Switzerland's Great Cities

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2008 | Focusing on Switzerland's often-overlooked urban charms, we explore lakeside Luzern, cobbled Bern, spire-filled Zürich, and sophisticated Lausanne. We’ll enjoy eye-opening art, from Chagall and Klee to the works of asylum inmates. We’ll ring a very big bell high up in a church spire, float down a rushing river, and ponder Switzerland's pragmatic drug policies and hidden underground arsenals. And it's all before a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #switzerland
Visit www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• European Tours: www.ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/gui...
• Travel Gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop/
• Travel Classes: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.

[@2222ben]

I am 15 and live in Switzerland and it is like a holiday all year round!

[@r.nyffenegger3243]

huere ned

[@andyandy2684]

I was 20 yrs old when I was in student in Zuerich. I spent 2.5 wonderful years. To be honest, I didn't appreciate the beauty of the country as much as I should as I was kind of a city boy. Decades later, if given a choice to live in any country I want...there is no other country I would rather live in. I actually can't bear to watch much of this video as it brings back too many fond memories...and I will start to miss Switzerland too much.

[@kunalchatterjee9221]

I envy you :P

[@Telltalesign]

Can we switch life for just one week? 😂😂😂 I'm in love with that country.😍😍

[@spicesbk6166]

u r lucky

[@user-rw9lj3pe1u]

What a lovely country.

[@laurants]

It's lovely, where else could you get in one stop a cola, flaming hot Cheetos, and a heroine needle?

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Laurence Goldkamp Lol! Zurich has a park named "Needle Park". Was disturbing thru the eyes of a 10 year old back in 1981.

[@eunanchisom9630]

Yes it is

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello there

[@johnvandijk161]

I must say Rick Steves makes Europe look Cooler than I ever thought it was and I am from Europe!!

[@olxez]

Netherlands, see his name

[@joeyjamison5772]

+Der Kommun1st Karl or Groucho?

[@yakovisaacs6441]

Jealous third world trash....

[@aaryank9268]

At least u dont live in an American Suburb, truly boring

[@hiranmoyroychowdhury153]

Thans to Rick Steves

[@Sketchylemons]

just got back from Switzerland, AMAZING place

[@sheetalsanaki8712]

"In this city you may brush elbows with high power legislators but you wouldn't know.Everything feels casual for national capital..." Wish every country's legislators did this. Sir your way of presenting Europe and cinematography is truly pleasing.

[@rainaina1505]

I crossed country by train , I will remember all my life beauty views and bridges

[@davidkroll4360]

I've been to Switzerland a few times, mostly in the German east part of the country. One of the most beautiful countries I've been to and I've been thru much of the world. A wonderful cultured country.

[@riley7079]

I am from the U.S.A but I wish I could move to europe, I just love their architecture and ways of dealing with things!

[@TheNtedgg]

+Cynical Lunatic im with you im thinking france but europe has so much history and is better than us in my eyes

[@QuantumEffectResidue]

@Druhrfe Hadishia America is very plain and mechanical. That's what I think pretty much. There are some great things here, but it's nothing compared to Europe. Like you said it's not even 300 years old yet and Europe is thousands of years old; no comparison.

[@julianb7990]

Im American and I live in Europe. Theres ways to do it if thats really your dream

[@connieflynn8662]

@@julianb7990 I would love to know how!

[@julianb7990]

Connie Flynn get into a degree program if you can and then get a job

[@eisenjeisen6262]

That was real beautiful, i was to Switzerland and i enjoyed every moment i was there.

[@lepalomo]

It"s a very beautiful country...I intend to visit it again....

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Absolutely my favorite country in the world! I will return...

[@Nickelini]

I was just in Luzern, Bern, and Zurich at Christmas. Fascinating to try and recognize the same places in winter. Very different. Rick needs to do Christmas in Switzerland. I recommend it, and it's very, very different from this.

[@biancanf6338]

proud to live in the mountains around Luzern. One of the loveliest areas in CH

[@BT-pi1tk]

Rick solid on the war on drugs problem. this dude is the man

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Rick has a way of making places look 10 times more exciting than they really are! I live in Switzerland and although it’s a charming country with beautiful small towns and nature, some of these scenes in the video are more enjoyable than real life! ❤️

[@andregrieder8508]

Well, Zurich for instance is at least ten times less excitingly portrayed than it is in real time. I‘ve been living here for 70 years and I can assure that there‘s a lot more to enjoy and to discover, may it be in the arts (from contemporary to traditional), the night life (from Langstrasse to Zurich West), the nature (hiking, biking, swimming in the lake and Limmat) and the education (from ZHdK to University to ETH).

