Grand Tour Photo Spots

At 4049 metres, Piz Bernina is the only four-thousand-metre peak in the Eastern Alps and thus the highest mountain in the canton of Graubünden and the municipality of Samedan. The first ascent of the peak was made on 13 September 1850 by Johann Wilhelm Coaz with his two companions Jon and Lorenz Ragt Tscharner.

A wide selection of designer, sports, outdoor, and lifestyle brands offer their collections at attractive prices a Landquart Fashion Outlet. The outlet is designed in the style of a Graubünden chalet village, set against a stunning mountain landscape, and invites visitors to relax and linger with its shops, cafés, and restaurants. It is only an hour’s drive or train ride from Zurich, 50 minutes from St. Gallen, and ten minutes from Heidiland – located directly on the A13 between the Landquart motorway exit and Landquart train station.

With its picturesque streets surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of Lake Bienne and St. Peter’s Island, Erlach (Cerlier in French) is one of the prettiest little towns in the Three Lakes Region. The townscape is dominated by the towering silhouette of the 11th-century castle, one of the oldest in the Canton of Bern, along with the town hall, local school, and church. Erlach is the perfect base for a day trip to the nature reserve on St. Peter’s Island, source of inspiration and creativity for such luminaries as Rousseau and Goethe in times past.

Bavegna - welcome to the Val Surses holiday region. With its two tourist centres Savognin and Bivio, our valley lies in the heart of Graubünden, surrounded by Switzerland's largest nature park, Parc Ela. Val Surses is home to 11 villages that joined together in 2016 to form the municipality of Surses. Wide landscapes, crystal-clear mountain lakes, a wide range of sports and cultural activities and the Romansh language characterise our valley. Val Surses - so close to another world.

In Goms, villages are picturesque, churches baroque, and its wooden houses and barns burned to a very dark brown by the sun – as can be seen when looking at the magnificent barn, which was built in 1617. The old farm building is a historical representative of traditional Valais architecture. A typical feature of Valais barns are the stilts with the round stone slabs that form a cavity between the base and the actual silo, making it impossible for mice and vermin to enter.

Around 1200, Duke Berchtold V von Zähringen gave the order to build Castle Burgdorf as a residential castle. The Counts of Kyburg inherited it after his death in 1218. In 1384, the Canton of Bern bought the Burgdorf estate and the castle became the seat of the Bernese governor (Schultheiss). It served as a court, prison and the governor's office until 2012. The castle counts as one of the oldest preserved Romanesque secular buildings in Switzerland and today houses a museum, a youth hostel and a restaurant.

Kaspar Stockalper (1609–1691), merchant, banker, large-scale entrepreneur, military official and politician, built Stockalper Palace in Brig in the years 1651 to 1671. The impressive castle with its three gilded onion domes was the largest private building constructed in the 17th century in Switzerland and reflects the immensity of Stockalper’s wealth. Today, his fortune would be worth far more than half a billion Swiss Franks. It is to no surprise that Stockalper was called ‘The King of Simplon’.

Located at the heart of the Val d'Hérens valley, in the village of Hérémence, the “earth pyramids” of Euseigne are a fascinating geological phenomenon. Carved by glacial erosion at the end of the Würm glaciation (the last glacial period in the Alpine region, around 80,000 to 10,000 years ago), these columns of earth topped with rock – nicknamed “fairy chimneys” or “coiffed ladies” – have shaped the landscape of the valley. These slender and mysterious formations are the only ones of their kind in Switzerland, where geology provides insights into the history of time and ice. The pyramids have been designated as a protected natural site or monument of national importance since 1983.

La Pierreuse Nature Reserve in the Vaudois Alps is the ideal place for mountain walks. On the right bank of the Sarine, south of Château-d’Oex the nature reserve is arranged around the Gummfluh. This characteristic pre-alp landscape covering an area of 34 km2 includes valleys overlooked by limestone rock faces.

The picturesque Morges region stretches along vineyards between Lake Geneva and the Jura forests. During the 17th century, Morges, with its unique guard houses known as ‘guérites’, was the most important commercial port on Lake Geneva. The castle, with its striking towers, houses five museums and, on a clear day, the glistening, snow-capped peaks of the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif can be seen. From April to October, a plethora of flowers in the most beautiful colours adorns the city.

Höhematte Interlaken, a protected area of historical interest since 1864, affords views from the promenade with Interlaken’s top hotels to the imposing panorama of the Jungfrau. Interlaken is the centre of the tourism and holiday region of the same name and the perfect starting point for excursions to the mountains or on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is also the “Adventure Capital of Europe”. Here’s one highlight to prove it: paragliding. Enjoy a flight over Interlaken and land here on the Höhematte.

The mountains rise up majestically over the glittering Lake Thun. Set against the breathtaking panoramic backdrop of the Bernese Alps, the famous three peaks, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, are unmistakeable. This is the magnificent spectacle that awaits visitors on the Niederhorn. Thanks to its unique location, it offers fantastic 360-degree views of the Swiss Plateau and the Bernese Alps, stretching as far as the cities of Thun and Bern.

