My first visit to Switzerland was a four-day whirlwind trip through the canton of Lucerne. Walking around and getting lost in the old city was a great way to spend the day, while cruising around Lake Lucerne and braving the snowy peaks of Mt. Pilatus were bucket list-worthy activities. But as the trip drew to a quick close, I asked myself, “Surely there’s more to Switzerland than this?” Sure enough, there is.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lucerne again, but this time, it was the last stop on a comprehensive nine-day trip with Switzerland Tourism, bringing us to some of the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, as well as tourist favorites, which have been renovated and refreshed in the last two years.
While Switzerland isn’t blessed with seaside sights like its French and Italian neighbors, the land-locked country impresses in other ways. The awe-inspiring Swiss alps that lines everywhere you look commands you to draw your eyes up to their jagged peaks and beckons you to brave their heights.
If you’re planning for a future European escapade, make sure Switzerland is at the top of your list. Here are some of the best sights and activities to include in your itinerary.
- VILLARS-SUR-OLLON
- GRINDELWALD
- SCHILTHORN
- LAKE LUCERNE REGION
VILLARS-SUR-OLLON
Villars-sur-Ollon is a village located in the western Swiss Vaud Alps, boasting traditional chalets, historic hotels, and plenty of mountainous views. A quiet, luxurious atmosphere permeates this destination, which is why well-heeled visitors from near and far frequent it.
The grand lobby at Villars Palace
If you decide to stay here for a few days, make Villars Palace your home away from home, which is a historic hotel that puts luxury and sustainability front and center. The hotel is comprised of 125 rooms and suites, which have been recently renovated. The rooms at Villars Palace also strategically face the mountains, allowing its guests to wake up to majestic views.
- VILLARS-SUR-OLLON
- GRINDELWALD
- SCHILTHORN
- LAKE LUCERNE REGION
GRINDELWALD
GoldenPass Panoramic train
From Villars-sur-Olon, we made our way to Grindelwald onboard the GoldenPass Panoramic train. With its large windows, the two-hour train ride had us marveling at views like quaint villages, rolling green fields, valleys and mountains, as well as tranquil lakes.
First Cliff Walk
At Grindelwald, we made Eiger Village our base, staying at the family-run Hotel Eiger Selfness. From the hotel, access to Grindelwald-First is a five-minute walk away, which takes you on a cable car ride up to the famed First Cliff Walk. Once on top, walk through the rocky mountain terrain, leading you to a narrow walkway on the side of the mountain, eventually ending at a platform that extends 45 meters into nowhere. In addition to the First Cliff Walk, the destination also features several viewing platforms, as well as a mountainside restaurant where you can enjoy a hot drink as you take in the cool air and cloudy views.
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe
A visit to Grindelwald won’t be complete without heading up to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, which is now more accessible, thanks to the new Eiger Express, taking guests from Grindelwald to the Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes. Once on Jungfraujoch, which is 3,454 meters above sea level, you’ll find yourself in a different world; a snowy wonderland where icy air caresses your face, snow crunching under your feet, and plenty of activities to take part in: From walking through a glacier and learning about Jungfraujoch’s rich history to outdoor activities and even a spot of shopping. One can easily spend an entire day at Jungfraujoch, but the new Grindelwald Terminal where the Eiger Express is located, is also worth exploring, so set aside a few hours to check out its beautiful design and architecture, retail options, and the VIP Platinum Club.
- VILLARS-SUR-OLLON
- GRINDELWALD
- SCHILTHORN
- LAKE LUCERNE REGION
SCHILTHORN
Stunning views and exciting slopes at Schilthorn
Schilthorn, another summit in Switzerland, overlooks the valley of Lauterbrunnen and is a popular day-trip location for those making their way to Interlaken. It’s a well-loved destination for ski enthusiasts and tourists alike, given its exciting slopes and unbeatable views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Up here, visitors draw on their courage to conquer the Thrill Walk, a 200-meter-long snowy path down the walls of the rock massif. Meanwhile, film buffs and James Bond fans will find the destination familiar because the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Service was filmed here.
A few cable car stops below the Schilthorn summit is Mürren, a quaint car-free village. This is where most people go for the start of their paragliding adventure, but those with a fear of heights can opt to discover the village and its surroundings on foot instead.
- VILLARS-SUR-OLLON
- GRINDELWALD
- SCHILTHORN
- LAKE LUCERNE REGION
LAKE LUCERNE REGION
The famous Chapel Bridge in Lucerne's old city
There’s more to Lucerne than the Alstadt (old city), known for sights like the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.
One place that’s waiting to be discovered is Rigi Kulm, which is accessible via boat and cable car. Up here, a 360o panoramic view awaits, offering sights like snow-capped Alps, the lowlands with 13 lakes, and on a clear day, views of Germany and France. As you hike along Rigi’s trails, you’ll come across local flora, which changes depending on the season. Before heading down, make your way to Kräuterhotel Edelweiss, which houses a garden that contains over 400 plants and herbal species from around the world.
The Palace Hotel at Bürgenstock Resort
Back in the lowlands, the Bürgenstock Resort is where travelers retreat to experience luxurious Swiss hospitality. Take your pick from six hotels and residences – Bürgenstock Hotel, Palace Hotel, Waldhotel, Taverne 1879, Blockhaus, and Residenzen – and explore the grounds which was once home to actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren. Meanwhile, the Bürgenstock Spa awaits guests who need a spot of rejuvenation, tempting tired travelers with myriad treatments, as well as a much-needed dip in the heated pool.
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