The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.

Page created by Rick Mcguire
 
CONTINUE READING
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
The 100
finest views.
Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
MySwitzerland.com

                                        Explore Switzerland with UBS: ubs.ch/explore
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
Fabulous views.
                                                                                                                Hardly any country can rival Switzerland for views. In every
                                                                                                                region you’ll find spectacular vantage points that reveal
                                                                                                                the glorious variety of Swiss landscapes and which are
                                                                                                                easily accessible on foot or by cable car, cog railway
                                                                                                                or funicular.

                                                                                                                In this, the fifth brochure jointly produced by UBS and
                                                                                                                Switzerland Tourism, we’re setting our sights higher than
                                                                                                                ever. Here we present 100 ideas for excursions that all
                                                                                                                promise glorious views, from breathtaking panoramas of
                                                                                                                Alpine peaks to dizzy glimpses into deep gorges, and
                                                                                                                from tranquil lake vistas to bird’s-eye views of cities and
Your adventure begins here.                                                                                     whole regions.

Key to symbols                            Further information                                                   Enter our big panorama quiz for the chance to win some
                                                                                                                wonderful prizes – and don’t forget to check out the great
  Outdoor activities                      Expert advice & fantastic offers
  High thrills: hiking, mountain          Call us free of charge on 0800 100 222 (8am–6pm Monday till Friday,   discounts and offers at the back of the brochure. Start
  biking and climbing.                    10am–4pm Saturday), or e-mail us at info@myswitzerland.com.           planning your adventures now, and discover your own
                                                                                                                personal Swiss highlights. Happy exploring!
  Mountain rides
  Switzerland’s finest mountain railway
  and cableway trips.

  Food and drink                                                                                                Jürg Schmid               Lukas Gähwiler
  Double the pleasure:                                                                                          CEO Switzerland Tourism   CEO UBS Switzerland
  alpine cuisine with views.                  12345

  Accommodation                           How to use the webcodes
  The most scenic places to stay.         Wherever you see a webcode in this brochure, you can find out
                                          more online: simply go to MySwitzerland.com and enter the
  UBS offers                              number in the search field.
  Great leisure discounts:
  details on page 99.

                                                                                                                                                         Editorial. Top 100 views.   3
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.                                                                                                                                  From the Riggisalp to the Schwarzsee by monster scooter.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            COMBI-TICKET FOR   Monster scooter ride.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Enjoy a day in the Freiburgerland. Take the chairlift from Schwarzsee through                 ONLY CHF           How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the base station on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              the mountains to the mountain station Riggisalp. From there, you can enjoy a                                     the Riggisalp chairlift. Each voucher is valid for a reduction for one child and one adult.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10.–
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              four-kilometer trip on a monster scooter.                                                                        In the interests of your own safety, the price includes a helmet and protective pads.
Bern-Bernese Oberland                    14–23                                                                                                                                                                                                                           86
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
                                                                                                                                                                                                D

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Views you
Great views       1–15      Accommodation         1–23
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Valid: from early June to 31 October, 2014 (end of season)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How you benefit: the voucher gets you a combined chairlift and monster scooter
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               www.kaisereggbahnen-schwarzsee.ch, Tel. +41(0)26 412 10 23
Basel Region         24–27                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ticket for CHF 10 – a saving of up to 50 percent. www.ubs.ch/explore
Great views      16–17
                                                                                                                                                                16

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          and your wallet
Jura & Three-Lakes               28–33

Great views                 Accommodation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         88                                                                                                                                                                   Take the fairytale cable car to the family park on the Hannigalp in Grächen.
                 18–24                           39–41
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   59
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        61
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            JOURNEY BY         Fairy tale cable car and SiSu family park.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The fairytale cable car transports guests big and small to the world of Grimm’s fairy         CABLE CAR          How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the base station on the
Fribourg Region            34–39                                                                                                                                            17                                                                                                                                                                                                                                tales. On the Hannigalp, they meet Grächen’s mascot SiSu, and can enjoy water sports,                            Hannigalp cable car. One voucher is valid for a 2-for-1 offer: one paying adult can take one
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   90–94

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2 for 1
Great views      25–31      Accommodation          24                                                                                                                                                                                                               87                                                                                                                                        climbing, spiders’ webs and water tubing in summer.                                                              adult or child (over the age of 6) with them free. Children under the age of 6 travel free.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          can enjoy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The offer cannot be combined with other discounts (except the half-fare railcard).
Vaud, Lake Geneva Region. Geneva
                                                                      F
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       60    85   83
                                                        40–47                               19                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Valid: 15 June to mid-October 2014 (end of season)
                                                                                                                                                          18                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How you benefit: the voucher offers two adults entry for the price of one.
Great views      32–42      Accommodation        25/70–75                                                                           20
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               www.graechen.ch, Tel. +41(0)27 955 60 60
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Children under the age of six travel for free. www.ubs.ch/explore
Valais   48–57
                                                                                                             39
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    89

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       84
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     FL
Great views      43–57      Accommodation        76–89                                                 21
                                                                                                             22

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Discounted excursions – UBS’s partnership with                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Tamaro Park Adventure.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              45–48           95
                                                                                                                                                                                 15                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Mountain and water fun all in one: Tamaro Park Adventure.                                     VOUCHER WORTH
Ticino   58–63                                                                                                                                                                                                                                94
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               50–52/54–56                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  CHF                How to make it pay for you: you can redeem the voucher at the departing
                                                                                       41
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Take the cable car up to Monte Tamaro. Get off at the middle station and you will find the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Switzerland Tourism helps you travel far and wide.
                                                                                            23                                                                                                                                                           42
Great views      58–64      Accommodation        62–69                                                                                                                                                                                         44
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  80                                                                                                                                                                                           station of Monte Tamaro. Valid only for Tamaro Park Adventure combined ticket.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10.–
                                                                                  40
                                                                       24                         25
                                                                                                                                              13
                                                                                                                                                        1/2                                               14
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         93
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  92
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               53                                                                                                                             Adventure Park, a high-wire park with three levels of difficulty. After that, relax in the                       Maximum two persons per single voucher.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           96/97/98                82    57–58
                                                                                                                                               12                                                                                                                                                                 81                                         74
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              new waterpark “Splash e Spa Tamaro” at the base station – lots of fun is waiting for you.                        The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       79
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         99                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Valid: until 31 October, 2014
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              43
                                                                                24
                                                                 72                                                                                                                                           90
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             71
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   75                                                               30
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How you benefit: the voucher gives you CHF 10 off the combined ticket.                                           www.splashespa.ch, Tel. +41 (0)91 936 22 22 and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            28/29                                                                                                                                                              www.montetamaro.ch, Tel. +41(0)91 946 23 03
                                                                                                                      26                                                                                            10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6/7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              91                                                                                                                                              No more than two persons per voucher. www.ubs.ch/explore
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     49                                                                      78                              76                  73

                                                                                                                                                                    1                      11                                        9
                                                                                                                                                                         21/22                                                                                                                                              77                    72
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            69
                                                                                                                                                                        4                                                                                                                     27                                                                                                         70
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         8–14
                                                                                                                                     27                                     19                           7                                                                     100                      31
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       26                                                     E-bike park Jura (Creux du Van).
                                                 34                                                                        31
                                                                                                       28
                                                                                                                                    30
                                                                                                                                                                                                6    20                                                                                                                                                                                                       In the land of the green fairy: Start from the historic railway station at Noiraigue in the   RAIL BON           E-bike park Jura (Creux du Van).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    17                                                                                                                         33
                                                                                                 29
                                                                                                                                         23                                 5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Val de Travers and travel up to the Creux du Van for a breathtaking view over the             WORTH CHF          The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            15.–
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 58                                                                                           65
                                                                          70
                                                                                        37                                      2                   3–5
                                                                                                                                                                                                          8
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 35–38
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              enchanting amphitheater. Then round off the tour by tasting some absinthe or chocolate.                          when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
                                                                      35/36                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
                                                                                                                      41                                                 18                                                                                                                   64
                                                                          75                                                                                                                                                    80                                                                                                                                       67                                                                                                                                                    is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
                                   33                                                            38                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         34
                                                                                                                                              3
                                                                               73/74
                                                                                                                            15/16                                                                   51                      57
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          66                                  How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the E-bike park                                  Pay series: 0213 0000 2710
                                                                                                                                                               50
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   32
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Jura / Creux du Van combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore                                                        Valid until 31 October 2014
                                                                                            39    40                  42                                                                                                                                                                                                                     68
                                                                                                                                                          48                                                                                  Exclusive discounted excursions                            UBS KeyClub bonus program                                    Free Travel Service Line
                                                                                                                       71                82        76
                                                                                                                                                          85                                                         56                              There are lots of discounts                               If you use our basic banking                                  UBS has set up a free tele-
                                                                                 43
                                         25                                            79                                                                       49                                                                            and exclusive offers that68/69
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           you can                       services, you can participate in the                         phone information service for you,      Titlis Glacier Park.
                                                                                                                                                                    83                              53
                                                                                44
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              benefit from, including      the en-                       UBS KeyClub bonus program and                                called Travel Service Line. It offers   A unique glacial adventure at an altitude of 3,020 metres. With its trendy sliding            RAIL BON
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            59
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Titlis Glacier Park.
                                                                                                                                                                                      52                                                                             62/63
                                         32                                                                                                    47
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              closed excursion vouchers. There                           collect KeyClub points, which you                                  www.swisstravelcenter.ch
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      you expert    advice on travel and
                                                                                                                                84
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     60
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              equipment, Titlis Glacier Park guarantees a fun excursion. The new suspension bridge          WORTH CHF          The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            15.–
                                                                                                                                                               78
                                                                                                                             46                                                                                81                             are also over 350 hotels in Switzer-                       can use like cash by redeeming them                          leisure offers in Switzerland. Espe-    promises unadulterated thrills at over 3,000 metres above sea level.                                             when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
Graubünden         64–73                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           62
                                                                                                                                                                                                             55
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              land that accept KeyClub61points in                        one-for-one with our many part-                              cially practical: you can use it to                                                                                                                      other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
Great views      65–79      Accommodation        26–38                                                           77
                                                                                                                                                                         86–89             54
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              payment if you book through 65/66the                       ners, including Switzerland Tour-                            book hotels and train journeys to-      How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the Titlis Glacier                               Pay series: 0213 0000 2702
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            64  63
Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein                                                                                                                                                                                                           Travel Service Line. Find out more                         ism. You can collect the points in                           gether. From Monday to Friday,          Park combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore                                                                       Valid until 31 October 2014
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I
                                                         76–81                                                                                                                                                                                                                  67