[@kyongokkang9665]

I was so glad that my younger sis & I were there in year 2013 for our good memories ... Two thumbs up relaxation in the centre of Swiss ... -K in Germany

[@maginot2u]

One city that was not covered in the video is Geneva. I visited Switzerland in May, 2023 and was in awe of this gorgeous city located on the lake with the Alps showing in the background. As a headquarters for many international institutions, the modern architecture of their offices is amazing. The designs are often very innovative and there is use of beautifully colored building materials like glass and granite. The city has a lively street scene and is full of historic buildings and museums to visit. Everything in Geneva runs like a perfect Swiss watch. I think Geneva is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities I have ever visited. Geneva is not to be missed.

[@CarrieJamrogowicz]

He doesn’t consider Geneva to be worth visiting.

[@NFLization]

Those trains are like 50 times heavier and larger than our metro system in D.C and yet the ride is like a million times smoother than the metro.

[@wanboo02]

That's why they are so smooth...nice and heavy, can take the bumps, you never feel them...also they keep their tracks very smooth, streets and autobahn also..

[@user-ky6vw5up9m]

DC Metro is pretty good i thought.

[@susananderson5683]

Switzerland is beautiful. I went to Lucerne many years ago and never forgot it. I would love to return and spend more time there in all the cities. Simply charming.

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hello Susan

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hi

[@ajmalshahtravelling7088]

gorgeous swiss natural scenery

[@djrudog1158]

Rick Steve.... Two given names and one excellent presenter....

[@ghulamkadir7164]

Simply splendid and a reason to see a paradise on the planet!

[@johnnytheirishman3387]

Switzerland is on my top 5 of countries to visit! Absolutely beautiful

[@the_notorious_lmd]

I loved Switzerland, and Luzern is one of my most favourite places that I’ve ever visited! I think of it often ❤️❤️❤️

[@franklinloo2160]

I love Switzerland. Been there 3 years ago. Fond memories. Will go back again. Love Lucern very much. 💕💕❤️

[@NickFoxer]

Rick LOOOOOVES to keep one hand in his pocket while he's talking. It's his favorite move.

[@claumeister1]

Yeah, I've got one hand in my pocket, too. And the other one is givin' a peace sign.

[@dr.n1281]

He's holding onto his weed.

[@retrogamermax8287]

@@dr.n1281 Lol!

[@brush125]

Reading this as The time stamp marks 19:53, two hands tho

[@dukio-03]

And the other hand holding on to his backpack strap. Rick is living it up with these moves

[@eisenjeisen6262]

I still enjoy looking at those beautiful cities very charming,and looks very clean and swimming in that river looks like a real treat, and i know the food is the best.Maybe i get to visit again one day.

[@astridlinder3550]

How refreshing! Finally someone who get's the names right, pronounces places the right way and really brings also lesser known facts to foreigners. Well researched and very entertaining even for people who live in Switzerland and so are in the know! Wish there were more of Rick Steves...!

[@Lisa-xw8yy]

I just LOVE switzerland! I can't wait to go soon! :)

[@arela1030]

What a lovely n romantic country excellent paradise, Europe is great 👍 sir Steves once again I want to say thank you so much for your beautiful video,god bless and peace to all of us

[@colinlatham7905]

Rick you are always the first and best reference when planning any European holiday. love your work

[@vrenmul]

Meine Heimatstadt ist Zuerich und bleibt es auch, auch wenn ich vor einiger Zeit nach den USA ausgewandert bin. Wenn ich diesen Film anschaue, bekomme ich direkt Heimweh. Muss jetzt aufhoeren zu schauen, bis spaeter einmal wieder. aber vielen Dank fuer die Publikation.

[@Jm..28.198]

Switzerland 🇨🇭 is one of the liveable countries in Europe or maybe in the entire world... And yet one of the wealthiests country. 👍. I ❤️ Switzerland 🇨🇭from the Philippines 🇵🇭👍. The most refined chocolate ever is located in this magnificent country.

[@kamenellu]

Rick Steves, I simply adore you and all your videos. You are great, I love your voice, your smile, your accent and your work !

[@eunanchisom9630]

Hello,, please add me up on WhatsApp [phone]

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hello Camelia

[@Bhodisatvas]

Been to all those cities! I abolutely love Switzerland. Will be back in Zurich in June. Thanks for the video Steve.

[@soniaemirets8454]

Switzerland my dream county ... I wish my auntie invites me over to Switzerland because it's a beautiful ❤️ country... Danke

[@jessmullens5191]

It looks so beautiful, it's definitely now on my travel bucket list.

