Beauty spots – location, location, location
These
are numerous in Switzerland. Here are a few suggestions to enjoy on a sunny
day.
Rapperswil (SG) – the
drive on the A3 Chur autobahn from Zurich is already breathtaking just after
Thalwil, when the Zurichsee comes into view. Take the Seedamm across the lake at
Pfäffikon and enjoy the view all around of the lake and mountains, the castle
of Rapperswil. Carparks are well signed. Sit on the quayside and take in the
view again, before exploring the lakeside restaurants and climbing up to the
castle. Also approach by train via Pfäffikon SZ or Uster.
Lachen (SZ) Beside
the Zurich Obersee beyond the Seedamm to Rapperswil, Lachen is a little gem of
a town with its marina and lakeside cafes and bars. The water always seems very
still here too. A perfect setting.
Zug (ZG) Sit out on the terrace of one of the cafes
beside the Gemeindeplatz by the lake of Zug and enjoy the view of Rigi over a
drink or lunch. In summer take a pedalo or lake steamer. For an extra nice
view, try the terrace of the Liguria restaurant. A bit pricey but worth it on a
special occasion.
Brunnen (SZ) Another lovely lakeside town by the
Vierwaldstättersee. Watch the boats come and go while you enjoy a drink on one
of the many café terraces. Or take the boat across to Treib and the funicular
up to Seelisberg for an even better view of the Urnersee.
Burgenstock
Another
high point above the Vierwaldstättersee, approached by boat from Luzern to
Kehrsiten and the funicular up to the top, where there’s an oasis of calm,
peaceful walks and some nice lunch places too.
GoldenPass scenic train trips
If
you have a Swiss Pass or a GA you can travel on this train at no extra cost.
The routes from Luzern via Interlaken, Zweisimmen to Montreux offers
spectacular ever-changing views of alpine scenery. Best to book a seat in the
high season.
Flumserberg
The
closest ski resort to Zurich, best approached by car along the Chur motorway
beside the deep blue Walensee, turning off for Flums and up to the base parking
area. From the restaurant terraces here you can enjoy the mountain air and the
view at any time of year. You could also travel there by train and post bus.
From the parking place you can take a gondola cablecar up to Tannenboden and
thence to Maschgenkamm for a great view of the Churfirsten mountains.
Walensee A3 Autobahn services
Make a stop here for one of the finest views in
Switzerland. The restaurant has a panoramic view over the lake and the
Churfirsten.
Titlis (OB) revolving cable car
Take
a series of three cablecars to the summit of Titlis at 3020 metres. The last
stage is on the Rotair revolving cablecar, the world’s first. You may feel a
bit dizzy at the top.
Rhine falls at Schaffhausen (SH)
A
spectacular sight that costs nothing! Take the train to Neuhausen, just outside
the border town of Schaffhausen on the Rhine. The falls, Europe’s largest, can
be approached on foot from above and then by boat to the midstream castle Fort
Worth if you are feeling brave.
Be your own tour guide!
No
need to pay for an expensive guided tour; you can take a tour of the main
sights in any major Swiss city with the help of a good guide book and a street
map.
Featured town: Bellinzona
And following towns are also worth a visit - click on the links right:
Zurich
Zug
Zug
Luzern
Bern – you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour
Basel Altstadt
St. Gallen cathedral area
Schaffhausen
Chur
Murten
Konstanz
Plus why not explore on your own these lovely towns and cities:
Konstanz
Plus why not explore on your own these lovely towns and cities:
Geneva
- see http://www.geneva.info/
Fribourg
– on the French/German language border
Appenzell
– an old-fashioned town
Lugano
– gateway to three lakes
Locarno
– on Lago Maggiore
And
more…
Compiled
by Julia Newton, February 2012. Amended April 2016
With
contributions from Amy Eber, Colin Hawker, Ewelina Pace, Gill Rüttimann, Helga
Meyer-Piening, Lindsey Carver, Otto Schreibke, Paola Cavallari, Sue Poolman,
Trudi MacDonald,Valerie Quiblier.
