Explore Scenic Switzerland
After months stuck at home, it’s time to get out into nature and enjoy the best of Switzerland’s scenery with your family this fall. Whether you’re hikers, or picnickers, or have a passion for history or geology, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Ticino
The Revöira circular hike
A hike along the Verzasca river
Follow the paths of generations of mountain communities on the Revöira circular hike, discovering ancient farmlands, water systems, and dwellings, as well as stunning views over the emerald green waters of the Verzasca river.
The trail begins near the parish church of Lavertezzo and from there follows the footsteps of communities who travelled from season to season, moving home and livestock in search of water and food. Along the way, you’ll see churches and homes from past centuries as you wind your way down into the valley to end the hike at Motta. The 3 hour trail covers 8.7km and is suitable for most hikers, including kids.
Monte Tamaro – Monte Lema
A mountain traverse with stunning views of Lugano and Locarno.
This 4-5 hour traverse between Ticino and Italy requires a good level of fitness and proper mountain equipment, but the rewards for those that take on the challenge are fantastic. Beginning with a climb toward the Tamaro Summit (1962m), you’ll follow a 13km route with views over the stunning Lake Maggiore, Centovalli, Verzasca, Vallemaggia, Locarno, Bellinzona, and Lugano, with the Monte Rosa and Matterhorn standing along the horizon. The scenery is truly unrivalled.
For those with a passion for architecture, an added bonus is the chance to see the unique design of the Santa Maria degli Angeli church on the initial ascent from Rivera. The contemporary structure by Mario Botta features the artwork of Enzo Cucchi, and is perched looking out over a remarkable panorama. The church stands at Alpe Foppa, which can be reached by cable car in just a few minutes from Rivera.
Valais
Gold fever in Gondo
Searching for gold in Gondo
Explore the history of the old gold mining village of Gondo, and try your hand at panning for gold in the wild stream running through the Zwischbergental Valley. Learn about the community who once made their livelihood here, visiting the abandoned mines and tunnels where they used to work, on your guided tour. It’s a fascinating look back in time.
Geological highlights in La Luette
A hike to the pyramid rocks of the Val d’Hérens.
This guided 4-5 hour hike will take you to through the Val d’Hérens to the earth pyramids of Euseigne, one of Switzerland’s most treasured geological sites. These cones of earth formed at the end of the last Ice Age, and protected by the boulders lodged at their peaks, form a remarkable sight. Your hike will continue through forest and onwards to the Combioula hot springs, where you can bathe in the warm water. Afterwards, you can taste local products in the hamlet of Ossona before taking the footbridge across the valley to La Luette.
Jura & Three-Lakes
Open fire roast in Chaumont
Roasting sausages over open fire in Chaumont
Jura & Three-Lakes is known for its beautiful natural landscape, suitable for hardcore hikes or family strolls, scenic bike rides and leisurely boat trips. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy historic architecture in towns and villages nestled amongst the stunning natural landscape.
You may also be treated to the smell of sausages and potatoes wafting through the air. Locals and visitors alike take part in Neuchâtel’s traditional roasting festival. This is where food is slowly cooked among the embers of a traditional meadow bonfire.
Eastern Switzerland
A hike to castle Arenenberg in Salenstein
A hike along Lake Constance to the castle of Arenenberg and the Napoleon museum.
The 200 km Thurgau circular hiking trail passes an amazing 25 lakes and a multitude of castles and palaces.
In particular, not to be missed is the hike to Castle Arenburg in Salenstein. The Arenburg estate sits on the shore of Lake Constance and was once the home of Napoleon’s stepdaughter. A hike along the lake to the castle provides beautiful views, and a museum dedicated to Napoleon and the Bonapartes at the trail’s end, providing a glimpse of how life on the estate once was.
Glarus
A hike to Oberblegi Lake
A hike from Braunwald to the beautiful Oberblegi Lake
The stunning deep blue of the Oberblegi Lake makes the perfect backdrop for a family hike. Marvel at the mountain streams and wild alpine flora as you walk along the lake, and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you swim in its cool waters or share a picnic on the shore with your kids. The hike begins at Grotzenbüel and from there leads to meadows and through light forests towards the valley of Bösbächi, where the Bächistübli restaurant provides a welcoming stop. From there it’s on to the lake and its famous blue waters. Then head home on the cable car from the Brunnenbergbahn mountain station.
Central and Eastern Switzerland
Voralpen-Express: Luzern-Rapperswil
A scenic train ride from Central to Eastern Switzerland
If you want to enjoy scenic Switzerland without the hiking, then the Voralpen- Express offers a little over a two-hour ride through rolling hills, ending at historic Lucerne on the shores of the lake. The train leaves from St. Gallen in Eastern Switzerland, whose historic Baroque cathedral and abbey buildings are classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing over the 99m tall Sitter viaduct, before hitting the rolling hills of Toggenburg, the train journey offers unforgettable views across Switzerland’s varied landscape.
Find out more at: myswitzerland.com/autumn
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