Experiences along the Grand Tour - Photo Spot

Resurgence where the Orbe rises out of the mountain into its stony, very green riverbed. You can see the resurgence and the entrance to the riverbed, as well as a wild, natural environment. The discovery of the Vallorbe caves took place via this resurgence. Indeed, it was through this "entrance" that the first explorations of the cave were made. Thanks to their courage and the few diving techniques available at the time, speleologists discovered the immensity of the Vallorbe caves. It was in 1893 that the first explorer began to travel upstream, but it was not until 1961 that the caves were discovered. This is the only known natural entrance to the caves.

St. Moritz ranks amongst the world’s top holiday destinations. Steeped in tradition, it is the birthplace of winter tourism in the Alps (1864) and the venue of two Winter Olympic Games. St. Moritz came to prominence through its hot springs, which have been known for 3,000 years and have long helped establish the village as a summer spa. World-class leisure, culture, shopping, events, hospitality and gastronomy: the name St. Moritz promises – and delivers – much.

Exactly 47 hairpin bends lead to the Grosser Mythen, here also referred to as ‘Matterhorn of Central Switzerland’. Every year, around 30,000 hikers enjoy the breathtaking panorama at 1,898 m.a.s.l. (6,227 ft). The view into the valley shows ‘Old Schwyz’, the cradle of the Swiss Confederacy, with Lake Lucerne in the south as well as lakes Lauerz and Zug with Rigi and Rossberg to the west. It comes at no surprise that the Schwyz landmark has been immortalised as a mural in the National Council Chamber of the Federal Palace.

Finds of spearheads show that the Flüela Pass (2,383 m.a.s.l. | 7,818 ft) connecting the Landwasser and Lower Engadine valleys was already crossed during the Bronze Age. For a long time, the Walser people used the route to take their products to the surrounding valleys – from Vinschgau to Tyrol. The mountain pass road, which opened in 1867 and also featured a hospice, is now a starting point for ski mountaineers in winter as well as for summer rides with the historic stagecoach, racing bikes or motorcycles.

Immerse yourself in the small town of Aarburg, whose historic backdrop unveils over 900 years of history, and enjoy a picturesque walk up to the reformed church with its enchanting viewpoint by following a stone staircase. A pleasant walk around the imposing fortress and through the town center guides you back to the Aare and its fascinating spectacle, the Aarewaage, a natural water formation unique in Switzerland, where the currents embrace in perfect harmony, allowing time to stand still and inviting you into a serene moment of reflection and tranquility.

The Rorschach bathhouse was built between 1923 and 1924 according to plans by architect Karl Köppli. It is the only remaining structure of its kind on the shores of Lake Constance in Switzerland. The wooden bathing hut stands on pillars in the lake and can only be reached from the shore via a bridge. It is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important meeting place for the local population.

Ötikon harbour, one of the most impressive and oldest settlements on Lake Zurich, was founded back when people and goods mainly travelled by water. From 1636 to 1868, the granary opposite Gasthof Sonne undertook cargo handling. To the east, the gun club closed off the harbour, offering target practice on the lake shore. The bustling tempo prompted a number of inns to open. The Sonne, Rössli and Löwen all enjoyed a golden age from 1636 thanks to the market. The stone landing stage opened in 1867.

150 metres wide, thundering 23 metres down into the depths before your eyes is Europe’s largest waterfall, a spectacular example of the power of nature. Experience the roaring spectacle of nature at first hand from the ‘Känzeli’ platform. The rock in the middle of the river can be reached by boat and a short ascent on foot. Laufen Castle, enthroned above the water for more than a thousand years, ranks amongst Canton Zurich’s cultural heritage sites. The foaming waters of the Rhine Falls are mesmerising at any time of day, including the evenings when they are illuminated.

Between the Simmen and Kander valleys, Niesen rises like a pyramid, providing visitors with a view of Spiez Bay, probably the most beautiful in Europe. In addition to being home to the world’s longest staircase (11,674 steps), a funicular covering 1,943 metres (6,375 ft) altitude difference leads to Niesen Kulm, including its mountain lodge, which was founded in 1856. From here it is only a short walk to the 2,362-metre-high summit platform (7,750 ft) with an impressive 360° panorama view, covering the Bernese Alps from lakes Thun and Brienz to the Jura.

The chapel of Maria zum Schnee, built in 1697, stands in a very prominent location on a rocky mountain ridge and is the key landmark of Bettmeralp, visible from afar, at about 1,950m above sea level in the Aletsch area.

Thun – the charming city on the Aare. The venerable 12th century castle of Thun, the Obere Hauptgasse with its elevated pavements and the picturesque old town are the ideal place to immerse yourself in the past. Mühleplatz and Aarequai are perfect spots for enjoying the Thun Riviera. Restaurants, bars and cafes invite you to linger over tasty food and drink. As the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, Thun is the ideal starting point for excursions in the region.

