The Rough Guide to Switzerland (Travel Guide eBook)

By Rough Guides

Practical travel guide to Switzerland points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Switzerland, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Switzerland, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip. 

The Rough Guide to Switzerland covers: Geneva, Lausanne and Lake Geneva, The Arc Jurassien, Basel and around, Bern and around, The Bernese Oberland, Valais, Lucerne and Central Switzerland, Zürich, Northeast Switzerland, Graubünden, Ticino

Inside this travel guide you'll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 
Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Switzerland, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Geneva to family activities in child-friendly places, like Zürich or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Lausanne.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 
Essential pre-departure information including Switzerland entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES
Carefully planned routes covering the best of Switzerland give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE
Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL
Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for hiking, browsing markets and sampling wine. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS
Rough Guides' rundown of Basel, Bern and Lucerne's sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to Switzerland, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS: 
Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, to help to find the best places in Switzerland, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter features fascinating insights into Switzerland, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Rathaus in Basel and the spectacular Bernese Oberland.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING
Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Valais, Ticino and many more locations in Switzerland, reduce need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 
With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Insight Guides
• Release date: Jun 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781789196726

Rough Guides

Rough Guides are written by expert authors who are passionate about both writing and travel. They have detailed knowledge of the areas they write about--having either traveled extensively or lived there--and their expertise shines through on every page. It's priceless information, delivered with wit and insight, providing the down-to-earth, honest read that is the hallmark of Rough Guides.

Book preview

9781789196726.jpg

iStock

Getty Images

BASEL’S RATHAUS

Contents

INTRODUCTION TO SWITZERLAND

Where to go

When to go

Author picks

Things not to miss

Itineraries

The Grand Tour

The Grand Train Tour

BASICS

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Food and drink

Festivals

Sports and outdoor activities

Travelling with children

Travel essentials

THE GUIDE

1Geneva

2Lausanne and Lake Geneva

3The Arc Jurassien

4Basel and around

5Bern and around

6The Bernese Oberland

7Valais

8Lucerne and Central Switzerland

9Zürich

10 Northeast Switzerland

11 Graubünden

12 Ticino

CONTEXTS

History

Alpine flora and fauna

Books

Languages

SMALL PRINT

iStock

Introduction to

Switzerland

Despite being one of the most visited countries in Europe, Switzerland remains one of the least understood. It has brought forth luminaries in the arts and sciences of the calibre of Hans Holbein, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Albert Einstein, Paul Klee, Hermann Hesse and Alberto Giacometti, but is often thought of as simply the well-ordered land of cheese, chocolate and watches. Come for a summer mountain holiday, a week of skiing or a short city-break, and you’ll appreciate the pristine beauty, genteel calm and well-oiled efficiency of the country. Stay a little longer – if you’re equal to the notoriously high prices – and you’ll discover a place that’s a whole lot more varied and idiosyncratic, with strong regional identities, exuberant carnivals, local culinary traditions and urbane cosmopolitan cities.

More than anything, it is the magnificent mountain ranges enclosing the country to the south that define it. The main draw for visitors, they have also played a profound role in forming Switzerland’s national identity, and are the favourite recreation grounds for summer hiking and winter skiing. Within this rugged environment, community spirit is perhaps stronger than anywhere else in Europe. Since the country is not an ethnic, linguistic or religious unity, it has survived – so the Swiss are fond of saying – simply through the will of its people to resolve their differences. Not only are there four official languages spoken (German, French, Italian and Romansh), but communities divide into Catholic and Protestant, while regional characteristics remain sharply defined and diverse. Local pride is fuelled by a range of traditional customs, most of which stem from pagan or medieval Christian festivals. Most prominent of these is carnival, held throughout the country on or around Mardi Gras, the last day before Lent. In the centre and the east, the old isolation of tight-knit mountain communities lingers on in Swiss German Kantönligeist (little cantonal spirit), a stubborn parochialism leavened by down-to-earth rumbustiousness. To the west lies the Röstigraben, a comical name given to the invisible language border between French-speaking Switzerland, where they don’t eat the traditional potato dish Rösti, and German-speaking Switzerland, where they do.

FACT FILE

Switzerland covers an area of 41,285 sq km. The highest point is the Dufourspitze at 4634m above sea level, the lowest is Lake Maggiore at 193m.

The total population is around 8.6 million, of whom a quarter are not Swiss citizens.

Switzerland has a long tradition of direct democracy. At every level of government – commune, cantonal or national level – the Swiss frequently vote on issues affecting all aspects of life, from local recycling projects to national immigration policy.

There are four official languages. About two-thirds of the population have German as their first language, though the Swiss-German that is spoken is a very different dialect to High German, which is written. A fifth speak French and six percent speak Italian, while Romansh, a direct descendant of Latin, has clung on in pockets of the mountainous southeast. Around one in ten people use English every day, and many Swiss are comfortably tri or quadrilingual.

For over fifty years, Switzerland has been one of the top locations for shooting Bollywood films. Hundreds have been filmed here: Sangam was the first, in 1964, while one of the most famous is the 1995 classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Scenes were shot in Gstaad, Saanen and Jungfraujoch.

These different communities are held together through a unique style of bottom-up democracy, which ensures real power still rests with the people. Switzerland may be small, but this variety means it has plenty more to offer than most visitors would initially expect.

Where to go

Though small by global standards, Swiss cities often punch above their weight in terms of international importance and cultural cachet. Having escaped bombing in World War II, they retain beautifully preserved Old Town centres of cobbled medieval alleys, picturesque buildings and churches, with several offering the most stunning of natural settings. Geneva, Zürich and Basel are crammed with world-class museums and galleries, while in both Zürich and Lausanne there’s a humming arts scene and underground club culture that feeds nightlife as vibrant as anything you’ll find in much larger European cities. Geneva, home to such illustrious global institutions as the UN, the Red Cross and CERN, sits at the tip of the idyllic Lake Geneva. The diminutive Swiss capital Bern has a fine cobbled Old Town, while equally attractive Lucerne, spanned by wooden bridges and with a beautiful lakeside location, draws in visitors throughout the year, particularly for its summer classical music festival and springtime carnival. The other great carnival city is Basel, located on the Rhine at the point where France, Germany and Switzerland meet. At the opposite end of the country, Lugano basks on the shores of an azure lake a few kilometres from the Italian border. Any of these – or smaller but no less charming regional towns and cities such as Winterthur, St Gallen, Schaffhausen, Neuchâtel, Chur, Fribourg, Sion or Bellinzona – could serve as a base for a relaxing short break, or as a starting point from which to venture out into the country’s epic landscapes.

