Mountains, lakes and culture -
Eastern Switzerland in summer

Eastern Switzerland stretches from the shimmering waters of Lake Constance across the hilly Appenzellerland to the Alpine landscapes of Toggenburg, the Heidiland holiday region and the Glarnerland. Far off in the Rhine Valley is Vaduz with its princes' castle.

Cyclists will find an excellently signposted network of cycle paths. Whether you prefer riding from one fishing village to the next along the shores of Lake Constance or scaling high peaks on a mountain bike. There are no limits to the fun you can get from exercise. Families with children are particularly welcome in Eastern Switzerland. On the eerily beautiful Toggenburg mystic route, for example, or on the Heidi path above Bad Ragaz or the Dwarf Baartli fun stations in Braunwald. Art and culture lovers will enjoy a stay in St Gallen, enticed by the monastery district - officially part of the World's Cultural Heritage - and the magnificent Baroque basilica. Or they might prefer the historic little town of Schaffhausen below the round Munot fortress. Walkers who appreciate good food and drink by the wayside should head for the Alpstein region. There are 28 mountain guesthouses to spoil guests and hikers with local Appenzeller specialities. Health and beauty are also on the menu in the Alps. In the Glarnerland, where you can climb up to the Berglialp, enjoy a hearty meal and then luxuriate in a bath of whey before retiring to bed.

Fun on the slopes above a sea of mist -
Eastern Switzerland in winter

The skiing areas of Eastern Switzerland are perfect for all skiing, snowboarding and carving fans - with fabulous descents and wonderful views over the lakes and the mountains.

For example, Flumserberg, the largest winter sports resort between Zurich and Chur, or the Pizol skiing area in the Heidiland holiday region. From here, you can look straight down onto the deep blue, almost fjord-like waters of the Walensee. It goes past seven mountains to the Toggenburg, a high, mist-free valley between Säntis and Churfirsten which is the main attraction for families and crack snowboarders heading for the Gamserrugg and Chäserugg ski mountains. Winter sports fans will also enjoy the family-friendly car-free Braunwald and Elm in the Glarnerland and Malbun in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Winter walkers and cross-country skiers will find excellently prepared routes and courses with wonderful views throughout the region.