Swiss Escapes

Switzerland is a land of contrasts; from its alpine mountains to its picturesque vineyards, there is much to explore. A visit to Switzerland is incomplete without a stop by its glittering lakes, quaint towns, and towering castles. Switzerland beckons with the allure of enchanting adventures, stunning train rides, stunning mountain views, and decadent chocolate and cheese fondue. Whether you are there for a few days or planning a holiday with your friends or loved ones, these top ten Swiss experiences will fascinate you.

Stop by the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is considered the jewel of the Alps; located in Zermatt, it stands tall overlooking  the Swiss Canton of Valais. At 4,478 meters tall, the Matterhorn is a major tourist attraction making it one of the highest summits in the alps and Europe. Frequently featured in chocolate boxes, calendars, and souvenirs, it has become a symbol of Switzerland. Thousands of visitors stop by the Matterhorn each year to explore its serene beauty. Whether you visit in summer or winter, you can easily get to Zermatt by catching a train from Geneva or Zurich.

Explore Lake Geneva
The vast expanse of Lake Geneva is a sight to behold; some of the lake’s most stunning views are best explored by boat or ferry cruise. Nevertheless, the peak summer season beckons with exciting adventures from the shores of Bain des Paquis in Geneva. The beach area at Bain des Paquis has enough room for you to soak up the sun and boasts magnificent views of the water fountain commonly called Jet d’Eau. Hordes of teenagers and tourists come here to enjoy the sun-drenched beach on a warm day and take advantage of water sports activities like jet skiing, diving, and rowing. 

Mountainous Expeditions 
Hiking is probably one of the world’s favourite pastime adventures, it gains a whole new meaning in Switzerland. Several trails to explore are complemented by some of the most stunning sceneries around the alps. Located in Bern, the Jungfrau mountainous region is one of Switzerland’s most popular peaks. Nature lovers and hikers will enjoy the perfectly signposted summits, lakes, valleys, and streams. Follow the signs, and you will find your way across some of the most picturesque scenery in Europe’s heartland. Switzerland’s mountain adventures are accessible by cable car; if you purchase a Swiss Pass, you can take advantage of a discounted price off most trips.

Try the Skiing Slopes
Seasoned travellers know that Switzerland is the primary destination for skiing enthusiasts. Although they may be costly, Swiss Ski resorts are designed both for experienced skiers and day trippers. Several ski resorts have dedicated slopes for beginners and family-friendly passes, lodgings, and deals. The Swiss Alps are home to massive ski resorts with altitudes reaching a height of 2000m. Switzerland’s best ski resorts open when the season kicks in from mid to late November and extends through winter until late April. Renowned resorts include St. Moritz, the Matterhorn over Zermatt, and Verbier among others. In any case, whether it’s the thrill of gliding down the slopes over a trail or trying a track over fresh powder, you are never far from a Swiss mountain that offers it. 

Experience a train ride over the Alps
Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe, visiting other European lands has never been easier, thanks to a network of trains. Germany, France, Italy, and Austria are easily accessible by rail and are within a stone’s throw from Geneva and Zurich’s main stations. Switzerland’s scenic rail journeys allow you to explore some of the world’s most panoramic views, all from the comfort of your seat, thanks to the trains’ large windows and state-of-the-art service onboard. 

You can explore the local picturesque scenery of Switzerland on some of the most popular scenic train journeys like the Glacier Express and the Jungfraujoch. The Glacier Express takes you over stunning bridges crossing through tunnels, lakes, and mountains; it also includes significant highlights passing by St Moritz, the Rhine river, and Matterhorn. With exact precision, the Glacier Express reaches 2,033 meters above sea level travelling across Switzerland’s picturesque mountains. On the other hand, the Jungfraujoch travels through a unique world of glaciers in the Swiss alps through a seven-kilometer tunnel. Each train journey is unique in its own right and will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your memory. 

