Travel to Switzerland

Is it possible to see the best of this beautiful country in the heart of Europe, in 4 days? If you're adventurous and have a reasonable level of fitness, it can be done. Read on to discover how.

Your time in Europe is limited and there's so much to see. However to miss this tiny country would be a great pity. The people are courteous and friendly, the lakes breathtaking and the mountain scenery the most spectacular in Europe.

The booking clerk at the Zurich Bahnhoff looked at me with surprise when I presented him with my 4 day Swiss Pass and told him of my travel plans.
"I hope you are fit ", he said. Fortunately Switzerland is compact and its travel system is smooth, punctual and efficient.
Zurich is an ideal starting point because of its transport access to the rest of Europe. Most international airlines fly to Zurich and travelers from London can go by Eurostar to Paris and then by express from Paris to Zurich. Lausanne, just east of the border with France, is a convenient finishing point with its TGV high speed rail connection with Paris. I chose a Swiss pass (which must be purchased before you leave) because it offers cheap unlimited travel on all trains, buses and ferries and discounts on most mountain railways and cable cars.

DAY ONE. ZURICH TO SPIETZ.
An early morning departure (7.30AM) from the Zurich Bahnhoff was followed by a short ride south through undulating countryside to Lucerne and the first change of trains. Because of the regularity of trains, it is worthwhile taking a 2 hour stop at this beautiful little city on Lake Lucerne. If you have time, four optional excursions spaced over 2 days are worthwhile.

A steamer trip to the eastern end of Lake Lucerne alighting at Fluelen is recommended. The mountain scenery on the south side of the lake is breathtaking. A quick train journey back to Lucerne completes this half-day excursion.
Two mountain trips are within easy reach of Lucerne. The closest is Mt Pilatus, and my suggestion is to take the cog railway up the south face and return on the cable car as you descend the north face. The views north to Lucerne are some of the finest in Europe. Further afield is Mt Titlis. This requires a bus journey to Engelburg, then a series of cable car rides to the summit with its permanent snow cover. Spectacular views of the main mountain peaks in Switzerland await you. The fourth major attraction in Lucerne is the transport museum: reputed to be the finest in Europe.

The next part of the journey is over the top of the Brunig pass. A cog railway is necessary because of the steep gradients ascending and descending these mountain passes. It is worth taking an hour's stop at the pretty village of Brienz on the north shore of Lake Brienz, before continuing on to Interlaken and the next change of trains.
Interlaken is an ideal base to explore the magnificent mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland including Jungfrau, one of the highest peaks in Switzerland. A rapid train journey to Thun is followed by a walk down to the harbour to join the ferry for a 1-hour voyage to Spietz, the overnight stop. I would strongly recommend this late afternoon ferry journey on one of the prettiest lakes in Europe.

DAY TWO. BRIENZ to LOCARNO.
This spectacular journey includes 2 of Europe's major tunnels: Lotschberg and Simplon and travels south through high alpine scenery to Ticino, the southernmost and warmest canton in Switzerland. The descent to Brig with views of the Rhone Valley on the right is particularly spectacular. At Brig, following another train change, we travel through the Simplon tunnel into Italy.

Leaving the train at Domodossola, the journey continues on a quaint little privately owned railway to the overnight stop at Locarno. This journey on the Centovalli railway is strongly recommended because of the spectacular gorges and ravines en route. Sit on the right side of the train for the best views.
Locarno has a beautiful location at the top end of Lake Maggiore and a visit to the Madonna Del Sasso church, a short funicular journey from the heart of town, will reward you with magnificent views over the lake.

DAY THREE. LOCARNO to St MORITZ.
An early morning train journey to Lugano will be necessary for a connection to the Palm Express: a bus trip over the Majola pass to St Moritz. These Swiss postal buses negotiate terrain which is too steep for trains and the winding journey to the top of the pass is breathtaking. To my surprise, particularly as I was told that bookings were essential, I was the only passenger. The joys of off season traveling resulted in the driver stopping at my whims. He even asked where I wanted to stop for coffee!

St Moritz is the starting point for two of the most outstanding train journeys in Europe: the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express. Most overseas travelers board the Bernina Express and travel to Tirano in Italy but as my time was short and acting on advice from the station master at St Moritz, I left the train at Alp Grum (the top of the Bernina Pass), enjoyed a coffee and the spectacular Alpine views at the summit, before boarding another train an hour later for the return trip to St Moritz.
The Bernina Express journey is on the highest non cog railway in Europe and the high alpine glaciers and snow-capped peaks viewed on both sides of the train completed a memorable day.

DAY FOUR. St MORITZ to LAUSANNE.
The final day of my Swiss pass took me on a 7 hour journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. The Glacier Express journey from St Moritz to Zermatt is one of the most popular in Europe and is almost always fully booked. For the first time, I did not have to change trains, enabling me to sit back and enjoy the high alpine scenery of rural Switzerland with its meadows, tiny villages, the sound of cowbells, the distant sound of church bells and the brilliant clear bracing mountain air. Every bend and every tunnel exit presented different vistas, but probably the most spectacular was the descent from Oberalp Pass to Andermatt. The views were unforgettable. The Glacier Express arrived in Zermatt in the late afternoon and unfortunately the Matterhorn was covered in cloud. I reluctantly had to cancel a cog railway ascent to Gornergrat, a high plateau just below the summit of this spectacular mountain. It was here that I wished I had more time. The mountain walks around Zermatt are some of the finest in Europe. Another day perhaps!