Great views      80–86      Accommodation        57–61                                                      45
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              about the partnership between UBS                          electronic or in paper form.Motorway                         8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also on Satur-
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              and Switzerland Tourism, as well as                        www.ubs.com/keyclub                      Main Road           days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zürich Region            82–85                                                                                                                                                                                                                the latest offers, at:                                     www.ubs.com/keyclubestore                Railway             Free hotline 0800 100 222
Great views      87–89      Accommodation        90–94
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              www.ubs.ch/explore
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Car transport by rail                                       Oberblegisee circular walk.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Airport                                                     A picturesque path leads from Grotzenbüel across meadows and through light forests up
Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Region                                         Tips for great views
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            RAIL BON           Round trip Oberblegisee.
                                                 86–93                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        to the Bächialp mountain restaurant. On the mountain path you come to Oberblegisee.           WORTH CHF          The Rail Bon may be used as payment at most stations in Switzerland

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            15.–
Great views                 Accommodation                             Accommodation tips see page 75
                 90–100                          42–56
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The cableway goes to Luchsingen, and from here you complete the journey back by train.                           when purchasing the offer. The Rail Bon cannot be combined with
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               other offers (1 Rail Bon only per person). No cash payment or refund
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               is possible and it may not be passed on for payment.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 UBS – partner of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Switzerland Tourism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How you benefit: the RailAway rail voucher gives you CHF 15 off the Oberblegisee                                 Pay series: 0213 0000 2728
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              circular walk combination offer. www.ubs.ch/explore                                                              Valid until 26 October 2014
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
Switzerland’s top 27 panoramic
                                                                                                         attractions.
                                                                                                         Towering mountains, picturesque lakes, lush forests, narrow valleys,
                                                                                                         wide plateaus, glittering cityscapes: Switzerland’s diverse land-
                                                                                                         scapes reveal their rich beauty best when seen from above. From the
                                                                                                         100 panoramic attractions described in this brochure, Switzerland
                                                                                                         Tourism’s experts have picked 27 highlights that you shouldn’t miss.

Highlights.
                                                                      Panoramic walks

                                                                      The most scenic hiking trails
                                                                                                                                                      1    antrisch – Stockhorn:
                                                                                                                                                          G
                                                                         61                                                                               Ridge hike full of highlights
                                                                                                                                                     61   Monte Lema – Monte
                                                                                                                                                             Tamaro: Classic panoramic
                                                                                                                                                             walk
                                                                                                                                                     75    arpaner Rothorn – Arosa:
                                                                                                                                                          P
                                                                                                                                                          1,000 peaks in the morning
                                                                                                                                                          sun

                                                                      Switzerland’s panoramic trails bring hikers deep into the country’s
                                                                      most pristine landscapes, offering a uniquely intimate experience
                                                                      of nature along with ever-changing views of mountains, valleys and
                                                                      lakes. The options are endless: from dizzy ridge hikes to treks
                                                                      through wild glacier landscapes, and from strolls along lakeshores
                                                                      to mountaintop walks in the glow of the rising sun. You’ll usually
                                                                      come across mountain restaurants en route, offering a warm
                                                                      welcome along with local specialities: doubly delicious when you’ve
                                                                      built up a hiker’s appetite.

              Gueggisgrat ridge, above Interlaken, Bernese Oberland                                                                                Highlights. Top 100 views.             5
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
Scenic adventures                                                                                     Observation platforms

High thrills to suit every taste                                                                      The most dramatic vantage points in the Alps
Explore twisting trails on a mountain bike,                                                           From filigree constructions of
                                                         48                                                                                    50
glide between the treetops on a zip wire, scale                                                       steel projecting over an abyss
dizzy crags on a via ferrata (fixed-cable climb):                                                     to dizzy towers that rise high
Switzerland’s mountains offer adrenalin-seekers                                                       above the treetops, Switzerland’s
no end of thrilling adventures, with panoramas                                                        manmade observation decks
to match.                                                                                             use stylish design to offer bird’s-
                                                                                                      eye views of spectacular land-
 31   Charmey adventure park: High thrills in a                                                     scapes.
        spectacular setting
 48   Crans-Montana: Bike tour with world-class views                                                 20         our de Moron: Panorama
                                                                                                                 T
 66    iavolezza via ferrata: Landscape of legendary
      D                                                                                                          with a twist
      beauty                                                                                           50         emmi Pass: Floating
                                                                                                                 G
                                                                                                                 between heaven and earth
                                                                                                       59         ardada Cimetta: Locarno’s
                                                                                                                 C
                                                                                                                 great little peak

Panoramic peaks                                                                                       Top mountain huts

The finest 360° vistas                                                                                Cosy cabins with world-class views
                                                                  Ride the funicular up the Niesen,                                                 A comfortable spot in the sun and glorious scenery
                                                              4                                             78
                                                                  hike up the Barrhorn or take                                                      before your eyes: Switzerland’s mountain huts
                                                                  the cable car to the summit of                                                    enjoy some of the finest locations in the Alps – and
                                                                  the Säntis for views that are                                                     offer an unrivalled setting in which to savour the
                                                                  guaranteed to take your breath                                                    region’s gastronomic specialities.
                                                                  away. Here, not only the Alps
                                                                  but the whole world seems to                                                       30   Jaun: Chalet du Soldat

                                                                  lie at your feet.                                                                  43   M
                                                                                                                                                            orgins: Le Ferrage
                                                                                                                                                     78   P
                                                                                                                                                            iz Mundaun: Bündner Rigi
                                                                   4    N
                                                                          iesen: Mighty pyramid
                                                                         crafted by nature
                                                                   52    arrhorn: Hike to the
                                                                        B
                                                                        pinnacle of superlatives
                                                                   85    äntis: Fabulous panoramic
                                                                        S
                                                                        views over six countries

6       Top 100 views. Highlights.                                                                                                                                    Highlights. Top 100 views.      7
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
Pioneering cog railways                                             City summits

                     The most historic mountain rides                                    The most attractive urban escapes
                     Switzerland’s historic mountain railways evoke all                                                                                            Most of Switzerland’s cities
                                                                               10           88
                     the glamour of the pioneering days of Alpine                                                                                                  have a nearby mountain where
                     tourism. As they scale the country’s iconic peaks,                                                                                            locals like to relax, surrounded
                     the trains reveal ever-changing views that have                                                                                               by nature. For visitors, these
                     enchanted visitors for well over a century.                                                                                                   summits offer a fresh view of
                                                                                                                                                                   the city and its surroundings –
                       7   Schynige Platte railway: Cog train to a                                                                                              and provide the starting point
                           heavenly hike
                                                                                                                                                                   for glorious walks.
                      10   Brienz Rothorn steam railway: Steam journey
                             to boundless views                                                                                                                     23    haumont: View of three
                                                                                                                                                                         C
                      93   Pilatus cog railway: High thrills on the world’s                                                                                             lakes from Neuchâtel’s peak
                            steepest cog railway                                                                                                                    63    an Salvatore: Heavenly hike
                                                                                                                                                                         S
                                                                                                                                                                         on Lugano’s mountain
                                                                                                                                                                    88    etliberg: High above Zürich
                                                                                                                                                                         U
                                                                                                                                                                         on a pioneering railway

                                                                                         Alpine attractions

                                                                                         The most unusual mountain adventures
                                                                                                                        Discover the summer snows 3,000 metres above
                                                                                                                   38
Unusual cable cars                                                                                                      sea level, explore the world of marmots, follow in
                                                                                                                        the footsteps of James Bond high in the Bernese
The most spectacular cableway trips
                                                                                                                        Oberland: Switzerland’s summits offer a variety
The only cabriolet cable car in                                                                                         of adventures to suit every taste.
                                                                                    99
the world, the first-ever revolving
cable car, the atmospheric                                                                                               9    S
                                                                                                                                chilthorn: Top location for 007

miniature cableways of canton                                                                                            38    ochers-de-Naye: Marmot playground above
                                                                                                                              R
                                                                                                                              Montreux
Uri… These and other original
mountain rides bear witness to                                                                                           42   Glacier 3000: Snow fun in high summer

the inventiveness of Swiss
engineers.

 91   Titlis Rotair: 360° views from
        the revolving cabin
 92    tanserhorn cable car:
      S
      World’s first cabriolet cable car
 99    ri’s nostalgic cableways:
      U
      Rides back in time

8        Top 100 views. Highlights.                                                                                                                            Highlights. Top 100 views.              9
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.

The great UBS                                                                                             1    Visit UBS. To take part in the
                                                                                                               UBS Panorama Quiz, go to
                                                                                                               your UBS branch and pick up
                                                                                                          the pack of five stickers showing

Panorama Quiz:
                                                                                                          beautiful views of Switzerland. On
                                                                                                          the back of each sticker is a tricky
                                                                                                          question about the location shown.
                                                                                                          Answer it, and you’re in with a
                                                                                                          chance of winning the main prize:

lots to discover
                                                                                                          a weekend in the idyllic Romantik
                                                                                                          Hotel Muottas Muragl for you
                                                                                                          and 30 friends. There are also
                                                                                                          10 Swarovski binoculars worth

and win!
                                                                                                          approximately 2,000 francs and
                                                                                                          10 Switzerland Tourism vouchers
                                                                                                          worth 1,000 francs each to be won.

