Guide number 8 - Museums

Some museums have free entrance or special prices for students and families. They are great places for getting to know the country and its people. Check opening times as many close on Mondays. Consider getting a Swiss Museum Pass: 
Swiss museum pass

Here are some suggestions:

Zürich Landesmuseum Behind the main station, this once rather stuffy place has been transformed into an exciting experience highlighting the different ages of the History of Switzerland in colour-coded rooms with appropriate sound effects. In the Collections Gallery in the large hall are artistically displayed some of the highlights of the museum’s permanent collection. Special exhibitions are also worth paying extra for, and in winter the courtyard hosts free ice skating. The museum is also free to Swiss Museum Pass holders.

http://www.landesmuseen.ch/e/index.php

Zürich Kunsthaus Free entrance to under 16s, students and concessions; also on Wednesday afternoons. The permanent collection includes Old Masters, Impressionists, Dada, Swiss artists and sculptors, and modern art. Annual membership is also a good deal.

http://www.kunsthaus.ch/en/

Rietberg Museum, Zürich Enge

The only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland including art from Asia, Africa and Ancient America. The recent addition of the Emerald glass exhibition space enhances the special exhibitions and contains an eclectic gift shop. Admission is free for under 16s.

http://www.rietberg.ch/en-gb/foyer.aspx

Dinosaur Museum Aathal, near Uster

Aimed at children, this museum features prehistoric relics from the USA as well as from Switzerland. Closed Mondays. http://www.sauriermuseum.ch/

Goldapfel Museum, Einsiedeln

‘Also one of my favourite places, the gingerbread museum at Goldapfel bakery (free). The entire back room features wood moulds used to make Tirggel and gingerbread type cookies.’  Amy E. http://www.goldapfel.ch/pages/willkommen.php

Tinguely Museum, Basel

A fantastic collection of mobiles and huge constructions featuring bells, whistles, wheels and weird creations, lots of hands-on features. The building was designed by architect Mario Botta. Located beside the Rhine. Take tram 2, bus 31 or 38 from Basel SBB station.

http://www.tinguely.ch/en/informationen_services/informationen.html

Technorama, Winterthur

Science is brought to life in this interactive museum, with information also in English. Great fun for older kids; you can easily spend a day there. There is a room to eat your picnic as well as a restaurant. Closed Mondays. Best approached by car taking the A1 Oberwinterthur exit.

http://www.technorama.ch/en/

Verkehrshaus Luzern

The Luzern transport museum is a great place for a family day out. Situated by the lake in Luzern (approach by bus, train or boat), you can discover the history of Swiss transport by road, rail and water, in the air and outer space. You can climb on or try out many of the exhibits. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, plus a film theatre, a planetarium and special daily performances. It’s not cheap but you can get a discount with the Swiss Museum Pass.

http://www.verkehrshaus.ch/en/museum/

Hergiswil Glass Museum

Here you can see the glass blowers at work as well as taking an interactive tour, in a choice of languages, about the history of the glass works. Then visit the exhibition, glass shops, restaurant and children’s playground. The museum is beautifully located beside the lake of Lucerne, the Vierwaldstättersee and is accessible by train, boat and car. 

http://www.glasi.ch/index.php?id=2&L=1

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. The following towns are worth a visit: click on the links for extra information from our members:

Featured town: Chur

Plus why not visit these other lovely towns and cities - see links on right:

Zurich
Zug

Luzern

Bern – you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour

Basel Altstadt

St. Gallen cathedral area

Schaffhausen

Bellinzona

Murten

Konstanz

Plus why not explore on your own these lovely towns and cities:

Geneva - see http://www.geneva.info/

Fribourg – a medieval town 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, 25 January 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.

Guide number 9 - Beauty spots

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.

http://www.raileurope.com/train-faq/european-trains/golden-pass/how-to-book.html

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.

http://www.flumserberg.ch/sommer/en/home

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.

 http://www.raststaette-thurau.ch/walensee_raststaette.html

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.

http://www.titlis.ch/en/titlis/titlis_info/glacier_excursion/titlis_rotair_ice_flyer_chairlift

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.

http://rhinefalls.com/

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

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:

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.

Guide No. 10 - Activities

There are plenty of things to keep you busy and active in Switzerland and many don’t cost anything or very little. Here are a few ideas:

Pedalo hire

On the Zurichsee at Utoquai, Wädenswil , Richterswil and Rapperswil.

On the Zugersee at Zug.

And on many other lakes around the country during the summer season.

Rowing

On the Trübsee near Titlis.

Lake or river swimming. See Guide2.