Europe's highest open-air cog railway has been transporting visitors from Zermatt to the summit of Gornergrat at 3,089 metres above sea level since 1898. Every second of the 9,339 metre, 33 minute-long trip is an incomparable delight. 29 peaks over four-thousand metres – from the Matterhorn to the Monte Rosa massif with the highest mountain in Switzerland (the Dufourspitze at 4,634 metres above sea level) – all lined up in a row. The viewing platform is open all year-round and offers the best view of the Matterhorn. It is also included in the ticket price.

Opened in 1959, Swissminiatur is the largest open-air miniature museum in Switzerland. It is located in Melide on the shores of Lake Lugano. There are more than 100 models of the most famous buildings, monuments and means of transport in Switzerland, all at the unusual scale of 1:25. Traditional methods and innovative processes come together to create genuine miniature masterpieces. Admire precision craftsmanship, faithful to the original and executed with loving care.

Wyher Moated Castle is one of the finest historic buildings in the canton of Lucerne, with its earliest record dating back to 1304. For more than 350 years, its history was dominated by two families: the Feers of Lucerne and the Pfyffers of Altishofen. Later, the castle complex fell into disrepair, with a fire in 1963 marking a real low point. A foundation was set up to restore the castle with financial support from a group of benefactors. Today, the castle hosts numerous events and is a dream wedding venue.

The Mendrisiotto and southern Lake Lugano region are dotted with highlights. Take, for example, the narrow lanes in the heart of Bissone, home to numerous artists and Francesco Borromini (1599–1667), the “starchitect” of the Renaissance period. The green “pyramid” on the other side of the lake is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site: fossils of fish and species of reptiles have been found on Monte San Giorgio, testifying to life on Earth more than 200 million years ago.

With its picture-perfect location in the middle of a vineyard, the photo spot of Lavaux is a beautiful stop on the Grand Tour of Switzerland, a vast network of roads connecting around 40 iconic places throughout the country. A veritable invitation to travel and a fun way to capture where you stopped, complete with incredible views of Switzerland’s beautiful landscapes. Share the joy!

San Michele Park and its typical southern vegetation offer a breathtaking view of the city of Lugano. Its paths lead through typical southern vegetation such as wisteria, oleander, oak, elm, hornbeam, ash and laurel trees. From here, you can see Lake Lugano with its little harbours, the lido and the long lake promenade in their entirety. Monte San Salvatore also appears before you in all its splendour. In the distance, the Alps stand out in a variety of shapes and colours that are especially impressive at sunset. Experience the unique outdoor offerings of the Lugano region. Hikes, cycling tours, leisurely walks along themed hiking trails and even exciting MTB trails. The Lugano region – a region with a green heart.

The cable car, originally built in 1952 and redesigned by architect Mario Botta in 2000, takes you to Cardada in only 5 minutes. The unique and unsurpassed panorama covers the entire Locarno region, while at the same time allowing you to see both Switzerland’s lowest point (Lake Maggiore) as well as its highest point (Dufourspitze, the highest peak of Monte Rosa)! The two-seater chairlift from Cardada to Cimetta runs parallel to the railway axis and provides you with an unrivalled, breathtaking view.

The three artificial water basins ‘Drei Weieren’ were created in 1610 to secure the water supply for the textile bleaching industry as well as the fire brigades. Today they are a water park, an oasis of serenity and a wonderful recreation area. Located just a few minutes from the Grand Tour, the ponds invite visitors to swim, take a stroll or picnic in the summers, and ice-skate in cold winters. The fact that Drei Weieren are amongst Switzerland’s most beautiful natural swimming pools is also due to the magnificent view of Lake Constance, the city of St. Gallen and the Abbey Cathedral which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

The Maloja Pass is a high Swiss Alpine pass that connects Val Bregaglia with Engadin. It lies at the foot of the unique triple watershed of the Piz Lunghin. From here, one drop of rain can flow into the North Sea (Rhine), the Black Sea (Inn) or the Adriatic Sea (Maira). The Maloja Pass is of great importance for traffic and transport. What makes this alpine pass so unusual is that it is very flat on its northern side, but to the south it drops steeply and abruptly into Val Bregaglia.

With its length of about 20 km (14 mi), the Great Aletsch Glacier is at the centre of Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 10 billions tonnes of ice make the Great Aletsch Glacier the Alps’ largest glacier, which is easily accessible thanks to many hiking trails and glacier tour offers. The 360° panoramic view from the Eggishorn is just as impressive: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Wannenhorn and Finsteraarhorn – and to the west the Weisshorn, the Mischabel with the Dom as well as Matterhorn in all its glory.

On top of Hoher Kasten you can enjoy a 360°-panoramic view of six different countries. At Eastern Switzerland’s only rotating restaurant everything revolves around you. The European Circular Trail, which leads through a species-rich alpine garden around the mountain, is also truly rewarding. The prominent peak is the ideal location for Switzerland’s first geological trail as well as many beautiful hiking paths in the Alpstein. One can comfortably glide up to this destination from Brülisau by cable car in a mere eight minutes. How pleasant!

