Wengen, Switzerland

Wengen, Switzerland, nestled in the Bernese Oberland region, exudes timeless charm and breathtaking alpine vistas. This idyllic mountain village captivates visitors with its car-free streets, preserving a serene ambiance ideal for relaxation and exploration. 

Majestic peaks, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures year-round. In winter, Wengen transforms into a winter wonderland, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. 

Summer unveils a kaleidoscope of hiking trails, revealing lush meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers. Beyond its natural allure, Wengen boasts a rich history and vibrant culture, with traditional Swiss architecture adorning its streets and inviting cafes and shops offering a taste of local life. 

Whether marveling at the panorama from the Jungfraujoch, indulging in Swiss delicacies, or embarking on an alpine trek, Wengen promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of Switzerland's pristine beauty.

Here are the activities in Wengen, Switzerland:

• Hiking through picturesque Alpine trails
• Skiing and snowboarding in the Jungfrau region
• Visiting the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Riding the Männlichen Cable Car for scenic views
• Taking the Wengernalp Railway for stunning mountain vistas
• Day trip to Schilthorn, featuring the famous Piz Gloria restaurant
• Tobogganing down designated runs like the Big Pintenfritz Toboggan Run
• Paragliding for aerial views of the Alps
• Exploring the charming village of Wengen
• Indulging in Swiss cuisine, including fondue and raclette

Enjoy your time in Wengen!

Pontresina, Switzerland

Nestled in the picturesque Engadin Valley of Switzerland, Pontresina is a charming alpine village that captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. 

Surrounded by majestic peaks, including the iconic Bernina Range, Pontresina offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. 

In the winter, it transforms into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing, while the warmer months beckon hikers, bikers, and climbers to explore the pristine trails and breathtaking vistas. 

Steeped in tradition, Pontresina boasts quaint Engadin-style architecture, cozy cafes serving delectable Swiss cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. 

With its proximity to attractions like the Morteratsch Glacier and the Bernina Express railway, Pontresina promises an unforgettable Swiss getaway, where adventure and tranquility converge amidst awe-inspiring alpine scenery.

Here are the activities to enjoy in Pontresina, Switzerland:

• Hiking in the Engadin valley
• Bernina Express scenic train journey
• Visit to Diavolezza Glacier
• Exploration of Morteratsch Glacier
• Funicular ride to Muottas Muragl for panoramic views
• Alpine skiing in winter
• Cross-country skiing on extensive trails
• Tobogganing down designated runs
• Excursion to nearby St. Moritz for luxury experiences
• Visit to Swiss National Park for pristine landscapes and wildlife viewing

Enjoy your time in Pontresina!

Kandersteg, Switzerland

Outstanding traditional village, located in the middle of spectacular Alpine scenery, Kandersteg is the ultimate location to both - observing the astonishing Swiss alpine lifestyle and exploring the magnificent mountains. 

The small village of Kandersteg is also home to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, which is open during the whole year and warmly welcomes 12 thousand guides and scouts from all around the world. In summer this marvellous village serves as Mecca for hikers form all European countries and offers impressive marked hiking paths, stretching on hundreds of kilometres. 

Perfectly maintained and secure multi-pitch rock climbing areas, and via ferrata are also great attractions for many visitors. Winter season provides one of the biggest cross-country areas in Switzerland, as well as wide range of pisted hiking paths. 

The village offers sled runs, snowshoe trails and skiing areas suitable for intermediate and beginner skiers.

Here are the activities in Kandersteg, Switzerland:

• Explore Oeschinen Lake: Hiking, boating, and winter sports
• Visit Gemmi Pass: Scenic views and historic trails
• Discover Blausee: Crystal-clear lake and forest walks
• Enjoy hiking and mountain biking trails
• Experience Kandersteg International Scout Centre activities
• Drive or hike through Gasterntal Valley
• Ride Sunnbüel Cable Car for mountain views
• Skiing and snowshoeing in winter
• Explore Swiss Alpine Garden
• Indulge in local cuisine

Enjoy your time exploring the natural beauty and outdoor adventures in Kandersteg!

  

Gstaad, Switzerland

Rather seductive and adorably located place, full of restored cozy wooden chalets, Gstaad is actually one-street village, recognized as mountain paradise. 

It is extremely popular with its charming mix of visitors: from families with children to world celebrities. With its gourmet restaurants, top-class hotels, luxury chalets, and nearby airport of Saanen, the car-free resort has become popular destination for tourists, really diverse by social status. 