Feel history come alive – you are, after all, standing on historic ground. Here on the flanks of Monte Generoso stood the castle of the patrician Torriani family. It was razed to the ground in 1242. Out of respect, the church tower of San Sisinio was spared: this is La Torre, the landmark of Mendrisio. This vantage point offers views of the old town quarter and of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The 140-meter-high Jet d'Eau in the harbor basin of Lake Geneva is the symbol of the city, which is considered the cradle of haute horlogerie. The old town overlooks the left bank and is dominated by the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Wildly romantic, sunny and sheltered: Pontresina is nestled amongst mountains – a place for leisure as well as recreation. Arguably the best vantage point is the world-famous Montebello hairpin bend, at the point where the Bernina section of the Rhaetian Railway crosses the road. You can see the tallest peaks of the Eastern Alps behind the Morteratsch Glacier, including Piz Bernina (4,049 m), Piz Palü (3,901 m), Piz Roseg (3,937 m) and Bellavista. Fancy cooling down a little? The glacier trail from Morteratsch station takes you to where the ice is eternal.

Piazza Ticino, on Monte Ceneri Pass, boasts the region’s new landmark – Totem Ticino, which is built of stone from the canton. The symbolism of this work is unmistakable: the piazza represents the union of the three regions of Locarno, Bellinzona and Lugano, whose history was shaped by deep divisions, starting in 1803 – the year in which Ticino became a canton. The totem, on the other hand, represents the completion of the entire AlpTransit project, with the Ceneri Base Tunnel marking the concluding phase. The Totem is clad in stones from Ticino that were removed during the boring of the AlpTransit tunnel. The new Piazza Ticino is one of the main stops on the La Via del Ceneri cultural trail. The oval-shaped space features five benches and four new trees, which offer a shady respite for visitors.

This is a symbolic place in the city of Sion, located below the Bisse du Montorge and above the Gravelone district. Built in 1885, the Bisse de Montorge collects water from the Lac de Montorge and supplies the southern flank of the slope, including the famous Mont d'Or area. The photo spot is located in an environment with a gentle blend of iconic panorama, quiet residential area and vineyard terraces.

The Lucerne hotel icon, modelled after Neuschwanstein Castle, was built by Emil Vogt in 1888 in one of Switzerland’s finest hotel locations. Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a world-renown interior designer, has revived the historic charm of Château Gütsch, putting great emphasis on small details – from the stuccoed ceiling to the hand-painted wood panelling. Just as in years past, the view from the rooftops of the old town over Lake Lucerne and the mountains is still spectacular.

Nestled in the heart of lush nature on the banks of the river Doubs, the small medieval town of Saint-Ursanne preserves its treasures. The Saint-Jean Népomucène bridge, renovated in 2016, and three city gates are the only accesses to the old town. Lovingly called the ‘Pearl of the Jura’, it has a remarkable historical heritage, including the collegiate church and cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The town’s surrounding areas are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing or paragliding.

100 kilometres of Alpine peaks, 10 lakes: the view from CabriO, the world’s first convertible-style cable car with a roofless upper deck, is as fascinating as unique. It is, however, not the first innovation on Stanserhorn – the funicular already featured a novelty in 1893, as that was the first time clasp brakes were used. A ranger welcomes the visitors at the Stanserhorn summit to show them where the most beautiful flowers bloom and the marmots live. The revolving restaurant Rondorama is a further acme.

With a surface area of 540 square metres (80,000 football pitches), a length of 63 kilometres, a depth of 254 metres and holding 50 billion cubic metres of water, is it any wonder that our neighbours on the other side of the lake like to call it the Swabian Sea? This third-largest lake in Central Europe falls within the borders of three countries: Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Fancy a unique prospect? The panoramic views along the jetty (270 m) are breathtaking.

Built between 1861 and 1863 by Baron Albert Emil Otto von Parpart (1813-1869), a former officer in the Prussian royal service. The Baron married Adelheid Sophie Margaritha von Bonstetten (1814-1883) in 1846. Architect Heino Schmieden (1835-1913). Museum of interior furnishings in the Art Nouveau style. The interior has remained unchanged since 1900 – as if time has stood still and the owners might return at any moment. The expansive grounds with native and non-native tree species add an extra charm to the overall experience.

Is Snow White waiting behind the seven mountains? The seven Churfirsten peaks are as magical as a fairytale, and the children of the Toggenburg know what each of them is called. From east to west: Chäserrugg (2,262 m), Hinterrugg (2,306 m), Schibenstoll (2,234 m), Zuestoll (2,235 m), Brisi (2,279 m), Frümsel (2,263 m), Selun (2,205 m). Trails lead to each of them. A particularly popular destination for day trippers is the Chäserrugg, which is easy to reach via two aerial cableways from Unterwasser.

Fribourg – founded in 1157 by Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen – is a city of bridges in every respect. The city was built on both sides of the river La Sarine/Saane and there are bridges in all styles and from all eras. Being a bilingual city, it also bridges the cultures of the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. Fribourg is home to many contemporary witnesses and architectural jewels, such as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, built in the 13th century, which dominates the centre of the historic Old City.

