The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
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The 100
finest views.
Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
MySwitzerland.com
Explore Switzerland with UBS: ubs.ch/explore
Fabulous views.
Hardly any country can rival Switzerland for views. In every
region you’ll find spectacular vantage points that reveal
the glorious variety of Swiss landscapes and which are
easily accessible on foot or by cable car, cog railway
or funicular.
In this, the fifth brochure jointly produced by UBS and
Switzerland Tourism, we’re setting our sights higher than
ever. Here we present 100 ideas for excursions that all
promise glorious views, from breathtaking panoramas of
Alpine peaks to dizzy glimpses into deep gorges, and
from tranquil lake vistas to bird’s-eye views of cities and
Your adventure begins here. whole regions.
Key to symbols Further information Enter our big panorama quiz for the chance to win some
wonderful prizes – and don’t forget to check out the great
Outdoor activities Expert advice & fantastic offers
High thrills: hiking, mountain Call us free of charge on 0800 100 222 (8am–6pm Monday till Friday, discounts and offers at the back of the brochure. Start
biking and climbing. 10am–4pm Saturday), or e-mail us at info@myswitzerland.com. planning your adventures now, and discover your own
personal Swiss highlights. Happy exploring!
Mountain rides
Switzerland’s finest mountain railway
and cableway trips.
Food and drink Jürg Schmid Lukas Gähwiler
Double the pleasure: CEO Switzerland Tourism CEO UBS Switzerland
alpine cuisine with views. 12345
Accommodation How to use the webcodes
The most scenic places to stay. Wherever you see a webcode in this brochure, you can find out
more online: simply go to MySwitzerland.com and enter the
UBS offers number in the search field.
Great leisure discounts:
details on page 99.
Editorial. Top 100 views. 3
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND WITH UBS. From the Riggisalp to the Schwarzsee by monster scooter.
COMBI-TICKET FOR Monster scooter ride.
Enjoy a day in the Freiburgerland. Take the chairlift from Schwarzsee through ONLY CHF How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the base station on
the mountains to the mountain station Riggisalp. From there, you can enjoy a the Riggisalp chairlift. Each voucher is valid for a reduction for one child and one adult.
10.–
four-kilometer trip on a monster scooter. In the interests of your own safety, the price includes a helmet and protective pads.
Bern-Bernese Oberland 14–23 86
The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
D
Views you
Great views 1–15 Accommodation 1–23
Valid: from early June to 31 October, 2014 (end of season)
How you benefit: the voucher gets you a combined chairlift and monster scooter
www.kaisereggbahnen-schwarzsee.ch, Tel. +41(0)26 412 10 23
Basel Region 24–27 ticket for CHF 10 – a saving of up to 50 percent. www.ubs.ch/explore
Great views 16–17
16
and your wallet
Jura & Three-Lakes 28–33
Great views Accommodation
88 Take the fairytale cable car to the family park on the Hannigalp in Grächen.
18–24 39–41
59
61
JOURNEY BY Fairy tale cable car and SiSu family park.
The fairytale cable car transports guests big and small to the world of Grimm’s fairy CABLE CAR How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the base station on the
Fribourg Region 34–39 17 tales. On the Hannigalp, they meet Grächen’s mascot SiSu, and can enjoy water sports, Hannigalp cable car. One voucher is valid for a 2-for-1 offer: one paying adult can take one
A
90–94
2 for 1
Great views 25–31 Accommodation 24 87 climbing, spiders’ webs and water tubing in summer. adult or child (over the age of 6) with them free. Children under the age of 6 travel free.
can enjoy
The offer cannot be combined with other discounts (except the half-fare railcard).
Vaud, Lake Geneva Region. Geneva
F
60 85 83
40–47 19 Valid: 15 June to mid-October 2014 (end of season)
18 How you benefit: the voucher offers two adults entry for the price of one.
Great views 32–42 Accommodation 25/70–75 20
www.graechen.ch, Tel. +41(0)27 955 60 60
Children under the age of six travel for free. www.ubs.ch/explore
Valais 48–57
39
89
84
FL
Great views 43–57 Accommodation 76–89 21
22
Discounted excursions – UBS’s partnership with Tamaro Park Adventure.
45–48 95
15 Mountain and water fun all in one: Tamaro Park Adventure. VOUCHER WORTH
Ticino 58–63 94
50–52/54–56 CHF How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the departing
41
Take the cable car up to Monte Tamaro. Get off at the middle station and you will find the
Switzerland Tourism helps you travel far and wide.
23 42
Great views 58–64 Accommodation 62–69 44
80 station of Monte Tamaro. Valid only for Tamaro Park Adventure combined ticket.
10.–
40
24 25
13
1/2 14
93
92
53 Adventure Park, a high-wire park with three levels of difficulty. After that, relax in the Maximum two persons per single voucher.
96/97/98 82 57–58
12 81 74
new waterpark “Splash e Spa Tamaro” at the base station – lots of fun is waiting for you. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
79
99 Valid: until 31 October, 2014
43
24
72 90
71
75 30
How you benefit: the voucher gives you CHF 10 off the combined ticket. www.splashespa.ch, Tel. +41 (0)91 936 22 22 and
28/29 www.montetamaro.ch, Tel. +41(0)91 946 23 03
26 10
6/7
91 No more than two persons per voucher. www.ubs.ch/explore
49 78 76 73
1 11 9
21/22 77 72
69
4 27 70
8–14
27 19 7 100 31
26 E-bike park Jura (Creux du Van).
34 31
28
30
6 20 In the land of the green fairy: Start from the historic railway station at Noiraigue in the RAIL BON E-bike park Jura (Creux du Van).
17 33
29
23 5 Val de Travers and travel up to the Creux du Van for a breathtaking view over the WORTH CHF The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland
15.–
58 65
70
37 2 3–5
8
35–38
enchanting amphitheater. Then round off the tour by tasting some absinthe or chocolate. when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
35/36 other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
41 18 64
75 80 67 is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
33 38 34
3
73/74
15/16 51 57
66 How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the E-bike park Pay series: 0213 0000 2710
50
32
Jura / Creux du Van combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore Valid until 31 October 2014
39 40 42 68
48 Exclusive discounted excursions UBS KeyClub bonus program Free Travel Service Line
71 82 76
85 56 There are lots of discounts If you use our basic banking UBS has set up a free tele-
43
25 79 49 and exclusive offers that68/69
you can services, you can participate in the phone information service for you, Titlis Glacier Park.
83 53
44
benefit from, including the en- UBS KeyClub bonus program and called Travel Service Line. It offers A unique glacial adventure at an altitude of 3,020 metres. With its trendy sliding RAIL BON
59
Titlis Glacier Park.
