sign in sign up
<<
Home , Castles of Bellinzona, Eastern Switzerland, Glarus thrust, Lavaux, Wakker Prize

Natural wonders. Tradition and cuisine. Art and culture. Water experiences.

Mother Nature has pulled out all the stops in Switzer- brims with unique, unusual and amazing The Grand Tour bombards you with the splendour Refreshing, invigorating and as pretty as a picture, Switzer- land – a country blessed with natural wonders that traditions. Four languages and remote valleys have given of its rich, diverse and impressive culture – from architec- land’s 122 glaciers, 6,750 lakes and more than 65,000 km captivate with their pure beauty, sheer power rise to an incredibly diverse array of customs and tradi- tural highlights to outstanding museums of international of rivers and streams make the country a veritable water and grand scale. Many of them are located directly tions. The Grand Tour takes you on a fascinating journey importance and towns steeped in history. wonderland. The Grand Tour makes a splash revealing on the Grand Tour or just a short detour away. through the quirks that make this country tick. waterways from their most spectacular angles.

34 Château de Prangins Nyon 41 Tinguely Museum 47 Rhine Falls Set in romantic parkland and over- Located right on the Rhine, the Europe’s largest plain waterfall is a thunderous, totally captivating looking Lake , the historic museum shelters the world’s spectacle, with a width of 150 m and a height of 23 m. castle presents Swiss history from largest collection of works by Webcode: 36187 1750 to 1920 in some 40 rooms. Jean Tinguely, one of the most innovative Swiss artists of the Webcode: 36094 20th century. Webcode: 36087 48 Schönenbodensee 53 Jet d’eau 35 Abbey of Saint-Maurice Wildhaus Geneva’s The basilica of the Abbey of Saint- Nestled between the Churfirsten most visible Maurice hides one of Europe’s 42 City of Fribourg and the Alpstein massif, the icon is the richest church treasuries and was More than 200 original gothic heavenly mountain lake is wonder- Jet d’eau, Europe’s UNESCO World Heritage Property 27 Grossmünster church once the spiritual centre of the facades from the 15th century lend fully refreshing on warm summer highest Zurich Burgundy Empire. Fribourg’s Old Town its unique days. charm. fountain Webcode: 36256 Webcode: 204263 1 Zurich spreads out before you at 140 m, Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona 28449 from the tower of the Grossmüns- Webcode: which Visible from afar, the thrust is defined by a razor-sharp yellow ter. The spectacular view reaches shoots line that slices across the mountain faces of between across the city rooftops to the water at and Elm. It’s a geological phenomenon of global importance. 56 Water source of Switzerland

snow-capped peaks of the . 200 km/h Water, water is everywhere in MySwitzerland.com

Webcode: 36517 Webcode: 38276 into the

Brugg, situated at the confluence sky. gems. Swiss for search the In

of the three rivers that drain 40% The feel of 15 Painted facades Appenzell Webcode: of Switzerland. Tap into the theme 2 7 28 Centre for Photography Switzerland. of Swiss National Park Tremola, old Gotthard Strolling through Appenzell is like stepping into the pages of a picture book. Brightly painted gabled houses 39446 on the refreshing walk from Baden touring at home.