Water park Alpa Mare near Pfäffikon SZ has 10 water slides, a wave pool, thermal baths, the Rio Mare, and a sunbathing lawn. Open throughout the year. http://www.alpamare.ch/main/p_id/598/obj/67/nav/598/nav2/598/lang/5.html

Le Bouveret Aqua Parc at the south-east end of Lake Geneva has indoor and outdoor chutes, kayaking, windsurfing, and other watersports, tyre rides, a pirate ship and lots more activities for adrenaline junkies.

http://www.aquaparc.ch/en

Adventure parks Slide down a Rodelbahn, a metal chute on a cart at Atzmannig adventure park near Goldingen SG, and enjoy other outdoor activities. http://www.atzmaennig.ch/sommer_en.cfm

Or try another adventure park at Oechschinensee, Kandersteg BE.
http://www.oeschinensee.ch/

Another good adventure place is Brunni/Engelberg (OB) south of Lake Luzern near Stans. http://www.brunni.ch/de/erlebnis-winter/preise/einzelfahrten.html

Skiing See our feature on ski resorts and winter sports. Look out for the Snow’n’Rail train offers. www.sbb.ch

Skating in the Zürich area: Heuried, Dolder Eisbahn and the Landesmuseum courtyard.

Family days out

It needn’t cost a fortune to travel by car or public transport; look out for RailAway offers especially in the summer season, April to October. Ask at the station ticket office.

www.railaway.com

Here are a few popular destinations:

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum Step back in time 100 years or more to experience Swiss country life, crafts, farming methods and animals.

http://www.ballenberg.ch/

Hergiswil Glass Museum

See glass being blown and moulded by hand in this traditional glassworks beside the Vierwaldstattersee near Luzern. There’s a fascinating sight and sound museum telling the story of glass (choose your preferred language), hands-on exhibits, new and seconds shops, a restaurant and an outdoor playground. Open Monday to Saturday, free entry. Access by train, boat from Luzern or car.

http://www.glasi.ch/index.php?id=2&L=1

Olympic Museum, Lausanne

Exhibits showing the history of the Olympic movement, the modern Games and Olympic stars, audiovisual shows and memorabilia. The extensive grounds are nice to explore, and the restaurant is excellent. Great shop too. Open daily except Mondays in winter. Near Metro station Ouchy. Look out for family and group tickets.

Olympic Museum Lausanne

Augusta Raurica Roman Site near Basel. Spend a day exploring the museum, the reconstructed Roman villa, the arena, amphitheatre, bakery, agora, underground chambers and much more. Take a picnic, the snack bar is quite small. There’s free admission to the site; small charge for the museum. Take train to Kaiseraugst or take the A3 Basel autobahn.

http://www.augustaraurica.ch/en/

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. The following towns are worth a visit: click on the links for extra information from our members:

Featured town: Murten 

Zurich
Zug

Luzern

Bern – you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour

Basel Altstadt

St. Gallen cathedral area

Schaffhausen

Chur

Bellinzona

Konstanz

Next time, a reminder of all 11 destinations featured.

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, March 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.

Guide No. 11 Animals and nature reserves

These vary in price for families. The following places are worth a visit:

Bern Bear Park (BE). The bears that give their name to the capital city have recently been relocated to a nicer site on the banks of the River Aare.
BearPark

Tierpark Langenberg near Langnau-am-Albis (ZH). Free entry but you pay for parking. Bears, wolves, lynx, deer and wildcats can be seen roaming freely in protected enclosures. Also picnic and barbecue sites. About 20 minutes’ drive from Zürich.
http://wildnispark.ch/naturerlebnispark/

Sihlwald nature reserve (ZH) next to the Sihltalbahn out of Zurich has a visitors’ centre, walking paths and otter and beaver dens. Parking also nearby. Free entry, small charge to see special exhibitions.
http://wildnispark.ch/tierpark/

Goldau wild animal park (SZ) is close to Arth-Goldau station, 45 minutes from Zurich HB. It is an extensive site with deer, bears, lynx and birds of prey, a visitors’ centre, café, children’s playground and guided tours. Entrance charge. 
http://www.tierpark.ch/

Zurich zoo is constantly being updated and is dedicated to conservation projects. At the end of the number 6 tram line from Zurich main station. Admission charge – check for special prices for groups and families. Features include the Masoala Rainforest with its lemurs and exotic plants, penguins, polar bears and many large primates and big cats.

http://www.zoo.ch/xml_1/internet/en/intro.cfm

Zoo Basel. In the heart of the city, you can get close to many of the animals. Includes a monkey house, snow leopards, giraffe and kangaroo as well as a children’s zoo. Open throughout the year. Check out the ticket prices at the link below:

http://www.zoobasel.ch/de/index.php

Falconeria Locarno. Featuring  eagles, falcon, vultures,  and owls. 15 minutes from the city centre. Open March to end October, closed Mondays. Displays of birds of prey performance and horse riding. Family tickets and groups available.

http://falconeria.ch/?lang=en

Papiliorama Kerzers, near Bern.  Swiss tropical garden with exotic species and Swiss native butterflies, moths, a jungle trek and petting zoo. Open all year round. RailAway offers available.

http://www.papiliorama.ch/

Sea Life Konstanz (DE) Over 300 animals and 40 pools, including penguins, turtles, black finned sharks, octopus, and an adventure playground and other sea life experiences. 
www.sealife.de

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: Konstanz

Plus here's a reminder of all the other town visits - see links on right:

Zurich

Zug

Luzern

Bern – you can also visit the Swiss Parliament on a guided tour

Basel Altstadt

St. Gallen cathedral area

Schaffhausen

Chur

Bellinzona

Murten

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, May  2012. Updated 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.