52 62/63
32 47
closed excursion vouchers. There collect KeyClub points, which you www.swisstravelcenter.ch
you expert advice on travel and
84
60
equipment, Titlis Glacier Park guarantees a fun excursion. The new suspension bridge WORTH CHF The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland
15.–
78
46 81 are also over 350 hotels in Switzer- can use like cash by redeeming them leisure offers in Switzerland. Espe- promises unadulterated thrills at over 3,000 metres above sea level. when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
Graubünden 64–73 62
55
land that accept KeyClub61points in one-for-one with our many part- cially practical: you can use it to other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
Great views 65–79 Accommodation 26–38 77
86–89 54
payment if you book through 65/66the ners, including Switzerland Tour- book hotels and train journeys to- How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the Titlis Glacier Pay series: 0213 0000 2702
64 63
Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Travel Service Line. Find out more ism. You can collect the points in gether. From Monday to Friday, Park combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore Valid until 31 October 2014
I
76–81 67
Great views 80–86 Accommodation 57–61 45
about the partnership between UBS electronic or in paper form.Motorway 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also on Satur-
and Switzerland Tourism, as well as www.ubs.com/keyclub Main Road days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zürich Region 82–85 the latest offers, at: www.ubs.com/keyclubestore Railway Free hotline 0800 100 222
Great views 87–89 Accommodation 90–94
www.ubs.ch/explore
Car transport by rail Oberblegisee circular walk.
Airport A picturesque path leads from Grotzenbüel across meadows and through light forests up
Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Region Tips for great views
RAIL BON Round trip Oberblegisee.
86–93 to the Bächialp mountain restaurant. On the mountain path you come to Oberblegisee. WORTH CHF The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland
15.–
Great views Accommodation Accommodation tips see page 75
90–100 42–56
The cableway goes to Luchsingen, and from here you complete the journey back by train. when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
UBS – partner of
Switzerland Tourism
How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the Oberblegisee Pay series: 0213 0000 2728
circular walk combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore Valid until 26 October 2014
Switzerland’s top 27 panoramic
attractions.
Towering mountains, picturesque lakes, lush forests, narrow valleys,
wide plateaus, glittering cityscapes: Switzerland’s diverse land-
scapes reveal their rich beauty best when seen from above. From the
100 panoramic attractions described in this brochure, Switzerland
Tourism’s experts have picked 27 highlights that you shouldn’t miss.
Highlights.
Panoramic walks
The most scenic hiking trails
1 antrisch – Stockhorn:
G
61 Ridge hike full of highlights
61 Monte Lema – Monte
Tamaro: Classic panoramic
walk
75 arpaner Rothorn – Arosa:
P
1,000 peaks in the morning
sun
Switzerland’s panoramic trails bring hikers deep into the country’s
most pristine landscapes, offering a uniquely intimate experience
of nature along with ever-changing views of mountains, valleys and
lakes. The options are endless: from dizzy ridge hikes to treks
through wild glacier landscapes, and from strolls along lakeshores
to mountaintop walks in the glow of the rising sun. You’ll usually
come across mountain restaurants en route, offering a warm
welcome along with local specialities: doubly delicious when you’ve
built up a hiker’s appetite.
Gueggisgrat ridge, above Interlaken, Bernese Oberland Highlights. Top 100 views. 5
Scenic adventures Observation platforms
High thrills to suit every taste The most dramatic vantage points in the Alps
Explore twisting trails on a mountain bike, From filigree constructions of
48 50
glide between the treetops on a zip wire, scale steel projecting over an abyss
dizzy crags on a via ferrata (fixed-cable climb): to dizzy towers that rise high
Switzerland’s mountains offer adrenalin-seekers above the treetops, Switzerland’s
no end of thrilling adventures, with panoramas manmade observation decks
to match. use stylish design to offer bird’s-
eye views of spectacular land-
31 Charmey adventure park: High thrills in a scapes.
spectacular setting
48 Crans-Montana: Bike tour with world-class views 20 our de Moron: Panorama
T
66 iavolezza via ferrata: Landscape of legendary
D with a twist
beauty 50 emmi Pass: Floating
G
between heaven and earth
59 ardada Cimetta: Locarno’s
C
great little peak
Panoramic peaks Top mountain huts
The finest 360° vistas Cosy cabins with world-class views
Ride the funicular up the Niesen, A comfortable spot in the sun and glorious scenery
4 78
hike up the Barrhorn or take before your eyes: Switzerland’s mountain huts
the cable car to the summit of enjoy some of the finest locations in the Alps – and
the Säntis for views that are offer an unrivalled setting in which to savour the
guaranteed to take your breath region’s gastronomic specialities.
away. Here, not only the Alps
but the whole world seems to 30 Jaun: Chalet du Soldat
lie at your feet. 43 M
orgins: Le Ferrage
78 P
iz Mundaun: Bündner Rigi
4 N
iesen: Mighty pyramid
crafted by nature
52 arrhorn: Hike to the
B
pinnacle of superlatives
85 äntis: Fabulous panoramic
S
views over six countries
6 Top 100 views. Highlights. Highlights. Top 100 views. 7
Pioneering cog railways City summits
The most historic mountain rides The most attractive urban escapes
Switzerland’s historic mountain railways evoke all Most of Switzerland’s cities
10 88
the glamour of the pioneering days of Alpine have a nearby mountain where
tourism. As they scale the country’s iconic peaks, locals like to relax, surrounded
the trains reveal ever-changing views that have by nature. For visitors, these
enchanted visitors for well over a century. summits offer a fresh view of
the city and its surroundings –
7 Schynige Platte railway: Cog train to a and provide the starting point
heavenly hike
for glorious walks.
10 Brienz Rothorn steam railway: Steam journey
to boundless views 23 haumont: View of three
C
93 Pilatus cog railway: High thrills on the world’s lakes from Neuchâtel’s peak
steepest cog railway 63 an Salvatore: Heavenly hike
S
on Lugano’s mountain
88 etliberg: High above Zürich
U
on a pioneering railway
Alpine attractions
The most unusual mountain adventures
Discover the summer snows 3,000 metres above
38
Unusual cable cars sea level, explore the world of marmots, follow in
the footsteps of James Bond high in the Bernese
The most spectacular cableway trips
Oberland: Switzerland’s summits offer a variety
The only cabriolet cable car in of adventures to suit every taste.
99
the world, the first-ever revolving
cable car, the atmospheric 9 S
chilthorn: Top location for 007
miniature cableways of canton 38 ochers-de-Naye: Marmot playground above
R
Montreux
Uri… These and other original
mountain rides bear witness to 42 Glacier 3000: Snow fun in high summer
the inventiveness of Swiss
engineers.
91 Titlis Rotair: 360° views from
the revolving cabin
92 tanserhorn cable car:
S
World’s first cabriolet cable car
99 ri’s nostalgic cableways:
U
Rides back in time
8 Top 100 views. Highlights. Highlights. Top 100 views. 9
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.
The great UBS 1 Visit UBS. To take part in the
UBS Panorama Quiz, go to
your UBS branch and pick up
the pack of five stickers showing
Panorama Quiz:
beautiful views of Switzerland. On
the back of each sticker is a tricky
question about the location shown.