Switzerland is, of course, best known for its mountain scenery, and there are countless possibilities for exploring the great outdoors. The Alps run in a band across the centre and south of the country, with resorts big and small throughout, and stunning views guaranteed. The Bernese Oberland, focused around the tourist hub of Interlaken, features such famous names as Wengen and Grindelwald. To the south, in Valais, sit Verbier, Crans-Montana and, at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt. In the southeast are Davos, Klosters and St Moritz, while south of Lucerne, Engelberg attracts adventurous freeriders and Andermatt is currently the country’s fastest-growing high mountain resort. Justifiably popular, all these places boast some of the best winter skiing and summer hiking in Europe.

Schwingen your pants

Many Swiss traditions are familiar to the point of cliché to the outside world – the Heidi image of yodelling, Alpine horns, cow bells and embroidered folk dress. And you’ll still see all that, particularly in remote mountain regions. However, one folk pastime that is popular within Switzerland but hardly known outside is Schwingen, Swiss wrestling. Burly men don what can only be described as oversized pants made out of jute, worn over their trousers. They grab onto their opponent by these garments and wrestle it out in an open-air ring, with exacting rules about how they can throw their opponent.

Competitions take place throughout Switzerland, particularly in rural German-speaking areas, in large festive competitions. A national championship takes place every three years, the Schwing-und Älplerfest, which incorporates all sorts of Alpine traditions and sports. The festival can attract 250,000 people and champion Schwingers are high-profile national figures. You can find out more about this Swiss national sport at esv.ch/schwingen/.

Alamy

However, soaring peaks aren’t the only story. In the north and centre are lush, rolling grasslands epitomized by the velvety green hills – traditional dairy-farming country – of the Emmental. Vineyards rise tiered above Lake Geneva, the Rhône valley and the Rhine. In the northwest, the scrubby Jura mountains are an ideal landscape for long solitary walks and bike rides. Nestled beneath them are the three scenic, interconnected lakes of Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel/Bienne. The most beautiful lake in Switzerland, though, is surely Lake Lucerne, right in the centre of the country. Its many fingers of water spread out across the landscape, forming in turn wide expanses of crystalline blue and narrow passages, framed by looming peaks that invite exploration. In the northeast, in little Appenzellerland, the green hills rise up south of St Gallen to meet the craggy Alpstein range. Graubünden to the southeast, meanwhile, is about far more than a few big-name resorts: the landscape is cut through by wild, high-sided valleys – lonely, dark and thickly forested – most notably in the pristine Parc Nazunal Svizzer (Swiss National Park).

Most surprisingly of all, perhaps, is that bordering Italy in the south you’ll find subtropical Mediterranean-style flower gardens, sugarloaf hills and sunny, palm-fringed lakes. The wild valleys of Alto Ticino lace the southern foothills of the Alps with little-known hiking trails, a world away from the chic lakeside resort of Locarno nearby.

The icing on the cake is that you can reach even the most remote of valleys by public transport, via Switzerland’s unrivalled network of trains, buses and boats – and the country truly excels at mountain railways, funiculars and cable cars, themselves often breathtaking feats of engineering. You’ll also find well-marked hiking trails as well as places to stay and enjoy a hearty meal, even on the wildest of mountain trails. In fact, resting your head in a simple mountain chalet, staying on a farm (Schlaf im Stroh – sleeping on straw) or tucking into a Rösti in a remote hikers’ guesthouse will often be the highlight of any Swiss holiday.

< Back to Intro

When to go

For high mountain destinations there are two distinct seasons: summer season for hiking runs from June to October, and the winter sports season is from around mid-December to mid-April. Between these times, many mountain facilities close down, cable cars and other transport may stop, and hotels take their annual breaks. For cities, towns and lower-altitude destinations, seasonal distinctions are less crucial, though the temperate summer months (June–Sept) are particularly pleasant. At other times they can get distinctly chilly, although most receive snow in the winter, which, combined with sunshine and Christmas markets, paints the most romantic urban picture. Wherever you go, it’s worth checking for large events and festivals when prices will rise and you may need to book accommodation far in advance. Many of the larger cities are major business destinations, which means hotel prices can drop at weekends; the reverse is true for mountain resorts, with city-dwelling Swiss flocking to them in droves every weekend. Precipitation patterns vary widely: the northern cities (Bern, Zürich) experience more overcast skies than, for instance, Lugano, which tends to have long periods of sunshine occasionally punctuated by short downpours.

< Back to Intro

Author picks

Our authors travelled hundreds of miles by road and rail (and boat and cable car) to research this Guide. Along the way they swam and hiked, saw a lot of cows and ate a tonne of cheese. These were some of their favourite experiences.

Take the plunge Switzerland’s clear waters are very tempting for a swim – and every waterside town and city has its own favourite spot. Cool off floating down the river in Basel; swim in Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug; or splash around in Zürich’s riverside badis and St Gallen’s three lakes.

Public transport adventures Sometimes it’s all about the journey. Spectacular routes include: travelling by train up to Andermatt; taking the postbus over the Klausen Pass; and Graubünden’s Rhätische Bahn.

Local treats Meringues were invented in Meiringen, though Kemmeriboden also stakes a claim. Fribourgeois, meanwhile, will tell you their fondue is the authentic version. In Appenzell, the cheeses are sublime, and the local tipple is a herby liquor, Appenzeller bitter. The famed anise-flavoured spirit absinthe comes from the Val-de-Travers.

Art collections Though Zürich is home to the Kunsthaus and Basel boasts the Museum Tinguely, they don’t have a monopoly on fine art. Other superb collections are the Collection de l’Art Brut in Lausanne; Lucerne’s Sammlung Rosengart; Winterthur’s Sammlung Oskar Reinhart Am Römerholz; and tiny Liechtenstein’s Kunstmuseum, which punches far above its weight.

Dynamic subculture Get a taste of Switzerland’s surprisingly dynamic alternative scene at Bern’s Reitschule or Zürich West’s open-air bar, Frau Gerolds Garten.

Our author recommendations don’t end here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places – a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric café, a special restaurant – throughout the Guide, highlighted with the symbol.

