The Jet d'Eau is a huge fountain in Lake Geneva and the symbol of Geneva. It shoots water about 140 metres into the air at around 200 kilometres per hour. It started as a pressure valve for a hydraulic network in 1886 and moved to its present place in 1891. A jetty lets visitors walk out close to it.

St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva was built mainly in the 12th and 13th centuries and later given a Neoclassical facade. It became Protestant during the Reformation, when John Calvin preached here. Visitors climb its towers for views over the city and the lake. Archaeological remains lie beneath it.

The Palais des Nations in Geneva was built between 1929 and 1936 for the League of Nations and is now the European headquarters of the United Nations. Its grounds have flags of member nations. Across the square stands the Broken Chair, a giant sculpture against landmines. Guided tours visit the assembly halls.

The Lavaux vineyards climb in terraces along the north shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Montreux. They were built by monks from the 11th century. Stone walls hold the vines on steep slopes above the lake, with the Alps beyond. Walking paths link the wine villages. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Montreux is a resort town on Lake Geneva, known as the Swiss Riviera for its mild climate. A flower-lined promenade runs along the lake. The Montreux Jazz Festival is held here every July. A statue of Freddie Mercury stands on the waterfront; Queen recorded several albums in Montreux.

Château de Chillon is a castle on a rocky island on the shore of Lake Geneva near Montreux. Parts of it date from the 11th century, and it was the home of the Counts of Savoy. The poem The Prisoner of Chillon by Lord Byron made it famous. Its halls, dungeons and towers are open to visitors.

Gruyères is a medieval hilltop town in the canton of Fribourg, crowned by a 13th-century castle. Its cobbled main street is lined with old houses. The town gives its name to the famous Gruyère cheese, made in a dairy nearby. The H. R. Giger Museum shows the work of the artist who designed the Alien creature.

The Old City of Bern is the medieval centre of Switzerland's capital, built on a bend of the Aare River. Its sandstone houses, arcades stretching for about six kilometres, fountains and the Zytglogge clock tower date mostly from the 15th to the 18th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.