                                                                                                          2     Travel and discover. The best
                                                                                                                way to answer the quiz ques-
                                                                                                                                                            Great views: Participation
                                                                                                                                                            sets and stickers for
                                                                                                                                                            the UBS Panorama Quiz
                                                                                                                                                                                              1798 m

                                                                                                                                                                                              RIGI                            SAN SALVATORE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              912 m

The UBS and Switzerland Tourism quiz is                                                                         tions is to take a trip to the
                                                                                                          vantage point. It’s worth it for two
                                                                                                                                                            are available in German,
                                                                                                                                                                                                              ROCHEARYSE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        -
                                                                                                                                                            French and Italian in all                          DE-N
all about 20 vantage points. There are prizes                                                             reasons: because of the magnificent               UBS branches. Good luck!
                                                                                                          panorama – and because you’re cer-
with a total value of over 50,000 francs to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2042 m

                                                                                                          tain to find the answer to the quiz
be won. Take part and take off for new horizons!                                                           question in the view. Then enter the
                                                                                                          answer on the answer slip in the
                                                                                                          participation set. It’s easier, though, to   Panorama Quiz free of charge in        great memories of spectacular views
                                                                                                          play online at www.ubs.ch/explore.           your UBS branch. There are a total     for your entertainment.         •
                                                                                                          So leave your everyday life behind           of 20 vantage points for you to rec-
                                                                                                          and travel far away. The final draw          ognize. The more times you take                     Find out more about the
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Panorama Quiz in any UBS branch or
                                                                                                          will take place in mid-October 2014.         part in the competition, the great-
                                                                                                                                                                                                       at www.ubs.ch/explore
                                                                                                                                                       er your chances of winning. But

                                                                                                          3

                                                                            Illustration: Paula Troxler
                                                                                                               For unforgettable moments. If           you stand to gain in any case:                     Benefit from the UBS excursion
                                                                                                               you fancy more fascinating              you’ll learn about unique desti-                vouchers on page 99.
                                                                                                               possibilities you can obtain            nations for excursions, and also
                                                                                                          further participation sets for the           collect the attractive stickers with
                                                                 t. at
                                                                        t
                                                                     as

                                                              lif e,
                 a oi o

                                                             io e
                                                          iss n th
               se wp ar t

                                                          of op
                                                                   m

                                                 e ke age
                    ve ,

                                                          ve ,
                  le nt

                                                        le d

                                                        m Eur
                                                                n

                                                                                                                                                               e
           ov vie le c

                                                                                                                                                         m ge
                                                      a ba
                                                       sm t i

                                                                                                                                                             ov
                                              ov eu nt
                      l.

                                                                                                                                     .
                                                             l.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .
                                                                                                                                    l
                                                                                                                       ov ch :

                                                                                                                                                        0 id

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             nd
                                           gh an in

                                                                                                                                  ve
                                                                                                                     ab ran alp
                                                    se r
                                           ab L va

                                                                                                                                                          ab
                                              k, lift :
         ab st ab

                                                 15 in
                                                           t

                                                                                                                                                   l. 02 br

                                                                                                                                                                                                                in hig h:
                                         hi , tr po

                                         st ai if

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    itz st
                                                                                                                               le

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          la
                                                                                                                         e ,
                                                                                                                    m b er
        m he c

                                        m v s

                                       en en d L

                                                                                                                                                                                                            in the ric
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Sw he
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       er
                                      0 bo nou

                                                                                                                             a

                                                                                                                                                 ve , n
      3 ig rn:

                                                                                                                   0 BS tm
                                       m ra st

                                                     2

                                                                                                                          se

                                                                                                                                               le , 3 io

                                                                                                                                                                                                         ild , Zu
                                                                                                                                          se ro pen :
                                    4 Ju he

                                    rg p n

                                                                                                                                              Eu sus lk
                                           oc r

                                                                                                                00 U et

                                                                                                                                            a pe s
  88 s h o

                                                 e
             e

                                                 a
                                                  i
                                 2, orm rtig

                                                                                                                                          in est Wa
3, pe’ erh

                                 11 ese hig

                                 Bü st w

                                                                                                              2, est e B

                                                                                                                                                                                                       bu 2 m er,
                                               .

                                              h

                                                                                                                                                                                                         13 ow
    ro att

                                            e

                                            c

                                                                                                                gh th
                                            a

                                                                                                                                                     f
                                    rn al:

                                   at : v

                                   gh ts

                                                                                                                                            gh if
                                          o

                                                                                                                                                                                                              g
Eu M

                                                                                                                                          hi s Cl

                                                                                                                                                                                                       at e T
                                 hi me
                                 Be ser

                                                                                                              hi on
                                 pl i  m

                                      e
     in

                                      s

                                   am

                                                                                                                                                                                                         im
                                   em

                                                                                                                BS
                                     f
                                   35

                                                                                                                                             tli
                                   ha
  le

                                                                                                                                                                                                       Pr
                                                                                                                                          Ti
                                 H

                                                                                                            U
                                 G
K

                                 C
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
DISCOVER SWITZERLAND WITH UBS.

Main prize: a hotel
                                                                                                                           “The outlook for                                                              workers prepare themselves for all
                                                                                                                                                                                                         weather conditions.

                                                                                                                           Switzerland is good”
                                                         1
for you and your 30 best                                                                                                                                                                                        On what is your confidence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                based?
friends                                                                                                                                                                                                  While many countries are in debt,
The main prize offers a breathtaking view:
                                                                                                                           Lukas Gähwiler, CEO UBS Switzerland,                                          our nation is one of the largest cred-
With a little luck, the Romantik Hotel Muottas
Muragl – high above the clouds and with the
                                                                                                                           looks optimistically to the future.                                           itors in the world. Thanks to direct
                                                                                                                                                                                                         democracy and federalism, we also
best panorama imaginable – can be where                                                                                                                                                                  have a stable political system. Stud-
you and your 30 best friends spend two nights                                                                                                                                                            ies show that Switzerland is innova-
with full board, drinks and a comprehensive
                                                                                                                                                                an altitude record: in Vispertermin-     tive and competitive. UBS is playing
program of entertainment. The package guar-
antees an unforgettable experience in a                                                                                                                         en winegrowers cultivate vineyards       its part in this through its commit-
unique environment. The value of the prize is                                                                                                                   over 1,000 meters up, on the Silser-     ment to training and innovation.
approximately 20,000 francs.                                                                                                                                    see at 1,800 meters there is a ferry
                                                                                                                                                                company and on the Jungfraujoch                 Clouds have formed over the
Seventh heaven
                                                                                                                                                                a post office at almost 3,500 me-               financial sector, however …
The Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl will
make your heart beat faster. The architecture                                                                                                                   ters. But even in the cities there are   Changed economic and legal con-
in the 16 bedrooms combines modern ele-                                                                                                                         vantage points, such as the Prime        ditions and new technologies pre-
ments with traditional mountain materials.                                                                                                                      Tower in Zurich. It is in our nature     sent us with challenges. We are tak-
The unique establishment is located above                                                                                                                       to seek open views.                      ing account of these changes. The
Samedan, at 2,456 meters above sea                                                                                              Lukas Gähwiler is CEO
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Swiss financial sector will continue
level, and can be reached via the Muottas                2                              3                                       of UBS Switzerland.
Muragl railway. The idyllic panorama over                                                                                                                              In your professional life you     to play an important role if we un-
the Oberengadin lakes, with its various                                                                                                                                are also concerned with           derstand client requirements and

                                                                                                                           W
perspectives, is legendary.                                                                                                            hy are UBS and                  the economic outlook. What        offer innovative solutions.
But not only the view is electrifying. The first                                                                                        Switzerland Tourism             is your assessment of it?
Plus energy hotel in the Alps requires only                                                                                            using the motto          In the long term I am optimistic.               What would you like your
sustainable energy such as geothermal                                                                                                  “Outlook” for the        We have high purchasing power                   outlook to be this year?
and solar energy, producing no pollutants or                                                                                           summer, Mr. Gähwiler?    in Switzerland, as our “prices and       My family would like to cash in a
CO2 emissions.
                                                                                                                           Switzerland has a unique land-       wages” survey shows. We are better       few excursion vouchers (page 99).
    www.muottasmuragl.ch                                                                                                   scape. From the mountain tops we     off than our European neighbors.         So I will allow myself to be tempted,
                                                        1) The view from the terrace above the Oberengadin lakes invites
                                                                                                                           have bewitching views over lakes,    Our economy has been growing             as I love discovering new places.        •
                                                           you to gaze and dream.                                          the Alps and agricultural land-      faster for several years. But eco-
                                                        2) For over three years, the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl,        scapes. In no other country in Eu-   nomic life is like living in the moun-
                                                           which is over 100 years old, has gleamed in renewed splendor.   rope will you find so many moun-     tains: sunshine and rain alternate
                                                        3) Swiss pinewood lends charm to every room.                       tains over four thousand meters      surprisingly quickly. That’s why
                                                                                                                           high. We can thus genuinely claim    it’s important that companies and
                                                                                                            ea film ng
                                                                 H brid ic
                                n

                                                                            e.

                                                                                                         e s d mi
                                                                       ge ,
                    tic an ec io

                                                                    ita es
                                                                          m

                                                                         sit

                                                                                                              lev ,
                                                                                                       ov on fil
                                                                                                  0 am w ing
                  en ta it at

                                                                  er g
                                                            or 96 ra

                                                                                                                                                             ,
                                                                                                                 el.

