Experiences: Nature

Kreuzboden above Saas-Grund is not only the starting point for many lovely hikes, but is also well worth a visit in its own right - especially for children!

An oasis of well-being at 1,560 metres above sea level – an expansive water and wellness environment. The offering ranges from various saunas and Kneipp baths to foot pools and a silent room.

St. Gallen has more bridges than do most other cities in Switzerland. The Bridge Trail leads from the St.Gallen-Haggen Station and over 18 bridges.

There is quite a contrast between the southern village of Martigny at the elbow of the Rhone and the wilderness of Durnand Gorge, or the Gorges du Durnand as it is called in French.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a short while and enjoy a picnic in the museum garden of the Oskar Reinhart “Am Römerholz” collection. Stately chestnut trees and outdoor sculptures are scattered throughout the verdant park, making it the perfect spot to slow down and recharge.

The Schöllenen Gorge is to the Gotthard Pass as the Gondo Gorge is to the Simplon Pass.

The unique center in the heart of the terraced vineyards of Lavaux (named World Heritage Site by UNESCO) is entirely dedicated to vines and wine.

Safe and secure all the way, you traverse some truly impressive rock formations as you make your way up a total 305-meter climb in around 2 hours to find yourself at the top of the Eggishorn - best vantage point on the grand Aletsch Glacier and end point of the via ferrata.

This activity is somewhere between rambling and mountaineering, and is suitable for both children and adults.

Cross Golf is a variation of classic golf. However, it is not played on golf courses, but in all possible places that allow a game. The Cross Golf course on Brambrüesch is played on nine holes between the gondola mountain station (material hand-out) and the «Bergbaiz Brambrüesch» (material return). Who can complete the course with the fewest strokes?

There is much to discover here! Following on the trail of the four elements during a circular hike with the whole family.

Dreilindenpark – colloquially also known as “Konsipark” – is not only the largest public park in the city of Lucerne, offering breathtaking views, but also a place of culture. Originally the home of the Lucerne School of Music, this is where works of fine art are to be put on display in the future.

The Nature Trail in the Ofenpass area (between Zernez and the Münstertal Valley) provides young and old with interesting information on the natural environment.

Swimming pool right by the Aare River. The outdoor pool at Solothurn consists of the two-part historical bathhouse dating back to 1926-27 as well as the open-plan outdoor swimming pool with large pool and 10-meter diving board, which was added in 1962-64.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has a new family spa, continuing its three-generation concept. The pools will delight both younger and older children (up to 16 years of age) as well as their parents and grandparents.

The Rhine River Bath: cooling off with a view of the fort Munot. This beautiful wooden structure has been the favourite swimming spot in Schaffhausen for more than 140 years.

Switzerland's largest lakeside wetland resembles a long area made up of marshes along Lake Neuchâtel, bordered by forests on the shore.

Arranged wholly in the style of its French (or western Swiss) predecessors, this via ferrata has optimum safety. The views across and down into the Val de Travers from above, on the broad rock barrier, are very appealing. The route is 550 metres long, largely following natural ledges, where the safety rope generally also serves as a hand-hold rope. The site is closed from January 1 to June  30 and cannot be climbed then (it is the nesting period for the wallcreeper).

It’s hardly surprising that the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway passes over 83 marvellous bridges and viaducts along its route from Locarno to Domodossola. Before this panoramic route was built, the “hundred valleys” were still completely untouched. Whether in spring, passing thundering waterfalls, or during a golden Indian summer – a trip on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway is an experience in itself.

The Naturbad Riehen is an attractive swimming pool with contemporary infrastructure. This natural pool is geared specifically towards the needs of local families and the complex has a delightfully compact layout.

The Simplon Pass links Brig (Valais) with Domodossola in Northern Italy. Now generally open in winter, it was used as early as the Stone Age, though until the 17th century it was mainly traversed by smugglers and mercenaries as the narrow Gondo Gorge was considered impassable, even by Roman Era architects.

Coloradoschlucht Gorge in the Vaud Jura.

A tree-top trek involving a variety of suspension bridges and aerial cableways. A sensational experience, open to everyone (minimum height 1m 10), to be enjoyed at your own pace. Whether you are a fitness fanatic or a couch potato, you can have lots of fun.

In a world that is becoming increasingly stressful, the wellness and fitness areas of the Bains de Cressy – which can be found a little outside Geneva – offer plenty of peace and relaxation.

From a stroll around the old town to the hiking trail, the city of Chur, with its local mountain Brambrüesch, has nature right on its doorstep. Hiking trails, meadows filled with flowers and cycling routes can all be reached in no time at all via cable car.

Mooraculum on the Rossweid in Sörenberg is a place where families with children will find everything they could ever want: ponds with water play equipment, an explorer pass with associated tasks, climbing activities, suspended chairs and picnic areas. The focus is on the mystical moor landscapes. Visitors of all ages will learn how a moor is formed, get to know the moorland inhabitants and, above all, will be encouraged to experience the moor with all of their senses.

The Forest Jump is a course in the trees in which you will have fun.

At the Roggenhausen Wildlife Park you can observe rabbits, ponies, goats, sheep, wild boar, deer, ibex and many other animals from up close.

This alpine Invuettes is just 10 minutes’ drive from Charmey. Visitors not only have a chance to purchase and sample the local Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses, but can also have a go themselves.

Tassino Park, a glorious haven of peace, is graced with lush vegetation thanks to its sun-drenched position. If you like roses and English-style gardens then this is the place for you. What is now Tassino Park was at one time the hunting lodge of the wealthy Enderlin family, who in the 19th century were the owners of a beautiful villa on the hill of Tassino.