Mountain roadways and railways provide access to the resort of Gstaad where more than 30 miles of cross-country skiing trails, 10 winter sports schools and three ski areas are waiting to make your vacation really memorable. 

For those passionate for shopping, there are plenty of luxury boutiques, scattered through the town centre. Mountaineering, tennis, golf and hiking are just small part of the plentiful activities you may practice in Gstaad, during the summer.

Here are some places to stay in Gstaad, Switzerland:

1. Gstaad Palace: Iconic luxury hotel with stunning mountain views and a range of amenities including spa, restaurants, and outdoor pool.

2. The Alpina Gstaad: Elegant 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, fine dining options, spa facilities, and personalized service.

3. Grand Hotel Park: Sophisticated hotel featuring spacious rooms, multiple dining options, wellness center, and easy access to ski slopes.

4. Le Grand Bellevue: Boutique hotel with stylish rooms, gourmet restaurants, spa facilities, and a lively bar scene.

5. Ultima Gstaad: Exclusive retreat offering ultra-luxurious suites, private chalets, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and personalized service.

6. Hotel Arc-en-ciel: Family-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms, wellness area, and convenient location near the village center and ski lifts.

7. The Alpenrose: Charming hotel with cozy rooms, traditional Swiss ambiance, wellness facilities, and friendly staff.

8. Hotel Bernerhof: Comfortable hotel with a central location, cozy rooms, and amenities including a restaurant and wellness area.

9. Park Gstaad: Luxury hotel with elegant rooms, gourmet dining options, spa facilities, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

10. Hotel Olden: Historic hotel offering cozy rooms, traditional Swiss hospitality, and a central location in the heart of Gstaad.

These options cater to a range of preferences and budgets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Gstaad.

Spiez, Switzerland

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Thun, Spiez, Switzerland, captivates visitors with its picturesque charm and breathtaking Alpine vistas. This idyllic Swiss town boasts a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty, epitomizing the essence of Swiss elegance. 

The majestic Spiez Castle, perched atop a verdant hillside, stands as a testament to its medieval past, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Strolling along the promenade, adorned with vibrant flower beds, one can bask in the serenity of the lake, while the distant snow-capped peaks provide a mesmerizing backdrop. 

Spiez enchants with its blend of cultural heritage and outdoor adventures, inviting travelers to explore its tranquil parks, embark on scenic boat cruises, or embark on invigorating hikes through the nearby Bernese Oberland region. With its charming ambiance and natural splendor, Spiez remains a hidden gem in the heart of Switzerland, beckoning visitors to indulge in its timeless allure.

Here are the things to do in Spiez, Switzerland:

1. Spiez Castle: Explore the historic Spiez Castle, perched on a hill overlooking Lake Thun. The castle dates back to the 10th century and now houses a museum showcasing regional history and culture.

2. Lake Thun: Enjoy leisurely walks along the shores of Lake Thun, or take a boat cruise to admire the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the lake.

3. Spiez Vineyards: Take a stroll through the picturesque vineyards surrounding Spiez. You can also visit local wineries for wine tasting sessions and to learn about the winemaking process.

4. Hiking and Biking: Spiez is surrounded by scenic hiking and biking trails. Explore the nearby mountains and forests, such as the Niederhorn or the Stockhorn, for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

5. Swimming and Water Sports: During the summer months, you can indulge in swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, or kayaking in Lake Thun.

6. Spiez Lido: Relax at the Spiez Lido, a lakeside recreational area with swimming pools, sunbathing areas, and water slides, perfect for families and sun seekers.

7. Church of St. Lawrence: Visit the Church of St. Lawrence, a historic church located near Spiez Castle, known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning views of the lake and mountains.

8. Spiez Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the Spiez Promenade, lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic views of Lake Thun.

9. Culinary Delights: Sample traditional Swiss cuisine at local restaurants and cafes, or visit the weekly farmers' market to taste fresh produce, cheese, and other regional specialties.

10. Day Trips: Spiez serves as an excellent base for exploring other nearby attractions, such as the Jungfrau Region, Interlaken, Bern, or the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Whether you're interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Switzerland, Spiez offers a delightful array of experiences for visitors of all ages

Murren, Switzeland

Both charming traditional Walser mountain village and the highest, continually inhabited settlement, Murren is unreachable by public road, which is probably the main reason why it managed to preserve intact its authentic colouring. 