                                                                                                                                                           er
               pr ot rch erv

                                                                                                    ab B ld,
                                                           W ss 1 ano

                                                                                                                                                                              ec no car
                                                                                                                                                                                        ic
                                                                                              97 J e lv

                                                                                                                                                          w
                       es d t

                                                                                                                                                 m ti ch
                             0

                                                                                                                                                                                      m
                                                                                                   m es or
                                                                                            2, or a in th evo

                                                                                                                                                        to

                                                                                                                                                                     up ope st c rio
             ap o B e a obs

                           70

                                                                                                                                          11 ob val n:
                                                       sc ro : p

                                                                                                                                                6 va ur

                                                                                                                                                                                k. ra
                                                                                                                                                                           r d pa le
                                                                                                                                                     on
                                                                                                                                                      r

                                                                                                                                                                                r b
                                                                                                                                                                         pe n, ab
                                                                                               e f nt t r

                                                                                                                                             0. ser ch
                                                    ne ac ss

                                                                                                                                            ith ie e
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Switzerland distinguishes
               ar t n:

                                                                                                                                                                       ith fi a
                                                                                                                                          w med of B
                                                  U ey pre

                                                                                                                                                                     w ay: n C
                                                                                            sit ura firs
                                                              ld
             M r by oro

                         .

                                                                                                                                                                                                               itself by its airy heights – and
                        h

                                                      n x

                                                                                                                                                                                r
                                                                                                     :
               w M

                                                                                              sta ia

                                                                                                                                            te al
                                                    ur E

                                                                                                                                                                        ilw o
                                                                                                                                                  .

                                                                                                                                                                     ra serh
                                                                                                                                          la edr
                                                                                            re lor
                                                  jo ina
             to de

                                                                                                                                                                                                               by well-developed vantage
                                                         o

                                                                                               zG

                                                                                                                                               h
                 i
                 e
               ur

                                                     rn

                                                                                                                                                                       an
                                                                                                                                            at
                                                                                                                                                                                                               points.
             To

                                                  Be

                                                                                            Pi

                                                                                                                                         C

                                                                                                                                                                     St
                                                                                                                                                                                                               UBS – partner of
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Switzerland Tourism
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
Bern-
Bernese Oberland.

Top 100 Aussichten. Xxxxxxxx.           Xxxxxxxx.
                                Bern with          TopAlps
                                          the Bernese  100(background),
                                                            Aussichten. Bern Region
The 100 finest views - Unique moments and inspiring experiences.
An enchanted world.                                                                          2    Schönried / Rellerli: Tops for mountain bikers.                                                   15   16

                                      Beyond the gates of Bern’s picturesque Old Town, a UNESCO World                                                                                                       If you have never tried mountain biking in alpine
                                      Heritage Site, lie a variety of landscapes of bewitching beauty, each                                                                                                 terrain, you couldn’t pick a better place to have a
                                                                                                                                                                                                            go than Rellerli – the mountain with the long ridge
                                      typically Swiss in its own way. The lush, rolling scenery of the Emmen-
                                                                                                                                                                                                            and big choice of leisure activities. If you don’t feel
                                      tal and the Gürbetal valleys; the sparkling lakes at the gateway to                                                                                                   like pedalling all the way up, glide to the summit
                                      the high Alps; the snow-capped pinnacles of the Schilthorn and the                                                                                                    with your bike in the gondola from Schönried. Up
BE! Tourismus AG                      Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau: this remarkably diverse region offers an                                                                                                   on high, you’ll enjoy glorious views extending from
CH-3005 Bern                                                                                                                                                                                                the chic resort of Gstaad to the jagged pinnacles
                                      unforgettable setting for holiday adventures that have long enchanted
Phone +41 (0)31 300 33 00
                                                                                                                                                                                                            of the Dent de Ruth and the Dent de Savigny – as
www.madeinbern.com                    visitors from all over the world.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            well as the chance to sample the delicious fare at
                                                                                                                                                                                                            the Rellerli mountain restaurant, famous far and
                                                                                                                                                                                                            wide. Once you’ve had your fill, head back down
                                                                                                                                                                                                            the mountain on the winding single-track trail –
                                                                                                                                                                                                            a thrilling but low-risk ride. Et voilà: great fun for
     1   Gantrisch – Stockhorn: Ridge hike full of highlights.                                           21   22
                                                                                                                              Don’t miss                               Address                              little effort.
                                                                                                                              ■■  parenmoos panoramic trail
                                                                                                                                 S                                     Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad AG
                                                                                                                              ■■ Kick-scooter rides from top station   Promenade 41
Don’t miss                                                                                                                                                                                                    MySwitzerland.com, Webcode             191295
                                                                                                                              ■■ Rellerli summer toboggan run          CH-3780 Gstaad
■■ “Stockhorn Eyes” – new pano-                                                                                               ■■ Rafting on the River Saane from       Phone +41 (0)33 748 87 37
   ramic viewing platform                                                                                                        Gstaad to Château-d’Oex               www.gstaad.ch
■■ Mountain lakes on the Stockhorn

■■ Bungee jumping from a cable car

■■ Simmental farmhouse trail

■■ White-water rafting on the Simme

Address
                                                                                                                                   3    Zweisimmen – Lenk: Challenging trail to Leiterli.                                                            23

Stockhornbahn AG
Kleindorf                                                                                                                     As you glide gently in the gondola from Zweisim-
CH-3762 Erlenbach i. S.                                                                                                       men up the Rinderberg, the views of the lush alpine
Phone +41 (0)33 681 21 81                                                                                                     pastures, steep wild-hay meadows and towering
www.stockhorn.ch
                                                                                                                              cliffs of the Bernese Oberland mountains become
                                                                                                                              more spectacular with each passing moment.
                                                                                                                              This beautiful landscape, full of contrasts, forms a
                                                                                                                              magnificent backdrop for the six-hour panoramic
                                                                                                                              hike to Leiterli, above Lenk, at an altitude of
                                                                                                                              2,001 metres. The trail leads via the Gandlouenen
                                      The Stockhorn is one of the emblematic peaks of the Bernese Oberland, accessible        ridge and the Parwenge saddle to the long flank
                                      from the south by cable car. A more challenging but highly satisfying alternative is    of the Heuberg, high above the Turbach valley,
                                      to walk there via a string of peaks high above the Simmental valley – a demanding       before following another sequence of ridges to the
                                      hike of about six hours. Start at Gurnigel, served by postal bus, and climb to the      top of the Leiterli gondola. Despite the relatively
                                      Leiteren Pass below the Gantrisch. A well-marked alpine trail leads up to the Hohmad,   small vertical difference encountered along the
                                      revealing gorgeous views of the Bernese Alps and into the lush Simmental. A final,      route – just 300 metres – this is a long and chal-
                                      steep climb accesses the summit of the Stockhorn and a panoramic platform, opened       lenging hike, offering glorious views by way of           Don’t miss                              Address
                                      in 2013, that projects from a window in the peak’s sheer north face. The bird’s-eye     reward.                                                   ■■ Simmen Falls–Iffigenalp hike         Lenk-Simm­en­tal Tou­ris­mus AG
                                                                                                                                                                                        ■■ Sieben Brunnen (“Seven Springs”)     Rawil­strasse 3
                                      views are breathtaking, and extend from Lake Thun to the rolling hills of the Jura.
                                                                                                                                                                                        ■■ Betelberg “Alpine adventure”,        CH-3775 Lenk i. S.
                                                                                                                                   MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          191229              “Alpine Culture” playground          Phone +41 (0)33 736 35 35
                                                                            MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         57192                                                                    ■■ Mountain bike trail over the         www.lenk-simmental.ch
                                                                                                                                                                                           Hahnenmoos Pass to Adelboden

16       Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland.                                                                                                                                                                  Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views.           17
4   Niesen: Mighty pyramid crafted by nature.                                                          19                   6   Schilthorn: Top location for 007.                                                                                    20

                                                                      The Niesen is easy to recognise: its summit                                                                         Like the royal box at a theatre, the Piz Gloria offers the ultimate view
                                                                      forms a perfect pyramid. The peak attracts visi-                                                                    of the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. In 1969, the sight proved
                                                                      tors from all over the world, and also acts as a                                                                    an inspiration to Peter R. Hunt, director of the James Bond film “On
                                                                      weather forecaster. One saying holds that when                                                                      Her Majesty’s Secret Service”: he chose the peak with its famous
                                                                      the Niesen wears a “hat” of cloud, the weather                                                                      revolving restaurant as a key location. Ever since, enthusiasts have
                                                                      will be fine – to the delight of local people, who                                                                  flocked from around the world to see the soaring cliffs and snow-
                                                                      are always happy to trust the predictions of “their”                                                                capped peaks of the Bernese Alps with their own eyes, and to mar-
                                                                      mountain. For more than 100 years, a funicular                                                                      vel at the distant views, which on clear days reach the Vosges moun-
                                                                      has scaled the peak from Mülenen; the flight of                                                                     tains in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Last summer, two
                                                                      steps along the track, used for maintenance, is                                                                     new attractions opened: the James Bond World exhibition and the
                                                                      the longest in the world. From the top station,                                                                     Piz Gloria View observation platform.
                                                                      it’s a short walk to the summit and dazzling views
                                                                      over a sea of pinnacles that make you want to                                                                                                MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         42578
                                                                      take to the skies like a bird. Why not? The local
Don’t miss                                Address                     paragliding club offers tandem flights.
■■  pectacular sunrises and sunsets
   S                                      Niesenbahn AG                                                                                                                                   Don’t miss                                Address
■■ Niesen–Springenboden hike              Talstation                    MySwitzerland.com, Webcode           42593                                                                        ■■  chilthorn 007 revolving restaurant
                                                                                                                                                                                             S                                      Schilthornbahn AG
■■ Diemtigtal Nature Park                 CH-3711 Mülenen                                                                                                                                 ■■ Car-free resort of Mürren              Höheweg 2
■■ New Lake Thun circular hike            Phone +41 (0)33 676 77 11                                                                                                                       ■■ Mürren–Gimmelwald via ferrata          CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Postal bus trips into Kiental valley   www.niesen.ch                                                                                                                                   ■■ North Face Trail                       Phone +41 (0)33 826 00 07
                                                                                                                                                                                          ■■ Trümmelbach Falls                      www.schilthorn.ch