Beautiful hiking paths and im- Pass road catch the eye, their frescoed facades revealing stories, coats of arms and other motifs. to Brugg. pressive nature trails lead UNESCO Biosphere Classic and contemporary pho- On the southern flank of the Gott- Webcode: 28403 Webcode: 57202 Discover a range of wonderful experiences through pristine wilderness in hard Pass, the cobbled Tremola tography are in the spotlight at this fascinating centre, which along the Grand Tour of Switzerland. Take Tour Grand the Swiss National Park, where road is a serpentine and spec- 12 Entlebuch Biosphere nature always takes centre presents life through the lens. tacular drive. With its breathtaking 57 Hallwyl moated castle a digital drive of the tour for a foretaste stage. With its seemingly never-ending bends, the road is the longest his- 16 Heidi’s village Maienfeld Webcode: 37950 43 moors and rugged karst land- 36 Town of Murten Perched on an island in the River of a packed insight into Switzerland. The torical monument in Switzerland. Fondation Gianadda 49 Ruinaulta Rhine Gorge Webcode: 37658 scapes, the biosphere reserve Bündner Herrschaft is the home The medieval town on the Aabach and looking back on Martigny 54 Bains de la Gruyère e-brochure Swiss Mag allows you to view Webcode: 45836 brims with outstanding natural of the much-loved children’s book German-French linguistic border Sheer limestone cliffs, fir forests almost 1,000 years of history, this 29 Town of Stein am Rhein beauty. character Heidi. The story of This internationally renowned is known for its picturesque and the glittering blue and tur- Take the waters and unwind with is one of Switzerland’s most the highlights on your iPad even before 3 Albula/Bernina the little orphan girl is brought to cultural foundation enthralls with quoise hues of the snaking Rhine Webcode: 36514 This charming little town is Old Town alleyways and relaxed tremendous views of the sur- beautiful moated castles. you set out on the road trip. railway line 8 Matterhorn life in Heidi’s village. famous for its well-preserved its eclectic collection, which arcade strolls. combine to create one of the rounding mountains. This is the ranges from a sculpture park Webcode: 64764 One of the world’s most spec- Shaped like a pyramid and no- Webcode: 45944 Old Town, with beautifully most spectacular landscapes in perfect place for spa time. frescoed facades and half- to archaeological exhibits and Webcode: 28455 the Alps. tacular train rides, the Rhaetian toriously hard to climb, the mighty Webcode: 36994 timbered houses. vintage cars. Railway Albula/Bernina line, is Matterhorn is the world’s most Webcode: 157336 an epic 122-km journey through photographed mountain. Mat- 17 Mountain village of Guarda Webcode: 36240 Webcode: 36108 44 Old Town of magnificent landscapes. terhorn glacier paradise grants 55 Lake Brienz cruises This quintessential Graubünden Few cities have preserved their the most spectacular view of the 50 Ascona lake promenade Swiss Mag. Webcode: 36516 mountain village was awarded the history as well as Bern. With 6 km Natural wonders drift into view Swiss icon. 30 Abbey of St.Gallen 37 Laténium: archaeological MySwitzerland.com/ipad Wakker Prize by the Swiss Heri- of arcades, the city boasts one of Mediterranean flair awaits on the on a relaxed boat ride across museum and park Webcode: 45830 tage Society and has received the Crowned by its baroque cathe- Europe’s longest weather-proof lakefront promenade, which is one the turquoise-green Lake Brienz, “national importance” distinction. dral, the St.Gallen Abbey District Located on the shores of Lake shopping promenades. of the most photographed spots framed by imposing mountains. harbours one of the most beauti- Neuchâtel, the Laténium presents in Switzerland with its brightly Webcode: 36225 Webcode: 39783 ful libraries in the world. reconstructions of submerged Webcode: 36509 painted facades and view of the 20 Absinthe Val de Travers pile-dwellings, and is Switzer- Brissago Islands. Webcode: 36510 land’s most important archaeo- You’ll soon be away with the green fairies at the Maison de l’Absinthe, Webcode: 28462 103_14d_08_ins_app_sommer_15.indd 1 18/12/14 10:33 which gives insight into the once-banned medicinal elixir made from logical museum. UNESCO World Heritage Property wormwood, anise and herbs. Webcode: 37966 51 13 Jungfraujoch Webcode: 143219 Verzasca Valley Well planned, twice as nice. Like liquid jade, the crystal- 4 Muottas Muragl At the highest railway station in 38 La Chaux-de-Fonds / Grand Tour Package UNESCO World Heritage Property Europe, the big three of Eiger, clear green Verzasca river flows The Upper Engadine spreads Town Planning & So you want to discover the Grand Tour in nine days? Book the Mönch and Jungfrau seem close peacefully over smoothly pol- Join us on a picturesquely at your feet from the 21 25 Museum of the Swiss enough to touch and a breath- Gruyères town and Watchmaking ished rocks and boulders. It’s package with or without car hire and all accommodation in your chosen summit of Muottas Muragl. The 9 Aletsch Glacier taking view of the Aletsch Glacier show dairy Charters of Confederation La Chaux-de-Fonds was once the a beautiful sight to behold. view of five lakes and imposing hotel category. Find information on the offer with the Webcode 213022. With a staggering 27 billion tons awaits. Near the medieval heart of town, world of the watchmak- Webcode: 45813 grand tour of Switzerland. mountains is simply breathtaking. of ice, the Aletsch Glacier is the the show dairy reveals the secrets The museum brings the history ing industry. Today, the UNESCO mightiest ice flow in the Alps and Webcode: 42577 Any questions? An unforgettable grand tour of Switzerland starts en route to the Alps. Simply sit Webcode: 41424 in the making of Le Gruyère AOP of the Swiss Confederation and World Heritage Property also the centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage Property back and enjoy a taste of what’s to come at your destination: discreet service, cheese. its myths to life, showcasing the impresses with its unique chess- 52 Château de Chillon Our Switzerland experts are on hand with invaluable advice to help Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World reliability and typical Swiss hospitality. Find out more at swiss.com most important documents from board design cityscape. you plan your Grand Tour of Switzerland. Contact them from 8am–6pm Heritage Site. 18 Mountain village Webcode: 36226 the history of Switzerland and 31 Three Castles of Webcode: 36518 Sitting on a rocky outcrop on Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm Saturday on 00800 100 200 30 (free- Webcode: 37068 of Grimentz explaining their meaning. 