Grand Tour Photo Spots

Hallwyl is one of Switzerland’s loveliest moated castles. The exhibitions in the 900-year-old castle document the building’s history and provide an insight into how the family that owned Hallwyl once lived. The everyday lives of the labouring classes, such as farmers and millers, are also touched upon as part of the exhibition, while the dreadful cries of the prisoners can still be heard from the dungeon tower. Various guided tours, workshops and audio tours allow for more in-depth engagement with selected topics.

This is where Switzerland’s tangiest cheese is made! In the Appenzeller show-dairy in Stein in the canton of Aargau, time-honoured alpine practices are combined with state-of-the-art cheese production to create a successful blend of the traditional and contemporary. A few steps separate you from a unique journey of discovery. This leads from the art of cheese-making to the grandeur and beauty of the Appenzellerland – you are on the trail of the tangy secret.

Chesa Merleda, which is studded with battlements, is the landmark of proud La Punt. The impressive ensemble of splendid patrician and guest houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries is a historic witness to a flourishing trade and tourism history at the Albula Pass. With the construction of a bridge over the Inn river in the 16th century, the lords of the Albertini family, also known as the ‘Lords of the Bridge’, laid the foundations for development and prosperity in La Punt.

Six countries at a panoramic glance – from the Säntis peak one can see Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and Italy, all at the same time. 2,502 metres high, the mountain is the symbol of the Lake Constance region. Since 1935, Säntis has been accessible by aerial tramway; the valley station at Schwägalp is situated in the beautiful nature adventure park Schwägalp-Säntis, including a lovely Appenzell pasture where local traditions are still lived today.

Emmental is the home of the famous cheese of the same name. The region is characterised by countless hills and valleys, and timber and milk are its most important raw materials. Can you hear the cowbells? Enjoy the view over the unique hilly landscape of the Emmental, stretching across to the famous trio of the Bernese Oberland – the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. More than 1,100 kilometres of hiking trails and numerous cycle routes make the region a paradise for those seeking an active holiday.

The Combe d’Enfer is one of the steepest vineyards in the world, with a 200m height differential. Its grapevines are grown in the terraces, with each level supported by a dry-stone wall. Grape harvests are done on foot, since the site can only be accessed via a footpath. The Combe d’Enfer (meaning “Valley of Hell”) takes its name from its amphitheatre shape and the intense heat there. It’s the hottest vineyard in the region.

Feel like an emperor as you survey the highly agreeable vista. More exactly: like Napoleon III. Established in medieval times, Arenenberg estate was in the hands of the Bonaparte family between 1817 and 1906. The great and the good of the time would come to the imperial court to pay their respects and take in the views of Lake Constance. The household here was organised along the lines of Parisian life, with salons, dinners, theatre and strolls through the gentle Thurgau countryside.

There are three reasons for celebrating a visit to the region around Nyon. In terms of scenery, Lake Geneva is flanked by enchanting vineyards with the Jura range silhouetted above. In terms of culture, the region stands out for its many art and music festivals, castles and museums. And in terms of the pleasures of the palate, the wines and specialities of La Côte are simply too good to miss; you can even dine on one of the heritage paddle steamers. Other water-borne activities include pedalo boating and wind-surfing.

A museum bustling with life. On Ballenberg, the rural life of times past is revived. More than 100 original, centuries-old buildings, from all parts of Switzerland, offer a lot to discover and experience: for example, one can help with forging or basket-weaving, learn how cheese is made, or observe more than 200 farm animals. Those who feel like relaxing, can stroll through the fragrant flower and herb gardens or travel into the past during a horse-drawn carriage ride.

The magnificent limestone cliffs of Creux du Van (“van” means rock) form a rocky circle almost 200m high with a circumference of 1.4km. Together with the Areuse Gorge, the site has been a nature reserve since 1876. Upstream is Val-de-Travers, known for its terroir, history and numerous activities. Staff from the tourist information point at Noiraigue Station will be happy to provide more information. And, on its south side, the summit of Creux du Van also offers stunning views of the Alps.

In the St. Beatus Caves by Lake Thun near Interlaken. Explore around one kilometre of safe and well-lit walkways inside the mountain. Discover stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed by nature over millions of years as you immerse yourself in this unique underground world. A visit to the Cave Museum is a chance to learn more about this natural wonder, with an audio guide telling you all you need to know about caves and caving.

“Guten Tag”, “Bonjour”, “Grüezi” – welcome to the striking Basel border triangle, where the languages and cultures of Germany, France and Switzerland converge. From its Rhine harbour, ships sail towards the North Sea. Basel has a lot to offer, be it experiences of the cultural, recreational or culinary kind: take a plunge into the Rhine river, stroll through the historic Old Town or be inspired by a museum visit. In Basel, you are definitely in for a treat!

The Lindt Home of Chocolate is a unique visitor attraction on the site of the historic Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory. Chocolate, an important cultural asset for Switzerland, has been produced here since 1899 and can be experienced up close at the Lindt Home of Chocolate. The building itself is also a source of fascination, with its spectacular architecture. It was designed by the famous Swiss architects Christ & Gantenbein.

Being in the Saanen region, with its five beautiful side valleys, is as being in paradise – probably also due to the legend of the Hand of God. It is said that when He was resting here during the creation, He formed the Saanen region with the imprint of His hand – the region’s hand-like shape can be seen quite well from here. Altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 m (3,300–9,800 ft) make for heavenly views. Along with the backdrop of mountains, forests and lakes, this region strengthens your well-being and provides positive energy!

As high as it gets: with its 2,429 m a.s.l. (7,969 ft), Furka Pass connects the cantons of Uri and Valais, making it the highest alpine pass on the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’. The European watershed between the Mediterranean and North Sea also runs along here. In summer, a ride in the lovingly restored cars of the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway or a walk to the famous Rhone glacier make for a special visit. As the name implies, the river Rhone – also known as ‘Rotten’ in Wallis – originates from here.

The abbey of Saint Meinrad in Einsiedeln has attracted pilgrims for over 1,000 years. It was rebuilt over the centuries and, today, the 18th century baroque-style monastery forms the impressive centre of Einsiedeln. Besides the ‘Chapel of Mercy’ with its famous ‘Black Madonna’, the complex includes a high school, winery and stables for horse breeding. Attracted by the beautiful scenery and a variety of concerts, many nature and culture lovers enjoy visiting Einsiedeln.

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.

In the distance you can see the Rütli meadow, the historic place where the forming of Switzerland is said to have occurred in 1291. With its 2,928 m (9,606 ft), the pyramidal peak of Urirotstock can be made out even farther in the back. The village of Seelisberg lies on a sunny terrace at 850 m.a.s.l. (2.788 ft), beneath the two mountains Niederbauen and Oberbauen. Lake Lucerne, in German literally ‘Four Forested Settlements Lake’, got its name because it is embedded in the four forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden and Nidwalden, and Lucerne.

The majestic Weisshorn rises ahead: at 4,505 meters, it is among the highest Alpine peaks. It blushes pink in the morning, stands clear and strong at midday, and fades in the golden evening light.   Next to the Weisshorn, other giants in the group stretch up to the sky, from Pointe Burnaby and the Bishorn to the Brunegghorn. A true parade of three- and four-thousand-meter peaks.   Here at 2,100 meters, there’s only nature, the view, and you. Welcome to Hannigalp, Grächen’s most beautiful viewpoint.

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.