Answer it, and you’re in with a
chance of winning the main prize:
lots to discover
a weekend in the idyllic Romantik
Hotel Muottas Muragl for you
and 30 friends. There are also
10 Swarovski binoculars worth
and win!
approximately 2,000 francs and
10 Switzerland Tourism vouchers
worth 1,000 francs each to be won.
2 Travel and discover. The best
way to answer the quiz ques-
Great views: Participation
sets and stickers for
the UBS Panorama Quiz
1798 m
RIGI SAN SALVATORE
912 m
The UBS and Switzerland Tourism quiz is tions is to take a trip to the
vantage point. It’s worth it for two
are available in German,
ROCHEARYSE
-
French and Italian in all DE-N
all about 20 vantage points. There are prizes reasons: because of the magnificent UBS branches. Good luck!
panorama – and because you’re cer-
with a total value of over 50,000 francs to
2042 m
tain to find the answer to the quiz
be won. Take part and take off for new horizons! question in the view. Then enter the
answer on the answer slip in the
participation set. It’s easier, though, to Panorama Quiz free of charge in great memories of spectacular views
play online at www.ubs.ch/explore. your UBS branch. There are a total for your entertainment. •
So leave your everyday life behind of 20 vantage points for you to rec-
and travel far away. The final draw ognize. The more times you take Find out more about the
Panorama Quiz in any UBS branch or
will take place in mid-October 2014. part in the competition, the great-
at www.ubs.ch/explore
er your chances of winning. But
3
Illustration: Paula Troxler
For unforgettable moments. If you stand to gain in any case: Benefit from the UBS excursion
you fancy more fascinating you’ll learn about unique desti- vouchers on page 99.
possibilities you can obtain nations for excursions, and also
further participation sets for the collect the attractive stickers with
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Main prize: a hotel
“The outlook for workers prepare themselves for all
weather conditions.
Switzerland is good”
1
for you and your 30 best On what is your confidence
based?
friends While many countries are in debt,
The main prize offers a breathtaking view:
Lukas Gähwiler, CEO UBS Switzerland, our nation is one of the largest cred-
With a little luck, the Romantik Hotel Muottas
Muragl – high above the clouds and with the
looks optimistically to the future. itors in the world. Thanks to direct
democracy and federalism, we also
best panorama imaginable – can be where have a stable political system. Stud-
you and your 30 best friends spend two nights ies show that Switzerland is innova-
with full board, drinks and a comprehensive
an altitude record: in Vispertermin- tive and competitive. UBS is playing
program of entertainment. The package guar-
antees an unforgettable experience in a en winegrowers cultivate vineyards its part in this through its commit-
unique environment. The value of the prize is over 1,000 meters up, on the Silser- ment to training and innovation.
approximately 20,000 francs. see at 1,800 meters there is a ferry
company and on the Jungfraujoch Clouds have formed over the
Seventh heaven
a post office at almost 3,500 me- financial sector, however …
The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl will
make your heart beat faster. The architecture ters. But even in the cities there are Changed economic and legal con-
in the 16 bedrooms combines modern ele- vantage points, such as the Prime ditions and new technologies pre-
ments with traditional mountain materials. Tower in Zurich. It is in our nature sent us with challenges. We are tak-
The unique establishment is located above to seek open views. ing account of these changes. The
Samedan, at 2,456 meters above sea Lukas Gähwiler is CEO
Swiss financial sector will continue
level, and can be reached via the Muottas 2 3 of UBS Switzerland.
Muragl railway. The idyllic panorama over In your professional life you to play an important role if we un-
the Oberengadin lakes, with its various are also concerned with derstand client requirements and
W
perspectives, is legendary. hy are UBS and the economic outlook. What offer innovative solutions.
But not only the view is electrifying. The first Switzerland Tourism is your assessment of it?
Plus energy hotel in the Alps requires only using the motto In the long term I am optimistic. What would you like your
sustainable energy such as geothermal “Outlook” for the We have high purchasing power outlook to be this year?
and solar energy, producing no pollutants or summer, Mr. Gähwiler? in Switzerland, as our “prices and My family would like to cash in a
CO2 emissions.
Switzerland has a unique land- wages” survey shows. We are better few excursion vouchers (page 99).
www.muottasmuragl.ch scape. From the mountain tops we off than our European neighbors. So I will allow myself to be tempted,
1) The view from the terrace above the Oberengadin lakes invites
have bewitching views over lakes, Our economy has been growing as I love discovering new places. •
you to gaze and dream. the Alps and agricultural land- faster for several years. But eco-
2) For over three years, the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, scapes. In no other country in Eu- nomic life is like living in the moun-
which is over 100 years old, has gleamed in renewed splendor. rope will you find so many moun- tains: sunshine and rain alternate
3) Swiss pinewood lends charm to every room. tains over four thousand meters surprisingly quickly. That’s why
high. We can thus genuinely claim it’s important that companies and
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UBS – partner of
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Bern-
Bernese Oberland.
Top 100 Aussichten. Xxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxx.
Bern with TopAlps
the Bernese 100(background),
Aussichten. Bern Region
An enchanted world. 2 Schönried / Rellerli: Tops for mountain bikers. 15 16
Beyond the gates of Bern’s picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World If you have never tried mountain biking in alpine
Heritage Site, lie a variety of landscapes of bewitching beauty, each terrain, you couldn’t pick a better place to have a
go than Rellerli – the mountain with the long ridge
typically Swiss in its own way. The lush, rolling scenery of the Emmen-
and big choice of leisure activities. If you don’t feel
tal and the Gürbetal valleys; the sparkling lakes at the gateway to like pedalling all the way up, glide to the summit
the high Alps; the snow-capped pinnacles of the Schilthorn and the with your bike in the gondola from Schönried. Up
BE! Tourismus AG Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau: this remarkably diverse region offers an on high, you’ll enjoy glorious views extending from
CH-3005 Bern the chic resort of Gstaad to the jagged pinnacles
unforgettable setting for holiday adventures that have long enchanted
Phone +41 (0)31 300 33 00
of the Dent de Ruth and the Dent de Savigny – as
www.madeinbern.com visitors from all over the world.
well as the chance to sample the delicious fare at
the Rellerli mountain restaurant, famous far and
wide. Once you’ve had your fill, head back down
the mountain on the winding single-track trail –
a thrilling but low-risk ride. Et voilà: great fun for
1 Gantrisch – Stockhorn: Ridge hike full of highlights. 21 22
Don’t miss Address little effort.
■■ parenmoos panoramic trail
S Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG
■■ Kick-scooter rides from top station Promenade 41
Don’t miss MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 191295
■■ Rellerli summer toboggan run CH-3780 Gstaad
■■ “Stockhorn Eyes” – new pano- ■■ Rafting on the River Saane from Phone +41 (0)33 748 87 37
ramic viewing platform Gstaad to Château-d’Oex www.gstaad.ch
■■ Mountain lakes on the Stockhorn
■■ Bungee jumping from a cable car
■■ Simmental farmhouse trail
■■ White-water rafting on the Simme
Address
3 Zweisimmen – Lenk: Challenging trail to Leiterli. 23
Stockhornbahn AG
Kleindorf As you glide gently in the gondola from Zweisim-
CH-3762 Erlenbach i. S. men up the Rinderberg, the views of the lush alpine
Phone +41 (0)33 681 21 81 pastures, steep wild-hay meadows and towering
www.stockhorn.ch
cliffs of the Bernese Oberland mountains become
more spectacular with each passing moment.