The picturesque mountains simply don't get better there, at an elevation of 1,650 m above the sea level. The village is perched on the edge of a steep cliff and the only available option you have to get there is via cable car. Once you overcome this obstacle, you'll find yourself surrounded by magnificent panorama you've seen only in your dreams. Furthermore, Murren is the best hiking destination in the Alps, surrounded by the splendour of wildflowers and majestic waterfalls, bell-ringing cows and quiet trails. 

You'll surely find yourself living a fantasy once you run across this awe-inspiring combination of breath-taking scenic activities, astounding alpine scenery and compelling mountain culture. Those looking for exquisite nightlife and shopping activities should look elsewhere, but the scenery is stupendous enough to keep you transfixed for at least a couple of days.

Here are some options for places to stay in Murren, Switzerland:

1. Hotel Eiger: A cozy hotel with stunning views of the Eiger mountain.

2. Hotel Alpenblick: Known for its warm hospitality and traditional Swiss atmosphere.

3. Hotel Jungfrau Murren: Offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant with panoramic views.

4. Hotel Bellevue Murren: Situated in a picturesque location, this hotel provides a mix of modern amenities and Swiss charm.

5. Hotel Regina: A family-run hotel with a focus on personalized service and a homely ambiance.

6. Chalet Fontana: Offers self-catering apartments with beautiful mountain vistas.

7. Hotel Edelweiss Murren: Known for its central location and authentic Swiss design.

8. Hotel Alpina Murren: Offers comfortable rooms and a terrace with breathtaking views.

9. Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald: Ideal for budget travelers, this hostel provides a rustic mountain experience.

10. Hotel Blumental Murren: Known for its friendly staff and convenient location close to the village center.

These options provide a range of choices to suit different preferences and budgets for a memorable stay in Murren, Switzerland.

Zermatt Switzerland

Whether you like skiing or boarding, sledding or hiking... if you like snowsports, you'll find what you are looking for in Zermatt. 394 km of pistes provide a wide variety of skiing in an international ski area situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The area is dominated by the stunning scenery of the Matterhorn and Zermatt's pluses can be summarised as follows - awesome scenery; amazing mountain restaurants; fantastic and varied skiing. Because of abundant snowfall, high altitudes and the glacier area of the Klein Matterhorn, Zermatt offers some of the finest skiing in Europe, and glacier skiing can be enjoyed well into the summer. The high and extensive terrain stretches across three individual mountains and mainly caters for intermediate and experienced skiers. The resort is best known for its excellent powder skiing, although off-piste areas and unofficial runs should only be explored with a guide, due to sudden drop-offs and avalanche risk. Intermediate skiers have a wide range of slopes to enjoy around the Zermatt-Matterhorn Ski Area and it is possible to ski across all three mountains in a day.

Klein Matterhorn is reached by the highest aerial cable car in Europe that provides access to a snowboard half pipe and the longest ski run in Europe, an exhilarating slope with breathtaking views that drops all the way down to the village. The easiest slopes are high up on the glacier in the Klein Matterhorn region, but beginners should be aware that trails that start out as novice often end up being intermediate and there are no beginner trails that connect the mountains. Snowboarders share the same exciting terrain. 

 

Lucerne Switzerland

Aside from being the spot where William Tell allegedly demonstrated his archery skills by nearly decapitating his son (and, fortunately, hitting a carefully balanced apple instead), Lucerne has few claims to fame that stretch beyond picturesque, old-world beauty and a truly striking location. In travel, of course, location is everything, and most people who drop in on this town do so with the intention of strapping on their hiking boots or kitting up their mountain bike before heading for the hills. Lucerne has plenty of its own charms, though, most of them in the pure ‘Swiss village-ness’ of it all. The impressive Chapel Bridge has become a symbol of Lucerne, though the version you’ll find now is a replacement for the original, which burnt down in 1993. Inside the delicate wooden struts of the structure you’ll find images of 12th century life in Lucerne, a charming taste of local history.

Elsewhere you’ll find most eyes are on the mountains: Lucerne has its own glacier gardens, alpine flower garden and boat tours that head to the base of the nearby mountains and provide impressive, close up panoramas. Mount Pilatus is so close to the town that it seems to almost hover over the center, and can be ascended by breathtakingly steep cog railway for still more intense panoramas. If you do manage to avoid the draw of the mountains for a day or two, Lucerne’s compact old town is a maze of delicate passageways that seem to have changed little over the years, as well as being home to an artistic bent – many of the walls are coated in color, with local artists depicting anything from rural scenes to offbeat, colorful modern art.

 

Lausanne, Switzerland