Below are Switzerland's most precious sites that bear the sought-after UNESCO emblem, a symbol of their universal, outstanding value.

The best way to visit these sites is with the new UNESCO World Heritage Ticket.

This new online booking platform makes it easy to plan your visit to each site and also offers great deals.

You can also book hotels and public transport on the same platform, at no extra cost.  We found this very useful, not only for the deals, but also because you find out essential information like opening times and how to get there.

1. Convent of St. Gallen : St. Gallen's magnificent emblem is its sublime cathedral, which together with the Abbey District forms a historic ensemble. A visit to the Abbey Library is a must.

Convent of St. Gallen - Abbey Library

Photo credits: © Roland Gerth

2. Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona: Over millions of years the continental collision between Africa and Europe created a pile-up of peaks. Nowadays the region offers dramatic insights into how mountains are formed.

Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona - Tschingelhörner peaks and Martinsloch, Glarus side

Photo credits: © UNESCO-Welterbe Tektonikarena Sardona

3. Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair: The monastery complex was founded by Charlemagne in the eighth century. It hides a fascinating blend of architectural styles and cultural treasures spanning 1,200 years of history.

Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair

Photo credits: ©Stiftung Pro Kloster St. Johann in Müstair

4. Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/ Bernina Landscapes: The spectacular 122 km stretch between Thusis and Tirano is a masterpiece of engineering from the early days of rail travel. 

Rhaetian Railway in the Albula Bernina Landscapes: Landwasserviadukt bridge near Filisur

Photo credits: © RhB/Dieter Enz, Comet

5. Three Castles of Bellinzona: The three castles of Bellinzona – Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro – are among the most significant examples of medieval defensive architecture.

Castle Sasso Corbaro, one of the three magnificent Bellinzona castles

Photo credits: © OTR Bellinzonese e Alto Ticino.

6. Monte San Giorgio: Marvel at perfectly preserved fish and marine reptile fossils at the Fossil Museum of Monte San Giorgio in Meride and be transported 240 million years back in time.

Museum of Fossils in Meride

7. Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch: Dramatic mountain ranges, valleys steeped in traditions and the largest glacier in the Alps entice, as does the region's rich cultural heritage.

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch with the Aletsch Glacier

8. Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces: The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are part of Switzerland's largest wine-growing region and are a shining example of how people harness their natural environment.

9. La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning: The towns are important watchmaking centres and successful symbiosis of urban and industrial planning.

10. Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps: The site counts 111 prehistoric settlements in six countries – of which 56 are in Switzerland. The best way to experience them is to visit the Laténium near Neuchâtel.

11. Old City of Bern: Founded in 1191, Bern features a historic Old Town quarter renowned for its medieval magic, impressive cathedral and attractive arcades.

The Old City of Bern

12. The architectural works of Le Corbusier, recently added to the list, two residences in Corseaux and Geneva.