     5   Kandersteg / Allmenalp: High thrills up a cliff.                                               18

                                                                      You’ll need a sure foot and a good head for
                                                                      heights to tackle Kandersteg’s famous via ferrata.          7   Schynige Platte – First: Heavenly hike.
                                                                      Previous experience is essential: this challenging
                                                                      fixed-cable climb leads up sheer cliffs, guarantee-    The ride up to Schynige Platte in a cog railway more than 100 years
                                                                      ing high thrills all the way. The 550-metre route      old offers a rare chance to admire the tremendous variety of alpine
                                                                      climbs on either side of the Allmibach cascades,       flora – at the botanical garden by the summit station, 2,000 metres
                                                                      incorporating rope ladders, 25-metre suspension        above sea level. This is the starting point for a demanding six-hour
                                                                      bridges and a spectacular zip wire on the way          hike that leads way above the treeline to reveal breathtaking views
                                                                      to the tranquil Allmenalp pastures. For an easier      of the iconic peaks of the Bernese Alps including the Eiger, Mönch
                                                                      ascent, ride up on the cable car; you’ll enjoy the     and Jungfrau. At the highest point of the panoramic path, before
                                                                      same glorious views as the climbers of the dra-        you descend to the sparkling, much-photographed Bachalpsee,
                                                                      matic Kander valley and the snow-capped pinna-         you pass a piece of Swiss history: the Faulhorn mountain hotel, the
                                                                      cles of the Blüemlisalp massif. Walk beyond the        highest in the Alps when it opened in 1832, and to this day a popu-
                                                                      restaurant up to Obere Allme, and you’ll also see      lar stop for hungry hikers.
                                                                      across to the piercing blue waters of Lake
Don’t miss                                Address                     Oeschinen.
■■ Restaurant Allmenalp                  Kandersteg Tourismus                                                               Don’t miss                                 Address                                    MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         57111
■■ Blausee lake with trout farm           Äussere Dorfstrasse 26        MySwitzerland.com, Webcode           40794           ■■  hrilling First Flyer zip-wire rides
                                                                                                                                T                                       Jungfraubahnen
■■ Rowing boats on Lake Oeschinen         CH-3718 Kandersteg                                                                 ■■ Bort–Grindelwald kick-scooter run       Harderstrasse 14
■■ BLS railway theme trail                Phone +41 (0)33 675 80 80                                                          ■■ Indoor Rope Park, Grindelwald           CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Ricola herb garden, Kandersteg         www.kandersteg.ch                                                                  ■■ JungfrauPark, Interlaken                Phone +41 (0)33 828 71 11
                                                                                                                             ■■ Harder viewpoint, Interlaken            www.jungfrau.ch

18       Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland.                                                                                                                                                                      Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views.        19
8   Jungfraujoch: To the “Top of Europe”.                                                                   8    14               10   Brienzer Rothorn – Brünigpass: Boundless views.                                                  6     7

                                                                         When you board the train at Kleine Scheidegg, the                                                                1,678 vertical metres separate Brienz from the summit of the
                                                                         breeze caressing your cheeks feels mild enough.                                                                  Rothorn. The most atmospheric way up is in a panoramic carriage
                                                                         That soon changes on the ride up to Europe’s                                                                     of one of the steam trains that has carried visitors from all over the
                                                                         highest railway station, 3,454 metres above sea                                                                  world to the summit since 1891. You can also glide up the mountain
                                                                         level. The journey takes you through a long tunnel                                                               from the other side – in a cable car from Sörenberg. The summit
                                                                         with two stops offering views through windows                                                                    observation platform, looks out over a sea of Alpine peaks and lush
                                                                         in the rock. The first looks out from the north face                                                             pastures. A five-hour walk leads along the ridge to the Brünigpass,
                                                                         of the Eiger over a yawning abyss; the second re-                                                                with spectacular views the whole way. On the right, you look down
                                                                         veals a vast sea of ice, the famous “Eismeer”. After                                                             to the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and across to the Eiger,
                                                                         a total climb of 1,400 vertical metres, you reach                                                                Mönch and Jungfrau; straight ahead of you lies the historic valley
                                                                         the Jungfraujoch, “Top of Europe”. Here there’s                                                                  of the Haslital; while to your left, the vista extends from the craggy
                                                                         definitely a wintry chill in the air as the perennial                                                            Schrattenfluh in the Entlebuch to the distant Swiss Plateau.
                                                                         snows sparkle in the dazzling sunlight. The Sphinx
                                                                         observation platform offers unforgettable views           Don’t miss                           Address                                 MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         36273
Don’t miss                              Address                          of this high wilderness, including the largest river of   ■■  ood-carving in Brienz
                                                                                                                                      W                                 Brienz Rothorn Bahn
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Open-air museum, Ballenberg       Hauptstrasse 149
■■ Snow Fun Park on the glacier         Jungfraubahnen                   ice in the Alps, the world-famous Aletsch Glacier.
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Lake Brienz cruises               CH-3855 Brienz
■■ Snow hike to Mönchsjoch hut          Harderstrasse 14
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Aare cycle route, Lake Brienz     Phone +41 (0)33 952 22 22
■■ Alpine Sensation gallery             CH-3800 Interlaken
■■ Ice palace in the Aletsch Glacier    Phone +41 (0)33 828 71 11
                                                                           MySwitzerland.com, Webcode            42577             ■■ Giessbach falls and grand hotel   www.brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch
■■ Sphinx viewing platform (3,571 m)    www.jungfrau.ch

                                                                                                                                        11   Niederhorn – Habkern: Mountain realm of the ibex.
     9   Alpen tower: Pinnacles of pleasure.
                                                                                                                                   From the Beatenbucht boat stop on Lake Thun,
Bracing mountain air, glorious views and a beautiful restaurant: the                                                               a sparkling silver funicular and then a cable car
three ingredients of a perfect alpine excursion come together at Plan-                                                             carry you smoothly to the summit of the Nieder-
platten above Meiringen, at an altitude of 2,245 metres. The ride up                                                               horn (1,949 m), the starting point for a glorious
is quick and comfortable on the modern Eagle Express gondola from                                                                  four-hour panoramic hike. But first, make a little
Mägisalp. At the summit, take a seat in the Alpen tower restaurant –                                                               detour: stroll past the summit hotel to the ridge
as futuristic as its name suggests – and order a local speciality:                                                                 overlooking the lake you have just sailed across,
meringues with double cream. These sweet delicacies made of egg                                                                    now lying at your feet in its shimmering blue glory.
white were invented in Meiringen, and their little white pinnacles                                                                 The trail proper leads you across flower-filled
perfectly match the snow-capped peaks on the horizon. Information                                                                  meadows and past sculpted limestone cliffs to-
panels reveal the names of all the surrounding mountains – a be-                                                                   wards Habkern; go gently, and you may spot ibex
witching backdrop for a variety of exhilarating panoramic hikes.                                                                   or chamois. From the Burgfeldstand, the highest
                                                                                                                                   point along the hike, pause to admire the famous
                        MySwitzerland.com, Webcode        42640                                                                    mountain trio of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau;
                                                                                                                                   later, from the top of the dramatic Gemmenalp-         Don’t miss                           Address
                                                                                                                                   horn, enjoy superb views of the Sieben Hengste         ■■ W ildlife-watching trips         Thunersee-Beatenberg-
                                                                                                                                                                                          ■■ Alpine orienteering trails,       Niederhorn-Bahnen
Don’t miss                              Address                                                                                    and the Hohgant.
                                                                                                                                                                                              Niederhorn                       CH-3803 Beatenberg
■■ Horizon Trail to Engstlenalp         Bergbahnen                                                                                                                                        ■■ Lombachalp and Habkern-           Phone +41 (0)33 841 08 41
■■ Muggestutz children’s theme trail    Meiringen-Hasliberg AG                                                                          MySwitzerland.com, Webcode      57564                 Sörenberg moorland               www.niederhorn.ch
■■ Sherlock Holmes Museum,              Twing                                                                                                                                             ■■ St. Beatus caves with museum
   Meiringen                            CH-6084 Hasliberg Wasserwendi
■■ Reichenbach Falls and Rosenlaui      Phone +41 (0)33 550 50 50
■■ Tälli mountain hut and via ferrata   www.meiringen-hasliberg.ch

20       Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland.                                                                                                                                                                   Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views.       21
12   Naturpark Gantrisch: Gürbetal high trail.                                                                                    14   Napf: Roof of the Emmental.