[@pattjer]

Beautiful La Suisse ! Happy to live here ! ❤️ 🇨🇭

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hi

[@twizzytmoser]

As a Swiss this was very fun to watch

[@unchartedgaming4733]

Tyler Moser I am Canadian and I love your country. I saw the best of your country and it's very nice. That bridge is Luzern is really nice. I only don't like it because the pictures look worn.

[@twizzytmoser]

Uncharted Gaming You should come visit again some time :)

[@bharatprajapati5179]

One of the most my Next Travel 🧭 Destination Switzerland 🇨🇭🎸👍🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@milagrosalejandro463]

Very fascinating🙋great cities!What a natural beauty‼️How I wish to come and see all the places here!Thanks for the nice video Sir Rick.

[@eunanchisom9630]

Yeah

[@solomonceesay1904]

Great country I can't wait to visit Switzerland 🇨🇭 💕

[@billybergendahl3515]

The first time I went to Europe, which was in 1997, our tour group visited Lugano, Switzerland. When I visited Europe in 2001 we flew over the Swiss Alps, which was just stunning.

[@kirkt3586]

I spent 10 days there. Stunning beauty. Loved it

[@bhumanandasaraswati6489]

Swiss .perhaps the best country in the world!

[@NorthValleyArtStudio]

one of the best place to visit

[@refosco1993]

I appreciate the pace of his speech pattern, it’s easy to follow.

[@simonestreeter1518]

I really liked this video, and your approach Rick. Such a wide array of positive things, and yet you can still tell how utterly passionless the country is. And yes, I've been there, and yes, some of my family is from Switzerland.

[@Telltalesign]

Define paradise in one word. Me: Switzerland 😍😍😍

[@victoriawilliams2786]

I just started talking with someone in Switzerland and I'm trying to learn a bit about his country. What an absolutely beautiful country. I wish the US government were like Switzerland. Including how drug addiction is viewed and handled.

[@traceybeerling4776]

Beautiful country I must visit as soon as this pandemic ends and it's safe to travel again. Tracey England UK xxx

[@pingu255]

fun fact: the wooden bridge in luzern, the Kapellbrücke, burnt down in 1993, so they built a new one in the exact same way so that it seems identical and authentic

[@amyazor6829]

Oh I miss this a lovely place I've been there last 2008for holiday and i came back again last 2010 so amazing place love it.....

[@mamjedhossain5157]

Charming and beautiful Country

[@kevincaldwell4707]

As a Canadian, I often wonder why some Europeans left countries that were as beautiful as this?

[@Donknowww]

Back when they left, the countries where very poor and europe was one huge battlefield. They have chosen the new world for a better life. But many came back as europe got more and more wealthy :)

[@harry19841218]

@@Donknowww wow you are beautiful

[@alexismiller288]

The cities they built over here were as beautiful as the cities they left. Those places were destroyed when it came time to rebuild for the automobile. Nobody in the Canada or US apparently had the courage to stand up to these travesties, so now all Americans and Canadians are subject to soul crushing asphalt and ugly buildings in all our communities.

[@vusalsrdarov779]

Swimming in this river is seeming very amazing. I liked a lot. I wish travel to Switzerland. Good nature..

[@K1370]

I wish the waters were that clear near my hometown 😔

[@belamitaguedes5962]

This place is one place I would like to visit before I pass away looks so beautiful and peaceful.

[@SNROPQUEYR]

Another brilliant documentary from Rick Steves - !!

[@AnhNguyen-qk9zh]

I LIKE LIVING IN YOUR COUNTRY IT 'S SO BEAUTIFUL

[@nicoth.412]

Me too!

[@bundasriharyani698]

Switzerland"s great cities .Mr. Rick Steves anda penjelajah Europe banyak negara yang dikunjungi. negara ini menakjubkan cendela tinggi bergambar.gedung2 didampingi laut2 luas juga pandangan kereta api nan hijau

[@suresh36541]

Excellent Steve’s Europe travel...enjoyed very much. Thanks.

[@vallesterfaith]

Rick Steve’s lives in my head rent free 😌

[@brunopinkhof3546]

Gorgeous videos, keep on travelling Rick, greetings from Belgium.

[@MsBackstager]

So many wonderfully familiar sights from my travels.

[@type2nomo881]

AHHH........GREAT! Now I'm obligated to visit Switzerland. Dammit!!!

[@EDP_Swiss]

As a little hint: visit the city called "Solothurn", the oldest (and most beautiful ;)) baroque city in Switzerland. It's just a small city, maybe you need half a day, but it is worth it! Really haha ( as a little hint: If you like beer you can drink the citybeer "Öufi". "Öufi" means "eleven" and this number is the typical number of the town) You won't regret the visit!

[@ferryanolin6707]

Love Switzerland!