Alamy

INDULGE IN FONDUE

Alamy

COLLECTION DE L’ART BRUT IN LAUSANNE

< Back to Intro

20

things not to miss

It’s not possible to see everything that Switzerland has to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows is a selective taste of the country’s highlights: beautiful cities and lakes, top mountain resorts, spectacular train journeys and secluded Alpine getaways. All highlights are colour-coded by chapter and have a page reference to take you straight into the Guide, where you can find out more.

iStock

1 HIKING THE BERNESE OBERLAND

This legendary Alpine area offers classic Swiss scenery and challenging hikes.

Dreamstime

2 THE MATTERHORN

No mountain in the world is so immediately recognizable, dominating the horizon above the world-class skiing, snowboarding and hiking resort of Zermatt.

Alamy

3 ZÜRICH

Come to Switzerland’s largest city for world-class galleries and museums – but also for fine dining, atmospheric cafés, beer gardens and nightlife.

Dreamstime

4 THE RHINE FALLS

Take a boat ride to the centre of the mighty Rhine Falls – just upstream from pretty Schaffhausen – and feel the spray on your face.

Robert Harding

5 WINES FROM LAVAUX

Switzerland’s wine industry is modest, but a couple of regions produce some impressive vintages, most notably Lavaux.

iStock

6 LAUSANNE

Tiered above Lake Geneva and crowned by a stunning Gothic cathedral, Lausanne is a beautiful city with a lively street life and some fascinating museums.

Alamy

7 WINTER SPORTS IN VERBIER

Its awe-inspiring scenery, and impressive terrain makes Verbier one of the top ski destinations in Europe.

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

8 FRIBOURG

With a wonderful Old Town of cobbled streets, wooden bridges and Gothic cathedral, Fribourg is one of the most enchanting spots in Switzerland.

SGV/Swiss Travel System

9 LAKE LUCERNE

The most dramatically sited of all Switzerland’s lakes, ringed by mist-wreathed cliffs and traversed by majestic paddle-steamers.

iStock

10 RHÄTISCHE BAHN

The southeastern corner of Switzerland is the setting for Europe’s most spectacular train ride.

Christof Sonderegger/Switzerland Tourism/swissimage.ch/

11 APPENZELLERLAND

This beguiling, deeply traditional region offers charming villages, beautiful mountain scenery and a host of unique customs that still form an indelible part of local life.

Alamy

12 CARNIVAL

Switzerland has a long tradition of carnival, with Basel and Lucerne offering two of the biggest and best, where thousands pack into the cities for parades, music and merrymaking.

Getty Images

13 MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL

Stellar annual music event in this ritzy lakeside resort, attracting world-class jazz, blues, soul, dance, rock and world music performers.

iStock

14 GENEVA

Take in the cultural attractions of this most urbane of European cities, wander the elegant streets, and then head down to the waterfront to relax and recharge your batteries.

Dreamstime

15 LUGANO

A stone’s throw from Lake Como, Lugano offers a slice of Italian Lakes-style romance, with majestic waterfront villas gazing out over blue water.

iStock

16 LAKE GENEVA

Hop between lakeside villages, vineyards and beautiful cities, as you explore the pretty Lake Geneva region by train or boat.

Alamy

17 DAVOS

Boarders and freeriders will find that there are few better destinations in the world than Davos.

iStock

18 ALTO TICINO

The high, remote valleys of this Italian-speaking region offer long hikes and a sense of wilderness unique in the Alps.

Stephan Schacher/Switzerland Tourism

19 BASEL

This ancient Rhine-side city straddling the French and German borders is enhanced by fine medieval architecture and one of Switzerland’s best art museums, the Fondation Beyeler.

iStock

20 BERN

Switzerland’s uniquely attractive capital city has a medieval street plan that has survived unchanged for five centuries.

< Back to Intro

iStock

Itineraries

Small, and with a famously efficient transport network, Switzerland makes a great destination for a touring holiday. You could easily spend a couple of weeks covering any one of these routes – and, of course, you can mix and match sections. Make sure you stop for a few days in at least one place, and use your own two feet to get out in the countryside and breathe the fresh mountain air.

Cities and mountains

This route takes you to Switzerland’s major cities, but you’re still never far from iconic mountains and lakes – even in the country’s main urban centres those famous peaks are often tantalizingly close.

Geneva For all its international stature, Geneva is a surprisingly quiet, reserved city. Take a day or two to visit its major sights, before setting out to explore its beautiful namesake lake.

Lausanne Stunningly situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is crowned by its impressive Gothic cathedral.

Matterhorn Instantly recognizable – if you make it to just one mountain in Switzerland, it should be this, the Toblerone peak. Travel via Brig or Visp to Zermatt, from where you can set out on the breathtaking cable-car journey up to Klein Matterhorn.

Interlaken Double back on yourself then travel up to Interlaken, the centre for more mountain adventures to nearby peaks Jungfraujoch and Schillthorn.

Lucerne A ravishing city centre with medieval covered bridges and cobbled squares lined with painted facades, Lucerne is appealing in its own right; it’s also a good base for trips across the lake to mounts Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, and on to Titlis near Engelberg.

Zürich With a quaint old town, the flagship Kunsthaus, world-class restaurants, and a dynamic alternative bar and club scene in the post-industrial spaces of Zürich West, this financial city is also a very attractive cosmopolitan destination.

Basel The city that hosts major contemporary art fair Art Basel has year-round reasons for culture buffs to visit, with the superb galleries of Museum Tinguely and Fondation Beyeler the highlights.

Bern Surrounded on three sides by the River Aare, the federal capital is a charming citywith a beautiful medieval Old Town.

Create your own itinerary with Rough Guides. Whether you’re after adventure or a family-friendly holiday, we have a trip for you, with all the activities you enjoy doing and the sights you want to see. All our trips are devised by local experts who get the most out of the destination. Visit www.roughguides.com/trips to chat with one of our travel agents.

An epic Alpine journey

This route covers the journey of the great Glacier Express, taking it in stages, and with a few detours. It follows winding train routes and laborious mountain pass roads (only accessible in summer; the Glacier Express runs year round) – but that’s half the fun.

St Moritz The über-glamorous mountain resort is the starting point for one of the greatest train journeys on earth.

Andermatt A midway stop on the Glacier Express, this resort town was once a trading post along the great Alpine pass routes. Now it’s a burgeoning ski resort.

