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Contents

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Switzerland A land of stunning alpine trails

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Ticino A taste of the Mediterranean

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Lucerne A wealth of experiences in paradise

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Switzerland Swiss strolls With endlessly bewitching and varied scenery, hiking in Switzerland lets you get back to nature in the most blissful way

weeping alpine landscapes, crystalline lakes and rolling green S hills – Switzerland certainly keeps your eyes occupied wherever you choose to hike. Glaciers cut into the mountain sides and sweeping valleys adorned with vineyards make perfect settings for your odyssey on foot, and thanks to more than 65,000km of waymarked trails, virtually every corner of Switzerland is waiting to be discovered. Not only will you find breathtaking views, but several different culinary delights along the way on the many day trips on offer. Across the regions of , Lucerne and Region, discover walking experiences that will have you reaching for your passports and boots. Think oozing gruyere, dry-cured meats and, of course, some of the finest enjoy comfortable, efficient and scenic chocolate on the planet. journeys by train, bus and boat. You can Varied landscapes, climates And Swiss International Air Lines makes download the Swiss Travel Guide app to and countless cultural all this adventure accessible, with 160 help you, which has pinpointed hundreds opportunities make weekly flights from the UK. All you need of excellent highlights throughout the Switzerland the ultimate to do is visit swiss.com to book. And country for you to enjoy. walking destination once you’re in So, if you want inspiration for the Switzerland, ultimate Swiss hiking getaway, read on its transport for some unforgettable experiences in network makes the regions of Ticino, Lucerne and Lake getting around Geneva, and you’ll see just how rewarding the country an and enjoyable Switzerland can be. absolute breeze. Wherever you’re Find out more at heading, you can myswitzerland.com/hiking

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Ticino Take 01. on Ticino say cheese! The southern, Italian-speaking in canton of Ticino benefits from a the Prealps links Switzerland more Mediterranean climate, and and , and at is blessed with lush, colourful 1,700m tall, it offers landscapes for you to explore breathtaking views of the Alps, Lake Lugano, Lake and Lake . But here else in Switzerland can you it’s not just vistas spend the morning walking at that this mountain is W alpine altitudes or in tranquil famous for. Many of valleys, and the afternoon relaxing under its alpine farms have a palm by a lake? These journeys of been making fresh remarkable contrast are made all the more produce for centuries, possible by Ticino’s extensive transport system. Even remote areas can be discovered by bus, railway and cableway – perfect for visiting new places. The Ticino Ticket offers visitors free use of the canton’s public transport. You’d better pack some sturdy boots and plenty of comfortable clothing, as there are around 4,000km of footpaths and good to know trails across stunning mountains and valleys. Wherever in Ticino you go, you can be accompanied by the hikeTicino such as formaggini peak of and zincarlin cheese. monte app, which provides details of generoso Marisa Clericetti more than 200 walking tours. This 1700 runs a small alpine fiore newly launched app also works farm close to the di pietra offline, so even if you head off the alp futuristic Monte clericetti Generoso “Fiore di lake beaten track, you’ll have access lugano to a whole host of information, pietra” building. She alp piana including the most important has been producing alp the local cheese génor sights, pictures and characteristics alp “formaggino” for bellavista nadigh of the routes such as distance, middle more than 40 years, station duration and degree of difficulty and you can sample it capolago-riva muggio for each route as well as a height on the farm’s terrace s. vitale valley while enjoying the station The Italian-speaking profile and an interactive map. Ticino is famed for its view of the unspoilt lush, rolling landscapes Muggio valley.

