Switzerland is a beautiful place, and we absolutely loved our time there. Here are a few places we fell in love with and can’t wait to visit again! But mind you, these places may not be the most famous cities and towns you have heard of.
Most of these are quaint places where we had a great time exploring and relaxing.
1)Weggis:
The beautiful town of Weggis lies on Lake Lucerne at the base of Mount Rigi. This lovely lakeside town is not overrun with tourists, making it a quiet and picturesque place to relax and appreciate the surrounding beauty.There are numerous restaurants along the waterfront, and we would definitely recommend enjoying a meal while taking in the stunning mountain views.
How to Reach Weggis:
You can take a scenic boat ride from Lucerne to Weggis. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lucerne to Küssnacht am Rigi and then transfer to bus number 2 to reach Weggis Dorfplatz.
2) Mount Rigi:
The cogwheel ride to Rigi is stunning! It's a steep ascent passing through meadows of vibrant yellow spring flowers and overlooking Lake Lucerne. At the top, you'll find lush green pastures, and in late May, we even encountered melting snow. There are many hiking trails around to suit all fitness levels, making it a must-visit destination.
How to Reach Mount Rigi:
Take a train from Lucerne to Küssnacht am Rigi, then take bus number 2 to Vitznau. From there, take the cogwheel train to the top of the mountain.
3) Vevey:
Vevey is another gorgeous lakeside town along Lake Geneva. The lake is so vast, it almost feels like an oceanfront. The beautiful promenade makes it an ideal place to spend an afternoon, complete with an awesome playground right by the waterfront. Score! There are lots of swans on the lake, adding to the beauty of this charming town. Plus, it's not very crowded, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
How to Get to Vevey:
To get to Vevey, take a train to Lausanne. From Lausanne, you can catch another train to Vevey. While in Vevey, don't miss exploring the surrounding vineyards, which add to the area's scenic charm and offer a delightful backdrop for leisurely walks and wine tastings.
4) Lauterbrunnen Valley:
Lauterbrunnen is a popular town with tourists and serves as the gateway to spectacular mountain peaks. However, not many tourists explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley itself, which is nothing short of stunning. The valley is surrounded by towering mountain peaks, with Schilthorn being a popular one, alpine meadows, and is lined with multiple breathtaking waterfalls.
How to Reach Lauterbrunnen Valley:
You can take a direct train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen, which takes about 20 minutes. From Lauterbrunnen, you can explore the valley on foot, enjoying its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and access to nearby mountain attractions like Schilthorn.
5) Schilthorn:
Schilthorn is a mountain peak at an altitude of 3000 meters, overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It provides panoramic views of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch mountains. Made famous by a Bond movie shot here, for me, the views are nothing short of stunning! There is a small café at the top where you can enjoy food and beverages while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
How to Reach Schilthorn:
From Lauterbrunnen, take bus 141 to Stechelberg. From Stechelberg, you can then take a cable car ride up to Schilthorn. The cable car journey includes multiple stops along the way at Mürren, Birg, and other points, offering stunning views throughout the ascent.
6) Unterseen and Lake Thun:
Unterseen is a small village close to Interlaken West station, perfect for long, leisurely walks and escaping the crowds of Interlaken. Just a few minutes' walk away is Lake Thun, a beautiful place to spend an evening taking a stroll along its shores. Reserve an evening to reconnect with nature, sit by the lake, watch the clouds drift above you, and observe the local wildlife. It's a peaceful spot to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
How to Reach Unterseen :
Located at a short bus ride from Interlaken West station.
7) Oeschinen See:
We absolutely loved this place. I can't recommend it enough for you to explore yourself. It's a stunning destination with breathtaking mountain views and a crystal-clear alpine lake, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the serene Swiss countryside.
Read more in our blog Oeschinensee : Turquoise jewel of the Bernese Oberland
How to Get to Oeschinen See:
Head to Kandersteg station and then take a cable car up to Oeschinen. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk to the lake. The journey offers scenic views and is a perfect introduction to the natural beauty awaiting you at Oeschinen See.
8) Chateau de Chillon:
Chateau de Chillon is a medieval castle located on Lake Geneva . With its well-restored crypt, courtyards, and rooms, it offers a glimpse into medieval history. Situated close to Montreux, its easy accessibility adds to its popularity. The castle is set against the stunning backdrop of the Alps, making it a picture-perfect place to visit and explore.
How to Get to Chateau de Chillon:
Take a short bus ride from Montreux to reach Chateau de Chillon. The bus ride is convenient and offers scenic views along the way, making it an easy and enjoyable trip.
9) Mürren and Gimmelwald:
Mürren is a small village located in the Bernese Highlands, and it cannot be reached by road. The walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald is an easy downhill stroll that everyone can enjoy. The trail offers stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, with mountains and waterfalls across the landscape.
While summers and winters are popular and can be crowded, I recommend visiting in spring. The crowds are thinner, the weather is cool, and spring flowers are in bloom everywhere, making it a particularly enchanting time to visit.
How to Get to Mürren:
To get to Mürren, take a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, take a mountain rail that stops first at Grütschalp and then continues to Mürren. From Grütschalp, you can also choose to hike to Gimmelwald via Mürren. The journey offers beautiful views and a chance to experience the stunning Swiss landscape.
10) Parco Ciani - Lugano:
This public park in the city of Lugano is our favorite park in all of Switzerland. Why? It has a great playground, stretches of green grass to laze on, and swans and ducks to watch on the lake. You can buy some ice cream and enjoy a perfect day of family fun.
How to Get to Parco Ciani:
Parco Ciani is conveniently located along the lake, just a comfortable walk from the Lugano railway station. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city to reach this beautiful park.
So, this was our list of 10 offbeat destinations that you must include in your next trip to Switzerland. We had a great time exploring all these places.
Happy travels!
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