Dreaming of sunshine, warmer days and an under control pandemic that makes travel possible? Me too! It looks like we may be in for another year of travel closer to home, so here is a little dose of Swiss-staycation inspiration.
I love collating this annual list of 16 places to visit in Switzerland each year (check out the lists from 2020 and 2019 for more inspiration). While I am editing text contributed by my fellow bloggers and small-business owners, I remember these endless suffocating grey days are just a small part of the Swiss seasons. The sun will soon shine again, the cities will come to life and we will (hopefully) all exploring everything that this small, postage-stamp-sized country, has to offer.
So sit back with a cup of coffee and take a trip through Switzerland.
Note: We are still in the middle of a pandemic, so please take into consideration the local rules that include wearing a mask, social distancing, hand hygenine as well as checking local information before setting out. For up to date information please visit the BAG website.
Avenches, Vaud
You may be surprised to discover that Switzerland is home to many ancient Roman monuments, with the small town of Avenches, being the perfect example of a well-preserved place from this period. If you are a history buff, make sure you add this small town with a population of just over four thousand to your bucket-list.
Just a 30-minute car drive from Bern’s city centre into the canton of Vaud, discover Anveches beautifully conserved Roman amphitheatre and museum that once was home to gladiator fights but now events such as an opera festival. Just a short drive out of the town centre excavations revealed a shrine dedicated to Emperor Mark Aurelius as well as a Roman theatre, which could, in its’ day, accommodate up to nine thousand spectators.
Back in town, there are plenty of medieval monuments to discover. Add, the Protestant Church of Mary Magdalene from the 11th century and the renaissance chateau Château d’Avenches, completed at the end of the 13th century, to your list. Don’t miss stepping into the side street Rue de Alpes you will find a defensive Benneville Tower from the 13th century.
Recommended by Hana from Our Swiss Experience
- Read more about Hana’s trip to Avenches
Basel
Basel is our families playground. When my kids were babies, we enjoyed snail-paced strolls down the Rhein, watching locals float down the river. We enjoyed the many parks and playgrounds that look more like a work of art than a plastic eyesore. When its cooler, we love to wander the Basel Natural history museum’s halls, and when we need cooling down, you will find us at the St. Jakob Gartenbad.
My local friends would not forgive me if I didn’t mention every Baslers calendar’s true highlight: Fasnacht. A sensory experience of sound, colour and light with three jam-packed days of carnival parades for all ages. The traditional cliques in costume from head to toe and the never-ending sound of piccolos and drums. Not to be missed outside of Covid times of course.
For the grown-ups, I suggest treating yourselves at least once to the Sunday Brunch at The Three Kings, or at very least, a cocktail in their lobby bar. And you can never go wrong at Walliser Kane for traditional Swiss fare from Schnitzel to Fondue.
Recommended by photographer Amanda
- Amanda Joy Photography is a Basle based family and business photographer.
- Take a photo walk through Basel
Brienz, Bernese Oberland
The picturesque lakeside town of Brienz embraces the tourist and makes everyone feel at home. Set at the southern end of the lake of the same name, many of the area’s highlights either feature its impossibly jewelled blue waters or the traditional woodwork, for which the village is renowned.
Use the quaintly traditionally preserved Hotel Lindenhof as your base, where its hillside location, perched above the town, is an ideal point to take in the breathtaking lake and mountain views. Visit the Wildpark, home to goats, deer and owls, which is also an excellent place for a cosy picnic at one of the wooden tables. Stroll along the lake enjoying the traditional wooden carvings, or discover one of the blue deck chairs proudly marked “Brienz” to savour the last moment of sunshine. Families will love the open-air museum Ballenberg, or take a day trip up the mountain with the train.
For a unique way to end the day, why not try out a hot-pot, or for a more intimate location head back to the hotel and enjoy one there. Before leaving the town, a quick walk to Brunngasse is a must – a cobblestoned street lined with 18th-century picturesque houses.
Recommended by Maya Ramati of Life Journeys blog
- Read more Maya’s trip to Brienz
- Read more about the open-air museum Ballenberg
- Alternative accommodation suggestion: Camping Aaregg
Champex-Lac, Valais
Champex is a small village in Valais sitting at 1’470 metres at the foot of the Mont-Blanc Massif. Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, it’s hard not to be charmed by this little-known gem.
The summer attracts hikers with over 100km of signposted trails. In fact, it is a significant stage on the ten-day Tour du Mont Blanc. There are plenty of pretty forest-walks for those preferring a gentler stroll. Other activities include paddle boats and stand-up paddle on the gorgeous alpine lake, and a small public swimming pool is open during the summer months. Also worth a visit is a pretty Alpine Garden and a hidden fortress inside the Alps.
In the winter skate on the frozen lake, take the chairlift, though there are only a few pistes. There is though a fun sledging area for families and a nursery slope for children learning to ski.
