Surrounded by France, Germany, Italy, and Austria, petite Switzerland seems to fly under the tourism radar. For travelers who make the Swiss vacation plunge, they’ll find a spectacular destination with thrills, history, and views that are second to none.
The Swiss Alps take center stage when traveling throughout this country which compares in size to the state of Vermont. The Alps cover 60 percent of a region known for watchmaking, chocolate, world-class hiking, cheese, and a train system that adheres to a schedule that is always on time.
Upon arrival at either the Zurich or Bern International Airport it’s hard not get caught up in the breathtaking scenery featuring mountain landscapes, 13th century historic buildings, and postcard villages that take you back to a kinder, gentler time.
Mountain Lovers
The Swiss Alps provide a backdrop that is hard to compare to other mountain destinations throughout the world. Located on the Swiss-Italian border, Dufourspitze checks in at 15,000-feet, making it the tallest of the Swiss high peaks.
Switzerland’s bounty of mountain ranges makes it a favorite of paragliders. Pick nearly any Swiss vantage point, and one is likely to see the skyline dotted with colorful fabric wings soaring softly to earth.
Piz Bernina, in St. Moritz, is a favorite of climbers and tourists alike. If climbing is outside your comfort zone, take the Bernina Railway up to Piz Bernina’s 4,000-foot peak and revel in the view below.
Chocolate Lovers
Perhaps the most famous name in chocolate, Lindt’s Chocolate Museum in Zurich, dates to 1899 and includes the world’s largest chocolate shop. Prepare yourself for an interactive museum that will satisfy your deepest chocolate desires with tasting stations throughout.
The Maison Cailler Chocolate Museum is an indoor/outdoor wonderland for anyone who may live and breathe chocolate. Located in the quaint town of Broc, the Cailler factory takes visitors on an amazing start-to-finish experience showcasing their delicious products. Their workshop features a Chocolatier advising guests on how to make their own take-home chocolate delicacy.
James Bond Lovers
If you’ve never stepped foot on a movie set, then Murren, Switzerland has a James Bond setting you don’t want to miss. The Schilthorn Piz Gloria was built especially for the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
If you’re saying, “tell me more,” then you should know that to get to this set, which includes a revolving 360-degree restaurant, you’ll need to be transported via cable car roughly 9,000-feet straight up to reach the summit above the clouds.
Once you’ve made it to the top, gaze full circle at the Jura Mountain chain and chiseled monuments dedicated to the cast of the 007 flick. If you dare, step out onto Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk which surround the Piz Gloria all-natural platform.
Lake Lovers
Switzerland is home to some of the largest and most stunning lakes on Earth. Lake Lucerne, Lake Lugano, and Lake Geneva lead the way as tourism favorites.
Known for its preserved medieval architecture, Lucerne is not only one of Switzerland’s most populated cities, their picturesque lake features numerous bays which serve as a hub for boating, a vibrant restaurant scene, and a convenient train station.
Lake Lugano and Lake Geneva offer diverse flavors, with Lugano demonstrating the most Italian Swiss ambiance, and Geneva the most French. The views, the shops, and the culture you’ll encounter when traversing these lakes are felt in the vibe and the memories you’ll bring home.
Landmark Lovers
The Lion of Lucerne was carved into the face of a cliff in 1821. The carving depicts a dying lion impaled by a spear. This monument is a tribute to the brave soldiers who died in the French Revolution.
The pyramid-shaped Matterhorn is said to be the most photographed mountain in the world. Tourists flock to the tiny car-free village of Zermatt to view this mountain where some 500 people have died trying to climb to its peak.
Chillon Castle, perched on the banks of Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland’s most famous attractions. Occupied for over 200 years by the House of Savoy, the castle has served as inspiration for writers such as Byron, Dumas, and Hugo.
Switzerland – What’s Not to Love?
Switzerland is a photographer’s dream. The Alps, the lakes, the lush green vegetation, the perfectly maintained historic buildings, and cities that literally run like a Swiss watch makes it a rare something for everyone destination. In 2023, U.S News and World Report named Switzerland the best country in the world. Book a tour today, and discover why Switzerland is like vacationing in a real-life painting.%
