Luxury watches, the best chocolate in the world and delicious cheese – it must be Switzerland! This small and rich country is a dream for many ski-lovers while very often is forgotten during the summer. That’s a pity as Switzerland hypnotizes with its stunning views, blue lakes and hundreds of interesting activities. Located among the highest European mountains may pleasure everyone’s eyes with its gorgeous landscapes. Switzerland vacation should be a great option not only during the winter because of winter sports, but also in the summer. Learn more about Switzerland culture and the best places to eat, sleep and visit in the article below. For sure you will fall in love with this beautiful country and you will start planning your best Switzerland vacation!
The Alps
Everyone who loves winter sports will be amazed by the Alps and the number of spots for skiing in Switzerland. Switzerland boasts the largest number of peaks above 4,000 meters among the Alpine countries. In such high mountains, winter lasts almost all year - the season for white madness lasts from early autumn to late spring. The good news is that not everyone here skis like Marcel Hirscher, and these majestic mountains are not just for experts. Most Switzerland ski resorts offer first-rate learning programs. Many of them have dedicated lifts and slopes just for learners and beginners. Another good news is that a lot of Switzerland’s ski resorts are fairly well-tuned to the demands of families offering family-friendly lift passes, packages, and lodgings. Some skiers prefer groomed trails, others love first tracks in fresh white powder, in the end, both will enjoy skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Swiss cities
The greatest and the most well-known of Switzerland ski resorts are, without any doubt, Zermatt. Situated just next to the border with Italy is the highest winter sports area in the Alps. Its ski terrain is located at altitudes between 2500 and 3900 meters. In Zermatt, you may also try the world’s highest 3S cableway while skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. This spot is recognized by its long ski runs and terrain applicable for all ski levels. You may download a free Zermatt Skiguide app that uses GPS. It will help you to navigate between mountain locations. The application adjusts routes and time to the user’s skiing style, currently open ski runs and lifts, weather and safety concerns. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them - you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities - Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations - one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
There is a wide offer of Switzerland hotels around Zermatt. If you want to stay for luxury you should consider Hotel Mont Cervin Palace that features traditional Swiss construction and interior design. The dream-like suites with lovely balconies overlooking the windswept peak of the Matterhorn and downtown invite for a moment of relaxing and meditation. But if you want to feel special, check CERVO Zermatt that is the only ski-in, ski-out luxury hotel location. This boutique hotel offers 36 rooms and suites with its spa and fireplace. Extraordinary location, breathtaking views will make your Switzerland vacation unforgettable.
Hotels and Resorts
That’s obvious that Switzerland is not the cheapest place in the world. But it does not mean that only rich people can be so lucky to spend their vacation in this beautiful place. There are many options to make your trip interesting and not to go bankrupt after all. For more budget vacation you may try mid-range and budget Switzerland hotels. Bella Vista Hotel owned by two sisters characterized by a typical Swiss brown wooden structure. Hotel Alpenhof located close to the cable car Sunnegga and just steps from Gornergrat train station or Hotel Carina that offers delicious hearty breakfast. Switzerland, however, is not only mountains but also lakes spreading around them - you can count almost 100 of them. The most famous of them, Lake Geneva, is considered a substitute for the sea. Its waters reflect the most beautiful Swiss cities - Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. The surprise here is the extensive vine plantations - one of them, Lavaux, is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Mountains
Switzerland is not a big country. Getting to the international airport in Zurich you may rent a car with Swiss company Sarent and move freely between Swiss villages. Only 150km distance is between Zurich and Tschuggen mountain with one of the most astonishing Switzerland hotels – Tschuggen Grand Hotel located almost on the peak. This most unique wellness hotel has a private mountain railway that will allow you to reach the skiing and hiking area in less than four minutes and without any queues! The Tschuggen Mountain Oasis, a masterpiece of star architect Mario Botta, occasions a new sense of nature and geometry, coziness and space, rocks, warmth, water, and light. In the summer consider spending the night in the open air under the stars. On the peak, you may find the old observatory that was in service between 1938 and 2002 and currently belongs to the civil community of Chur. For the ones who look for a budget vacation, small village Davos, close to Tschuggen can be a good option for camping. Also, in the winter is a good spot for winter sports.
Zurich
If you decide to stay in Zurich, you should go for a walk to the Old Town. Visit Town Hall, The Fraumünster Church and walk down the luxury Bahnhofstrasse street. Once you get hungry you may pass to Schipfe 16 restaurant with typical Swiss food for lunch or Bar Am Wasser located just next to the river. You may enjoy the view of beautiful Lake Zurich either by walking around or from the water if you choose any of the attractive cruises with ZSG. In case the weather is not favorable, try FIFA World Football Museum that will be a delight not only for the biggest football fans! Being in the cradle of chocolate, cheese, and watches, it is essential to check The Beyer Clock and Watch Museum located in the most prestigious shopping district, just in the very heart of Zurich.
Not far from Zurich, is located the most picturesque place in all Switzerland! Check the stunning panorama view of Lucerne from Pilatus peak that you can reach by cable car all over the year. The city is a great place to get a better view of Switzerland culture and try its fabulous cuisine. The harsh mountain climate dictated the local culinary customs. Swiss cuisine is caloric. The famous cheese and chocolate specialties are probably the best proof of this. One of the must-try Swiss dishes is of course fondue or raclette. The delicious melted cheese that can be served with whatever you want will be a feast for the palate! Try it in Wilhelm Tell floating restaurant located on the boat. Not only may you taste excellent food, but also you can enjoy the amazing view of the lake and mountains in the background. If you don’t mind trying international cuisine during your Switzerland vacation, the interesting choice would be to visit the Thai Garden restaurant. This special and amazing place will take to Asia in the most royal way. Fell like VIP during your stunning dinner and during your stay in Palace Luzern - one of the best Switzerland hotels. If you look for some bad and breakfast option, you may try Hotel Alpha just a few steps from the old town or Hotel Ameron located in the heart of Luzern. There is also a very nice option for backpackers in Backpackers Lucerne that offers double, triple and quadruple rooms. The majority has a stunning lake view. Switzerland is also a country of tradition and true perfection. The Swiss love breaking records. For example, they have the highest ATM in the world, the highest railway station in Europe and will scare a mountain hotel in the world.
Vacation
As you can see, Switzerland does not have to be a choice only for people with a big wallet. Also, it is not only a great ski spot, but it is also as beautiful during the summer as in the winter. Everyone may enjoy the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, excellent slopes for skiing and stunning trekking routes. Don’t be afraid while planning your vacation, think about the best way of spending your free time and have joy with your loved ones. Switzerland is a symbol of luxury, rules and picturesque spots. This is the best place to try fondue, raclette or hot wine in the winter. Everyone deserves a little bit of that, so do not wait too long! Plan your next escapade! Just do it!
