Switzerland has so much to offer that you won't be bored even during a week-long road trip. Experience culture in Northern Switzerland and visit the largest waterfall in Europe. The Rhine Falls is located near Schaffhausen and is impressive with its 150 meters width and 23 meters height. More to the south you can enjoy high mountains, clear lakes and cozy mountain villages. Swiss nature is breathtakingly beautiful. Glaciers are not uncommon in the Swiss Alps, and the largest, the Aletsch Glacier, is easily accessible for hiking and winter sports. The meltwater fills large lakes, such as Lake Thun and Lake Geneva, which are surrounded by mountains and adorn many postcards.
Switzerland is a dream destination for those who love winter sports. The winter sports areas are relatively high, so there is almost always snow. In Switzerland you will find many attractive and authentic winter sports resorts, such as the villages of Mürren, Scuol and Wengen. Ski or snowboard down the slopes between jagged alpine peaks, or put on your snowshoes for a walk through the fairytale landscape. Then walk into one of the cozy mountain huts to warm up during the après-ski. End your day in atmosphere with a cheese fondue and wine with friends and / or family by a fireplace.
In summer, Switzerland is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Along the way you have the chance to spot chamois, ibex, marmots, crows and other wild animals. Do not forget to take a deep breath regularly, because the Swiss (mountain) air is the cleanest air in the world according to researchers.
Cycle gently over the winding roads through the valleys, brave the steepest mountain passes on your racing bike or take your mountain bike up the mountain paths. There are plenty of routes for every type of cycling adventurer throughout the country. Lovers of multi-day cycling holidays can also go to one of the nine long-distance cycling routes of 280 kilometers or longer in Switzerland.
Hikers do not have to get bored in Switzerland either. There are so many hiking trails here that you will spend years walking them all. Wanderwege are suitable for all levels and are marked with yellow signs. More adventurous and more experienced mountain hikers take the Alpinwanderwege, on which you have to use rope and pickle along the way. For a multi-day hike you walk the 488 kilometer long Trans Swiss Trail through the varied Swiss landscape.
Those who like a little adrenaline in their blood will go on a grand adventure in Switzerland. For example, climb an Alp or raft on a mountain river between impressive mountains. Switzerland is also a popular destination for paragliding and canyoning. You have a unique view from a SUP board on one of the large lakes, such as Lake Thun, and those who prefer to look higher up can take a glacier hike. Almost any adventure sport you can think of can be practiced in Switzerland.
In Switzerland you will find many attractive chalets and mountain huts for an overnight stay with a view of nature. Light the fire and enjoy the peace and quiet after an active day outdoors with a glass of wine in your hand. For ultimate tranquility, you are looking for a car-free village that can only be reached by cable car or train, such as the mountain village of Zermatt.
You can camp in Switzerland at one of the many campsites scattered throughout the country. There is something for everyone: more luxurious campsites with swimming pool and entertainment, and more basic campsites in the middle of nature. In Wallis, for example, you will find campsites where you have a view of a glacier from your tent, caravan or camper. Would you rather sit in the sun by your tent? Then you can go to the relatively warm Rhône valley.
In addition to atmospheric mountain villages where time seems to have stood still, you will find historic cities in Switzerland. For a weekend away or a city trip you can go to Zurich, for example. Zurich is the largest Swiss city and with its historic center surrounded by Alps a perfect destination for a city trip. Geneva also borders the Alps and is worth a visit. Stroll through the small streets of the old town and along the promenade along Lake Geneva. The historic center of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its bell tower from the 12th century and the cathedral should not be missed. Basel is the place to be for a cultural city trip. Here you will find an interesting mix of historic and modern buildings and more than forty museums.
Travel sustainably and enjoy a train holiday in Switzerland. The Swiss train routes are among the most scenic routes in the world. Take the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to the base of the Matterhorn, for example. In the eight-hour journey you will pass 291 bridges and 91 tunnels and have beautiful views of mountain passes, castles and gorges. The Jungfraujoch tour is also worthwhile. This train climbs to the highest train station in Europe at an altitude of 3,454 meters, from where you have a view of the Jungfrau, the Aletsch glacier and surrounding Alps.
During your visit to Switzerland, you will undoubtedly get to know the Swiss specialties. Chocolate and cheese lovers will mouth water at the sight of the variety of local products. Melt the cheeses for a raclette (cheese fondue) or take them with you as a picnic for lunch. To complete the picture, bring a Swiss Army knife to cut the cheese. Don't forget to taste rösti, birchermüesli and other traditional dishes in an attractive restaurant or mountain hut.
Switzerland is also a country full of traditions. The most popular national sport is Schwingen. Farmers' sons wrestle between the mountains in traditional outfits. The yodel and alpine festivals should not be missed either. Here you will witness yodellers making their voices echo among the mountains and alpine horns blowing on the means of communication used by the herders before cell phones existed. In the Swiss Open Air Museum Ballenberg you can also enjoy Swiss crafts and tradition in addition to the parties.
Did you have a fantastic holiday in Switzerland? Collect your stories and photos in a personalized travel journal, which you can then publish publicly and/or have printed into a real book