                                                        The five-hour hike along the heights overlooking the Gürbe valley,                                                                            The gentle hills of the Emmental culminate
                                                        from Kehrsatz to Mühlethurnen, leaves no questions unanswered –                                                                               in the solitary peak of the Napf at an altitude of
                                                        thanks to modern technology. On this walk, you follow an informa-                                                                             1,408 metres. The summit is easy to reach on
                                                        tion-packed app rather than the classic yellow footpath signs. Along                                                                          foot – for example, on the four-hour ridge hike
                                                        the route it directs you to the finest vantage points, recounts intrigu-                                                                      that starts up at Ahornalp and leads past the
                                                        ing local legends, explains cultural features and tells you what you                                                                          Ämmital “Friends of Nature” hostel, Höchänzi and
                                                        see – such as the names of the snow-capped mountains that line                                                                                Nideränzi all the way to the “roof of the Emmental”.
                                                        the horizon like a delicate lace border, in picturesque contrast with                                                                         At the summit you’ll find the atmospheric Napf
                                                        the deep-blue sky and the lush green expanse of the valley. The app                                                                           mountain lodge with its panoramic terrace. On
                                                        also indicates good places to stop for a bite, and gives details of                                                                           clear days, you can see as far as the Bernese Alps
                                                        farmers where you can buy delicious local produce for a picnic.                                                                               and across the Swiss Plateau to the Jura moun-
                                                                                                                                                                                                      tains. The view is particularly romantic towards the
                                                                             MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          53449                                                                                evening, as the sun slowly sets behind the peaks
                                                                                                                                                                                                      on the horizon and a thousand stars appear one-
                                                                                                                                   Don’t miss                             Address                     by-one in the heavens.
                                                        Don’t miss                            Address                              ■■  apf summit hotel, view of Alps
                                                                                                                                      N                                   Tou­ris­mus Emmen­tal
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Beautiful Emmental farmhouses       Bahn­hof­strasse 44
                                                        ■■  teps up the Guggershörnli
                                                           S                                  Naturpark Gan­trisch                                                                                      MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         57101
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Kambly Experience, Trubschachen     CH-3400 Burg­dorf
                                                           pinnacle, panoramic views          Schlossgasse 13
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Grenzpfad Napfbergland 6-day hike   Phone +41 (0)34 402 42 52
                                                        ■■ Swimming in the Schwarzsee lake    CH-3150 Schwar­zen­burg
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Show dairy, Affoltern i. E.         www.emmental.ch
                                                           and the River Sense                Phone +41 (0)31 808 00 20
                                                        ■■ Rüeggisberg monastery ruins        www.gantrisch.ch
                                                        ■■ Gantrisch adventure rope park

                                                        ■■ Gantrisch panoramic trail

                                                                                                                                        15   Lueg: Scenic electric bike tour through cheese country.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Lueg means “Look!” in the local dialect, a thor-
     13   Bern: A rosy outlook.                                                                                          1   2
                                                                                                                                                                                                      oughly appropriate name for this scenic vantage
                                                                                                                                                                                                      point at an altitude of 860 metres. The pictur-
When members of the Swiss government wish to show foreign visi-                                                                                                                                       esque hill lies on the Emmental Cheese Route,
tors the Swiss capital at its most beautiful, they head to the Rose                                                                                                                                   an attractive electric-bike trail in two variants: a
Garden. Up here, the whole of Bern seems to lie at your feet. The                                                                                                                                     one-day circuit and a longer, two-day itinerary.
magnificent views extend the length of the medieval Old Town to                                                                                                                                       Both options take in Lueg because the summit
the mighty cupola of the Parliament Building; perhaps the prettiest                                                                                                                                   offers magnificent views across the colourful
aspect of all is the sight of the River Aare, enclosing the entire his-                                                                                                                               patchwork landscape of the Emmental, the valley
toric city centre in one elegant loop. As well as extravagant displays                                                                                                                                that gives the world-famous cheese its name
of flowers – 220 varieties of roses, 200 of iris and 28 of rhododen-                                                                                                                                  and which accounts for a large share of produc-
dron – the park boasts an attractive network of ponds and spa-                                                                                                                                        tion. On clear days, you can see as far as the
cious lawns, promising pure relaxation.                                                                                                                                                               snow-capped peaks of the Bernese Alps on the
                                                                                                                                                                                                      horizon. A monument at the site commemorates
                                                                                                                                                                                                      the 54 Bernese cavalrymen who fell victim to the
                                                                                                                                   Don’t miss                             Address                     1918 influenza epidemic.
Don’t miss                            Address                                MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         140023             ■■  useum home of the writer
                                                                                                                                      M                                   Tourismus Emmental
■■ Restaurant Rosengarten            Bern Tourismus                                                                                  Jeremias Gotthelf, Lützelflüh       Bahnhofstrasse 44             MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         173519
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Burgdorf castle                     CH-3400 Burgdorf
■■ Old Town: World Heritage Site      Bahnhofplatz 10a
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Emmental Murder and Ghost           Phone +41 (0)34 402 42 52
■■ Panorama from cathedral tower      CH-3011 Bern
■■ Alpine view from Kornhaus bridge   Phone +41 (0)31 328 12 12                                                                       Story Trail                         www.emmental.ch
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Chüechlihus museum, Langnau i. E.
■■ River Aare lido, Marzili           www.bern.com

22        Top 100 views. Bern-Bernese Oberland.                                                                                                                                                          Bern-Bernese Oberland. Top 100 views.        23
Basel Region.

                Ankenballen above Langenbruck, Basel Region
Window on the world.                                                           16   Basel’s Messeturm: City views of three countries.

                                 The Basel Region is famous for its diversity and international outlook.                                                              For 11 years, the shimmering blue form of Basel’s Messeturm,
                                 You realise why on a walk up to the highest point in the canton of                                                                   or Trade Fair Tower, has dominated the city’s skyline. With a height
                                                                                                                                                                      of 105 metres, this is Switzerland’s second-tallest skyscraper,
                                 Baselland, the Chellenchöpfli, whose views extend northwards to the
                                                                                                                                                                      home to conference and business facilities, a hotel and a restaurant
                                 Vosges in France and the Black Forest in Germany; to the south,                                                                      as well as the famous Bar Rouge on the 31st floor. Comfortable
                                 the majestic Alps frame the horizon. Within Basel, the 105-metre-                                                                    leather sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows, soft lighting – the setting is
Basel Tourismus                  high Trade Fair Tower also offers a superb vantage point: at night,                                                                  perfect for enjoying the seemingly endless views that extend past
CH-4010 Basel                                                                                                                                                         the sea of houses and apartments to the lush green countryside of
                                 too, when the city turns into a sea of twinkling lights.
Phone +41 (0)61 268 68 68
                                                                                                                                                                      Switzerland, France and Germany beyond. The city panorama is
www.basel.com
                                                                                                                                                                      especially captivating at night, when Basel transforms into an
                                                                                                                                                                      ocean of sparkling lights.

                                                                                                           Don’t miss                               Address                                   MySwitzerland.com, Webcode           43881
                                                                                                           ■■  iew over the Old Town from the
                                                                                                              V                                     Bar Rouge
                                                                                                              towers of Basel’s cathedral           Messeplatz 10
                                                                                                           ■■ Rhine views from Pfalz square         CH-4058 Basel
                                                                                                           ■■ “3 Countries Corner” and Rhine port   Phone +41 (0)61 361 30 31
                                                                                                           ■■ Rhine swimming, traditional ferries   www.barrouge.ch

                                                                                                                17   Wasserfallen: Glide up gently and zoom back down.

                                                                                                           The Chellenchöpfli is the highest summit in the
                                                                                                           canton of Baselland, 1,156 metres above sea
                                                                                                           level. The ground falls dramatically from the rocky
                                                                                                           outcrop at the top; on clear days, the spectacular
                                                                                                           views extend from the Swiss Alps to the French
                                                                                                           Vosges and the Black Forest in Germany. The
                                                                                                           climb up offers a scenic climax to a mountain out-
                                                                                                           ing packed with variety, beginning with a ride from
                                                                                                           Reigoldswil up to Wasserfallen in one of the yellow
                                                                                                           panoramic gondolas. After the round walk up to
                                                                                                           the Chellenchöpfli and Hintere Egg, which takes
                                                                                                           about an hour and a half, you glide all the way back
                                                                                                           down to the valley on a kick-scooter. Wind in your
                                                                                                           hair, glorious scenery all around and a big smile on
                                                                                                           your face – what more could you ask for?                   Don’t miss                                 Address
                                                                                                                                                                      ■■  asserfallen forest rope park
                                                                                                                                                                         W                                       Baselland Tourismus
                                                                                                                                                                      ■■ Thal Nature Park                        Altmarktstrasse 96
                                                                                                                MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          42666
                                                                                                                                                                      ■■ Hikes in the Jura                       CH-4410 Liestal
                                                                                                                                                                      ■■ Cosy restaurants high in the Jura       Phone +41 (0)61 927 65 44
                                                                                                                                                                      ■■ Solarbob toboggans, Langen-             www.baselland-tourismus.ch
                                                                                                                                                                         bruck

                                                                                                Basel

26     Top 100 views. Basel Region.                                                                                                                                                                          Basel Region. Top 100 views.     27
Jura &
Three-Lakes.

               Creux du Van in the Val-de-Travers, Jura and Three-Lakes
Wild but welcoming.                                                                              19   Les Sommêtres: Spectacular view down to the Doubs.
                                     Whether you scale the Arête des Sommêtres high above the River                                                                                                        The climb from the village of Le Noirmont in the
                                     Doubs in the Jura or climb the Chasseral or Chaumont overlooking                                                                                                      Jura to the 1,097-metre outcrop of the Arête des
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Sommêtres requires a good level of fitness and,
                                     Lake Biel, Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel, you’ll marvel at a region
                                                                                                                                                                                                           at the end, dexterity and a head for heights. The
                                     famous for its open vistas and pristine beauty. From the lush mea-                                                                                                    final stretch of the route to the summit with its
                                     dows where the Franches-Montagnes horses graze to the historic                                                                                                        limestone pinnacles is so narrow and exposed in
Jura & Trois-Lacs                    watchmaking towns and cities, and from the vast rock amphitheatre                                                                                                     places that you have to climb along on all fours.
CH-2502 Biel/Bienne                                                                                                                                                                                        This section is only for experienced mountain hik-
                                     of the Creux du Van to the vineyards of Mont-Vully, this is a world
Phone +41 (0)32 328 40 10
                                                                                                                                                                                                           ers, but for anyone else, that’s no great loss: the
www.j3l.ch                           to delight all the senses.
                                                                                                                                                                                                           view from the observation point by the refuge is
                                                                                                                                                                                                           still breathtaking. The undulating green expanse
                                                                                                                                                                                                           of the Franches-Montagnes, with their pale pas-
                                                                                                                                                                                                           tures and dark forests, stretches into the dis-
                                                                                                                                                                                                           tance; far below, the River Doubs winds through
     18   Weissenstein: Balcony over Switzerland.                                                                               Don’t miss                              Address                           a deep, forested valley on its way to join the
                                                                                                                                 ■■  ranches-Montagnes horse riding
                                                                                                                                    F                                    Jura Tourisme                     Rhône and ultimately the Mediterranean.
                                                                                                                                 ■■ Doubs Nature Park                    Rue de la Gruère 6
Don’t miss
                                                                                                                                 ■■ Saut du Doubs waterfall and Lac      CH-2350 Saignelégier
■■ Gondola up the Weissenstein 		                                                                                                   des Brenets cruise                   Phone +41 (0)32 420 47 70
                                                                                                                                                                                                             MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         53548
   opens autumn 2014                                                                                                             ■■ Etang de la Gruère moor lake         www.juratourisme.ch
■■ Solothurn’s Old Town

