A glacier region, vineyard terraces by a lake and a castle on a rocky island reveal very different sides of Switzerland. Its geographical location in the heart of Europe goes hand in hand with an exceptional variety of landscapes. Regional traditions, cultural heritage and rail journeys that appeal to a range of interests add to the picture. To start planning, you might ask yourself what you would like to explore in more depth: high mountains, nature trails, historic architecture or a longer panoramic journey.
Glaciers and Alpine Nature
The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region is an Alpine UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, inscribed in 2001. It encompasses the most heavily glaciated part of the mountain range and is home to Eurasia’s largest glacier. The diversity of its ecosystems includes stages of ecological succession, particularly those associated with the retreat of glaciers due to climate change. This means the natural landscape encompasses not only glaciated terrain, but also the changes linked to the retreat of the ice.
At 4,478 metres, the Matterhorn is considered a symbol of Switzerland, with its pyramid-shaped silhouette. The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise can be reached by cable car; its Glacier Palace features fascinating ice sculptures and centuries-old ice formations. Visitor information for this attraction may change. If you are interested in hiking and wildlife watching, the Swiss National Park offers 100 kilometres of hiking trails and 21 official routes. The number of routes may change. On excursions, you can be accompanied by knowledgeable guides; availability varies by season.
The National Park Centre also offers an introduction to nature: the “Wilderness at the Centre” exhibition presents the Swiss National Park in four rooms and explains natural processes through interactive stations. There are play stations for younger children. At the information desk, you can get advice on planning hikes in the park and book excursions.
Cultural Landscapes and Historic Sites
The Lavaux vineyard terraces stretch for around 30 kilometres along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, from Château de Chillon to the eastern outskirts of Lausanne. Their history can be traced back to the 11th century. The terraces were developed to produce highly valued wine of economic importance. Lavaux thus combines a distinctive landscape with a long history of winegrowing.
Chillon Castle is a water castle that follows the oval shape of a rocky island and can be reached across the lake from all sides. You can visit the castle independently and at your own pace; the tour usually takes about one and a half to two hours, depending on how long you linger. Regional trains on line S5 run hourly to Veytaux-Chillon station; from there, it is a six-minute walk to the castle. Check the timetable before you travel, as train services may change.
Panoramic Journeys and Viewpoints
The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Its panoramic windows offer views of the mountain landscape along the route. The journey takes around eight hours and passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. At 2,033 metres above sea level, the Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the journey and a popular photo stop all year round. The figures and the long travel time make this rail journey a unique way to experience the Alps.
The Jungfrau Railway leads to the Jungfraujoch. At 3,454 metres above sea level, it is home to Europe’s highest railway station, within the UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch. The “Sphinx” and “Plateau” viewing platforms offer a chance to experience the high Alpine world. The Eiger Express takes one and a half hours to travel from Interlaken to the Jungfraujoch; it opened on 5 December 2020. As timetables may change, check the current connections before your journey.
Waterfall and Regional Cuisine
The Rhine Falls is Europe’s largest waterfall. Its rock ledge is 150 metres wide and 23 metres high; the waterfall is accessible around the clock, 365 days a year. A visit to Laufen Castle at the Rhine Falls includes the Historama, walks along the Belvedere Trail, viewing platforms and a panoramic lift. The castle complex has been open to the public and used for tourism since 1861.
Regional produce and dishes are also part of the discoveries. Appenzeller cheese is full-flavoured and has been artisanally produced according to age-old tradition for more than 700 years. Fondue is considered a typical Swiss dish: melted cheese and regional wine are served in a caquelon placed in the middle of the table. Together with Lavaux’s winegrowing history, these examples show how traditions take different forms in Switzerland.
Discover more destinations: Fribourg, Geneva, Graubünden, Jura, Neuchâtel, Ticino, Vaud, Valais, Bern, St. Gallen, Zurich, Basel-Landschaft, Uri, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Schwyz, Lucerne, Zug, Solothurn, Aargau, Appenzell, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Glarus.