[@albertodillon]

I have visited Bern,Basel,Luzern,Interlaken,Thun

[@dikshasoni9326]

Your every next video is so amazing Rick.. it is just so lively to watch them and connect!! thanks

[@scottsims205]

Diksha Soni agreed

[@johnm84]

Switzerland is beautiful awesome and incredible. I would love to go to Switzerland oneday.

[@anndeakin1508]

Great country love mountains lakes Switzerland love this land.visited only once but would suggest people try it.Enjoy .Ann Deakin Warwick 2021

[@Lynne-28]

J'adore la belle Suisse 💟.

[@abdul-urrehman3982]

Exploration is stunning and wonderful with stick reve!

[@archanakelavkar223]

Sir, I m from India. It's an amazing video. U give a lot of information abt the country and its historical background that makes the video worth watching. Excellent!!

[@simplejorna.5762]

Lovely people.💐 Beautiful country!💓🙏💕

[@deepakpatel5882]

Thanks Steve for excellent information 🙏 i recycled my loving memories of my Switzerland tour in 2014. 👌👍🙏🙏😊

[@bunnylady6758]

Swimming with the trouts😁Beautiful country

[@divaskesya]

thanks for this amazing video, Rick! u extremely has no idea how insane ur travel vlog to me, especially in these tough days of my high school life. hopefully in years later, i'll be able to comeback to this channel and say "I MADE IT! I TRAVELLED TO EU, ESPECIALLY MY DREAM COUNTRY SWITZERLAND❤️" greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩 🇨🇭

[@andrewyoung749]

switzerland isnt in the eu

[@graceserenachristie2914]

You always do the best travel shows thanks.

[@chequitacowherd2049]

Would love to float down that river !!!

[@mvpmarmc30]

What are you waiting for ????

[@anndeakin1508]

Majestic country lakes and mountains nice city’s with nice museums a country I much enjoyed.Switzerland Remember the Rock music Smoke on the water.byLed Zeppelin in the 196/7s great days in magestic country.

[@Neldidellavittoria]

Nice vid, Rick. Thank you.

[@mstmousumekhatun7171]

That was real beautiful, i was to switzerland and i enjoyed every moment i was there.

[@carmencampos3035]

An amazing video . I have admire this country since I was very young . After watching this I want to make it a priority to visit it !!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

Hello Carmen

[@amersyed8620]

My long time dream is to visit Switzerland. God willing, it shall be fulfilled soon.

[@Amahl1971]

I agree that Schweiz is a wonderful place. On my first trip to Europe in 1987, I stayed in Lucerne. The next day it was raining, so I bought an umbrella. It was red, and the woman at the counter told me it was a woman's umbrella, and almost forbade me from buying it. I gave her very short shrift in my high school German.

[@abegailtomarong4580]

Thank you for this video Sir. I wanna visit Switzerland when I graduate college!

[@pkphotographyy]

My dream... One day I will visit there.... Lovely country!!!! Also Rick Steves' channel is my favourite youtube Channel..

[@ArthurR]

BEAUTIFUL...!!! PERFECTO...!!!

[@beckyharrison8965]

Define paradise in one word. Me: Switzerland 😍😍😍

[@marcell3203]

Eine der schoensten.

[@abdullahryan8816]

Instablaster

[@ngebeyue]

Hello Rick, I do love and appreciate your travel Guide shows. I get to learn so much and get inspired. I just wanted to ask you to please consider doing a video on Ethiopia. There is so much to see and learn from. Plus its a way to promote to Ethiopia to the world.

[@kalpukd8081]

Beautiful place to visit

[@travelingbucketlist8419]

Switzerland Absolutely beautiful

[@sukkulentdad9005]

Hi Rick, I'm addicted to your video content now. Even though I'm only 26 yo (excuse me for what the age implies), I find your recommendations more relatable to my interest. Can't really watch stuff created by 19 yo 'influencers' where the first 1 min is usually totally irrelevant or simply about selfies.

[@elvierayfebrisari9876]

Been there in 2018, Lucerne and Zürich such a great cities. ❤

[@eunanchisom9630]

Hello pretty,, add me up,, on WhatsApp,, [phone]

[@isaacsando]

I dream of travelling to Switzerland one day...Switzerland I truly love you

[@rantmaker6427]

Hi ran down the schilhorn mountain from the revolving restaurant to lauterbrunnen my legs were sore for days but I loved it

[@seolfromkorea7901]

3 years ago my wife and I went to Switzerland for honeymoon. It’s one of the our nice decision. Do not hesitate!

[@dylsondandregsnannnirs7807]

Yeeeeaah it's my country!! Love u Swiss

[@joyceanncallanta2712]

I love watching all of your vlogs

[@perezster]

Thank you Rick