After all that activity, browse at Vachement Suisse, a delightful boutique selling Swiss made and Swiss designed products. Drink a glass on Mimi’s Lounge’s terrace at the Mont Lac which enjoys stunning views over the lake.
Recommended by Zoë Zenklusen Payne creator of Simply Zoë
- Browse Simply Zoë’s online boutique for beautiful yet practical items for women touched by breast cancer. Also check out their Fearless range, where a percentage of all sales are donated to cancer research.
Geneva
While Geneva is no hidden-gem, having called it home for the past ten years, I have discovered more to the city than it’s famous landmarks. My favourite way to spend time in Switzerland’s second-largest city is in its museums’ wall and then wandering around its neighbourhood afterwards.
Start at the Art and History Museum, situated in the heart of the old town, and discover ancient civilizations, knights and some great Swiss artists. After, enjoy the impressive view over the lake in the small park in front of the museum and have a fantastic cup of coffee in Corde Coffee: Their hot chocolate, apple pies and brownies are also absolutely fantastic!
Science fans should head to the other side of the lake and visit the smaller but just as beautiful Museum Of The History Of Science. Situated in the middle of the park Perle du Lac, this is one of my most loved places in Geneva! After the visit, you have several options! Have a picnic or barbecue right in front of the museum. Yes, you can! Or walk towards the city and have fondue in Bain des Paquie This tip is strictly for sunset! Please do not waste it! Make sure you reserve in advance.
Alternatively, head in the direction of the Botanical Gardens, visiting the small zoo and finish off with a cool down in the fountains near United Nations on a hot summer day!
Recommended by photographer Maryia Ramanava
- View Maryia’s, a geneva based photographer, work over on her website
Gstaad
Gstaad and neighbouring Saanen in the Bernese Oberland region are beautiful towns for a day-trip or mini staycation in Switzerland. The traditional wooden chalet-style buildings covered with flowers in summer captured our heart, and of the two villages, we found Saanen to be particularly cute. Summertime activities include many hikes, lots of cheese and plenty of fun!
Our favourite hike is to, or around lake Lauenensee or a hike up on the Wispile mountain. While you are up there why not rent a downhill scooter bike from the middle station or learn about cheese following the rather short cheese trail. There is a great playground at the top too.
However, the highlight is renting a cheese fondue backpack at one of the dairies in either of the two villages and heading for one of the Fondue Pot shaped picnic tables. There are three Fondue Pots and two Fondue Huts on different hiking routes for you to choose from. Enjoying fondue outdoors while taking in the 5 star mountain view will impress locals and visitors alike.
Recommended by Laura from the blog Let’s Explore
- To read more about Gstaad, you can find our full article here: Gstaad in summer
Isenfluh, Bernese Oberland
The Berner Oberland is one of our very favourite places in Switzerland. It has been made particularly famous by the likes of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and the iconic Jungfraujoch (top of Europe). However, that also means that unfortunately, the spectacular views can sometimes be synonymous with crowds. But there are still many hidden gems to be discovered if you just take the road less travelled!
One of our favourite examples is the secluded alpine valley of Isenfluh, just before Lauterbrunnen. Just getting there is an adventure, as you hop in a cable car that you have to operate yourself! Once you’ve arrived in Sulwald, take the time to enjoy the views over the Monch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau peaks from the mountain restaurant owned by a lovely Swiss couple just by the station. If you’re not hungry yet, continue on with a scenic 90-minute hike up to the Lobhorn, popping by the small cheese farm on the way (only open in the summer). At the top, you’ll find an alpine refuge which will welcome you for some local cheese & charcuterie and a unique panorama.
Recommended by Chantal of Chantal & Max Switzerland Travel Design
- Discover more Bernese Oberland hidden gems
- How hiking is the answer to avoiding the Bernese Alpine crowds
- Camping near Isenfluh – Camping Jungfrau
- Great playgrounds with amazing views in the Jungfrau region
Jungen Alp, Valais
If you love uncrowded places, jaw-dropping views, and a place where your kids can be freely enjoying nature, then the Jungen Alp in Valais is the place for you to be.
Make your way to St.Nicklaus in Oberwallis, put your hiking shoes on and hike up the 853m very steep 4.3 km goat trail. Or, do like we did, jump in the very dinky cable car and enjoy a thrilling effortless ride to the top. Your bags need to be deposited on the outside basket, as they simply don’t have any space inside the cabin. Yes, it is that small.
Exit the cabin, take a moment and just marvel at these views. In front of you, you can see right over to Grächen and along the Mattervalley. And while you can’t see the region’s famous Matterhorn, you can clearly see the Klein-Matterhorn from pretty much all over. Alpine chalets, a church and some pastures with friendly cows, make you feel like time has stopped.
