Experiences along the Grand Tour - Nature

Experiencing Alpine Culture not only means sleeping on an Alp, but also working on an Alp or farm. Visitors help with making hay, mucking stalls, milking cows, or cheese-making, and takes away a feeling for life as a mountain farmer.

More than 100 animals from all over the world are at home in the Zoo al Maglio to marvel at. These include lions, panthers, snow leopards, serval, the Bennett wallaby, gibbons, macaques and capuchin monkeys as well as parrots.

Up until 1,900 years ago a terrifying dragon is said to have been up to mischief in a large cave at Lake Thun. Only the wandering Irish monk Beatus succeeded in driving away the dragon. Today the marvelous grotto world can be entered without risk.

One of the best rafting trips of Switzerland. Rapid and demanding river, with the most beautiful and picturesque finishing spots of all rafting tours of Switzerland. No prior experience necessary.

On the approximately two-hour hike you will discover exciting secrets of the forest and enjoy a wonderful view of Villars-sur-Ollon and the surrounding mountain world.

Upon entering the lift, visitors will see a marmot habitat spread out at their feet. A panorama-telescope permit one to observe the animals at play, while not disturbing them.

The River Orbe created a fascinating cave system at the Vaudois town of Vallorbe. The tour leads visitors along the subterranean course of the Orbe (an outflow from the Vallée de Joux), passing by stalactites, stalagmites, drip-stone formations, columns and galleries. Once upon a time fairies that charmed young men were supposed to have lived here.

With a family ticket at just CHF 95, the Pizol is within reach of parents and children wishing to take to the heights and enjoy the view over the Rhine Valley to Lake Constance.

Enjoying the wind in one’s face and the perfect view: first on the open funicular – rumbling and bumping just as it did 120 years ago – and then on the rooftop deck of the futuristic CabriO aerial cableway.

Europe's largest subterranean lake that can be sailed upon lies between Sion and Sierre. The water grotto is easily accessible and there is a boat tour for viewing it. The guides on the boat tell visitors about the history of the cave and its geology.

In Mase one can discover mother nature in a modern way. The application shows the way and provides exciting information about the forest and the region’s flora and fauna.

The Albishorn, Hochwacht, Felsenegg and Uetliberg are the four best-known viewpoints on the Albis chain and are linked by a network of walking and hiking trails.

Discover the world's most amazing stalactite caves in Lorzentobel near Baar. Young and old are enchanted by fairy-tale rock formations in the Hell Grottoes Caves.

The water tower and the surrounding fields are among the most attractive green spaces in Basel. In early summer the area is dominated by large fields full of flowers where storks are frequent guests.

Each year, there are some 2,900 roses, of which there are 300 varieties, blooming in Winterthur’s Rose Garden. These also include rare and historic roses such as the French rose, which is the oldest cultivated species still available today, or the deep-pink Queen of Denmark rose. Aside from all the flowers that are in bloom, you’ll also find a place of relaxation here, and glorious views over the city of Winterthur.

This exciting adventure trail in S-charl teaches visitors of all ages about bears − those mysterious creatures.

Visitors can explore a rich geological diversity in the Binntal valley thanks to its exceptionally varied flora. The treasure of this valley is concealed within the mountain – nature has made the Binntal valley one of the regions of the Alps which is richest in mineral deposits.

Above Fluri lies the glacier garden Dossen, a witness of the last ice age. The visitors can see what is hidden underneath the glacier.

Away from the motorway and up into the wild - the unspoilt mountain landscapes of the Urner side valleys on the Gotthard Massif have retained their original charm.

Founded in 1871, the Lange Erlen Animal Park is a popular destination for families.

The natural wilderness is just a few steps away from the old town of Montreux. The La Baye de Montreux River flows through the gorge from the foot of Rochers-de-Naye into Lake Geneva.

An exciting walk taking in several adventure stories, mythical legends and fantastic tales from Toggenburg lets you discover the region on an fascinating mountain trail via the magnificent Alpine Terrace skirting the Churfirsten Mountain.

In the green parks around the lower basin of the lake, there’s always something going on in the summer months. Inline skaters, water sports enthusiasts, jewellery sellers and street artists all gather here to create a colourful scene. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will be able to escape the hustle and bustle on the Zürichhorn at the end of the lakeside promenade, in the wonderful Chinese Garden.

With its bouncy castles and rope park, Globi’s Alpine Playground at Ristis in the Engelberg Valley is a great place for the kids to let off steam. The adjacent White Water World is suitable for those who are not scared of the water.

Hansjürg Gredig and Gian Marugg reveal their very own secret tips on this Heinzenberg ski safari.

High up on the «Stählibuck» mountain of Frauenfeld a steel giant of the same name is keeping watch: the Stählibuck Tower. With a height of 27 meters, it is a challenge for anybody who attempts to climb its 148 stairs.

The Aletsch Arena offers an impressive mountain backdrop in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, with a view of the longest glacier in the Alps, the Great Aletsch Glacier.

Many may know this name thanks to the Gurten festival, but also on the other 361 days of the year Berne’s home mountain has plenty to offer to visitors, hikers and families from near and far.

Bringing the history to life in the Tamina Gorge. This is the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.

Take the hiking trail from Axalp above Brienz to the idyllic Hinterburgsee lake and watch the chips fly!