Experience summer differently! Take a ride on the world's steepest and oldest toboggan run in Switzerland, relax in a mineral spa or make ice cream with master chocolatiers
Hike or bike from Europe's highest city
The Davos Klosters region in the canton of Graubünden is increasingly popular with tourists. It offers the perfect combination of an active holiday in the Alps and the convenience of a city base - and not just any city. Davos is the highest town in Europe and is the perfect starting point for hiking and cycling trips. The Alpine resort of Davos Klosters boasts more than 700 kilometres of marked hiking, panoramic and themed trails that lead through romantic valleys and wild mountain landscapes. There is an unforgettable route for leisure travellers, athletes and ambitious mountaineers. Some hikes can't be done in one day, but Switzerland has a recipe for that too. In such cases, opt for a combination of hiking and e-biking. Hop on an e-bike in the valley to shorten the long climbs, and enjoy the top hiking trails leading back to the valley on foot to give you more time to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
The Via Parc Naziunal is a trail destination
If, on the other hand, you're tempted by a few days of hiking, then Via Parc Naziunal is the right choice. The long-distance panoramic walking route captivates with its diversity and romantic beauty. The marked Switzerland Mobility Route 45 is divided into four stages, in which you will climb peaks such as God da Tamangur or Munt la Schera, descend into the picturesque valleys of Val Müstair, Val Cluozza and Val Mora, where you will breathe in the delicious scent of larch forests and admire the beauty of the mountain streams in the Swiss National Park. You can hike the trail from mid-June to mid-October, and if you want to indulge in comfort, you can also arrange accommodation along the trail, including breakfast. In addition, you will also receive travel documents with maps in a convenient package.
Panorama train to herbs
Switzerland is famous for its panoramic trains, where again, the ride itself is the destination. The herb-scented journey is offered by the Bernina Herb Express, which departs from Chur, and its route takes you past the glaciers on the Albula and Bernina line to the palm trees of Val Poschiavo, where a world of herbs awaits. After enjoying a lunch of local produce in the beautiful landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's time for a tour of the herb fields and the Raselli Erboristeria Biologica. The fragrant train departs every last Friday of the month from June to August 2024.
Start the day with brunch on the Schilthorn at 2,970 metres above sea level, then immerse yourself in the world of James Bond
For your birthday, enjoy the perfect gift - a free cable car will take everyone to the top of the Schilthorn - Piz Gloria, made famous by the Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Enjoy fresh bread, local cheeses and other specialities of Swiss cuisine while the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountain peaks show off their beauty outside the revolving restaurant windows. Then head to the interactive Spy World Museum, dedicated to Agent 007, and don't miss the Birg Intermediate Station on the way down, where you'll test your mettle on the adrenaline-pumping Thrill Walk, which takes you up a steep rock face. The combination of glass, metal and air makes for a unique experience. Finally, take it easy in the extremely photogenic, car-free village of Mürren. A stroll past small gardens and alpine huts is a balm for adrenaline-fuelled nerves.
A walk with a view of the Eiger
The 3,970-metre-high Eiger, the easternmost peak of the Jungfrau mountain range, is famous for its north face. Falling rocks, weather changing by the minute and avalanches on a daily basis, plus a perpendicular face that is unrivalled in the Alps. The north face of the Eiger was the haunt of all climbers and it was here that the history of mountaineering was written. Get to know this legend on the themed Eiger Walk of Fame. From the Eigergletscher station, head to the photo spot where you can take a selfie with the famous North Face of the Eiger, but also capture breathtaking views of the picturesque Grindelwald. The trail then takes you past eight information boards that describe the history of mountaineering in the area. Once you reach Fallboden, you can decide whether to head back or descend to Kleine Scheidegg.
Views from the roof of the cable car to Zermatt
From November 2023, a brand new modern cable car will connect Zermatt, one of the most famous Alpine resorts, with Furi. Its sleek cabins travel through the outskirts of Zermatt towards the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, offering passengers spectacular views of the Matterhorn, Switzerland's highest peak steeped in legend, which has been an attraction for mountaineers and photographers for centuries. You can now even enjoy the view of this Swiss icon with the wind in your hair as the cable car offers a rooftop ride!
Make your own ice cream with a Swiss chocolatier
A fruity yet fiery ginger-mango sorbet, a creamy glaze with dark chocolate and rum raisins or something completely different. If you love ice cream, don't miss the ice cream workshop at Max Chocolatier when you visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities. Together with experts and local chocolatiers, you will make the sorbet and creamy glaze of your dreams and are guaranteed to discover the "Gelataio" or "Gelataio" talent in you here. You can then enjoy your handmade creations on the shores of Lake Lucerne and enjoy a pleasant refreshment in the sultry summer.
Take the world's steepest tube ride to Pilatus Dragon Peak
Until 20 October, you can enjoy a ride on the world's steepest tube to the dragon peak of Pilatus, which boasts an altitude of 2,132 metres. You'd better set aside at least two hours, because once you reach the top, you'll want to go around all the viewpoints. Pilatus offers stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. But you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama and the view of the Alpine massif for much longer, as you can stay overnight in two hotels on the summit. In addition, you can visit the Dragon Peak as a so-called Golden Circuit. You will start in the heart of Switzerland - in Lucerne, where you will enjoy a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. In Alpnachstad, you'll transfer to the cable cars that will take you to Pilatus, and then head down with the Dragon Ride and Panorama gondolas. From the valley cable car station, it's just a five-minute walk to the bus stop for bus 1, which will take you back to Lucerne.
Take the world's oldest cog railway to the Queen of the Mountains and relax in the mineral baths
Although only 1,800 metres above sea level compared to other giants, Rigi is the most popular destination for the Swiss and is nicknamed the Queen of the Mountains. Start your journey in Lucerne aboard a historic paddle-wheel steamer or super-modern yacht. Sail on to Vitznau, where you'll transfer to a cog railway that has been ferrying tourists here since 1871. Take a ride to the village of Rigi Kaltbad, famous as a spa town since the 16th century. Back then, baths were taken in cool, healing water, but today it is heated to a comfortable temperature so you can relax in it for hours. The outdoor pools offer breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the mountain range, so you won't want to leave. But you can also stay in the spa, designed by the famous Swiss architect Mario Botta. From the Hotel Rigi Kaltbad, you have direct access to the spa - just put on your bathrobe and slippers and go. But of course, you can also come here just for a trip.
Adrenaline rush and the world's biggest gin selection - at 3,000 metres above sea level
You can reach Titlis, the home peak of Engelberg, on foot or by cable car. Even if you're a fan of hiking, don't miss out on the latter. The TITLIS Rotair is the world's first rotating cable car. At the top of Titlis, you'll find viewing platforms and a glacial cave. Satisfy your hunger in the restaurant and your sweet tooth in the Swiss chocolate shop. Then take a walk in the snow and cross the TITLIS Cliff Walk, Europe's highest suspension bridge. And if you love gin, don't miss the Porticos Bar at the Terrace Hotel in Engelberg. It offers more than a thousand types of gin, which you'll enjoy with a perfect view of both Engelberg and Titlis.
Freedom in the clouds above the glacier
Longing to experience total freedom and enjoy unforgettable views of the Alpine giants? Head to the Aletsch Arena, which is perfect for paragliding. Tandem flights with professional pilots offer a unique and completely safe experience, so you can soar above the Alpine peaks and enjoy an unusual view of the largest valley glacier in the Alps - the Aletsch Glacier, which covers 79 square kilometres, measures 20 kilometres in length and weighs an impressive 10 billion tonnes of ice.