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Ticino Hiking in Ticino The canton is home to some wondrous premium hikes. Here’s what you can expect while plotting your way through Switzerland’s Mediterranean marvel

02. air thick with water starts and finishes droplets, and the at , and 108 metres booming yet relaxing unwinds along the of freshness sound of the water Magliasina river. The In the cascading below you. ancient dry-stone region, you’ll find Later on, the Calnègia walls eventually lead one of the most Valley widens, and you round to the striking waterfalls in offers a mountainous Vinéra mill. From all of Switzerland, ascent of around then on, after leaving the centrepiece 3km, albeit with only Vinéra mill, you’ll of the suspended a 200m increase in cross a pretty little valley hike. To get altitude. Bask in the wooden bridge and there, first you’ll view at the top before climb until a crossing head through the returning to Foroglio. with a route to Casé. picturesque village of Further along, you’ll Foroglio, bejewelled see Castle, with rustic cottages, 03. part of an artificial vegetable gardens the trail of marvels fortification network. and an abundance Other sites like the of greenery. The If you’re a fan Mills, the atmosphere is one of picturesque Monda Mine and good to know of calm and quiet, stonework, including the Castello Furnace, Make the most of Ticino’s except of course for mills, furnaces, round off a truly Another great option in the balmy climate for some the giant, thundering quarries and dry- fascinating hike. For Malcantone region is the Miniera stunning summer hikes waterfall nearby. Your stone walls, prepare more information d’Oro di Sessa (Sessa Goldmine). It hike to the waterfall to be whisked back on the trail, visit starts in Foroglio, in time by the bit.ly/trail-of-marvels offers an ideal excursion opportunity before a walk through Malcantone, part for families and children and the valley, then of the region of Discover Ticino it allows them to discover the lunching at one of Lugano. You’ll cross at ticino.ch/hike history of the extraction of gold in Foroglio’s finest woods and hamlets, Switzerland. For more information, restaurants. You’ll and admire plenty then climb up to the of heritage sights visit bit.ly/sessa-gold-mine waterfall and feel the along the way. This glorious sensation of themed circuit hike

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Lucerne haggenspitz 1761 Lucerne is a fine blend zurich brunni of illustrious history kleiner Lovely and incredible natural mythen Lucerne surroundings 1811 grosser The city of Lucerne makes a fine mythen holzegg starting point for a region 1898 1405 full of natural wonders and charming ways of getting there schwyz 01. Early in the rickenbach rotenflue morning, when the 1571 the mythen man world is still shrouded efore you get hiking, start your One of the region’s in darkness, Armin stay in Lucerne by stepping back in most celebrated makes his way up B time with a visit to the historic old peaks is the Grosser the Grosser Mythen city. See centuries-old sights such as the Mythen – the most with his head torch Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, before dominant mountain and hiking poles. The exploring some of the city’s more modern in Schwyz, reigning Mythen trail is just shopping opportunities. Just as fascinating majestically above under 3km long and as the charming city is the surrounding area. the village. The goes from the Holzegg The abundance of excursion destinations route leads from up to the peak in 46 just a short trip away from Lucerne and Schwyz via the St. hairpin turns. There the selection of means of transport such Josef convent in are 500m of ascent. as steamboats, railways, post vans and Loo (Klösterli) to Armin needs just 40 cogwheel and cable railways are unique. Mythenbad and minutes for the climb, When you venture out into the wider Lake Holzegg, which lies which takes a normal Lucerne region, you’ll discover just why it’s at the foot of Grosser hiker more than twice such an enticing destination for the active. Mythen. And few as long. To date he locals know its every has summited around face and path quite 4,600 times, and if like Armin Schelbert. you decide to take He regularly climbs on the Mythen, you the Mythen several might just see him good to know times a day for yourself, helping The Visitor Card gives you free use of the stunning the staff serve coffee buses and trains within zone 10 of views of the Lake and pastries in the Lucerne region summit’s hut. You the city network, as well as a range from 1,898m. Now can take a number of discounts for cableways, mountain aged 74, he grew of aerial cableways railways, museums and excursions up in Schindellegi to the start of your in the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. near the foot of outing, involving You can also take advantage of ‘Free the mountain, and spine-tingling open- after getting a taste air cable cars, vintage WiFi – LUZERN.COM’ hotspots dotted for summiting it installations and very around the city. in 1999, he never steep cableways – as looked back. well as modern ones.

