Experiences: Nature

Fontana Park is set in the heart of Chur. It is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city, to enjoy the atmosphere, or to read a book.

This magnificent country park boasts one of the best vantage points in Lausanne. But the panoramic views are by no means the only attribute that attracts visitors. There is a tree here that is worth a visit all on its own. This is a unique weeping willow, situated some 50 metres from the manor house, that was planted in the middle of the 19th century.

Saurian tracks were discovered between 1992 and 1996 in the municipality of La Heutte during the construction of a forestry road.

The Mammoth Fixed Rope Trail Schweifine high above the roofs of Zermatt brings action, views into the depth and a magnificent panoramic vista. Three sections with various degrees of difficulty have been installed. The fixed rope trail can also be hiked with a mountain guide.

The name Tüfelsschlucht means “The Devil’s Gorge” and this is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the numerous gorges in the Jura. The 2.2km long gorge winds its way along the Cholersbach Stream and is connected by 32 bridges and catwalks.

At Lake Lugano, it is wonderfully easy to escape one’s daily routine: by enjoying a sunbath below palm trees, cruises on the lake or hiking tours through magnificent landscapes.

The early hours offer the best opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

The lowest and highest points in Switzerland at a glance: Lake Maggiore to the south and the Valais Alps with the Dufourspitze to the west. All just five minutes from the city of Locarno. This is the Cardada mountain.

It’s finally time to head to the beach in Geneva! Eaux-Vives Beach raises the bar, with superb views of the Jet d’Eau water fountain and its new “Anneau Aquatique” ring-shaped platform right over the water, which is a lovely spot to relax.

Thanks to natural barriers, the Tropiquarium permits you safely getting close to creatures from all around the world. It’s also home to several endangered species such as the Siamese crocodile, the African penguin and the Galapagos tortoise.

What was in 1806 a dramatic and catastrophic event for humans, is today a blessing for endangered animal species: the landslide of Goldau. In the area where the landslide took place, the Goldau Nature Park and Zoo offers non-domesticated animals a species-appropriate home in an impressive landscape.

This wellness complex is both a place for coming together and a place of rest and relaxation. The complex is known in particular for its unique lakeside location as well as its architecture.

Located in Rathvel, near Les Paccots, this mini-zoo is especially attractive for families with young children.

The Giessbach plunges over 14 steps into the turquoise Lake Brienz. Follow the hiking trail behind the waterfall and feel the refreshing spray on your skin. In the background sits the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.

Switch off and relax – exclusively on Lake Lucerne!

On the hills above Lausanne, Sauvabelin Park is a popular destination with families and nature lovers. Anyone who scales the 302 steps up to the platform of the Tower of Sauvabelin will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

In a playful and interactive way, visitors can learn more about the complex interdependencies in the Stockhorn habitat.

Enter the animal kingdom a few minutes from Lausanne!

The Sagenmülital features the highest waterfall in the Canton Aargau and also includes a discontinued stone quarry and a light spruce forest in a spectacular setting.

Crossing the Schin Gorge between Tiefencastel, Alvaschein and Sils in Domleschg was not for nervous travellers.

Tracing back the footsteps of the herbalist Witch "Lizi" along the Wirzweli witch-path is an enchanting experience for children over four years of age.

Do you know where ibexes and marmots most like to sunbathe in summer?

Goat-Peter lives in Tigignas, a small mountain hamlet high above Savognin where the kids can help him feed the goats and taste the cheese.

The historical and cultural trail showcases a selection of lifestyles and epochs in the Diemtigtal valley.

Ballons du Léman offers several exceptional hot-air balloon flights, from discovery flights to fondue tastings on board a balloon or high-altitude flights. They operate all year round in French-speaking Switzerland.

Even on the way up from Malans in the little yellow gondola cabins, you can enjoy the view as far as Chur and Graubünden's Rhine Valley. More views await you 1,200 metres further up in the cosy mountain restaurant. Like the restaurant, the railway is operated by enthusiastic locals.

The Alpine zoo is discovered at an altitude of 1,100 meters surrounded by woods, where the majority of alpine-dwelling animals can be observed in their natural habitat. Adjacent to the zoo visitors discover an outdoor alpine pool, nestled in the natural rocky landscape. Parking, Restaurant-Pizzeria and picnic area are also at your convenience.

The Vernex Park is set on the shores of Lake Geneva next to the Auditorium Stravinsky and offers walkers a green area along the extension of the flourishing quays of the Montreux Riviera. Each July, one of the stages for the Montreux Jazz Festival is set up in this park.

Feed the ducks on the shores of Lake Thun or read and rest on a bench in the sun. Or take a walk along the paths leading through the woods, along the avenue and across the meadows that are so inviting to sunbathers in the summer (although there is no direct access to the water).

Not far from the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city of Bern you’ll find the Sense-Schwarzwasser nature reserve. Here, large glacial meltwater rivers have dug impressive gorges into the molasse rock.

A nature experience that really gets under your skin: This is the Wolfsschlucht Gorge in Thal Nature Park in the Solothurn Jura region. It is also an ideal adventure playground for children.

Lucerne’s lido sits on the shores of Lake Lucerne, spanning a length of over 300 metres.

Parc des Bastions is a wonderful park in the heart of Geneva. Along its shady avenues, you can find some of the city’s most beautiful monuments, including the well-known Reformation Wall. The giant chessboards that are regularly used by the locals will immediately catch your eye.

Turn off your worries, inhale deeply and enjoy the comforting effect of alpine waters. This theme trail invites hikers to discover at first hand unique water scenery at the end of the Adelboden Valley

In times past, horrible things must have happened in the Kiental Valley! At least the old legends are telling so.