You will find a little lake where you will most probably spend your day. Grill-stations are available, wood is provided, and a proper toilet is part of the facilities. Should you not want to light a fire during high season, a charming restaurant is serving local food with a stunning view!
Recommended by Corina from Packed Again – Swiss Adventures and Travel Blog
- You can read more about Corina’s visit to Jungen Alp.
- Discover the nearby family-friendly village of Grächen
Liestal, Baselland
Liestal is the capital of the canton Basel Land, and although my Australian background would have me classifying it as a town, its proud citizens (my husband included) are very adamant that it is a city. Around 15,000 people live in Liestal; it’s the commercial hub for many little villages across Basel Land, and a spoke for the hub of nearby Basel.
Liestal is most famous for its Chienbäse fire parade, which takes place each year on the night before Basel Fasnacht. Although not able to take place in 2021 (or 2020), I suggest you keep it in mind for future years, as watching people carrying huge piles of burning wood over their shoulders and pulling carts with flames metres in the sky through the main street is an impressive and oddly mesmerising sight! (Just don’t stand in the front row or wear your best clothes).
For 2021, I recommend a stroll through the old town on a Saturday morning, when a charming fresh produce market takes place in the car-free main street, alongside some lovely little cafes. Herzlich has great vegetarian and vegan fare, and Angolo Dolce will trick you into thinking you’re in Italy. Our personal favourite day trip is a visit to the Aussichtsturm on a Sunday. After a 30-minute forest walk, you find yourself in a beautiful open area with lots of wooden tables, a small restaurant run by volunteers (covid-depending), an excellent new kids playground, several BBQ stations, & of course, the viewing tower itself. Those not scared of heights, make sure you climb to the top for an excellent view of the region.
Recommended by Ellen from Swiss Family Travel
- Read more about this region of Switzerland in Ellen’s Baselland article
Lugano, Ticino
Where palm trees meet mountains, Lugano is the best of both Italy and Switzerland combined. You have plenty of the trusty yellow hiking signs to take you along Lugano’s Lake or up to one of the two “home” mountains and the famous Swiss cleanliness. But Lugano embraces the Italian way of life, great food, a more outdoor lifestyle thanks to a milder climate and that Italian charm.
When visiting Lugano, our favourite day trip is taking a boat from the city centre towards Gandria, enjoying the mountains meeting the lake shores. From there, we wander following the chestnut trail back to the city and indulge in a gelato flavour or two on the main piazza as our reward. On a hot summers day, we love to retreat to the cooler Corona swimming area above the city, bringing a picnic to enjoy.
There are so many places to eat in Lugano, and it is hard just to choose one. But if I were there just for one evening, I would reserve a table at Cavetto Federale just out of the city in Lugano-Paradiso for veal Brasato served alongside a rustic polenta.
Recommended by Kristin from Swiss Family Travel
Neckertal region, St. Gallen
The Neckertal region, located in the Toggenburg in Eastern Switzerland, has a lot to offer year-round, particularly when it comes to hiking or skiing. However, if you prefer to leave the hiking boots and ski poles at home, there are several options in the area to pack into a fun-filled day.
The day begins wandering through the displays, (miniature trains, toy museum, tractors and old motorbikes) at the Erlebniswelt Toggenburg, followed up with a stroll through the treetop walk and barefoot trails of the Baumwipfelpfad. Or why not consider something a little sweeter, and search for chocolate happiness at Maestrania’s Chocolarium, a museum dedicated to all things chocolate. All three destinations are within a short driving distance of each (maximum 25-30 minutes), and they all have free parking available. Each place is stroller and wheelchair friendly and has food options available for purchase, or you can bring along some sausages and make use of the fire pits at the treetop walk.
Recommended by Kaccey of Swiss Family Travel
Pontresina, Graubünden
One of the lesser-known Swiss villages in the Engadin region of Switzerland, made famous by St. Moritz, Pontresina is around a 4-hour car journey from Basel via the Vereina Car Tunnel (or the more scenic Flüela or Julier mountain roads).
In the Summertime, hike the 1.5-hour path from Pontresina to St. Moritz and enjoy a meal at Waldhaus am See and save space for a pastry at Kaffeehaus & Konditorei Hanselmann. Visit the Morteratsch Glacier (a tip from last years list) where before your eyes can see the dramatic impact global warming is having on Switzerland’s glaciers. A visit to the regions mountain peaks, Piz Corvatsch and Diavolezza is a must too.
In Pontresina itself, enjoy the Bellavita Erlebnisbad and Spa, the perfect unwind after a long day in the mountain. For a bit of history, a stop by the Museum Alpin is a must.
If you visit in winter, the region is full of places to ski, snowshoe and of course ice skating on lake Sils. A sight not to be missed.