Between Bad Ragaz and Wangs, at the beginning of the St Gall Rhine Valley, rises the Pizol summit which, in Romanesque, means ‘high peak’. With an altitude of 2,844 m (9,331 ft), this mountain massif offers a fascinating panoramic view of the Alps – from Eastern Switzerland to Vorarlberg and Lake Constance. The 200-metre-long Pizol glacier stretches along east of the summit. On the north side of Pizol, the hiking and skiing area of the same name invites travellers to enjoy diverse leisure activities all year round.

Welcome to the Grisons, home of Heidi. Here, the author Johanna Spyri was inspired to write the world-famous children’s story of the same name. The wine region’s capital is Maienfeld. In Bad Ragaz, the neighbouring spa and health resort, thermal waters spring from the imposing Tamina Gorge. For hundreds of years, people have flocked to this destination seeking convalescence. The ‘Heidiland’ holiday region also delights visitors with its numerous offers for hikers, cyclists, and winter-sports enthusiasts.

The boys’ bathing area in this park has existed since 1838. Fishermen used to dry their nets here along the shore. Hohenklingen Castle has been towering above the little town of Stein am Rhein since the 12th century. The castle affords extensive views over the Hegau region and far beyond to Lake Constance. The old town of Stein am Rhein is famous for its well-preserved centre with world-famous painted facades and half-timbered houses, receiving the very first Wakker Prize in 1972.

The Tremola is one of the most beautiful and thrilling pass roads for avid cyclists. It was built at the start of the 19th century and later paved with hundreds of thousands of granite cobblestones between 1937 and 1941. It winds from Airolo up to the Gotthard Pass at 2,106m with 24 switchbacks along the way.

The village of Castel San Pietro overlooking the Mendrisiotto region takes its name from a castle that once stood on the hill above the town and has since been replaced by the Chiesa di San Pietro church. In the heart of this historic village stands the Masseria Cuntitt farmstead, which was built in the 1800s. Its perfect location and multipurpose spaces can be enjoyed by all of the residents in the village. The renovated building preserves the past, while at the same time recreating the rhythms of life on a traditional farm for new generations to experience. Behind it on the Colle di Obino hill is the church dedicated to Saint Antonino, which was first mentioned in 1250 and is among Switzerland’s key cultural treasures.

Meilen’s lakeside promenade invites you to take a stroll and have some fun. Back in the 17th century both people and goods would be transported across the lake, a practice that continued up until the railways along the right side of Lake Zurich were put into operation in 1894. Enjoy the view of the lake, reaching from the Albis chain of hills all the way to the Glarus Alps. Discover the Lake Zurich Region on board the Horgen–Meilen Lake Zurich ferry or one of the Lake Zurich Navigation Company (ZSG)’s boats or ships. All aboard!

Historic pass since 1182, first mentioned as the main road between Valais and Bern in the 15th century. A link with a long history and tradition. Well-known and popular with 250,000 visitors per year. Spectacular 360° view in high alpine surroundings. Family-owned for 3 generations. The cable car was built in 1957 and has been renovated time and again. New hotel opened in 1998 and renovated in 2006. A new aerial tramway was opened in 2012, the new restaurant in 2019 and the new mountain station in 2022.

Located at the foot of the Prealps and Moléson mountain, the medieval town of Gruyères entices with its picturesque architecture. The town lends its name to both the region and the famous cheese. At ‘La Maison du Gruyère’ visitors can delve into the secrets of cheese making. The castle, former residence of the Counts of Gruyère, is characterised by its architecture and art collections that bear witness to more than eight hundred years of history. When visiting the HR Giger Museum or the Tibet Museum, one enters realms of a different kind.

Known as “the pearl of Ceresio”, Morcote is one of the prettiest villages in Switzerland. It owes its timeless beauty to its narrow streets, enchanting postcard settings and picturesque historic buildings. The arcades of the noble antique villas, major architectural monuments and lush subtropical vegetation welcome both visitors and residents. The Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, the grand Scala Monumentale stairway and Torre del Capitano tower are just a few of the interesting sights that make Morcote an artistic and cultural mecca for tourists. If you like to get out in nature and relax, then a stroll through Parco Scherrer with its subtropical flora is a must. Morcote offers spectacular 360° photo opportunities: from breathtaking views of the Piazza Granda and Church of Santa Maria del Sasso to magnificent sunsets over Porto Ceresio.

The summit of the Foilleuse is at 1,850m and welcomes visitors in an extraordinary environment. The photo spot offers an impressive view of the majestic Dents du Midi and the surrounding peaks. With a length of three kilometres, the mountain massif of the Dents du Midi is not hard to spot.

You overlook the beautiful alpine landscape of the Stockhorn region, with the blue Oberstockensee and the famous Simmental as well as the Alps in the background.

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.

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.