Summer destinations

You emerge from the prehistoric caves on the southwest wall of the Ebenalp at the Wildkirchli – a tiny chapel, clinging to the rock.

Heidi would be thrilled if she could see her homeland now, in all its magical, natural summer beauty. Stretching beneath the mighty chain of the Churfirsten are Lake Walen and other smaller, sparkling mountain lakes.

Small but superior: little Liechtenstein can promise its visitors princely holidays. Not just because the 35,000 inhabitants of this 160-square-kilometre country are ruled by a prince, but because active holidaymakers find a landscape and facilities fit for royalty.

A quick ride on the back of a giraffe or elephant; an eye-to-eye encounter with inquisitive African dwarf goats; watching the droll antics of South American sea lions; all kinds of fun at the monkeys' breakfast...

Some 700,000 litres of water thunder every second over the Rhine falls: 150 m wide, 23 m high – an unforgettable sight.

To the south lies the imposing Alpstein massif with the celebrated peak of the Säntis; to the north, the vast expanse of Lake Constance, and seemingly endless views; and in between, a delightful region of alpine foothills.

With 200 km of surfaced and signposted routes for inline skaters, 900 km of marked bike trails and more than 1,000 km of footpaths, the Thurgau-Lake Constance region is ideal for active holidaymakers.

A tree with cowbells for fruit, a didgeridoo carved from the rock, a flute fence – the Toggenburg Tone Trail at the foot of the Churfirsten gets nature to sing, and visitors to play on 22 highly unusual instruments.