Experiences along the Grand Tour

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!”

The remains of this settlement can be seen in this unique Archaeological Park and help us understand in minute detail the daily life of the rich and poor in a medieval rural community.

The Swiss juicing and fermentation museum (Schweizer Mosterei- und Brennereimuseum) is found on Lake Constance in the canton of Thurgau, which is famous for its apples. The museum, spread over more than 1,000 square metres, portrays the journey from the orchard all the way to the bottle, providing an insight into a fruity past.

The Dinosaur Museum Frick gives an extensive overviw of dinosaurs and their history.

Perched high above Lake Constance and nestled in large parklands, this elegantly furnished castle was once the residence of the last emperor of France. In what is now the Napoleonic Museum, the original furnishings have been preserved, and the palace gardens have recently been restored.

Immerse yourself in the sweet temptation of the Mendrisio Outlet and enjoy exclusive prices and promotions. Discover first-class chocolate offers and convince yourself of their outstanding quality.

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

The cheese shop in Leysin is where traditional cheese is handmade under the "Le Leysin" label, using wood fires. The shop also acts as a small museum, presenting unique tools and equipment from a bygone alpine age.

Enjoy a culinary experience consisting of team spirit, fun and sightseeing!

Fast Scooter descent from the local mountain of Zug – magnificent views over the lake, to the city and the mountains.

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.

The mountainside above the Magadino Plain is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic hike. In addition to the breathtaking views, the tour also takes in several impressive sights.

The Goetheanum, the anthroposophical center in Dornach, was the site of the world premiere of Goethe's Faust (Part I and II) in 1938. To this day, Faust is regularly staged in the unconventional building from the 1920s.

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.

Necki is a legendary character inhabiting the Necker Valley. The Mogelsberger Necki frolics in Wilket; Petri of St. Peterzell swims in the Necker River, but Hemberger Hucky gambols in "Salomon's Tempel," a high moorland. Bobo of Brunnadern has his abode in the ancient Choltobel, and Tibby resides in the ruin of Neutoggenburg near Oberhelfenschwil.

In the olden days, those that crossed the Gotthard Pass still had a long way to the plains far below. There was another barrier in Rodi in the Upper Leventina: the narrow Piottino Gorge carved out of the Monte Piottino by the Ticino River.

Lugano’s home mountain and pinnacle of enjoyment - that’s San Salvatore! The striking mountain south of the town boasts 360° views over the lake and environs, far south and to the high Alps in the west.The funicular railway up this landmark mountain starts in Lugano-Paradiso.

The adventures of Heidi, the orphan girl, are known the world over. Not least through the eponymous film from 1952. One of the original locations is above St. Moritz and can be visited at all times.

Between Broc and Châtel-sur-Montsalvens in the canton of Fribourg lies the spectacular and romantically wild Jaunbach Gorge. Wooden bridges, tunnels and rock galleries make this walk an adventurous excursion for the entire family.

Riding all the way from Torrent to Leukerbad by means of the Monster TrottinettS - fun for the entire family.

One of the world’s steepest funicular railways departs from Leventina for the Ritomsee lake. Built by Swiss Federal Railways in 1917 to aid with the construction of the reservoir and power station, the little red train has been carrying 100 people per hour to the recreation area around the mountain lakes in the Val Piora since 1921.

Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

The Aargau Jura Park is the home of Perimuk the Jura dinosaur. He’s called that because his outline looks like the perimeter of the Aargau Jura Park (how it appears on a map). He takes families on four different exciting adventures: the Perimuk trails.

Mont Sujet (1382m) lies between Lake Biel and Chasseral.

According the global surveys it is the best stunt in film history: Bond's jump from the 220 meter high Verzasca dam in the movie "GoldenEye". And the ultimate adrenaline rush at Lago di Vogorno is also called 007 jump or GoldenEye Bungee Jump.

The neighbourhoods of Bern are as diverse as their restaurants, and there are quite a few of them in the federal capital. You can really get a true sense of the typical Bernese lifestyle by visiting one of Bern's cosy neighbourhood pubs.

Located by Lake Geneva in Swiss Vevey, Alimentarium is the first museum in the world devoted exclusively to nutrition. A wonderful and educational vegetable garden also belongs to the museum.

A time machine in the heart of Lausanne!