This beautiful landscape, full of contrasts, forms a
magnificent backdrop for the six-hour panoramic
hike to Leiterli, above Lenk, at an altitude of
2,001 metres. The trail leads via the Gandlouenen
The Stockhorn is one of the emblematic peaks of the Bernese Oberland, accessible ridge and the Parwenge saddle to the long flank
from the south by cable car. A more challenging but highly satisfying alternative is of the Heuberg, high above the Turbach valley,
to walk there via a string of peaks high above the Simmental valley – a demanding before following another sequence of ridges to the
hike of about six hours. Start at Gurnigel, served by postal bus, and climb to the top of the Leiterli gondola. Despite the relatively
Leiteren Pass below the Gantrisch. A well-marked alpine trail leads up to the Hohmad, small vertical difference encountered along the
revealing gorgeous views of the Bernese Alps and into the lush Simmental. A final, route – just 300 metres – this is a long and chal-
steep climb accesses the summit of the Stockhorn and a panoramic platform, opened lenging hike, offering glorious views by way of Don’t miss Address
in 2013, that projects from a window in the peak’s sheer north face. The bird’s-eye reward. ■■ Simmen Falls–Iffigenalp hike Lenk-Simmental Tourismus AG
■■ Sieben Brunnen (“Seven Springs”) Rawilstrasse 3
views are breathtaking, and extend from Lake Thun to the rolling hills of the Jura.
■■ Betelberg “Alpine adventure”, CH-3775 Lenk i. S.
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 191229 “Alpine Culture” playground Phone +41 (0)33 736 35 35
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57192 ■■ Mountain bike trail over the www.lenk-simmental.ch
Hahnenmoos Pass to Adelboden
16 Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views. 174 Niesen: Mighty pyramid crafted by nature. 19 6 Schilthorn: Top location for 007. 20
The Niesen is easy to recognise: its summit Like the royal box at a theatre, the Piz Gloria offers the ultimate view
forms a perfect pyramid. The peak attracts visi- of the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In 1969, the sight proved
tors from all over the world, and also acts as a an inspiration to Peter R. Hunt, director of the James Bond film “On
weather forecaster. One saying holds that when Her Majesty’s Secret Service”: he chose the peak with its famous
the Niesen wears a “hat” of cloud, the weather revolving restaurant as a key location. Ever since, enthusiasts have
will be fine – to the delight of local people, who flocked from around the world to see the soaring cliffs and snow-
are always happy to trust the predictions of “their” capped peaks of the Bernese Alps with their own eyes, and to mar-
mountain. For more than 100 years, a funicular vel at the distant views, which on clear days reach the Vosges moun-
has scaled the peak from Mülenen; the flight of tains in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Last summer, two
steps along the track, used for maintenance, is new attractions opened: the James Bond World exhibition and the
the longest in the world. From the top station, Piz Gloria View observation platform.
it’s a short walk to the summit and dazzling views
over a sea of pinnacles that make you want to MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 42578
take to the skies like a bird. Why not? The local
Don’t miss Address paragliding club offers tandem flights.
■■ pectacular sunrises and sunsets
S Niesenbahn AG Don’t miss Address
■■ Niesen–Springenboden hike Talstation MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 42593 ■■ chilthorn 007 revolving restaurant
S Schilthornbahn AG
■■ Diemtigtal Nature Park CH-3711 Mülenen ■■ Car-free resort of Mürren Höheweg 2
■■ New Lake Thun circular hike Phone +41 (0)33 676 77 11 ■■ Mürren–Gimmelwald via ferrata CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Postal bus trips into Kiental valley www.niesen.ch ■■ North Face Trail Phone +41 (0)33 826 00 07
■■ Trümmelbach Falls www.schilthorn.ch
5 Kandersteg / Allmenalp: High thrills up a cliff. 18
You’ll need a sure foot and a good head for
heights to tackle Kandersteg’s famous via ferrata. 7 Schynige Platte – First: Heavenly hike.
Previous experience is essential: this challenging
fixed-cable climb leads up sheer cliffs, guarantee- The ride up to Schynige Platte in a cog railway more than 100 years
ing high thrills all the way. The 550-metre route old offers a rare chance to admire the tremendous variety of alpine
climbs on either side of the Allmibach cascades, flora – at the botanical garden by the summit station, 2,000 metres
incorporating rope ladders, 25-metre suspension above sea level. This is the starting point for a demanding six-hour
bridges and a spectacular zip wire on the way hike that leads way above the treeline to reveal breathtaking views
to the tranquil Allmenalp pastures. For an easier of the iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps including the Eiger, Mönch
ascent, ride up on the cable car; you’ll enjoy the and Jungfrau. At the highest point of the panoramic path, before
same glorious views as the climbers of the dra- you descend to the sparkling, much-photographed Bachalpsee,
matic Kander valley and the snow-capped pinna- you pass a piece of Swiss history: the Faulhorn mountain hotel, the
cles of the Blüemlisalp massif. Walk beyond the highest in the Alps when it opened in 1832, and to this day a popu-
restaurant up to Obere Allme, and you’ll also see lar stop for hungry hikers.
across to the piercing blue waters of Lake
Don’t miss Address Oeschinen.
■■ Restaurant Allmenalp Kandersteg Tourismus Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57111
■■ Blausee lake with trout farm Äussere Dorfstrasse 26 MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 40794 ■■ hrilling First Flyer zip-wire rides
T Jungfraubahnen
■■ Rowing boats on Lake Oeschinen CH-3718 Kandersteg ■■ Bort–Grindelwald kick-scooter run Harderstrasse 14
■■ BLS railway theme trail Phone +41 (0)33 675 80 80 ■■ Indoor Rope Park, Grindelwald CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Ricola herb garden, Kandersteg www.kandersteg.ch ■■ JungfrauPark, Interlaken Phone +41 (0)33 828 71 11
■■ Harder viewpoint, Interlaken www.jungfrau.ch
18 Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views. 198 Jungfraujoch: To the “Top of Europe”. 8 14 10 Brienzer Rothorn – Brünigpass: Boundless views. 6 7
When you board the train at Kleine Scheidegg, the 1,678 vertical metres separate Brienz from the summit of the
breeze caressing your cheeks feels mild enough. Rothorn. The most atmospheric way up is in a panoramic carriage
That soon changes on the ride up to Europe’s of one of the steam trains that has carried visitors from all over the
highest railway station, 3,454 metres above sea world to the summit since 1891. You can also glide up the mountain
level. The journey takes you through a long tunnel from the other side – in a cable car from Sörenberg. The summit
with two stops offering views through windows observation platform, looks out over a sea of Alpine peaks and lush
in the rock. The first looks out from the north face pastures. A five-hour walk leads along the ridge to the Brünigpass,
of the Eiger over a yawning abyss; the second re- with spectacular views the whole way. On the right, you look down
veals a vast sea of ice, the famous “Eismeer”. After to the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and across to the Eiger,
a total climb of 1,400 vertical metres, you reach Mönch and Jungfrau; straight ahead of you lies the historic valley
the Jungfraujoch, “Top of Europe”. Here there’s of the Haslital; while to your left, the vista extends from the craggy
definitely a wintry chill in the air as the perennial Schrattenfluh in the Entlebuch to the distant Swiss Plateau.
snows sparkle in the dazzling sunlight. The Sphinx
observation platform offers unforgettable views Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 36273
Don’t miss Address of this high wilderness, including the largest river of ■■ ood-carving in Brienz
W Brienz Rothorn Bahn
■■ Open-air museum, Ballenberg Hauptstrasse 149
■■ Snow Fun Park on the glacier Jungfraubahnen ice in the Alps, the world-famous Aletsch Glacier.
