Gurten is a local mountain that rises above Bern and offers a spectacular view of the city and the Alps. You can reach it by funicular from Wabern or by hiking from various trails. You can also enjoy some activities on Gurten, such as tobogganing, biking, playing or relaxing on the meadow. You can also have a snack or a drink at one of the restaurants or kiosks on Gurten.
- Bundesterrasse: Bundesterrasse is a terrace that lies behind the parliament building and offers a view of the Aare river and the Marzili district. You can also see the Gurten mountain and the Jura mountains on the horizon. You can reach it by tram (line 9) or by foot from the city center. You can also visit the parliament building or the nearby Bundesplatz, where you can see some fountains and statues.
- Münsterplattform: Münsterplattform is a platform that lies below the cathedral and offers a view of the Aare river and the Matte district. You can also see some bridges and towers that add to the charm of the old town. You can reach it by bus (line 12) or by foot from the city center. You can also visit the cathedral or the nearby Münsterplatz, where you can see some historical buildings and monuments.
- Eichholz: Eichholz is a riverside park that lies on the opposite bank of the Aare river from Bern. It offers a view of the city skyline and the sunset over the water. You can also swim, barbecue, play or relax on the grass or on the sand. You can reach it by bus (line 19) or by foot from Wabern.
So what about the sunrise…?
Rising towards the sun is obviously a whole kind of different game as it involves getting up before your natural sleep cycle ends. It is however also exponentially rewarding as you start in the dark and end up seeing a golden glowing mountain with absolutely no people. Its serene, gorgeous and impressive – and a great mountain top chapagne breakfast is included – and there is only one place to do it well with breakfast and all amenities included at the harder kulm. Join us for a great Swiss sunrise hike and find all the info here.