So it was down the mountain to Visp to join a mainline express through the Rhone Valley for an overnight stop at Lausanne. Sadly most of this journey was at night. It did however give me peace of mind knowing that I would not miss my early morning TGV connection from Lausanne to Paris. Maybe next time, I'll take the 8-day pass!

A Swiss Pass for 4 consecutive days first class costs US$278. Longer travel days are available. If you wish to combine travel in Switzerland with a number of other countries, a Eurail Pass gives you a number of flexible options.

If you think Switzerland is all cheese, chocolate and clocks, think again, as this country has much more to offer its visitors than the traditional tourist's trinkets. Switzerland is famed for its dramatic scenery, friendly atmosphere and alpine lined towns, but it also offers up a plethora of fantastic winter sports in one of the most glorious settings in the world. So, if you've simply had enough of the sun and are desperate to hit the slopes then a trip to the beautiful country of Switzerland should be right up your street.

Switzerland has long been hailed as a neutral, peaceful country but, with the Alps right on it' doorstep, it's quickly making a name for itself as the top holiday spot for winter sports fanatics. The sheer variety of sports available in Switzerland draws in the crowds from across the globe and activities include tobogganing, ski gliding and snow biking, not to mention the traditional skiing and snowboarding. The country caters to beginners right up to Olympic athletes so if you're looking for top coaching and plenty of inspiration it can be the perfect place to get to grips with winter sports.

One of the most famous sports resorts, St Moritz, is definite favorite of the rich and famous with its steep mountainous runs and five star hotels. You'll be in excellent company here as the resort hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1928 and 1948, and is still favored by experienced skiers and snowboarders alike. Four Valleys is another area packed full of resorts that cater to the more experienced skiers. There are plenty of runs to try here and with 92 ski lifts to choose from you won't have to wait long to get your turn on the slopes. Don't be put off if you're a newbie skier as there are still plenty of nursery slopes where you can steady your legs before joining in with the big boys.

If you want to try something other than skiing then there are plenty of alternative options to choose from. Tobogganing is a traditional sport for the Swiss and can be a great way to join in the fun if you're not the best skier. Plenty of resorts have their own dedicated tobogganing areas and with trained instructors on hand it can be the perfect way to immerse yourself into the local traditions of Switzerland, whilst having tons of fun. Another tradition is that of snow shoes, many resorts are recognizing the popularity of this apparel and are laying on races and events to cater to the alternative sport hungry masses.

If you are heading to Switzerland on a winter sports holiday it's a good idea to book in some time to visit some of the country's beautiful cities and towns and from the luxury hotels Geneva has to offer to a cheap and cheerful bed and breakfast in Bern there will always be something to suit every budget here. So if you're looking for a great winter vacation packed full of winter sports then Switzerland is definitely the place to be.

Switzerland is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Many holiday makers go to Switzerland on family holidays and stay in self catering holiday homes.Switzerland has a very small geographical area. That's why, all its attractions are at a stone throw's distance from one another. They can be easily reached as well. The credit of being a superb tourist destination goes to its modern and ancient architecture, museums, castles, forests, lakes, and mountain resorts. It is one of the safest places to travel due to lower crime rate.

The Jungfrau Region is a home to spectacular scenery. The meadows and green valleys in this wonderland of the Alps give a good contrast to the white peaks of 3 towering mountains- Eiger, Monch, and the Jungfrau. There is an abundance of fresh air here. There are some superb skiing chalets in this area and they can be rented direct from their owners. Many families stay in these skiing chalets and take part in the winter sports and skiing.

The Montreux town lies in the centre of the Swiss Riviera besides the Lake Geneva. The Chillon Castle can be explored by walking by the lakeside. Touring of the courtyards, tower, rooms, and dungeons of this 11th century castle would also render a pleasant experience. This castle is the most recurrently visited historical structure in Switzerland. It is the place where weaponry, furniture, and frescoes are exhibited through its various rooms. Walking along the lake front or taking a trolley bus or train would facilitate the reaching. It is possible to rent self catering holiday apartments in this area and use them as a base to explore the local area and get a feel of the local culture and food.

Basel, the 2nd largest city of Switzerland should not be missed out. This is because it witnesses the Fasnacht Spring Carnival every year. This carnival lasts for 3 days. Participants exhibit themselves in colourful masks and dresses parading on the streets. Monday is the first day of the Carnival. This Monday is the one that comes after Ash Wednesday. The bars and cafes remain open throughout the night as sweets, flowers, and confetti are distributed to the mob. Families often come here on holiday to Switzerland to experience the festival and many stay in some of the holiday chalets that can be rented as holiday homes.

The Swiss National Park constitutes an area of 169 Km. It occupies the majority of the area under woodland and mountains. The wildlife consists of marmots, ibexes, chamois, and red deer. Walking about its trails, one can admire its awesome views. It is a popular holiday destination for family walking holidays and there are some fabulous chalets available to rent as holiday homes.

Geneva is located on the banks of lake Geneva. It ranks third (in Switzerland) in terms of area. It has one of the tallest fountains in the world, fine restaurants, and enchanting museums. People passionate about alternative arts should visit Geneva. Many tourists come here on short holiday breaks and stay in one of the many self catering apartments that are available to rent.

St.Moritz is one of the most famous resorts in the world and has some fabulous chalets and self catering apartments available to rent as holiday homes. This winter resort is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Various winter and summer sports, along with mineral baths, mud therapies, and mud baths are put into practice here.

Lovers of skiing holidays may stay in Switzerland in some of the best skiing chalets in the world. There are also some excellent self catering apartments in Switzerland and the country offers some of the best holiday accommodation in Europe. Many families come to Switzerland on holiday year after year and enjoy the beautiful countryside and clean fresh air.