Alto Ticino In summer you can drive (or take the bus) over the legendary Gotthard Pass and into Ticino, where the Alto Ticino region has wonderful remote valleys for hiking.

Zermatt Double back to Andermatt and continue the Glacier Express route. Final stop is Zermatt, for the Matterhorn.

Verbier The Valais region’s other famous name, and one of the top destinations for skiing and adventure sports. The journey between the two is circuitous, via Sion and Martigny.

Interlaken and Jungfrau region If you’re a mountain completist, then travel on to Interlaken for the journey to Jungfraujoch, which has the highest train station in Europe. Stay overnight in one of the region’s small mountain villages such as Wengen or Mürren.

A Northern route

Away from Zürich and Basel, the northern half of the country is overlooked by many overseas visitors, meaning a wealth of delightful cities, waterways and hills remain underappreciated.

St Gallen With a handsome ensemble of architectural styles in the city centre – including a fabulous Rococo abbey library – this easy-going, enjoyable city makes an excellent base for a few days in the region.

Appenzell A quaint, deeply traditional village set among rolling hills and higher peaks. From here take the train and cable car to Ebenalp for some spectacular hiking territory.

Rhine cruise Setting off from St Gallen, travel up to the wide open Bodensee. From Kreuzlingen on its shores at the border with Germany you can then take a boat along the wide, meandering Rhine, stopping at Stein-am-Rhein and finally Schaffhausen, near the roaring Rhine Falls.

Winterthur Zürich grabs all the attention, but its neighbour Winterthur is a former industrial city that’s reinventing itself into a dynamic and intriguing urban centre. It’s cheaper to stay in, has its own clutch of outstanding museums, and a good live music and bar scene.

< Back to Intro

Switzerland Tourism/Mattias Nutt

Introduction to

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour of Switzerland is a culmination of all things Swiss. During the course of this 1600km road trip, you’ll take in thirteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 22 beautiful lakes and five Alpine passes. Delve beneath the surface of this fascinating little country by going snowshoeing in the mountains, photographing majestic forests and sipping organic reds in charming winemaking villages. There’s something for every type of traveller in Switzerland – and the Grand Tour is the perfect way to sample it.

Getting there and starting the tour couldn’t be easier. You can choose your own starting point, but SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines) fly into Zürich or Geneva, with other flights operating in Basel. It’s easy to reach Switzerland by train, with many comfortable services running between Paris and the likes of Bern, Zürich and Geneva. You’ll find other tempting, bookable offers through the Switzerland Travel Centre (https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com).

The Grand Tour is also the world’s first road trip for electric vehicles, offering a dense network of charging stations throughout the route. You can rest assured that your trip of a lifetime is also an eco-minded one, with this e-Grand Tour providing clean, comfortable driving. Switzerland’s sustainability strategy, Swisstainable, promotes visitors to enjoy nature first hand by experiencing local culture, consuming regional products and staying for a longer, more immersive trip.

Did you know?

Visitors can offset their CO2 emissions with SWISS, myClimate or atmosfair.

You can buy a Snack Box from various outlets and refill it with regional specialties throughout your trip.

There are two access road routes between Geneva to Saint George and Basel to Neuchâtel.

In 1947, the first authorised electric car drove through Zermatt.

The highest point of the route is Furka Pass (2429m) and the lowest point is Lake Maggiore (193m).

The suggested route is broken down into eight stages (plus two access routes), taking a minimum of nine days to cover – although if you’d prefer to take longer, even better!

Travelling through Switzerland by public transport is made easier with the Swiss Travel Pass, which provides unlimited travel across public transport and can be bought in three, four, six (new as of 2022) eight or fifteen day instalments to be used on fixed, consecutive days. The rewarding Grand Train Tour is also fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Another alternative is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. Buy your Swiss travel passes through the Switzerland Travel Centre (https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com).

Switzerland Tourism/Mattias Nutt

JULIER PASS

15

Grand Tour Highlights

Switzerland Tourism/Andreas Gerth

1 THE RHINE FALLS

Check out Europe’s largest waterfall where water thunders down from a height of 23m every second.

Switzerland Tourism

2 ABBEY OF ST. GALLEN

Once a prominent centre of culture in the Western world, today the Abbey of St. Gallen’s convent is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rhaetische Bahn

3 RHAETIAN RAILWAY

Marvel at the views from one of the Rhaetian Railway’s convertible cars; the railway line is the highest in the Alps.

Schweiz Tourismus / Nicola Fuerer

4 ASCONA LAKE PROMENADE

Go for a stroll, cycle or simply sit back with a coffee along Piazza of Ascona, where you can take in panoramic lakeside views.

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

5 MATTERHORN

There’s simply no missing this marvellous mountain, which stands at 4478m tall.

For more information

https://MySwitzerland.com/grandtour.

Shutterstock

6 LAVAUX TERRACED VINEYARDS

There’s a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds in Lavaux; stop off at a pinte (mini-restaurant) to sample the good stuff.

IOC

7 OLYMPIC MUSEUM

Discover fun facts, history hits and more at the Olympic Museum, set in a quirky building on Lake Geneva.

Switzerland Tourism

8 BASEL

Take in the street art, museums and hipster hangouts in this city of culture.

Schweiz Tourismus / Nicola Fuerer

9 LA CHAUX-DEFONDS

Once the capital of the watchmaking world, this town is an intriguing place to visit to learn about its industrial past.

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

10 FRIBOURG/FREIBURG

Both French and German are spoken in this lively little university town, with plenty of preserved medieval history to check out.

For bookable offers

https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com/en/gbr/offer/grand-tour-switzerland.

Shutterstock

11 LAKE BRIENZ CRUISES

Travel back in time with a cruise on a vintage paddle steamer.

Switzerland Tourism

12 EMMENTAL AOP SHOW DAIRY

Discover how the world-famous Emmental cheese is made, and even have a go at making it for yourself.

Schweiz Tourismus/Renato Bagattini

13 BIOSPHERE RESERVE ENTLEBUCH

This captivating UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a little peace and quiet.

Switzerland Tourism

14 PILATUS

Explore Switzerland’s mysterious side with a visit to Pilatus, a mountain steeped in myth and legend.

Shutterstock

15 EINSIEDELN MONASTERY

Pay a visit to this impressive monastery complex that is still in use today.