Visit Chillon Castle 
Located by the shores of Lake Geneva, nestled between Montreux and Villeneuve, Chateau de Chillon is unarguably the most visited medieval castle in Switzerland. History has it that the Counts of Savoy owned the castle from the mid-12th century to the 16th century, and the inhabitants of Bern later conquered it. A symbol of fortification, the castle has recently emerged as an icon of Switzerland. Each year it receives thousands of visitors keenly interested in exploring its 14th-century paintings, subterranean vaults, and luxurious parade halls and stately rooms. The castle has 25 buildings and three courtyards protected by two circular walls surrounded by the lake, forming a natural moat.

Touring Chillon Castle has never been more accessible; visitors can choose accompanied and unaccompanied or audio-guided tours. Audiovisual tours are popular, giving visitors insight into thousands of years of history. Each floor in the castle has eight short preview films to watch. After a day of touring, relax at the café Byron, its large glass windows and modern ambiance gives you a much need culinary break allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the lake and mountains. 

Sample Swiss Chocolate and Cheese Fondue
Swiss chocolate brands are known worldwide; from Lindt to Toblerone, everyone knows that genuine taste and quality are the hallmarks of Swiss chocolate. In every Canton or municipality, you can find several chocolate shops and factories. In Geneva, the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc welcomes several visitors each year through its doors in French-speaking Switzerland. Brimming with rich historical information, guests are treated to interactive displays with sound and visual effects. The tour ends in a large sampling room where you can taste to your heart’s content a variety of chocolates to your sweet tooth’s delight. 

Swiss cheese is another classic, Switzerland is home to over 475 varieties of cheese all using quality cow, sheep, and goat milk. Among the most notable brands are the Alpine cheese categories, the most popular being Emmental, Gruyere, and Appenzeller. Their distinct character and zesty taste make them among the most demanded brands in the market.

Swiss Cheese fondue is a famous communal pot in Switzerland’s history. Served on a portable stove or a hot pot with a spirit lamp it is eaten by long-stemmed forks by dipping bread into cheese and boiled potatoes. Swiss wine complements this quintessential Swiss meal. One of the most popular hotspots to try Swiss cheese fondue in Geneva is Buvette des Bains, located at the heart of the popular beach strip on Lake Geneva; it offers beautiful views of the lake. The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor seating area and is open from 9:00 am until late at night. 

Explore the Rhine 
A boat trip to the Rhine falls to explore its magnificence is an unforgettable experience, to say the least. Several tours allow you to experience the Rhine up close. A tour takes you as close as possible to see the falls basin and experience the power of the water surge. Considered the largest waterfall in Europe by volume, the Rhine is about 47 Kilometers north of Zurich between the towns of Neuhausen and Laufenuhwiesen. If you follow the Rhine about 20 kilometers upstream, you will get to Lake Constance, one of Switzerland’s best known medieval towns. 

Discover Switzerland’s Watchmaking Heritage 
Quality Swiss timepieces are just like Swiss chocolates; they are renowned worldwide.  The Swiss watch making industry employs industrial precision and impeccable mechanical components to perfect each timepiece. Brands like Patek Phillippe, Piguet, Chopard, Longines, and Swatch are known for their excellent quality and drive Switzerland’s economic prosperity.  The Patek Phillippe museum is one of Switzerland’s most popular, with more than 2000 exhibits; it presents a complete and accurate history of its timepieces from the 16th century to date. The museum has a library with over 8,000 publications on various timepieces and their authenticity. 

Explore the Auto Show and Geneva Festival
In March of every year, thousands of visitors from Europe and around the globe flock to Geneva’s Palexpo grounds to discover the latest car models. The grounds of Palexpo are converted into a large showroom big enough to handle hundreds of car models for two weeks. While the summer festivities never seem to stop at the fete du Genève, commonly known as the Geneva festival. The festival begins in July and includes firework displays, carnival games, food stalls selling international cuisine, a host of historical commemorations, jazz music, sailing contests, and open-air pubs, all gracing Lake Geneva’s waterfront to the delight of the young and old alike.