■■ Lake Brienz cruises CH-3855 Brienz
■■ Snow hike to Mönchsjoch hut Harderstrasse 14
■■ Aare cycle route, Lake Brienz Phone +41 (0)33 952 22 22
■■ Alpine Sensation gallery CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Ice palace in the Aletsch Glacier Phone +41 (0)33 828 71 11
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 42577 ■■ Giessbach falls and grand hotel www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch
■■ Sphinx viewing platform (3,571 m) www.jungfrau.ch
11 Niederhorn – Habkern: Mountain realm of the ibex.
9 Alpen tower: Pinnacles of pleasure.
From the Beatenbucht boat stop on Lake Thun,
Bracing mountain air, glorious views and a beautiful restaurant: the a sparkling silver funicular and then a cable car
three ingredients of a perfect alpine excursion come together at Plan- carry you smoothly to the summit of the Nieder-
platten above Meiringen, at an altitude of 2,245 metres. The ride up horn (1,949 m), the starting point for a glorious
is quick and comfortable on the modern Eagle Express gondola from four-hour panoramic hike. But first, make a little
Mägisalp. At the summit, take a seat in the Alpen tower restaurant – detour: stroll past the summit hotel to the ridge
as futuristic as its name suggests – and order a local speciality: overlooking the lake you have just sailed across,
meringues with double cream. These sweet delicacies made of egg now lying at your feet in its shimmering blue glory.
white were invented in Meiringen, and their little white pinnacles The trail proper leads you across flower-filled
perfectly match the snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Information meadows and past sculpted limestone cliffs to-
panels reveal the names of all the surrounding mountains – a be- wards Habkern; go gently, and you may spot ibex
witching backdrop for a variety of exhilarating panoramic hikes. or chamois. From the Burgfeldstand, the highest
point along the hike, pause to admire the famous
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 42640 mountain trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau;
later, from the top of the dramatic Gemmenalp- Don’t miss Address
horn, enjoy superb views of the Sieben Hengste ■■ W ildlife-watching trips Thunersee-Beatenberg-
■■ Alpine orienteering trails, Niederhorn-Bahnen
Don’t miss Address and the Hohgant.
Niederhorn CH-3803 Beatenberg
■■ Horizon Trail to Engstlenalp Bergbahnen ■■ Lombachalp and Habkern- Phone +41 (0)33 841 08 41
■■ Muggestutz children’s theme trail Meiringen-Hasliberg AG MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57564 Sörenberg moorland www.niederhorn.ch
■■ Sherlock Holmes Museum, Twing ■■ St. Beatus caves with museum
Meiringen CH-6084 Hasliberg Wasserwendi
■■ Reichenbach Falls and Rosenlaui Phone +41 (0)33 550 50 50
■■ Tälli mountain hut and via ferrata www.meiringen-hasliberg.ch
20 Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views. 2112 Naturpark Gantrisch: Gürbetal high trail. 14 Napf: Roof of the Emmental.
The five-hour hike along the heights overlooking the Gürbe valley, The gentle hills of the Emmental culminate
from Kehrsatz to Mühlethurnen, leaves no questions unanswered – in the solitary peak of the Napf at an altitude of
thanks to modern technology. On this walk, you follow an informa- 1,408 metres. The summit is easy to reach on
tion-packed app rather than the classic yellow footpath signs. Along foot – for example, on the four-hour ridge hike
the route it directs you to the finest vantage points, recounts intrigu- that starts up at Ahornalp and leads past the
ing local legends, explains cultural features and tells you what you Ämmital “Friends of Nature” hostel, Höchänzi and
see – such as the names of the snow-capped mountains that line Nideränzi all the way to the “roof of the Emmental”.
the horizon like a delicate lace border, in picturesque contrast with At the summit you’ll find the atmospheric Napf
the deep-blue sky and the lush green expanse of the valley. The app mountain lodge with its panoramic terrace. On
also indicates good places to stop for a bite, and gives details of clear days, you can see as far as the Bernese Alps
farmers where you can buy delicious local produce for a picnic. and across the Swiss Plateau to the Jura moun-
tains. The view is particularly romantic towards the
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 53449 evening, as the sun slowly sets behind the peaks
on the horizon and a thousand stars appear one-
Don’t miss Address by-one in the heavens.
Don’t miss Address ■■ apf summit hotel, view of Alps
N Tourismus Emmental
■■ Beautiful Emmental farmhouses Bahnhofstrasse 44
■■ teps up the Guggershörnli
S Naturpark Gantrisch MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57101
■■ Kambly Experience, Trubschachen CH-3400 Burgdorf
pinnacle, panoramic views Schlossgasse 13
■■ Grenzpfad Napfbergland 6-day hike Phone +41 (0)34 402 42 52
■■ Swimming in the Schwarzsee lake CH-3150 Schwarzenburg
■■ Show dairy, Affoltern i. E. www.emmental.ch
and the River Sense Phone +41 (0)31 808 00 20
■■ Rüeggisberg monastery ruins www.gantrisch.ch
■■ Gantrisch adventure rope park
■■ Gantrisch panoramic trail
15 Lueg: Scenic electric bike tour through cheese country.
Lueg means “Look!” in the local dialect, a thor-
13 Bern: A rosy outlook. 1 2
oughly appropriate name for this scenic vantage
point at an altitude of 860 metres. The pictur-
When members of the Swiss government wish to show foreign visi- esque hill lies on the Emmental Cheese Route,
tors the Swiss capital at its most beautiful, they head to the Rose an attractive electric-bike trail in two variants: a
Garden. Up here, the whole of Bern seems to lie at your feet. The one-day circuit and a longer, two-day itinerary.
magnificent views extend the length of the medieval Old Town to Both options take in Lueg because the summit
the mighty cupola of the Parliament Building; perhaps the prettiest offers magnificent views across the colourful
aspect of all is the sight of the River Aare, enclosing the entire his- patchwork landscape of the Emmental, the valley
toric city centre in one elegant loop. As well as extravagant displays that gives the world-famous cheese its name
of flowers – 220 varieties of roses, 200 of iris and 28 of rhododen- and which accounts for a large share of produc-
dron – the park boasts an attractive network of ponds and spa- tion. On clear days, you can see as far as the
cious lawns, promising pure relaxation. snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Alps on the
horizon. A monument at the site commemorates
the 54 Bernese cavalrymen who fell victim to the
Don’t miss Address 1918 influenza epidemic.
Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 140023 ■■ useum home of the writer
M Tourismus Emmental
■■ Restaurant Rosengarten Bern Tourismus Jeremias Gotthelf, Lützelflüh Bahnhofstrasse 44 MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 173519
■■ Burgdorf castle CH-3400 Burgdorf
■■ Old Town: World Heritage Site Bahnhofplatz 10a
■■ Emmental Murder and Ghost Phone +41 (0)34 402 42 52
■■ Panorama from cathedral tower CH-3011 Bern
■■ Alpine view from Kornhaus bridge Phone +41 (0)31 328 12 12 Story Trail www.emmental.ch
■■ Chüechlihus museum, Langnau i. E.
■■ River Aare lido, Marzili www.bern.com
22 Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views. 23Basel Region.
Ankenballen above Langenbruck, Basel RegionWindow on the world. 16 Basel’s Messeturm: City views of three countries.
The Basel Region is famous for its diversity and international outlook. For 11 years, the shimmering blue form of Basel’s Messeturm,
You realise why on a walk up to the highest point in the canton of or Trade Fair Tower, has dominated the city’s skyline. With a height
of 105 metres, this is Switzerland’s second-tallest skyscraper,
Baselland, the Chellenchöpfli, whose views extend northwards to the
home to conference and business facilities, a hotel and a restaurant
Vosges in France and the Black Forest in Germany; to the south, as well as the famous Bar Rouge on the 31st floor. Comfortable
the majestic Alps frame the horizon. Within Basel, the 105-metre- leather sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, soft lighting – the setting is
Basel Tourismus high Trade Fair Tower also offers a superb vantage point: at night, perfect for enjoying the seemingly endless views that extend past
CH-4010 Basel the sea of houses and apartments to the lush green countryside of
too, when the city turns into a sea of twinkling lights.
Phone +41 (0)61 268 68 68
Switzerland, France and Germany beyond. The city panorama is
www.basel.com
especially captivating at night, when Basel transforms into an
ocean of sparkling lights.
Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 43881
■■ iew over the Old Town from the
V Bar Rouge
towers of Basel’s cathedral Messeplatz 10
■■ Rhine views from Pfalz square CH-4058 Basel
■■ “3 Countries Corner” and Rhine port Phone +41 (0)61 361 30 31
■■ Rhine swimming, traditional ferries www.barrouge.ch
17 Wasserfallen: Glide up gently and zoom back down.
The Chellenchöpfli is the highest summit in the
canton of Baselland, 1,156 metres above sea
level. The ground falls dramatically from the rocky
outcrop at the top; on clear days, the spectacular
views extend from the Swiss Alps to the French
Vosges and the Black Forest in Germany. The
climb up offers a scenic climax to a mountain out-
ing packed with variety, beginning with a ride from
Reigoldswil up to Wasserfallen in one of the yellow
panoramic gondolas. After the round walk up to
the Chellenchöpfli and Hintere Egg, which takes
about an hour and a half, you glide all the way back
down to the valley on a kick-scooter. Wind in your
hair, glorious scenery all around and a big smile on
your face – what more could you ask for? Don’t miss Address
■■ asserfallen forest rope park
W Baselland Tourismus
■■ Thal Nature Park Altmarktstrasse 96
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 42666
■■ Hikes in the Jura CH-4410 Liestal
■■ Cosy restaurants high in the Jura Phone +41 (0)61 927 65 44
■■ Solarbob toboggans, Langen- www.baselland-tourismus.ch
bruck
Basel
26 Top 100 views. Basel Region. Basel Region. Top 100 views. 27Jura &
Three-Lakes.
Creux du Van in the Val-de-Travers, Jura and Three-LakesWild but welcoming. 19 Les Sommêtres: Spectacular view down to the Doubs.
Whether you scale the Arête des Sommêtres high above the River The climb from the village of Le Noirmont in the
Doubs in the Jura or climb the Chasseral or Chaumont overlooking Jura to the 1,097-metre outcrop of the Arête des
Sommêtres requires a good level of fitness and,
Lake Biel, Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel, you’ll marvel at a region
at the end, dexterity and a head for heights. The
famous for its open vistas and pristine beauty. From the lush mea- final stretch of the route to the summit with its
dows where the Franches-Montagnes horses graze to the historic limestone pinnacles is so narrow and exposed in
Jura & Trois-Lacs watchmaking towns and cities, and from the vast rock amphitheatre places that you have to climb along on all fours.
CH-2502 Biel/Bienne This section is only for experienced mountain hik-
of the Creux du Van to the vineyards of Mont-Vully, this is a world
Phone +41 (0)32 328 40 10
ers, but for anyone else, that’s no great loss: the
www.j3l.ch to delight all the senses.
view from the observation point by the refuge is
still breathtaking. The undulating green expanse
of the Franches-Montagnes, with their pale pas-
tures and dark forests, stretches into the dis-
tance; far below, the River Doubs winds through
18 Weissenstein: Balcony over Switzerland. Don’t miss Address a deep, forested valley on its way to join the
■■ ranches-Montagnes horse riding
F Jura Tourisme Rhône and ultimately the Mediterranean.
■■ Doubs Nature Park Rue de la Gruère 6
Don’t miss
■■ Saut du Doubs waterfall and Lac CH-2350 Saignelégier
■■ Gondola up the Weissenstein des Brenets cruise Phone +41 (0)32 420 47 70
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 53548
opens autumn 2014 ■■ Etang de la Gruère moor lake www.juratourisme.ch
■■ Solothurn’s Old Town
■■ Verena gorge and hermitage
■■ Aare river cruise to Biel
■■ Balmberg adventure rope park
■■ Thal Nature Park
20 Tour de Moron: Panorama with a twist.
Address
Region Solothurn Tourismus The Tour de Moron is a 30 metre tower which looks like an oversize
Hauptgasse 69 screw that a giant has fastened onto the top of the mountain of the
CH-4500 Solothurn same name above Malleray. The spiral staircase that winds up the
Phone +41 (0)32 626 46 46
www.solothurn-city.ch concrete structure leads to an observation platform revealing breath-
taking views across Switzerland. On a clear day you can see from
the remotest hills of the Jura to the Alps, from the Säntis in the east
to Mont Blanc in the west, and from the Vosges mountains in France
to the Black Forest in Germany. Equally charming is the story of the
structure, designed by the celebrated Ticino architect Mario Botta
The Weissenstein may be “only” 1,284 metres high, but up on Solothurn’s local as part of an educational project: about 700 apprentice builders
mountain you feel as if the world lies at your feet. Spread below you is the vast yellow- from all over French-speaking Switzerland and their teachers spent
and-green patchwork of the whole Swiss Plateau. Lining the horizon are the sparkling a total of four years building the tower, which opened in 2004.
white pinnacles of the Alps – a seemingly endless chain that on clear days extends
from the Säntis to Mont Blanc. A good place to enjoy the views is from the panoramic MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 110942
restaurant terrace of the art nouveau Kurhaus. For a beautiful walk, follow the ridge for
about an hour to Röti and then down to Balmberg, where there’s a postal bus stop.