Grand Tour App

https://MySwitzerland.com/grandtourapp.

< Back to Intro

< Back to Intro

Routes

Route one: Zürich to Appenzell

Kick-start your road trip in style in the cosmopolitan city of Zürich. With plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, intriguing museums and vibrant nightlife to take in, you’ll discover something new at every corner. Take advantage of the Zürich Card, which allows you to enjoy the top sightseeing spots and public transport at a discounted price. Make sure you sample Zürich honey, which is made from a beehive on the rooftop of the city’s Marriott Hotel.

Continue onto Schaffhausen, a medieval old town located on the High Rhine between the Black Forest and Lake Constance. There’s no missing its beautifully painted building facades, Gothic and Baroque guildhouses and the mighty Munot Fortress. The fortress’s bell is rung every night at 9pm by the town fortress’s first female guard in its 400 year history. Thanks to its traffic-free streets, the Old Town is not only charming to photograph but allows you to go shopping without a care in the world.

Length: Approximately 175km

Places:

Zürich

Schaffhausen

Romanshorn

St. Gallen

Appenzell

Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Route highlights

Grossmünster Church, Zürich

The Rhine Falls

The Tower of Stein am Rhein

Abbey of St. Gallen

Painted facades in Appenzell

Next on the route is Romanshorn, a town steeped in transport history. Take in the world of car racing at the Autobau Erlebniswelt with Sauber Formula One models, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and many more top-of-the-line automobiles on display.

Onwards to St. Gallen, home to its acclaimed abbey district; once a prominent centre of culture in the Western world, today its Abbey Library is home to 170,000 books and 2100 manuscripts.

You’ll end this route in Appenzell, a delightful car-free village of rolling hills, small boutiques and fresco-fronted buildings. The region is known for rural customs and traditions; head to the Appenzell Museum to learn all about its history. Appenzell’s plethora of rambling trails are perfect for summer visits while come winter, cross-country skiing proves just as popular. Best of all, there’s hardly any crowds. Bliss!

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Rheinfall

Altnau

Arenberg

St. Gallen

Hoher Kasten

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route two: Appenzell to St. Moritz

This section of the route starts off in Appenzell, where you can visit the Brauquöll Appenzell brewery visitor centre to learn how Appenzeller Bier and Santis malt whisky are made from fresh spring water.

Continue onto Chäserrugg where you can admire superlative nature and architecture simultaneously; at the summit of Chäserrugg (the easternmost peak of the Churfirsten range) is award-winning architects Herzog & De Meuron’s flat-roofed restaurant, made of solid wood to reflect the traditions of the local area.

Length: Approximately 200km

Places:

Appenzell

Chäserrugg

Bad Ragaz

Maienfeld

Davos

St. Moritz

In Bad Ragaz you can recharge your batteries at the Tamina Thermal Wellness Spa. At Europe’s largest thermal water spa, you can unwind with the waterfalls, bubble loungers and massage jets to enjoy. Alternatively, swap wellness treats for winter sports with its 7km toboggan run, or in milder weather enjoy the two golf courses here.

Switzerland Tourism/Lorenz Richard

Switzerland Tourism

Route highlights

Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona

Heidi Village

Mountain village of Guarda

Swiss National Park

Benedictine convent of St. John, Mustair

Muottas Muragl panoramic peak

Segantini Hut

For a quintessential nature-oriented image of Switzerland, pay a visit to Maienfeld. This is the municipality that inspired novelist Johanna Spyri (1827–1901) to write her much-loved children’s novel Heidi. Heidi Village will transport you back to the era when it was written, with the Heidi Trail weaving through idyllic vistas to the Heidi House and Heidi Alp.

Next on the route is Davos, a well-known winter sports hub for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, although summer activities prove just as popular with the likes of the cable car on the Jakobshorn (2590m), a sailing and surfing centre and even paragliding all on the agenda.

There’s no missing the Swiss National Park, the country’s largest nature reserve with a surface area of 170km². Head out with a guide who will show you where to spot deers, chamois, ibexes and marmots.

Before you reach St. Moritz, hike to the top of Muottas Muragl where you can take in the views overlooking the stunning resort town. Also here is the iconic Segantini Hut in all its bright red and Swiss flagged glory. Then, when you finally reach St. Moritz, you can marvel at Italian artist Giovanni Segentini’s work at the Segantini Museum and enjoy a romantic carriage ride around the lake.

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Churirsten

Heididorf

Davos Klosters

La Punt, Chesa Merleda

Engadin St. Moritz

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route three: St. Moritz to Lugano

St. Moritz is the highest point of this route section, with Alpine being 1822m above sea level. From St. Moritz you can board the Bernina Express on the Rhaetian Railway; the highlight is undoubtedly passing over Europe’s highest railway Alpine pass, the 2253m-high Bernina. Alternatively, take the Albula route to Chur for picturesque mountain scenery.

The next part of the route leads onto Viamala, which translates as ‘bad path’ in Latin, as it once blocked the route through the Alps. Today, you can take its 359 steps down to the bottom of this wild gorge and admire its 300m-high rock faces with an expert guide who will also tell you about the pack animals and postal carriages that used to travel through this narrow valley.

From here, continue to Bellinzona, home to the Three Castles of Bellinzona. During the Middle Ages, these forts served as a defence against intruders from the north.

After all that sightseeing, get your adrenaline pumping in Verzasca where you can leap from the Contra Dam wall, its incredible 220m height making it the world’s highest fixed bungee jump. This was where James Bond leapt from in Golden Eye; the jump lasts just 7.5 seconds. Make sure you book your place in advance.

Length: 225km

Places:

St. Moritz

Viamala

Bellinzona

Verzasca

Locarno

Ascona

Lugano

Montagnola

Morcote

Meride

Mendrisio

Enjoy the warmest climate in the country in Locarno, where you can learn all about the eagles, hawks, owls, vultures and more at the Falconry Centre while they soar overhead. Continue onto Ascona where, at just 196m above sea level on the northern shore of Lago Maggiore, you can dot your way around the street cafés before heading onto Lugano to take in the sweeping views from Monte Bre.

Roland Gerth

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Route highlights

Rhaetian Railway, Albula/Bernina

Julier Pass

Three Castles of Bellinzona

Ascona lake promenade

Monte Bre, Lugano

Monte San Giorgio

From Lugano, you can take day-trips out to the likes of Morcote, situated on Lake Lugano. This picturesque former fishing village has previously won awards for being the country’s most beautiful village. Slightly northwest of Morcote is Montagnola, where you can savour the Tuscan-like feel of Sant’Abbondio and mooch around the Hermann Hesse Museum, which is dedicated to the writer who spent 43 years here.

