In its small area, Switzerland is packed with so many impressive trails , dramatic mountain peaks and quiet, out-of-the-way valleys to explore. In the west of the country towards Geneva, you can practice your French, or head south to the Mediterranean climes of Ticino to pick up some Italian.
It may be better known for its cheese than its wine, but Switzerland is also a top destination to sample some fine wines. The perfect time and place to try out Swiss wines is the caves ouvertes in early summer, where you pay a small price for a glass and can taste as much as you like.
The canton of Vaud is one of the best places for wine tasting and the Lavaux vineyards in particular, a kilometre stretch of vineyards that are just waiting to be explored. Perched on a small rocky island, the castle sits atop Lake Geneva with commanding views of the surrounding mountain ranges, like something out of a fairy tale. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements.
To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Sign Up. Travel Guides. Videos Beyond Hollywood Hungerlust Pioneers of love. Sean Mowbray. Ski in the shadow of the Matterhorn. Deep dive into the local culture. Relax and enjoy the views on the GoldenPass Line.
Famed for its music concerts, this quintessential Swiss town lures renowned soloists, conductors, and orchestras to its annual International Music Festival. The Culture and Convention Center is home to one of the world's leading concert halls.
One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge , built in the 14th century. In a small park, lies the famous Lion Monument , a poignant sculpture of a dying lion, which honors the heroic death of Swiss Guards during the attack on the Tuileries in the French Revolution.
History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium. For beautiful views of Lucerne, the Alps, and the lake, ride the funicular to the Dietschiberg on the north side of Lake Lucerne; cruise up Mt. Pilatus on the cableway; or head to the Rigi , a famous lookout point. Lake Geneva. This French-speaking "capital of peace" is the European seat of the United Nations and exudes a pleasing blend of French joie de vivre and Swiss structure.
Promenades, parks, and gardens surround the lake, and the old town is a lovely spot to stroll among the historic buildings. The Jet d'Eau , a fountain in Lake Geneva shooting water meters into the air, is a famous landmark. Also on the lake, about 62 kilometers from Geneva, Lausanne boasts lovely views over the surrounding region and the lake, with the Alps rising in the distance. Chateau de Chillon, Montreux. Lord Byron, Jean Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo are among the luminaries who have written about this architectural treasure.
Once the stronghold of the Counts and Dukes of Savoy from the 12th century, the complex encompasses about 25 buildings clustered around three courtyards. Highlights include the Great Halls, with magnificent views of Lake Geneva; the Gothic underground rooms; the Chapel , adorned with 14th-century paintings; and the Camera Domini , a bedroom occupied by the Duke of Savoy decorated with medieval murals. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montreux.
Mirror-like lakes, glaciers, jagged peaks, alpine forests, and oodles of sunshine make St. Moritz one of the world's top mountain destinations and a must-visit on your list of things to do in Switzerland. Palatial hotels and pricey restaurants are par for the course at this chic resort town, which has hosted two winter Olympics.
Sitting in an alpine valley 1, meters above sea level, the town is divided into two parts: St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lake of St. The other part of town, lakeside St. Moritz Bad on the valley floor, is a health resort with less expensive lodging. Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding to tobogganing on the famous 1. In the summer, hiking, biking, and water sports abound. Glacier skiing is also available in the summer. Adding to all this spectacular mountain scenery, St.
Moritz is a cultural crossroads. Romansch, German, Italian, French, and English are all spoken in the surrounding areas—not to mention the different languages of the many well-heeled international visitors and expats. Accommodation: Where to Stay in St.
Strolling along the cobbled streets, visitors can explore the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, with panoramic views from its tower; 16th-century fountains; the Zytglogge medieval clock tower with moving puppets; and six kilometers of shopping arcades, called " Lauben " by the locals.
The Rose Garden Rosengarten offers beautiful views of the old town center. Bern has many tourist attractions waiting to be discovered, including excellent museums.
Art lovers will appreciate the impressive galleries, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the world's largest collection of works by this famous artist, and the Bern Museum of Art Kunstmuseum. Don't miss the markets, held in the Bundesplatz parliament square with views of the elegant Renaissance-style parliament building Bundeshaus. Families will also enjoy a visit to the Bear Park.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bern. Lake Lugano and Ticino. Citrus, figs, palms, and pomegranates flourish in the mild climate here—even as snowcapped peaks beckon in the distance.
In the towns around Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore to the west, the feel of Italy is unmistakable in the architecture, the piazzas, and the passion for fine food, which spills over the Italian borders from the south, east, and west.
Visitors can explore the area by touring the lake on one of the white steamers or renting a boat. For a panoramic overview, Monte San Salvatore offers one of the most spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside, lake, and snowcapped peaks.
Lugano , a financial center and the largest and most significant town in Ticino, is a popular summer resort. Northwest of Lugano, in sun-drenched Locarno on Lake Maggiore, Swiss lakeside living takes on a subtropical touch with warm days, blossoming gardens, and palm-studded estates. Scenic train rides , for example, can be done all year round, and spring is actually a good time: you can watch the remains of winter as well as green valleys.
The Lake Lucerne and Lake Thun areas offer plenty of hiking and sightseeing options in this season. Summer has started. There's day light from about AM to PM, and the weather is mild or warm. This is a wonderful time for hiking. The highest trails may still be inaccessible because of snow, but the majority will be open.
Cable cars and cogwheel trains that were closed in low season will be operational again. By late June, all pass roads that were closed for winter should be open. Opening dates vary per season and per pass. Central Switzerland is wonderful in June, as well as the Ticino , for example. Although the weather varies by the day throughout the year, it's usually pretty warm in July and August.
Average temperatures are rising because of global warming. Some days can actually be too hot for some activities, like city trips. This is the time for outdoor activities: hiking , biking, paragliding and other sports , enjoying the views from the peaks. It's a perfect time for hiking in high terrain. By mid July, these trails should be clear of snow. A wonderful month which is still summery, but usually not as hot as July and August.
By the end of the month one can enjoy the first signs of fall when leaves start to color. September is considered the best month for high altitude hiking. It's also very suitable for other outdoor activities. All regions recommended for summer high season are still wonderful now, but so are the lake areas recommended for October.
The weather can still be pretty mild in October, although this is fall and it might as well be chilly. The first snow fall will occur in the mountains. Days are getting shorter. There are still lots of opportunities to hike, but higher trails may get snow covered, especially in the second half of the month. Cable cars and cogwheel trains may either close around this time, or not operate for a week or two because of maintenance.
Pass roads start to close for winter in October. Things are getting chilly in November, although anything is possible, ranging from mild days to snow. The first ski slopes of high winter sport resorts like Zermatt , Saas-Fee and Verbier may open, but this is definitely not guaranteed. Many lower hiking trails will still be open, but one has to carefully check for the conditions. It's low season: cable cars and cogwheel trains may close for maintenance, so planning ahead is essential.
A base in a central larger town or even a big city is recommended, so you'll have plenty to do, regardless of the weather.
December marks the transition to winter. The first half of the month is similar to November.
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