■■ Verena gorge and hermitage

■■ Aare river cruise to Biel

■■ Balmberg adventure rope park

■■ Thal Nature Park
                                                                                                                                      20   Tour de Moron: Panorama with a twist.
Address
Region Solothurn Tourismus                                                                                                       The Tour de Moron is a 30 metre tower which looks like an oversize
Hauptgasse 69                                                                                                                    screw that a giant has fastened onto the top of the mountain of the
CH-4500 Solothurn                                                                                                                same name above Malleray. The spiral staircase that winds up the
Phone +41 (0)32 626 46 46
www.solothurn-city.ch                                                                                                            concrete structure leads to an observation platform revealing breath-
                                                                                                                                 taking views across Switzerland. On a clear day you can see from
                                                                                                                                 the remotest hills of the Jura to the Alps, from the Säntis in the east
                                                                                                                                 to Mont Blanc in the west, and from the Vosges mountains in France
                                                                                                                                 to the Black Forest in Germany. Equally charming is the story of the
                                                                                                                                 structure, designed by the celebrated Ticino architect Mario Botta
                                     The Weissenstein may be “only” 1,284 metres high, but up on Solothurn’s local               as part of an educational project: about 700 apprentice builders
                                     mountain you feel as if the world lies at your feet. Spread below you is the vast yellow-   from all over French-speaking Switzerland and their teachers spent
                                     and-green patchwork of the whole Swiss Plateau. Lining the horizon are the sparkling        a total of four years building the tower, which opened in 2004.
                                     white pinnacles of the Alps – a seemingly endless chain that on clear days extends
                                     from the Säntis to Mont Blanc. A good place to enjoy the views is from the panoramic                                MySwitzerland.com, Webcode       110942
                                     restaurant terrace of the art nouveau Kurhaus. For a beautiful walk, follow the ridge for
                                     about an hour to Röti and then down to Balmberg, where there’s a postal bus stop.
                                     This hike forms part of the legendary Jura High Trail along the crest of the whole Jura     Don’t miss                              Address
                                     chain, one of Switzerland’s oldest and most scenic long-distance footpaths.                 ■■ J ura arts museum and lathe         Jura bernois Tourisme
                                                                                                                                     museum, Moutier                     Ave­nue de la Gare 9
                                                                                                                                 ■■ “Tête de Moine AOP” cheese,          CH-2740 Moutier
                                                                            MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         38564                 horses and abbey church, Bellelay   Phone +41 (0)32 494 53 43
                                                                                                                                 ■■ Champoz smokehouse                   www.jurabernois.ch

30        Top 100 views. Jura & Three-Lakes.                                                                                                                                                                      Jura & Three-Lakes. Top 100 views.       31
21   Chasseral: Challenging climb or gourmet round walk.                                                                   23   Chaumont: View of three lakes from Neuchâtel’s mountain.                                                 41

                                                                     A hike full of variety leads from Villeret near                                                                 The funicular takes just 13 minutes to climb the 1,078 metre peak
                                                                     St. Imier through a dramatic gorge, the Combe                                                                   on Neuchâtel’s doorstep, the Chaumont. If you prefer a gentler
                                                                     Crède, up to the Chasseral, one of the highest                                                                  transition from city centre to pristine nature, you can walk up – and
                                                                     summits (1,607 m) of the Bernese Jura. The final                                                                appreciate the way the views gradually unfold along the trail. In the
                                                                     stretch follows the panoramic ridge to the tele-                                                                foreground, the three large lakes – of Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten –
                                                                     coms tower, revealing views down to the sunny                                                                   glitter like blue panes of glass in the regular green patchwork of the
                                                                     vineyards on the shores of Lake Biel way below.                                                                 fields. Beyond, on a clear day, you’ll see “our” Alps rising into the
                                                                     An alternative to the demanding climb through                                                                   pastel-blue sky, including the majestic Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
                                                                     the gorge is a more leisurely but nonetheless                                                                   The view is more spectacular still if you keep climbing once you
                                                                     wonderfully scenic round walk high on the Chas-                                                                 have reached the summit of the Chaumont: up the panoramic
                                                                     seral, lasting about four and a half hours. This                                                                tower, another 60 metres off the ground.
                                                                     takes in several of the region’s characteristic
                                                                     “métairies” – remote farm restaurants that serve
                                                                     delicious cuisine using local cheese and other         Don’t miss                            Address                                   MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         36268
Don’t miss                               Address                     produce, especially tasty when tackled with a          ■■ Chaumont adventure park            Tourisme neuchâtelois
                                                                                                                            ■■ Topeka horse ranch                 Hôtel des Pos­tes
■■  hasseral Nature Park
   C                                     Jura bernois Tourisme       hiker’s appetite.
                                                                                                                            ■■ La Coudre–Chaumont funicular       CH-2001 Neu­châ­tel
■■ Wind and solar power plants at        Place de la Gare 2
   Mont Soleil and Mont Crosin           CH-2610 St. Imier                                                                     free with GA travelcard            Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 90
■■ Bridleways, mountain bike trails      Phone +41 (0)32 942 39 42
                                                                       MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          53242            ■■ Neuchâtel botanical garden         www.neuchateltourisme.ch
■■ Bison Ranch, Les Prés-d’Orvin         www.jurabernois.ch

                                                                                                                                 24   Creux du Van: On the edge of the abyss.                                                                  40

     22   Ligerz: Heaven on earth.                                                                              39

                                                                                                                            The Creux du Van is the Grand Canyon of the
                                                                     The church of Ligerz stands above the village,         Val-de-Travers: a limestone amphitheatre with
                                                                     its elegant spire appearing to float heavenwards       cliffs 160 metres high, carved from rocks laid
                                                                     out of a sea of vines. The most important eccle-       down at the bottom of a prehistoric seabed
                                                                     siastical building of the region was once a popular    200 million years ago. The spectacular horseshoe
                                                                     place of pilgrimage; today it is in great demand       of cliffs measures four kilometres end to end.
                                                                     as a wedding venue, thanks to its exceptionally        Walk along its edge, and you can’t help but gaze
                                                                     romantic setting. The most attractive way to reach     into the abyss; keep your eyes peeled, because
                                                                     it is by following the gentle path up from the lake-   ibex, chamois and even lynx live here in the larg-
                                                                     shore, through terraced vineyards and past typical     est nature reserve in canton NeuchâPhone Pause
                                                                     dry-stone walls. The church’s terrace, in turn,        now and again to look above the rim of rock for
                                                                     promises one of the best views of the whole lake       a very different view: of open pastures and dry-
                                                                     region. Beyond the sun-blessed vines in the fore-      stone walls, forests of pine, the rolling hills of the
                                                                     ground lies sparkling Lake Biel, with St. Peter’s      Jura and in the distance, the glinting pinnacles
                                                                     Island; in the distance, the glittering snow-capped    of the Alps.                                             Don’t miss                             Address
Don’t miss                               Address                     peaks of the Alps rise to the horizon.                                                                          ■■  reuse springs and gorge
                                                                                                                                                                                        A                                   Goût & Région
                                                                                                                                                                                     ■■ Asphalt mines visit, Travers        Place de la Gare
■■ Tessenberg funicular, Ligerz–         Tourismus Biel Seeland                                                                  MySwitzerland.com, Webcode        57250
                                                                                                                                                                                     ■■ Mauler sparkling wines, Môtiers     CH-2103 Noiraigue
   Prêles                                Bahnhofplatz                  MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          39408                                                                     ■■ Route de l’Absinthe, visits         Phone +41 (0)32 889 68 96
■■ Vineyard trail from Twann to Ligerz   CH-2501 Biel/Bienne
                                                                                                                                                                                     ■■ Buttes–La Robella summer-           www.neuchateltourisme.ch
■■ Twannbach gorge walk                  Phone +41 (0)32 329 84 84
■■ Boat crossing to St. Peter’s Island   www.biel-seeland.ch                                                                                                                            toboggan run
■■ Omega Museum, Biel

32        Top 100 views. Jura & Three-Lakes.                                                                                                                                                                      Jura & Three-Lakes. Top 100 views.    33
Fribourg Region.

                   Dent de Lys, Fribourg Region
Naturally diverse.                                                                              26   Fribourg: Heavenly vista from the Loreto Chapel.