You can also explore all things fossil-related at Meride’s Museo dei Fossili (Fossil Museum) – and be sure to check out the funky building it’s housed in, designed by the incredible architect Mario Botta. You can continue the archaeology fun in Mendrisio at the excavated medieval village of Tremona-Castello.

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Engadin St. Moritz

Viamala Schlucht

Bellinzona

Monte Ceneri

Ascona

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route four: Lugano to Zermatt

This is a winding stage from start to finish, with more bends than any other on the Grand Tour. Start in the Mediterranean-like town of Lugano and appreciate the colourful blooms at the Belvedere Gardens.

Ascona is an ideal place to ditch the wheels and head out on a boat trip on Lake Maggiore. Nearby Locarno sits on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore and it’s worth exploring the Old Town here as well; all of the narrow lanes lead to the Piazza Grande, where the annual Locarno Film Festival takes place.

Length: 264km

Places:

Lugano

Ascona

Locarno

Bellinzona

Tremola

Furka Pass

Eggishorn

Binn Valley

Brig

Matterhorn

Zermatt

Continue onto Bellinzona, a place of impressive history, but there are smart boutiques and culinary delicacies to also be enjoyed – and there’s no missing the weekly Saturday market in the historical city centre.

Afterwards, Tremola will test your driving skills. This daunting mountain pass road climbs countless winding bends up to the 2106m high Gotthard Pass. With bumpy roads and narrow curves, take extra care while driving, particularly in wet weather.

Switzerland Tourism/Andre Meier

Schweiz Tourismus / Daniel Loosli

Route highlights

Monte Bre, Lugano

Monte San Giorgio

Old Gotthard Pass road Tremola

Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch

Matterhorn

The next stage of this section sees you arrive at Furka Pass, which at 2429m above sea level is the highest point in the entire Grand Tour.

You can admire the Aletsch Glacier best from Eggishorn’s advantageous vantage point, which is easily reachable by mountain rail and cableways.

The charming Binn Valley is home to incredibly diverse minerals so keep your eyes peeled for colourful stones and, if you're lucky, perhaps a crystal. A little southeast is Brig, whose mighty Stockalper Palace is one of the most important Baroque palaces in Switzerland.

The penultimate stage of this section is the iconic Matterhorn, which only expert mountaineers should tackle; the adjacent Klein-Matterhorn (‘Little Matterhorn’) is accessible by funicular. Aim to photograph Lake Stelli while you’re here. It is a tranquil spot and is well known for its glittering reflection of the Matterhorn.

You'll end this stage in Zermatt, which lies at the foot of the Matterhorn. It’s a popular base for hiking trails through the likes of the Matter Valley; for something different, give paragliding a go.

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Cardada

Tremola

Furka

Aletsch Arena

Matterhorn

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route five: Zermatt to Lausanne

To access Zermatt you’ll need to leave the car in neighbouring Täsch and take the train into this car-free village. Once you’re there, you can take in the mighty splendour of the Matterhorn – the symbol of Switzerland – from the foothills, or go on an adventure on one of the 43 mountain railways and 360km of pistes.

Your next stop is to Sion, an important winegrowing region; the white wine grown here is the well-known Fendant, and walks along the Bisses (irrigation channels) in the nearby vineyards is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.

Length: 178km

Places:

Zermatt

Sion

Martigny

Aigle

Corsier-sur-Vevey

Lavaux

Lausanne

Next, pay a visit to Martigny where the Fondation Gianadda Martigny cultural centre sits on the site of where Switzerland’s oldest Gallo-Roman temple was discovered. The centre displays archaeological findings, as well as vintage cars, and there’s also a sculpture park and various art and concert performances.

Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism/Giglio Pasqua

Route highlights

Matterhorn

Mountain village of Grimentz

Abbey of Saint-Maurice

Chillon Castle, Veytaux

The architectural work of Le Corbusier

Terraced vineyards of Lavaux

Olympic Museum, Lausanne

To continue the wine theme, stop off at the Wine Museum in Aigle where you can learn about two millennia of viticultural history in the halls of Aigle Castle. There’s also Corsier-sur-Vevey, home to Chaplin’s World; this museum is housed in a grand villa that pays tribute to the great mime artist.

There are beautiful terraced vineyards to explore in Lavaux, where you can take tastings in the wine cellars; make sure you act like a local and stop off at one of the many charming pintes (mini-restaurants).

Finally, you’ll end this route in Lausanne, which is home to the world-famous Olympic Museum. In fact, there’s loads to do here – it’s the second-largest city on Lake Geneva, after all – so you can take a break from driving and make good use of the metro. Not only is it the country’s only metro system, but it will certainly help with all those hills Lausanne is notorious for…

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Gornergrat Matterhorn

Fully

Lavaux

Le Port de Morges

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route six: Lausanne to Neuchâtel

Start this stage in Lausanne, built on three hills and surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, which guarantees picturesque views in every direction.

Then it’s onto Geneva where you can go on a guided tour to find out about the history of the region's watchmaking industry. Also worth seeing here is the Jet d’eau, a water jet at the centre of Lake Geneva which is Europe’s most powerful fountain; water is shot 140m into the air at an impressive 200km/hour.

Pass through Col du Marchairuz in the Jura mountain pass. If you wish to take a break here, you should be sure to treat yourself to a range of regional products that are sold in mountain huts across the site, such as the Alpine Gruyère AOP cheese. Tasty!

Length: 170km

Places:

Lausanne

Geneva

Lake Geneva

Col du Marchairuz

Yverdon-les-Bains

Val de Travers

Creux du Van

Neuchâtel

Drive through the park until you reach Yverdon-les-Bains in Val de Travers. Why not take a respite in the natural paradise of this historical spa town?

Head north and stop off at the Creux du Van rock ‘amphitheatre’. At 160m high this rock face surrounds a basin 4km long and over 1km wide, and borders the Vaud and Neuchâtel cantons; it’s a true natural spectacle. Keep an eye out for wildlife including chamois, ibexes and lynxes, too.

