Switzerland

Breathtakingly beautiful. Nestled in the Bernese Oberland region Lauterbrunnen is known for its cliffside towns, waterfalls, train rides and proximity to car-free villages like Wengen and Muerren.

Some of the dramatic panoramic views of the alps and alpine mountains are seen here, and it makes it a compelling spot to visit if you have only limited time as part of your European itinerary. The Schilthorn peak and Gimmelwald are must-visits, as much as the train rides to Jungrau and Moench peaks.

At the heart of Switzerland is another popular destination that presents the country’s visual identity – Luzern. Chapel Bridge – the landmark of the city – and the historic old town are great points to start indulgent tours of the larger region. The Musegg Wall and the nine Musegg Towers are made of old neutral stone walls and is home to endangered plants.

Nobody visiting Switzerland must go back without visiting the oddly shaped Luzern Lake surrounded by mountains like the Rigi and Pilatus adorned by picturesque villages.

The land of the famed Appenzeller cheese, this is the cowbell country or the moo-mellow region, home to Swiss Alpine culture. Appenzell follows authentic Swiss traditions like yodelling, cheese, dances and seasonal cattle processions. Homes here are testimonial to living craftsmanship.

With just one percent of the country’s population, this peaceful region is blanketed by endless beauty of green, rolling hills and the peak of Mount Saentis. Linger around a little and you can taste the traditional sweet biscuit or grab a mug of local beer.

Geneva – home to the European headquarters of the UN – is the Swiss Rivera. One of the world’s most famous landmarks, the city’s lake – Lake Geneva separates France and Switzerland. Apart from the city’s iconic spots like Old Town, Jet d’Eau – the 140m-water fountain, and the Parc des Bastions, nearby regions are mesmerizing.

Laussanne located on a steep hill is a pleasant old town offering plenty of sights. Carouge with its many cafes and markets is almost Italian. Mont Saleve is Geneva’s ‘local mountain’.

A tip to keep in mind when visiting Geneva is the ‘Geneva City Pass’ that allows you to plan trips for 24, 48 or 72 hours, where public transit comes free.

https://www.geneve.com/en/see-do/city-tours-day-trips/geneva-city-pass#/#/

The largest city in Switzerland, repeatedly voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities, is also a more fashionable travel destination. Among other things Zurich’s integrated public transport system is acclaimed as the best in the world. The city’s old town – largely pedestrian-only – allows you to walk on narrow cobbled streets and soak in the ‘old world charm’.

The reason that makes Switzerland famous is the Alps. They say, ‘get high on the Alps’. Travel on the Alps must be ‘nice and slow’. The Alps are famed for scenic train journeys, village tours, hikes along the mountains and skiing during the winter.

Popular travel writer Rick Steves says the Alps’s dominant sounds are that of “cowbells, crunchy footsteps of happy hikers, fluff of a down comforter and whistle of marmots”. These promise to remain in the mind forever, enabling you to pick them up whenever stress threatens to overtake.