                                       One region, two languages, three worlds: the landscapes around                                                                                               There are Loreto chapels in many places through-
                                       the historic city of Fribourg are exceptionally rich in scenic, cultural                                                                                     out Europe, all inspired by the great Italian pil-
                                                                                                                                                                                                    grimage site of the Santa Casa church in Loreto.
                                       and gastronomic variety. La Gruyère is a land of pristine hills, forests
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fribourg’s version, a pretty, early-Baroque struc-
                                       and meadows, culminating in the panoramic peak of the Moléson.                                                                                               ture, stands on a high promontory overlooking the
                                       By contrast, the atmosphere on the shores of Lake Murten and Lake                                                                                            magnificent Old Town. The church terrace offers
Fribourg Region                        Neuchâtel is almost Mediterranean. Presiding over all this is the                                                                                            the best vantage point for admiring the bilingual
CH-1701 Fribourg                       canton’s capital, bilingual Fribourg, home to one of Switzerland’s                                                                                           city’s spectacular setting, high above the river –
Phone +41 (0)26 407 70 20
                                                                                                                                                                                                    known as the Sarine in French and the Saane in
www.fribourgregion.ch                  most beautiful Old Towns.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    German – flowing gently along sandstone cliffs on
                                                                                                                                                                                                    its journey to join the Aare. From this height, the
                                                                                                                                                                                                    scattered villages beyond the city look as if they
                                                                                                                                                                                                    are built of dolls’ houses lifted from a book of fairy
                                                                                                                                                                                                    tales; beyond them, lush meadows and rolling
     25   Mont-Vully: Small label, great views.                                                                                  Don’t miss                          Address                       hills extend all the way to the Fribourg Alps.
                                                                                                                                  ■■ Funicular, Old Town and          Fribourg Tourisme et Région
Don’t miss                                                                                                                           St. Nicholas cathedral           Place Jean-Tin­guely 1          MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          191262
                                                                                                                                  ■■ Espace Jean Tinguely–Niki de     CH-1701 Fribourg
■■  andstone caves and wine trail
   S                                                                                                                                 Saint Phalle                     Phone +41 (0)26 350 11 11
   at Mont-Vully                                                                                                                  ■■ “City golf” in the Old Town      www.fribourgtourisme.ch
■■ Bike golf around Lake Murten

■■ Bike rides along Murten’s

   vegetable trail
■■ Old Town of Murten

■■ From Erlach to St. Peter’s Island
                                                                                                                                       27   Kaiseregg: High above the Schwarzsee.
Address
Murten Tourismus                                                                                                                                                                                    From Schwarzsee, the “black lake” of legend, it’s
Französische Kirchgasse 6                                                                                                                                                                           a climb of 1,100 vertical metres to the top of the
CH-3280 Murten                                                                                                                                                                                      local mountain, the Kaiseregg. The first 400 me-
Phone +41 (0)26 670 51 12
www.murtentourismus.ch                                                                                                                                                                              tres are child’s play if you ride up on the Riggisalp
                                                                                                                                                                                                    chairlift; the rest will take about three hours to
                                                                                                                                                                                                    walk from the summit station. From pretty Riggis-
                                                                                                                                                                                                    alp lake, the route climbs steeply to Alp Salzmatt
                                                                                                                                                                                                    before scaling a ridge and traversing wild, rocky
                                                                                                                                                                                                    terrain to reach the summit. The climb is demand-
                                       The scenery of the Three-Lakes Region is unusually open and expansive for Switzer-                                                                           ing, but the view from the stony summit ridge, ex-
                                       land. Even the Mont-Vully (653 metres) at its heart resembles the broad back of a whale                                                                      tending from the countless rolling hills of the Swiss
                                       rather than a mountain. Three lakes – beautiful Lake Biel, wild Lake Neuchâtel and                                                                           Plateau to the famous peaks of the Vaud and
                                       delightful Lake Murten – almost surround the summit. Framing the horizon to the north                                                                        Bernese Alps, is a spectacular reward. Look back
                                       are the rolling green Jura mountains, and to the south, the snow-white pinnacles of the                                                                      down to the valley, and you’ll see the dark-green
                                       Alps. The footpaths leading through the sun-blessed vineyards are delightful, as is the    Don’t miss                          Address                       waters of the Schwarzsee glistening among the
                                       journey here by boat across the lake from Murten to Praz or Môtier. For a special treat,   ■■ Swimming beach at Schwarzsee     Schwarzsee Tourismus          meadows and forests, promising a refreshing dip
                                                                                                                                  ■■ Schwarzsee summer toboggan run   Schwarzseestrasse 212
                                       book a night at Mont-Vully – before boarding a boat the next morning in Sugiez for                                                                           after the hike home.
                                                                                                                                  ■■ Witch Path adventure trail       CH-1716 Schwarzsee
                                       the charming cruise to Neuchâtel and Biel, via three lakes and two canals.                 ■■ Mountain bike park and trail,    Phone +41 (0)26 412 13 13
                                                                                                                                     Plaffeien                        www.schwarzsee.ch               MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          181374
                                                                             MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         57116

36        Top 100 views. Fribourg Region.                                                                                                                                                                      Fribourg Region. Top 100 views.         37
28   Gruyères: Views with a shudder.                                                                                              30   Jaun: Gastlosen hike with a break at the soldiers’ chalet.
                                                         Walk along the main alleyway of the historic little town of Gruyères                                                                               The pinnacles of the Gastlosen massif are so spiky
                                                         with its lively shops and restaurants, and you feel you have stepped                                                                               they could be a fossilised pine forest. At its feet
                                                         into an updated version of a scene from the Middle Ages. High                                                                                      stands the Chalet du Soldat, offering food, drink
                                                         above the bustle rises the fairy-tale Château de Gruyères, with its                                                                                and a bed for the night to hikers. The idea of build-
                                                         balconies, battlements and pinnacles. It’s well worth a visit: not just                                                                            ing a refuge in such a picturesque setting came
                                                         for the grisly severed hand on display, but also the fine views. From                                                                              from one Major Wolf in 1943, who wanted to make
                                                         the big first-floor balcony you look out over one of the prettiest                                                                                 his regiment fit for the mountains. Today the chalet
                                                         scenes in the region of La Gruyère: the castle’s French-style garden                                                                               is a convenient stop for many hikers on the Gast-
                                                         with its colourful and geometrical flower beds, framed by the soft                                                                                 losen round walk, which takes some four and a half
                                                         hills gently receding into the distance.                                                                                                           hours. From Jaun, they glide on the Gastlosen Ex-
                                                                                                                                                                                                            press chairlift up to an altitude of 1,570 metres, for
                                                                                                                                                                                                            the first stage of the hike as far as the cabin. Those
                                                                                                                                                                                                            who opt to stay the night here enjoy a special treat:
Don’t miss                            Address                                  MySwitzerland.com, Webcode         36226                                                                                     the sight of the pale limestone pinnacles of the
■■  R Giger (“Alien” creator)
   H                                  Château de Gruyères                                                                          Don’t miss                          Address                              Gastlosen turning golden at sunset, framed by the
   museum & bar                       Rue du Château 8                                                                             ■■ Waterfall of Jaun                Chalet du Soldat                     lush greenery of a pine forest bursting with life.
■■ La Maison Cailler, Broc            CH-1663 Gruyè­res                                                                            ■■ Jaun’s churches and Cantorama    CH-1656 Jaun
■■ La Maison du Gruyère show dairy    Phone +41 (0)26 921 21 02                                                                    ■■ Gastlosen geological trail       Phone +41 (0)26 929 82 35
■■ Bulle–Montbovon “fondue train”     www.chateau-gruyeres.ch                                                                      ■■ Rock climbing on the Gastlosen   www.chaletdusoldat.ch
                                                                                                                                                                                                              MySwitzerland.com, Webcode          191232
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Charmey’s museum

     29   Le Moléson – Les Paccots: Walk for gourmets.
                                                                                                                                        31   Charmey: High thrills in a spectacular setting.
No wonder the people of the Fribourg Region have
a special affection for the Moléson. The journey up                                                                                High adventure and breathtaking views come together on the Vou-
from Moléson-Village is an adventure in itself, start-                                                                             netse, the mountain on Charmey’s doorstep. At the middle station
ing with a swift funicular ride followed by a scenic                                                                               of the gondola you’ll find an adventure park packed with thrills. Ob-
glide in a cable car up to 2,002 metres. The roof of                                                                               stacle courses through the treetops offer giddy challenges of all
the top station reveals wonderful views extending                                                                                  levels of difficulty; the Powerfan jump promises the addictive sensa-
from Lake Geneva over the Three-Lakes Region to                                                                                    tion of free falling, but in complete safety; and eleven different zip
the Bernese, Vaud and Valais Alps. This summit                                                                                     wires up to 300 metres long guarantee a high-octane blast of adren-
is the starting point for a magnificent hike, which                                                                                alin. And the best way to come back down to earth? Simply take
begins with the panoramic ridge path and a short                                                                                   a seat on one of the benches and enjoy the enchanting views of the
scramble to the summit of the Teysachaux. From                                                                                     Fribourg and Vaud Alps framing the dramatic jagged pinnacles of
here, the trail leads down to Les Paccots via the                                                                                  the Dents Vertes.
high Salette pastures, where a charming restaurant
serves a “divine” fondue (according to experts), as                                                                                                      MySwitzerland.com, Webcode       40737
well as the delicious Soupe du Chalet and the clas-      Don’t miss                           Address
sic Meringues à la Crème Double de la Gruyère.           ■■  ia ferratas on the Moléson
                                                            V                                 Office du Tourisme Moléson
                                                         ■■ Summer tobogganing, grass         Place de l’Aigle 6                   Don’t miss                          Address
                                                            go-karting at Moléson-Village     CH-1663 Molé­son-sur-Gruyè­res
     MySwitzerland.com, Webcode       191231             ■■ Visitor dairy and cheese trail    Phone +41 (0)26 921 85 00
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Thermal leisure pools, Charmey   Charmey Aventures
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Jaunbach gorge hike              Les Charrières 1
                                                         ■■ Alpine cheese walk, Les Paccots   www.moleson.ch
                                                                                                                                   ■■ “Poya” paintings on farmhouses   CH-1637 Charmey
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Nature     Phone +41 (0)79 693 44 77
                                                                                                                                      Park                             www.charmeyaventures.ch
                                                                                                                                   ■■ Musée gruérien, Bulle

38        Top 100 views. Fribourg Region.                                                                                                                                                                              Fribourg Region. Top 100 views.        39
You can also read