45 Einsiedeln monastery The skyline of Bellinzona, cap- , the medieval Grimentz is famous for its sun- phone)* or info @ myswitzerland.com, MySwitzerland.com. Webcode: 147187 ital of , is defined by the With its breathtaking backdrop moated castle is Switzerland’s blackened timber houses and the of jagged mountain peaks and fortifications of its three mighty most-visited historical monument. * Local charges may apply fiery red geraniums that billow medieval castles, which feature a deep blue lake, the baroque from their window boxes. Webcode: 36231 26 Tell Chapel Sisikon among the best preserved in monastery complex of Einsiedeln Webcode: 28443 Switzerland. is one of Switzerland’s most im- According to legend, this is where portant places of pilgrimage. Hotels along the Grand Tour of Switzerland Swiss freedom-fighting hero Webcode: 36511 After a busy day exploring Grand Tour highlights, nothing beats Webcode: 28365 5 Monte Brè William Tell jumped off the boat 19 Patek Philippe Museum to escape the brutish Austrian putting your feet up, relaxing and reflecting on the day. The luxury Rising high above Lugano, Monte Starting in Zurich, this nine-day adventure for two reveals beauti- Geneva governor Gessler. The Tell’s 32 Benedictine convent of hotels, rustic guesthouses and historic B&Bs on this unforgettable Brè is one of Switzerland’s 22 Gstaad / Saanenland chalet The museum whisks visitors on Chapel in Sisikon was built in St. John Müstair ful landscapes and cultural diversity on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. route offer a warm welcome and plenty of surprises. sunniest mountains. The view village UNESCO World Heritage Property a 500-year journey through time his honour. over Lugano’s rooftops and the The monastery is one of the few Included in the competition prize are return flights with SWISS, an Webcode 69133 and the history of watchmaking. Gstaad may be world famous, Competition: vast blue lake is simply extra- Webcode: 41703 existing architectural examples of Audi A4 quattro rental car with unlimited mileage courtesy of Europcar, but the holiday village still exudes UNESCO World Heritage Property Win a 9-day trip ordinary. 10 terraced vineyards Webcode: 38025 a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, Carolingian dynasty and contains on the tour. a petrol voucher for CHF 300, as well as eight nights in a double with its authentic Alpine farms, treasures such as the world’s Webcode: 36265 With 830 hectares of vines, the traditional chalets and luxurious largest cycle of early medieval 39 Town of St-Ursanne room with breakfast in selected four-star hotels on the tour route. Lavaux Vineyard Terraces are the boutiques. frescoes. Grand Train Tour of Switzerland largest continuous wine-growing The picture-perfect town on the Good luck! Want to explore the Grand Tour from the comfort of a train carriage? 6 area in Switzerland, with terrace Webcode: 28380 Webcode: 36508 banks of the Doubs is a place of Nicknamed the “dinosaur moun- after glorious terrace of breath- peaceful respite and beautifully The Grand Train Tour takes in the most beautiful panoramic routes in tain”, Monte San Giorgio is a taking views. preserved medieval architecture. Switzerland. More information with the Webcode 67715 or at 33 23 Emmental visitor cheese Olympic Museum 46 magnet to fans of fossils. Admire Webcode: 40165 14 Pilatus Webcode: 28505 Chapel Bridge Lucerne SwissTravelSystem.com/grandtraintour. finds from long-forgotten times dairy The museum in the Lausanne The world’s steepest cogwheel Dating to 1332 and defined by Competition question: Here’s how to play: at the Fossil Museum. district of Ouchy is the world’s railway trundles up to this moun- Tradition meets cutting edge in its central Water Tower, the largest information centre re- How many Alpine passes does the Grand Tour 1. Answer the competition question Webcode: 36513 11 Creux du Van rock tain above Lucerne, which this show dairy village, where you 40 Basel, city of culture world’s oldest covered wooden volving around the theme of the amphitheatre commands a phenomenal pano- can learn all about the world- When it comes to culture, Basel bridge links the two sides of of Switzerland cross? 2. Take part online and win on Olympic Games. famous Emmentaler AOP cheese. the city and is Lucerne’s most With its 160-m-high vertical rama of 73 Alpine peaks on has the cutting edge. Ever in- MySwitzerland.com/chance Order our latest brochures now visible landmark. 3 5 12 rock wall, the Creux du Van clear days. Webcode: 37291 Webcode: 36125 novative and eclectic, it is home Relax – planning your Grand Tour is a breeze with our holiday to 40 museums – more than is a striking natural rock Webcode: 28286 Webcode: 43991 magazine on the Grand Tour as well as other exciting brochures, arena, which affords a anywhere else in the country. Tales of the city. Along the Grand Tour of Switzerland. MySwitzerland.com/cities which can be ordered in hard copy or downloaded online. It’s packed spectacular view 24 Kambly Experience Closing date for entries: 31.10.2015. Webcode: 28358 into the void. with inspiration, information and hotels for summer dreaming. Conditions of entry (excerpt): City-Hopping: Trubschachen Win a dream weekend in two Swiss cities of your choice. Closing date for entries: 31.10.2015. The draw will take place on this date.

