One has only to think about Switzerland, as thoughts about delicious chocolate, famous watches, and wonderful nature immediately arise in our heads. It is incredible how such a small country, located in the heart of Europe, could comprise so many natural wonders.
Waterfalls and lakes, mountain peaks, glaciers, and Alpine meadows — all these things are part of the unique nature of Switzerland. Therefore, it is not surprising that this country attracts millions of tourists all around the world! If you are planning a trip to Switzerland or want to learn new fascinating information, you definitely need to know more about these most amazing places in Europe.
1. Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano is located between two countries – Switzerland and Italy. However, the distance between them is so small that, if you’re lucky, you can have breakfast in calm and thorough Switzerland and dinner in emotional, noisy Italy.
Lugano fascinates tourists with its beautiful coastal landscapes, villages surrounded by greenery, majestic silhouettes of mountains, and a greenish water surface. Numerous viewing platforms, excursions on motor ships, more than 50 places for swimming – everything is provided for an active and measured rest of local residents and guests of Switzerland.
2. Rhine Falls
The Rhine Waterfall is a natural wonder located in the north of Switzerland, making it the highest plain waterfall in Europe. The tourist infrastructure here is perfectly developed: it is easy to get to the destination by train. In addition, you can feel the full power of the falling waters by sailing a boat to the centre of the waterfall.
Also, there are several platforms, located on the north (from Neuhausen) and on the south (from Laufen Castle) coast, from which you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rhine Falls.
3. Matterhorn
If you are a big fan of chocolate, then most likely, you will recognize this silhouette. The Matterhorn Mountain is one of the popular symbols of Switzerland, which is forever imprinted on the packaging of Toblerone chocolate, whose pyramidal shape is “copied” from the form of this mountain.
In the small village of Zermatt, it is here where nature lovers begin their routes to the magnificent kingdom of the Swiss Alps! Here you will find over 400 km of hiking trails leading to beautiful landscapes with spectacular views. Zermatt is a car-free zone, that’s why the easiest way to get to the Matterhorn is to take the train from Visp.
4. Lake Geneva
One of the largest reservoirs in Europe is also located in Switzerland – this is Lake Geneva in the southwest of the country. The water in the lake is so clean that it seems as if you are looking in a mirror! On its southern shore, you can see Geneva and resort cities for every taste: the representative and aristocratic Montreux or the elegant and youthful, vine-covered Lausanne. The coast of Lake Geneva itself is included in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
5. Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces
On the northeastern coast of Lake Geneva, from Lausanne to Montreux, you will find some of Europe’s oldest vineyards. Now they are stretching for more than 30 kilometres and covering an area of 805 hectares. Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux is an excellent example of how the interaction of hard human work and the environment have created such a wonderful place.
That is why in 2007, UNESCO included it in its World Heritage List. You can admire the landscapes of the terraced vineyards at any time of the year. But it is especially beautiful here in autumn when the leaves of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy shades merge into a single colour palette.
6. Mount Pilatus
Pilatus, also called Dragon Rock, is one of the legendary places in Central Switzerland. The name takes its roots from the shape of the mountain, which really looks like a dragon looming over Lake Lucerne. At an altitude of 7,000 feet, the Pilatus offers a stunningly beautiful panoramic view stretching from the city of Lucerne to the Jungfrau, across the border of the Black Forest to the French Alps.
If you want to climb to the top, there are three ways to do this. The most fun is to ride on the world’s steepest cog railway, departing from Alpnachstad. But in winter, the road does not work, then you can take a no less exciting cable car, or if you are confident about your physical shape, use the hiking routes and enjoy the beautiful views of Switzerland.
7. Glarus Thrust
What caused this massive pile of rock to be protected by UNESCO? We can find the answer in the territory of 300 square kilometres called the Glarus thrust and in its geological uniqueness. No other place on Earth has such a unique example of the process of mountain formation that occurred here as a result of the collision of two continents – Europe and Africa. These are just some of the few places that amazing Switzerland can offer you.
A huge number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible nature, fresh air – all these things sound like a dream. It’s time to turn this into reality! Plan your trip yourself or, for more convenience, choose one of the guided Switzerland tours and get ready for the best journey.