The Viamala gorge lies near the historical viaSpluga transit route, one of the many roads that led to Rome in ancient times. With its rugged cliffs, the kaleidoscopic play of colours on the water, and the potholes that have been cut into the rock over thousands of years, this gorge offers an unforgettable nature experience. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was one of many who were fascinated by the gorge: “I shall not write about the tremendous grandeur of the Viamala. I feel as if I had not known Switzerland at all!”

Romanshorn is located in the heart of the Lake Constance region, where four countries come together. The gentle sea breeze and the harbour with its many pleasant places to stop for refreshments create a lively ambience with plenty of maritime flair. In good weather, both the lake and the Säntis offer a magnificent backdrop. Romanshorn is an ideal base for hiking, cycling, skating and all kinds of aquatic sports. With the wide range of leisure and cultural activities on offer, a longer stay in this beautiful port is certainly worth considering.

The San Bernardino mountain pass, built between 1817 and 1823, was the first road for wheeled vehicles over a Grisons pass. It connected Bellinzona with Chur or – on a larger scope – the port of Genoa with southern Germany. Some decades ago, the route was carefully restored. Set in the magnificent mountain scenery between Hinterrhein and San Bernardino, examples of impressive road building skills from the 19th century can still be admired today.

Rolle, a port city At the beginning of the 19th century, most transport took place on the lake. To protect their boats from the wind, merchants decided to build a dyke (1835). In 1837, the dike became an island. On the death of Frédéric-César de La Harpe (1754-1838), born in Rolle and founding father of modern Switzerland, the people of Rolle named the island after him. In his memory, a 13m-high obelisk was erected on the island and the monument was inaugurated on 26 September 1844.

As you travel to the top of Monte Generoso, at 1,704m above sea level, you will enjoy a unique panorama. In the foreground, you will see the architectural work of Mario Botta consecrated in 2017, the historic chapel “Madonna della Provvidenza” built in 1943, while in the distance you might see the Po Valley in northern Italy, the profile of the Monte San Giorgio (UNESCO), Lake Lugano and the Alps with Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and the Gotthard massif.

With glorious views of the Matterhorn, a trip to Sunnegga-Rothorn is sure to be an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. It’s part of the Matterhorn ski paradise in winter, turning into a hiking paradise and land of adventure in summer: Whizz down on mountain carts and kick bikes or embark on the five-lake trail and discover the idyllic Lake Stelli, famous for its impressive reflection of the Matterhorn.

The church in Obermutten is one of the most unusual sacred buildings in Switzerland. It is the only place of worship built entirely of wood. The surrounding larch forests provided the material for this unique building. A wooden plaque above the entrance states that the church was built in 1718. Only the belfry on ridge, which houses two bells, dates from 1930. As well as the church, the picturesque Valais village of Obermutten can be seen in a breathtaking landscape. The sun-kissed wooden houses provide the perfect contrast.

Hospental, the last village before heading south over the Gotthard Pass, enjoyed great prominence during the days of the muleteers. The tower once occupied by the lords of Hospental dominates the whole of Hospental. Because of its elevated position, the tower is clearly visible from many directions and thus shapes the landscape of the Ursern Valley. The tower is open to the public. Based on the dating of timbers used in the walls, it is assumed the tower was constructed in the 13th century.

The only 'mobile photo spot' on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. In 1928, Alois Waser-Bucher, an entrepreneur from Nidwald, took interest in the Beckenried–Gersau car ferry project and, subsequently, had a ferry constructed in Uerikon on Lake Zurich in 1929. On Whit Sunday 1930, the ferry service was opened with the motor vessel ‘Tellsprung’ (‘Tell’s Leap’) carrying 20 cars. In 1959, a local hotelier bought the ferry and had it extensively rebuilt by Bodan Wharf on Lake Constance. The new ferry, which can carry up to 45 cars, started its service on Whit Saturday 1964, and has been owned by the F&R Group Beckenried since 2016.

Montebello Castle is situated on a hill of the same name, 90 metres above the city and looking down on Castelgrande. Accessible from the Piazza Collegiata or Nocca district on foot or via a road branching off from the Viale Stazione, it offers wonderful views of the region.

Rheinfelden has witnessed many different rulers and historical events over the years. In 1130, Rheinfelden was granted the status of town by Conrad, Duke of Zähringen. In 1218, the House of Zähringen died out and Rheinfelden became a free imperial city. In 1330, King Louis IV, the Bavarian pledged it to the Habsburgs. In 1802, after the end of Habsburg rule, it became the capital of the canton of Fricktal, which later became part of Aargau. In 2016, it was awarded the Wakker Prize as the oldest town in the canton of Aargau.

Rapperswil-Jona is called ‘Town of Roses on Lake Zurich’ for a reason. More than 20,000 plants can be found blooming in four rose gardens as well as in public spaces. The picturesque old town with its medieval castle, as well as the marvellous lake promenade, lend the town an almost southern flair. Several historic buildings, numerous festivals and cultural events as well as the Knies Kinderzoo of the National Circus Knie shape the city’s atmosphere at Lake Zurich.