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Switzerland Tourism/Tamara Fehr

Route highlights

Olympic Museum, Lausanne

Jet d’eau, Geneva

Creux du Van rock amphitheatre

Round off this stage of the route by taking in the idyllic lake surroundings of Neuchâtel, or head to the nearby Latenium Archaeological Museum and Park. The museum explores 50,000 years of regional history with finds dating back to the La Tene Epoch (5th–4th BC).

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Lauvaux

Le Port de Morges

Lac Leman, Coppet

Creux du Van

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Switzerland Tourism/Andreas Gerth

Route seven: Neuchâtel to Bern

There’s plenty of lakes to soak up at this stage of the route. Start off in Neuchâtel where you can take a boat cruise or go for a dip in the lake. Those looking to stay dry should certainly pay a visit to the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Palace of the Fine Arts), which houses four thematic collections: fine arts, applied arts, numismatics and history.

Length: 252km

Places:

Neuchâtel

Avenches

Fribourg

Broc

Alp Moleson

Gstaad

Niesen

Jungfraujoch

Interlaken

Lake Thun

Beatenberg

Bern

When you reach Avenches, you can take in its 2000 year history at the likes of the Roman amphitheatre, or take a popular cycling route to the medieval town of Murten.

Your next stop is Fribourg (or Freiburg), home of the Zahringen dynasty who found the city in 1157. Further south is Broc, where the nearby town of Gruyères packs a punch: there’s the fortified Gruyères Castle, cultural museums and Swiss chocolate factories and workshops to visit.

Switzerland Tourism

Switzerland Tourism/Andreas Gerth

Route highlights

Town of Murten

Fribourg, bastion of the Zahringhen dynasty

Town of Gruyères

Chalet village of Gstaad/Saanen

Jungfraujoch

Lake Brenz cruises

Old town of Bern

Some 19km southwest brings you to Alp Moleson, famed for its Alpine cheese dairy; take a themed hiking trail to find out more about the cheese that’s made from the cattle grazing on this mountain. Afterwards, you can enjoy the privacy of your own space in the chalet village of Gstaad, which is a popular haunt of international celebrities.

Head northeast to Niesen, where you can take the funicular railway to the 2362m-high summit of Mount Niesen, before continuing east to Jungfraujoch. This is Europe’s highest train station at 3454m above sea level; make sure you head out on the free walking tour with a local guide in the Interlaken region, so you can soak up the sights while learning more about its history. North of Jungfraujoch and east of Lake Thun is Lake Brienz; head out on a lake cruise on one of the gentile paddle steamers to soak up the looming mountains landscape.

North of the lakes is Beatenberg, which leads onto the final destination in this stage: Bern. The Swiss capital city is steeped in history – it was first founded in 1191 – and you can marvel at its medieval history at the likes of the arcades and the hand-wound Bern Clock Tower (Zytglogge); there’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Fribourg

Gruyères

Gstaad Saanenland

Niesen

Niederhorn

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Route eight: Bern to Zürich

Start this stage in the Swiss capital of Bern by shopping in its 6km of medieval arcades that are called Lauben by the locals. Its historic old town is a feast for the eyes, with sandstone facades, narrow streets and Renaissance fountains to take in.

One of the real highlights is the Emmental show dairy in Affoltern im Emmental. This offers the chance to discover how Emmental AOP is produced – either over the fire or in modern copper vats – before tasting it for yourself at the on-site restaurant or purchasing chunks of the good stuff at the shop.

Upon reaching Entlebuch, affectionately known as the ‘Wild West’ of Lucerne, linger in the Biosphere Reserve and listen to the trickling streams, photograph the immaculate moorlands and admire all the other nature scenes.

Length: Approximately 315km

Places:

Bern

Affoltern im Emmental

Entlebuch

Hallwyll

Lucerne

Einsiedeln

Zürich

Then, continue onto Hallwyl. The eleventh-century moated castle was once home to the noble van Hallwyl family; take an audio guide tour to listen to stories from family members, farmers and the subjects of the Hallwyl family to find out what life was like there.

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Switzerland Tourism/Jan Geerk

Route highlights

Emmental show dairy

Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch

Hallwyl moated castle

Chapel Bridge, Lucerne

Pilatus

Tell Chapel, Sisikon

Einsiedeln monastery

While you’re in Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge should be high on your list of things to see. This Swiss landmark is widely believed to be Europe’s oldest covered bridge; built from wood, it once formed part of the city’s fortifications.

Heading northeast through the lakeside towns of Gersau and Brunnen brings you to Einsiedeln, whose monastery has been a pilgrimage site for over 1000 years. This working monastery also offers guided tours, concerts and public masses.

The last section of this stage marks the last leg of the Grand Tour, where you’ll arrive back in Zürich. After all that driving and sightseeing you might choose to take it easy and linger over a coffee – or if not, there’s plenty more food scenes, museums, nightlife, art and so much more to explore.

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Emmental

Schloss Hallwyl

Luzern, Chateau Gütsch

Grosser Mythen

Meilen

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Access Route: Geneva - Saint-George

The Geneva–Saint-George stage is one of the access roads of the Grand Tour. It’s a great place to start if you’re flying into Geneva with SWISS (Swiss International Airlines).

While you’re in Geneva, you should start off with a guided tour of the European United Nations Headquarters. On one side of the headquarters is Bains des Paquis. This gorgeous public bath is on the lakeside of Lake Geneva where you can go for a dip or dive with the immense Jet d’Eau straight ahead of you. If you’re visiting during the winter months, then you can relax in the Turkish and Hammam saunas. On the other side of the headquarters, directly opposite the entrance on the other side of the road, is the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. This significant museum explores the history of humanitarian action with a hands-on approach to raise awareness, provide context and deliver the latest news on current operations.

Length: Approximately 55km

Places:

Geneva

Lake Geneva

Dardagny

Carouge

Nyon

Saint-George

Head slightly southwest out of the city centre to Dardagny. The blissful wine-growing village is famed for its exquisite pinot noir. Once you've taken in the rustic houses and the views overlooking the unspoilt valley of the Allondon river, head east to Carouge for a slice of Italy. Presided over by the King of Sardinia in the eighteenth century, there’s still a definite Italian flair to the town; take in the Mediterranean-style buildings, visit the gardens and artists’ workshops and photograph the colourful umbrellas that ‘float’ over some of the restaurant-lined streets.