108_14a_0 2_brosch_staed te_hf_15_R Z03.indd 1 Find more details with the Webcode 121. Webcode: 57250 The Kambly Experience is a treat Entry is free of charge. Multiple entries will be disqualified. A draw will be 18/12/14 10:37 for the senses, where you’ll made from entries with the correct answer, and the winner notified by e-mail. Your contact details will be used by Switzerland Tourism and discover delicious biscuit-making possible competition partners exclusively for marketing purposes and for Switzerland Other secrets and the origins of the the distribution of promotional material, which you can cancel at any time. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will not be passed to Tourism Holiday brochures famous Swiss cookie brand. third parties. Switzerland Tourism reserves the right to exclude participants Magazine from the competition, to disqualify multiple entries and to cancel the Webcode: 133096 competition in the event of a suspected breach of the rules. The Audi A4 quattro will be provided by Europcar at Zurich Airport. If no Audi A4 quattro is available at the time of travel, Europcar will offer another vehicle of equal value. Full conditions of entry can be seen at MySwitzerland.com/chance. At a click Switzerland Tourism, Tödistrasse 7, CH-8002 Zurich. Take a virtual Grand Tour of Switzerland. Find inspiration on highlights and top excursions as you plan your unforgettable Swiss Mesocco, Graubünden holiday. For more details, visit MySwitzerland.com/grandtour.