This hike forms part of the legendary Jura High Trail along the crest of the whole Jura Don’t miss Address
chain, one of Switzerland’s oldest and most scenic long-distance footpaths. ■■ J ura arts museum and lathe Jura bernois Tourisme
museum, Moutier Avenue de la Gare 9
■■ “Tête de Moine AOP” cheese, CH-2740 Moutier
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 38564 horses and abbey church, Bellelay Phone +41 (0)32 494 53 43
■■ Champoz smokehouse www.jurabernois.ch
30 Top 100 views. Jura & Three-Lakes. Jura & Three-Lakes. Top 100 views. 3121 Chasseral: Challenging climb or gourmet round walk. 23 Chaumont: View of three lakes from Neuchâtel’s mountain. 41
A hike full of variety leads from Villeret near The funicular takes just 13 minutes to climb the 1,078 metre peak
St. Imier through a dramatic gorge, the Combe on Neuchâtel’s doorstep, the Chaumont. If you prefer a gentler
Crède, up to the Chasseral, one of the highest transition from city centre to pristine nature, you can walk up – and
summits (1,607 m) of the Bernese Jura. The final appreciate the way the views gradually unfold along the trail. In the
stretch follows the panoramic ridge to the tele- foreground, the three large lakes – of Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten –
coms tower, revealing views down to the sunny glitter like blue panes of glass in the regular green patchwork of the
vineyards on the shores of Lake Biel way below. fields. Beyond, on a clear day, you’ll see “our” Alps rising into the
An alternative to the demanding climb through pastel-blue sky, including the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
the gorge is a more leisurely but nonetheless The view is more spectacular still if you keep climbing once you
wonderfully scenic round walk high on the Chas- have reached the summit of the Chaumont: up the panoramic
seral, lasting about four and a half hours. This tower, another 60 metres off the ground.
takes in several of the region’s characteristic
“métairies” – remote farm restaurants that serve
delicious cuisine using local cheese and other Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 36268
Don’t miss Address produce, especially tasty when tackled with a ■■ Chaumont adventure park Tourisme neuchâtelois
■■ Topeka horse ranch Hôtel des Postes
■■ hasseral Nature Park
C Jura bernois Tourisme hiker’s appetite.
■■ La Coudre–Chaumont funicular CH-2001 Neuchâtel
■■ Wind and solar power plants at Place de la Gare 2
Mont Soleil and Mont Crosin CH-2610 St. Imier free with GA travelcard Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 90
■■ Bridleways, mountain bike trails Phone +41 (0)32 942 39 42
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 53242 ■■ Neuchâtel botanical garden www.neuchateltourisme.ch
■■ Bison Ranch, Les Prés-d’Orvin www.jurabernois.ch
24 Creux du Van: On the edge of the abyss. 40
22 Ligerz: Heaven on earth. 39
The Creux du Van is the Grand Canyon of the
The church of Ligerz stands above the village, Val-de-Travers: a limestone amphitheatre with
its elegant spire appearing to float heavenwards cliffs 160 metres high, carved from rocks laid
out of a sea of vines. The most important eccle- down at the bottom of a prehistoric seabed
siastical building of the region was once a popular 200 million years ago. The spectacular horseshoe
place of pilgrimage; today it is in great demand of cliffs measures four kilometres end to end.
as a wedding venue, thanks to its exceptionally Walk along its edge, and you can’t help but gaze
romantic setting. The most attractive way to reach into the abyss; keep your eyes peeled, because
it is by following the gentle path up from the lake- ibex, chamois and even lynx live here in the larg-
shore, through terraced vineyards and past typical est nature reserve in canton NeuchâPhone Pause
dry-stone walls. The church’s terrace, in turn, now and again to look above the rim of rock for
promises one of the best views of the whole lake a very different view: of open pastures and dry-
region. Beyond the sun-blessed vines in the fore- stone walls, forests of pine, the rolling hills of the
ground lies sparkling Lake Biel, with St. Peter’s Jura and in the distance, the glinting pinnacles
Island; in the distance, the glittering snow-capped of the Alps. Don’t miss Address
Don’t miss Address peaks of the Alps rise to the horizon. ■■ reuse springs and gorge
A Goût & Région
■■ Asphalt mines visit, Travers Place de la Gare
■■ Tessenberg funicular, Ligerz– Tourismus Biel Seeland MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57250
■■ Mauler sparkling wines, Môtiers CH-2103 Noiraigue
Prêles Bahnhofplatz MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 39408 ■■ Route de l’Absinthe, visits Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 96
■■ Vineyard trail from Twann to Ligerz CH-2501 Biel/Bienne
■■ Buttes–La Robella summer- www.neuchateltourisme.ch
■■ Twannbach gorge walk Phone +41 (0)32 329 84 84
■■ Boat crossing to St. Peter’s Island www.biel-seeland.ch toboggan run
■■ Omega Museum, Biel
32 Top 100 views. Jura & Three-Lakes. Jura & Three-Lakes. Top 100 views. 33Fribourg Region.
Dent de Lys, Fribourg RegionNaturally diverse. 26 Fribourg: Heavenly vista from the Loreto Chapel.
One region, two languages, three worlds: the landscapes around There are Loreto chapels in many places through-
the historic city of Fribourg are exceptionally rich in scenic, cultural out Europe, all inspired by the great Italian pil-
grimage site of the Santa Casa church in Loreto.
and gastronomic variety. La Gruyère is a land of pristine hills, forests
Fribourg’s version, a pretty, early-Baroque struc-
and meadows, culminating in the panoramic peak of the Moléson. ture, stands on a high promontory overlooking the
By contrast, the atmosphere on the shores of Lake Murten and Lake magnificent Old Town. The church terrace offers
Fribourg Region Neuchâtel is almost Mediterranean. Presiding over all this is the the best vantage point for admiring the bilingual
CH-1701 Fribourg canton’s capital, bilingual Fribourg, home to one of Switzerland’s city’s spectacular setting, high above the river –
Phone +41 (0)26 407 70 20
known as the Sarine in French and the Saane in
www.fribourgregion.ch most beautiful Old Towns.