Recommended by Pragati Siddhanti from the My Swiss Story blog
- Pontresina is apart of Pragati’s 21 Hidden Gems of Switzerland e-book
- Camping Suggestion: Camping Morteratsch
Rhein Gorge – Swiss Grand Canyon – Graubünden
If you’re in Graubünden region of Switzerland near Flims, plan a trip to the Rhine Gorge. Locals call it the Swiss Grand Canyon, despite being very different from Arizona’s famous canyon. The Swiss version is smaller, but just a scenic. If you travel by car, there are about a dozen public parking spaces available at Ragettli Metallbau AG, Via Punt la Reisga 14, 7017 Flims, where you may conveniently use your ParkingPay App and prolong your stay remotely.
It’s 40 minutes’ hike – mostly paved or moderately pebbled, flat with a few short uphill stretches. Unfortunately, no signposts say “Il Spir” (because that’s what you’re looking for), just keep following “Caumasee” – you will get there eventually! Once there, all you have to do is climb some steps to get to the actual viewing platform where you are rewarded with the incredible view! Enjoy!If you’re not up to walking, not unlike our moody teenager, you may want to call ahead for a horse-drawn carriage departing from Waldhaus Postplatz.
Hungry? Pay Restaurant Conn a visit. (Open mid-May through late October), but this is a book ahead kind of place as it gets crowded (try the dried pear ravioli) We instead walked all the way back and enjoyed a well deserved and delicious Pizza at “Il Forno”. We were moving on the next day, but if you plan to stay a little bit longer, check out Caumasee and Crestasee, they’re gorgeous.
Recommended by Tamara Gerber from the blog The Three Gerbers
- Discover more of Flims
- Caumasee made it onto last years list
Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen is more than just the famous Rheinfall. Did you know though, there are plenty of other family-friendly things to do? For the more adventurous experience, a trip to Adventure Park Rheinfall, conveniently located just behind the Rheinfall Carpark (on the Schaffhausen side) would be right up your alley. For the transport enthusiasts, include a stop at Smilestones (in Neuhausen am Rheinfall), an indoor Swiss miniature world. For the city explorers, hop on the Rhy-fall Express and head into Schaffhausen’s Old Town. Here you can venture up the stairs to the Munot, making sure to include time for the playground located behind it. Or you can go on a Bay Window hunt and see if you can find all 171 in the Old Town. Finish up your day with a 10 CHF pizza from Ristorante Romana or an ice cream from El Bertin Glace down by the river. Don’t forget, Schaffhausen is your gateway to cruises up the Rhein river, heading towards Stein am Rhein, Constance and Bodensee.
Recommended by Kaccey of Swiss Family Travel
Wasserfallen
This hike is a bit of a local’s secret, nestled in the hills south of Basel. You can either walk up the mountain, visiting several waterfalls on your way, or ride up a gondola to the start of a lovely loop trail at the top. The landscape feels unique as you follow a forested ridge up to a cliff viewpoint, where you get sweeping views across the rolling Swiss countryside. On a clear day, you can see the big mountain peaks of the Bernese Alps in the distance.
There are a few mountain restaurants along the way, great for a short break or a leisurely meal. After the hike, you can test your strength and balance on the treetop ropes course or ride down the mountain on a trotti scooter. Although this area is wonderful in summer, I suggest you visit in fall when the trees in the whole area turn bright orange, red and yellow, a real treat.
Recommended by Tanya from Swiss Family Fun.
- More details and a trail map of Wasserfallen can be found over on Tanya’s blog
- Ellen has written about Wasserfallen too, including it in her 4 day trip ideas for this region around Basel
- and Claire loves Wasserfallen too in all seasons and has shared her experience here
ZERMATT
Zermatt might not be the first place that springs to mind when trying to tick unique parts of Switzerland off your bucket list, but thanks to the global pandemic and less international visitors than ever before, this is a great time to take advantage of the uncharacteristically crowd-free resort and plan a trip to this beautiful alpine village nestled in the shadow of one of the world’s most iconic mountains.
The village is car-free, so once you’ve stepped off the shuttle train from Täsch, it’s a pleasant and safe walk to your accommodation. More than half of all properties in the town are vacation rentals so if you’re looking for something self-contained during these times of social distancing, why not rent one of the many chalets or apartments on offer such as Haus Lea. A modern 2.5 room apartment housed in a stunning traditional 16th-century building right in the heart of the village.
The best way to see this place is on foot. Let the efficient and well-connected mountain transport system whisk you quickly up to ski, toboggan or snowshoe. In warmer months, tie up your boots, grab your poles and take a hike along one of the numerous and well-trodden hiking trails. If you’re looking for a more sedate activity, grab a takeaway coffee and escape modern-day worries by wandering the old part of the village, the Hinterdorf, and exploring the narrow cobbled streets and alleyways between 16th-century wooden houses. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time!