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Lucerne Hiking in Lucerne Sitting right in the heart of Switzerland, the Lake Lucerne region boasts some of the best views in the entire country. Take a look at three of its most rewarding hikes

02. 03. clear lakes of Trüb, rigi – path of four lakes walk Engstlen, Tannen natural treasures and Melch. Add The Four Lakes to that sweeping Take the aerial Walk is one of the views of the distant cableway from most stunningly Bernese Alps. Top Vitznau to scenic excursions tip: purchase a Hinterbergen, in Engelberg. Its round-trip ticket where you’ll find a highlights include that includes all the wonderfully varied the imposing cableways and trains. hike brimming mountain scenery good to know with views of centred on the Discover more the surrounding mighty Titlis, the hiking inspiration Whether you’re staying in the city mountains begins in many times of native at luzern.com/ itself, by the lake or up a mountain, lush alpine meadows. flora, the glassy, hiking Lucerne’s hotels all impress through The 12 information their history, architecture, interior panels provide an insight into the design, comfort and hospitality. biodiversity and Visit luzern.com/hotels to find the natural treasures of perfect base for your adventures. the Rigi. The cliff path And if you want somewhere to relax between Unterstetten after a long day’s hiking, there are and Rigi First offers breathtaking plenty of bathing and swimming plunging views of spots on the shores of Lake Lake Lucerne. The Lucerne. Strandbad Lido, Seebad last section between Lucerne and Ufschötti are especially Rigi First and Rigi popular, while Rotsee Badi is an Kaltbad follows insider tip for those who prefer a the route of the enchanting erstwhile little more seclusion. Scheideggbahn railway.

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Lucerne 03. culture tips A treat for The Swiss Museum of Transport tells the all senses story of mobility and communication in When you’re not hiking or resting, the region through a there’s so much more of Lucerne variety of fascinating exhibits, as well as to be explored, from excellent the immersive Swiss cuisine to fascinating museums Chocolate Adventure, where you’ll find out how one of the country’s tastiest 01. Not only do the exports finds its way region’s eateries offer from the factory to food for thought enticing menus, but Cuisine in Lucerne many provide awe- is more than just inspiring scenery to fondue and cured be enjoyed while meats, although you eat, like the there is plenty of lakeside Restaurant that available for Hermitage. anyone craving an authentically Swiss fix. The region 02. boasts restaurants sail away the shop. Talking celebrating food from of factories, a trip Enjoy the fresh lake up Mount Titlis to air on an outing Engelberg is well on Lake Lucerne. worth a day out – You’ll be fascinated Engelberg is known by the scenery for its monastery and the historical and Flüelen through and cheese factory. places dotted along some fabulous It takes around 30 the shoreline, and natural scenery. The minutes to travel boat trips make a meals served up by There are many different from Engelberg via brilliantly relaxing the galley ensure a types of transport you the Titlis Xpress can take to sample all over the world, accompaniment to memorable on- Lucerne’s riches gondola cableway particularly Chinese long walks. Step board experience. and Titlis Rotair and Japanese such as aboard one of the The Saphir panorama aerial cableway to the stunning Izakaya five historic paddle yacht also features reach an altitude Nozomi, as well as steamers or 15 elegant an adjustable roof for of 3,020m. This is more Mediterranean saloon motor vessels. excellent views during where you’ll find influences that you’ll Dating from the your one-hour cruise, the glacier and the find in the effortlessly Jugendstil period, while the audio guide Titlis Cliff Walk, the elegant Italian the paddle steamers points top attractions highest suspension restaurant La Perla. sail between Lucerne around the lake. bridge in Europe.