German – flowing gently along sandstone cliffs on
its journey to join the Aare. From this height, the
scattered villages beyond the city look as if they
are built of dolls’ houses lifted from a book of fairy
tales; beyond them, lush meadows and rolling
25 Mont-Vully: Small label, great views. Don’t miss Address hills extend all the way to the Fribourg Alps.
■■ Funicular, Old Town and Fribourg Tourisme et Région
Don’t miss St. Nicholas cathedral Place Jean-Tinguely 1 MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 191262
■■ Espace Jean Tinguely–Niki de CH-1701 Fribourg
■■ andstone caves and wine trail
S Saint Phalle Phone +41 (0)26 350 11 11
at Mont-Vully ■■ “City golf” in the Old Town www.fribourgtourisme.ch
■■ Bike golf around Lake Murten
■■ Bike rides along Murten’s
vegetable trail
■■ Old Town of Murten
■■ From Erlach to St. Peter’s Island
27 Kaiseregg: High above the Schwarzsee.
Address
Murten Tourismus From Schwarzsee, the “black lake” of legend, it’s
Französische Kirchgasse 6 a climb of 1,100 vertical metres to the top of the
CH-3280 Murten local mountain, the Kaiseregg. The first 400 me-
Phone +41 (0)26 670 51 12
www.murtentourismus.ch tres are child’s play if you ride up on the Riggisalp
chairlift; the rest will take about three hours to
walk from the summit station. From pretty Riggis-
alp lake, the route climbs steeply to Alp Salzmatt
before scaling a ridge and traversing wild, rocky
terrain to reach the summit. The climb is demand-
The scenery of the Three-Lakes Region is unusually open and expansive for Switzer- ing, but the view from the stony summit ridge, ex-
land. Even the Mont-Vully (653 metres) at its heart resembles the broad back of a whale tending from the countless rolling hills of the Swiss
rather than a mountain. Three lakes – beautiful Lake Biel, wild Lake Neuchâtel and Plateau to the famous peaks of the Vaud and
delightful Lake Murten – almost surround the summit. Framing the horizon to the north Bernese Alps, is a spectacular reward. Look back
are the rolling green Jura mountains, and to the south, the snow-white pinnacles of the down to the valley, and you’ll see the dark-green
Alps. The footpaths leading through the sun-blessed vineyards are delightful, as is the Don’t miss Address waters of the Schwarzsee glistening among the
journey here by boat across the lake from Murten to Praz or Môtier. For a special treat, ■■ Swimming beach at Schwarzsee Schwarzsee Tourismus meadows and forests, promising a refreshing dip
■■ Schwarzsee summer toboggan run Schwarzseestrasse 212
book a night at Mont-Vully – before boarding a boat the next morning in Sugiez for after the hike home.
■■ Witch Path adventure trail CH-1716 Schwarzsee
the charming cruise to Neuchâtel and Biel, via three lakes and two canals. ■■ Mountain bike park and trail, Phone +41 (0)26 412 13 13
Plaffeien www.schwarzsee.ch MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 181374
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 57116
36 Top 100 views. Fribourg Region. Fribourg Region. Top 100 views. 3728 Gruyères: Views with a shudder. 30 Jaun: Gastlosen hike with a break at the soldiers’ chalet.
Walk along the main alleyway of the historic little town of Gruyères The pinnacles of the Gastlosen massif are so spiky
with its lively shops and restaurants, and you feel you have stepped they could be a fossilised pine forest. At its feet
into an updated version of a scene from the Middle Ages. High stands the Chalet du Soldat, offering food, drink
above the bustle rises the fairy-tale Château de Gruyères, with its and a bed for the night to hikers. The idea of build-
balconies, battlements and pinnacles. It’s well worth a visit: not just ing a refuge in such a picturesque setting came
for the grisly severed hand on display, but also the fine views. From from one Major Wolf in 1943, who wanted to make
the big first-floor balcony you look out over one of the prettiest his regiment fit for the mountains. Today the chalet
scenes in the region of La Gruyère: the castle’s French-style garden is a convenient stop for many hikers on the Gast-
with its colourful and geometrical flower beds, framed by the soft losen round walk, which takes some four and a half
hills gently receding into the distance. hours. From Jaun, they glide on the Gastlosen Ex-
press chairlift up to an altitude of 1,570 metres, for
the first stage of the hike as far as the cabin. Those
who opt to stay the night here enjoy a special treat:
Don’t miss Address MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 36226 the sight of the pale limestone pinnacles of the
■■ R Giger (“Alien” creator)
H Château de Gruyères Don’t miss Address Gastlosen turning golden at sunset, framed by the
museum & bar Rue du Château 8 ■■ Waterfall of Jaun Chalet du Soldat lush greenery of a pine forest bursting with life.
■■ La Maison Cailler, Broc CH-1663 Gruyères ■■ Jaun’s churches and Cantorama CH-1656 Jaun
■■ La Maison du Gruyère show dairy Phone +41 (0)26 921 21 02 ■■ Gastlosen geological trail Phone +41 (0)26 929 82 35
■■ Bulle–Montbovon “fondue train” www.chateau-gruyeres.ch ■■ Rock climbing on the Gastlosen www.chaletdusoldat.ch
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 191232
■■ Charmey’s museum
29 Le Moléson – Les Paccots: Walk for gourmets.
31 Charmey: High thrills in a spectacular setting.
No wonder the people of the Fribourg Region have
a special affection for the Moléson. The journey up High adventure and breathtaking views come together on the Vou-
from Moléson-Village is an adventure in itself, start- netse, the mountain on Charmey’s doorstep. At the middle station
ing with a swift funicular ride followed by a scenic of the gondola you’ll find an adventure park packed with thrills. Ob-
glide in a cable car up to 2,002 metres. The roof of stacle courses through the treetops offer giddy challenges of all
the top station reveals wonderful views extending levels of difficulty; the Powerfan jump promises the addictive sensa-
from Lake Geneva over the Three-Lakes Region to tion of free falling, but in complete safety; and eleven different zip
the Bernese, Vaud and Valais Alps. This summit wires up to 300 metres long guarantee a high-octane blast of adren-
is the starting point for a magnificent hike, which alin. And the best way to come back down to earth? Simply take
begins with the panoramic ridge path and a short a seat on one of the benches and enjoy the enchanting views of the
scramble to the summit of the Teysachaux. From Fribourg and Vaud Alps framing the dramatic jagged pinnacles of
here, the trail leads down to Les Paccots via the the Dents Vertes.
high Salette pastures, where a charming restaurant
serves a “divine” fondue (according to experts), as MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 40737
well as the delicious Soupe du Chalet and the clas- Don’t miss Address
sic Meringues à la Crème Double de la Gruyère. ■■ ia ferratas on the Moléson
V Office du Tourisme Moléson
■■ Summer tobogganing, grass Place de l’Aigle 6 Don’t miss Address
go-karting at Moléson-Village CH-1663 Moléson-sur-Gruyères
MySwitzerland.com, Webcode 191231 ■■ Visitor dairy and cheese trail Phone +41 (0)26 921 85 00
■■ Thermal leisure pools, Charmey Charmey Aventures
■■ Jaunbach gorge hike Les Charrières 1
■■ Alpine cheese walk, Les Paccots www.moleson.ch
■■ “Poya” paintings on farmhouses CH-1637 Charmey
■■ Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Nature Phone +41 (0)79 693 44 77
Park www.charmeyaventures.ch
■■ Musée gruérien, Bulle
38 Top 100 views. Fribourg Region. Fribourg Region. Top 100 views. 39You can also read