Switzerland Tourism/Markus Aebischer

Shutterstock

As you curve north around Lake Geneva, you’ll soon reach Nyon. Here you’ll have the perfect opportunity to take to the vineyards – where they delightfully serve local fish with the wine – or explore its Roman history with a visit to the Roman Museum.

The final stage of this route ends in Saint George, which is part of the Vaud Jura Park. The park includes signposted trails that cover some 523km; it’s an ideal place for hiking and mountain biking. From Saint George, you can connect onto other sections of the Grand Tour as you see fit.

Route highlights

European United Nation Headquarters

Bains des Paquis

Jet d’Eau

Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

Vaud Jura Park

Access route: Basel - Neuchâtel

The Basel–Neuchâtel stage is one of the access roads of the Grand Tour. It’s a great place to start if you’re flying into Basel with SWISS (Swiss International Airlines).

Starting in Basel, you should aim to spend at least one or two nights here. There’s plenty to do in this cultural city, with some 40 museums, modern architecture and its captivating Old Town.

Head south to Delémont, which is in between the cities of Basel and Biel/Bienne. Close to the French border, this small town has a big history and is surrounded by the hilly Jurassic landscape.

Next up, make a stop-off at St-Ursanne where you can soak up the great outdoors in a number of ways. This little town lies on the banks of the Doubs River and is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing.

Length: 158km

Places:

Basel

Delémont

St-Ursanne

Goumois

La Chaux-de-Fonds

Neuchâtel

Goumois should be your next port of call. The Doubs river is a hotspot for fishers – the Auberge du Theusseret is where you’ll supposedly find the tastiest river trout.

Switzerland Tourism/Andreas Gerth

Switzerland Tourism/Ivo Scholz

Route highlights

Basel, city of culture

Town of St-Ursanne

La Chaux-de-Fonds/Le Locle, Urban landscape & watchmaking industry

Laténium: archaeological museum and park

The penultimate stage of this route sees you in La Chaux-de-Fonds, which is UNESCO-listed for its unique architecture. This is in part thanks to its well-preserved mono-industrial manufacturing towns in the region; both La Chaux-de-Fonds and neighbouring Le Locle built themselves up over the space of a few decades thanks to its booming watch industry, which in turn transformed it into something of an urban developmental centre.

Finally, you’ll reach Neuchâtel, which marks the end of this stage of the route. This university town has a medieval centre complete with a twelfth-century church and castle and the Laténium archaeological museum, situated where three prehistoric sites were located. From Neuchâtel you can venture north or south onto one of the other points of the route. Whatever your onward route is, adventure awaits!

Photo spots

Stop off at these designated photo spots:

Dreiländereck Basel

St-Ursanne

Creux du van

Find more at Myswitzerland.com/fotospots

Switzerland Tourism/Mattias Nutt

Grand Tour Snack-box

Every great road trip needs even better snacks for the ride. This is especially true when you want to tuck into a picnic on the leafy banks of Lake Davos or enjoy the sweeping views over the Emmental Valley in Bern Region. That’s why the Grand Tour Snack-Box is a great way to taste Switzerland’s culinary diversity – and tame those hunger pangs.

You can buy your Snack Box from over 50 sales outlets along the Grand Tour, which is refillable from a number of stations. This variety of regional specialities will make your trip a foodie tour as much as it is a Grand Tour.

Better still, when your trip comes to an end, your Snack Box will become a memorable souvenir of all the awesome moments you experienced on an unforgettable trip.

The Snack Box costs 25CHF and each refill costs 20CHF (for two people), which includes at least two drinks and five to six snacks. The sales outlets are generally open between April to October, but visit the website (MySwitzerland.com/snackbox) or contact the outlet directly for more details, particularly if you’re visiting between November to March.

Remember to always stop your vehicle before eating. The Grand Tour Snack-Box is another great reason to pull up to a scenic point and tuck in while embracing the scenic views ahead. Bon voyage – and bon appetit!

For more information visit: MySwitzerland.com/snackbox or call 0800 100 200 (freephone).

Oliver Bartenschlager

To find out more information about the Grand Tour, visit: https://myswitzerland.com/grandtour.

You can find bookable offers at the Switzerland Travel Centre: switzerlandtravelcentre.com.

< Back to Intro

Rhaetische Bahn

Introduction to

The Grand Train Tour

If you like train journeys, then you’ll love the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. Spanning 1280km (795 miles), passing five UNESCO World Heritage Sites and connecting with ten cities, visitors can combine a range of panoramic train lines to create one breathtaking route.

The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is perfect for those who want to blend bustling cities with scenic mountain villages, with various routes available as package deals. The tour is made up of eight sections but its flexibility means you can book your trip at any time of year (most lines operate year-round), choose your own direction and take however long you wish.

Visitors can enter Switzerland with SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines) flying into Zürich and Geneva, with other flights operating in Basel. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel on land, begin your train odyssey in Paris to the likes of Bern, Zürich and Geneva. Once you start your Grand Train Tour, you are fully covered by any Swiss train ticket, which includes the handy Swiss Travel Pass. Visit the Switzerland Travel Centre for more information (https://switzerlandtravelcentre.com).

Collect stamps along the way with your very own MyGrandTrainTour Booklet, which is available from the stamp sites themselves, sales outlets, Zürich and Geneva airports and Zürich, Geneva and Basel train stations. There are nine unique stamps to collect with extra space for your own notes and mementoes, so you can savour this free personal souvenir for years to come and think back to your exciting travel memories in Switzerland.

Routes

Zürich – Lucerne – Interlaken

Route details

Length: 131km (2.45 hours)

Places: Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken

This route combines lakes with cities. Fly directly into Zürich with SWISS or take the train from Paris. Start off by exploring the country’s history at the National Museum or wander around the picturesque Old Town before taking in the awesome public art and modern architecture. Make time for nature, though; Zürich sits at the foot of the Alps and is a great spot for lake cruises.

Board the Zürich–Lucerne train and marvel at the tranquil lakes and mountain panorama as you head south. Upon reaching Lucerne, pay a visit to the wooden chapel bridge which was first built in 1356; the water tower that looms above punctuates the city’s historic landscape. If time permits, head out on a mountain excursion to nearby Pilatus, Stanserhorn or Titlis. Rigi is a fantastic excursion from Lucerne, too. The mountain is filled with wild flower meadows and is home to incredible views from its 1,798m peak. The mountain can be reached by hopping on a