050_300_WengenA340_HF_Sommer_148x210_en 1 25.09.14 14:12 Hallwyl Castle, At a glance: Aargau D Swiss holiday regions. Banks of the Limmat River, Zurich, Zurich Region Switzerland is remarkably diverse for a country of its diminutive size. Let us introduce you to the country’s regions. A Aargau G Graubünden 47 More than 1,650 km of walking trails 1,000 summits, 150 valleys and 615 lakes – 29 and almost 1,000 km of marked cycling a picture-book mountain world made to Grand Tour trails showcase the treasures of this measure for a relaxing summer holiday. compact region’s landscapes, culture and Rhine, Basel Region history. of Switzerland. 40 41 www.graubuenden.ch 28 If you want to discover the best of Switzerland in one single route, 56 +41 (0)81 254 24 24 J www.aargautourismus.ch look no further than the Grand Tour of Switzerland, which stretches A A 30 +41 (0)62 823 00 73 for 1,600 km and whisks you through the country’s most beautiful B 27 Schwägalp, H Jura & Three-Lakes 39 / Liechtenstein Region embodying wild and unspoilt land- regions. You’ll encounter four linguistic regions as you take in five M B Alpine passes, 11 UNESCO World Heritage Properties, two biosphere 15 Basel Region scapes, magnificent lakes and a contrasting With its countless museums, world-famous culture of deep traditions. 57 reserves and 22 lakes. Enjoy an unforgettable journey packed with architecture and the idyllic Jura heights on its adventure from start to finish! doorstep, the three-border region together with the cultural capital of Basel is incredibly open-minded and diverse. www.j3l.ch 48 +41 (0)32 328 40 10 FL 38 Affoltern in Emmental, I H www.basel.com I Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region Bern-Bernese Oberland 45 +41 (0)61 268 68 68 Castles, monasteries, alpine festivities, 46 23 1 cable cars, cog railways: the cradle of Swit- 37 25 zerland promises unforgettable adventures. 16 C Bern-Bernese Oberland With its majestic mountains, picture-perfect 44 14 26 43 12 lakes and UNESCO-listed Old Town, the 20 11 24 region of Bern-Bernese Oberland makes holi- www.lucerne.com day dreams come true. +41 (0)41 227 17 17 C 49 17 Ennetbürgen, Bürgenstock panorama, 42 J Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region D www.madeinbern.com Lovely scenery, dramatic rock formations, 55 +41 (0)31 300 33 00 sunny vineyards and beautiful lakes – a land G of contrasts. F 2 D Fribourg Region Wonderful landscapes of mountains and 54 32 lakes, the medieval city of Fribourg and two www.ostschweiz.ch Galterntal bridge, 3 cultures united in a small area. 00800 100 200 30 Fribourg Region F 21 13 33 7 4 10 22 K Ticino www.fribourgregion.ch On the sunny side of Switzerland: la dolce vita, 9 52 +41 (0)26 407 70 20 authentic festivities, palm-fringed lakes and wild valleys with rich traditions. 34 E Geneva K Nestling between Alpine peaks and vine- 51 yards, the global city of Geneva has plenty www.ticino.ch E to offer and exudes multicultural, cosmo- +41 (0)91 825 70 56 politan flair. 19 53 31 35 0 I 20 40 80 km 18 L Valais With 45 peaks over 4,000 m, Valais is not L 50 0 10 20 40 miles www.geneve-tourisme.ch just a mountain paradise, offering traditional Marmorera reservoir, 36 +41 (0)22 909 70 00 cuisine, fine dining and superb wines. Graubünden GrandGrand Tour Tour of ofSwitzerland Switzerland Lake basin, 8 02040 80 km Geneva AutobahnMotorway Hauptstrasse F 5 Main road BahnlinieRailway 0102040 miles Spectacular terraced vineyards, magnificent www.valais.ch views and cities with Mediterranean flair +41 (0)27 327 35 90 AutoverladCar transport by rail 6 make this region a unique attraction. FlughafenAirport M Zurich Region Château de Chillon, 0 20 40 80 km On the doorstep of the city, the hiking, biking Montreux, www.lake-geneva-region.ch and water sports region also entices with its Lake Geneva Region +41 (0)21 613 26 26 cultural and culinary diversity. 0 10 20 40 miles

Grand Tour map Hallwag Kümmerly+Frey Autobahn The Hallwag Kümmerly+Frey road map shows the route in detail and is www.zuerich.com Hauptstrassen the perfect travel companion for discovering the Grand Tour of Switzerland. +41 (0)44 215 40 00 Grand Tour of Switzerland a www.swisstravelcenter.ch Wine area Salgesch, The Grand Tour of SwitzerlandAutoverlad is a suggested route that makes use of the existing Swiss road network. Valais Visitors follow the route at their own risk. Switzerland Tourism and the Grand Tour of Switzerland association accept Webcode: 211695 Flughafen no liability for construction works, diversions, signage relating to special events or safety provisions along the route. www.swisstravelcenter.ch