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lake geneva region Thirsty? Start walking North of Lake Geneva lies the Canton of Vaud, famed for its exquisite wine tourism. These hikes will let you sample all the 01. Vaud region has to offer morges region

On this vineyard walk in the Morges s the Swiss capital of gastronomy, region, you can the canton of Vaud has elevated learn more about A wine tourism to an art form. Couple the terroir and local that with a whole host of dramatic natural specialities. From landscapes, including the beautifully Vufflens to Morges peaceful Lake Geneva, and you’ve got an Castles, this two- enviable choice of scenic wine and food- part walk – through tasting tours. And your experiences on these wine-producing tours will be heightened further by the villages and the free Vaud: Guide app. Walkers can discover heart of the Medieval beautiful landscapes and meet winemakers town – will allow and producers, while having fun with you to experience the interactive games. When you’re on a the richness of the vineyard walking route, the app shows the La Côte AOC region way, informing on places not to be missed. and all the flavour of the wines of the biggest vineyard of the canton of Vaud. There are few experiences as relaxing as ermitage domaine sipping delicious des ravet henri cruchon wines with views of Lake Geneva, the chigny Medieval town and, on a clear day, Mont parc de the old vertou Blanc all at the same castle of town of vufflens morges time. The 6km route takes you through around 30 historical lake geneva sites, which all morges make ideal stop-offs castle between tastings.

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02. lake geneva region unesco There’s nothing like the Explore one of the sight of row upon row of vines set against a typical Hungry? most beautiful alpine landscape vineyards in Switzerland near the Start town of Chexbres. You’ll be enchanted by these vineyard climbing terraces, listed as a UNESCO World What is wine without cheese? Heritage Site. With Thankfully in Lake Geneva Region, the help of the you need never know the answer Vaud:Guide app, you can hike the original circular route linking up Chexbres, collect a wealth of taste-vins, glasses Saint-Saphorin, Rivaz information on the and decanters, all ou can discover the secrets of the and Epesses. Along region. Starting from of which tell the making of L’Etivaz AOP cheese with the way, take a rest the town of Aigle, story of the region’s Y a cheesepath experience, including in one of the many this 10km walk takes winemaking heritage. an overnight stay in a chalet. Each of the vineyard cellars or you through the trails will take you to an alpine chalet at an enjoy a meal in a Chablais pathways, Discover more altitude of around 1500m in the heart of the traditional “pinte where you’ll see the about these pastures dominating the Pays-d’Enhaut. vaudoise”. Thanks spectacular sight spectacular Depending on the route you take, the hike to the railway line of row upon row of vineyard walks at will last around two to four hours. running along Lake vines, all set against myvaud.ch/walks The artisanal manufacturing process Geneva, you can a hilly landscape. is the result of many years of experience shorten the loop – If you’re after passed down through the generations. Each total length 10.4 km something a bit year between May and October, more than – by taking the train shorter, you can 70 farming families patiently transform the from Saint-Saphorin, just walk from milk from their cows into delicious cheese. Rivaz or Epesses. Aigle to Yvorne. The The milk is poured into huge copper centrepiece of this cauldrons heated by wood fires, and particular walk is then stirred by hand. On cheese trail 03. the Château d’Aigle getaways you can watch this key stage in chablais Vine, Wine and Wine the production of the cheese. Spending Labels Museum, good to know a night in an alpine hut surrounded by Allow yourself to in the heart of the There are five more memorable nature, isolated from the world and with be guided by your Chablais AOC wine vineyard walks to try out in the the sound of cow bells to send you to sleep smartphone and set region. Aside from makes it an even more authentically Swiss Lake Geneva Region: Vully AOC, off for an adventure the beautiful exterior, experience. The highlight of the evening among friends, in you’ll find fascinating Pays-d’Enhaut, Côtes de l’Orbe AOC will be a traditional meal prepared by your pairs or with your exhibits including (two loops), Vallée de Joux and host, where you can eat in peace by the families on the innumerable tools, Bonvillars AOC, each offering its own side of the fire. Chablais pathways. presses, stills, pots, varied landscapes, quirky modes of Along the way, barrels, measuring transport and delicacies. To book this uniquely cheese-filled answer the questions devices, bottles, family hiking experience, go to on your screens and corks, corkscrews, chateau-doex.ch/sentiersdufromage

18 | 19 Switzerland’s unique walking experiences are ready and waiting for you, so when are you getting here?