Family experiences: Nature

This 13 km-long nature trail is sure to be an amazing experience for nature lovers of all ages – an ideal way to become acquainted with the wonders of nature.

Accessible to all types of hiker, this easy route takes you from the village of Saillon to the Farinet footbridge over the Salentze gorges.

It’s not hard to pinpoint the distinctive head of rock at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland – but the fact that you can stand pretty much on top to enjoy views direction Thun, Aare Valley and Bern as far as Jura is known to few.

As visitors enter the Valais, they are greeted by impressive mountain cliffs and a waterfall that is, unfortunately, smaller than it used to be.

The gentle lapping of the waves, the first warming rays of the sun and the sound of the birds’ dawn chorus: canoeing is the ideal way to discover the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve on Lake Neuchâtel during the summer months.

The Rigi is the most visited mountain of Swiss people. With breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, the Rigi offers a first-class mountain experience whatever the season. The cogwheel train from Goldau and Vitznau, as well as the cable car from Weggis, enable a variety of round trips, which can also be combined with a boat trip on Lake Lucerne.

Descend 359 steps into the Viamala Gorge in Graubünden. Below you stand in front of 300-meter-high rock faces, rock cirques formed by the water and the roaring Hinterrhein. Historic bridges and paths tell of the time of the muleteers.

Live an exciting experience in the world of birds of prey, take a close look at the flight of eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in an environment that respects their natural habitat. As the birds circle overhead in the arena, the falconer tells the history of this ancient art.

At the very heart of Switzerland, a world record-holding technical innovation awaits: the steepest funicular railway in the world leads from Schwyz up to the car-free mountain village of Stoos. The journey there is an experience in itself, with passengers being taken up to a natural paradise 1,300 metres up.

Visitors here can look forward to a romantic landscape, the enchanting Hallwyl moated castle with its impressive exhibition and the Lake Hallwil navigation company, more than 100 years old, which entertains its guests aboard five motor launches.

The Alpbach Gorge in the Haslital Valley is one of nature’s jewels and a great experience for seasoned and sure-footed mountain climbers.

The Allalinhorn above Saas-Fee is what gave the area its name. With the right equipment and in the company of a mountain guide, the four-thousand-metre peak is a relatively easy climb for a sporty mountaineer.

Located in the heart of the city, opposite the Museo d'Arte, Lido Riva Caccia features a floating wooden deck that rocks gently to and fro like a boat.

For those in search of adventure we recommend a ride up to the Riggisalp on the ski lift, followed by a speedy descent on one of the special scooters available. Thrills guaranteed!

Seeteufel adventure park has been a popular choice for outings in the Bernese Seeland region for decades. From humble beginnings as a few aquariums in a railway carriage, it has grown into a unique world that is just waiting to be discovered.

The Blenio Valley in Upper Ticino is a typical Ticino mountain valley. Densely forested mountain slopes rise majestically above the sunny valley floors far below.

Immerse yourself in the wild Gorner Gorge. On wooden walkways and galleries you follow the thundering glacier water through 220-million-year-old rock. A natural spectacle just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Zermatt.

River rafting on the Aare between Thun and Bern is now possible by canoe or inflatable boat, with expert guides coaching you through fast and slow currents.

The wellness and sensory oasis at the source of the Rhine.

Repower's Via Energia leads through the world of energy over a good 9 kilometres. It is accessible in summer and leads from Ospizio Bernina to Cavaglia in Valposchiavo. 11 information boards turn the ancient path into an interactive experience.

With his keen eye for beautiful landscapes, and unique light conditions, Segantini discovered this special patch of the earth. Between the wide valley of the River Inn and the valley that leads to the Bernina Pass, this is probably the most beautiful vantage point above the lakes of Upper Engadine. Sunsets from here are a sight to behold.

Wolli Wonderland combines puzzle fun and playground in one and guarantees a fantastic family experience!

It is said that they once lived everywhere in Oberwallis – the Gogwärgini- those hard-working dwarfs. At some point they disappeared. But the stories about the "Gogwärgini" have remained up to this day and can be discovered on the Gogwärgi theme route.

The journey to the Titlis is truly an adventure in itself. First take the Titlis Xpress gondola to the middle station, then continue your journey in the TITLIS Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car, all the way to the top.

The highest point on the Belchenflue at 1,099m above sea level offers incomparable views over the Black Forest, the Vosges and the Alps. For the Celts, the Belchenflue was a marker for determining the positions of the sun, while in the First World War, it served as a key observation point for the Hauenstein fortification.

Whether a trip for two, a family outing or a group excursion: BLS Interlaken Lake Cruise offers a range of unique cruises each season, promising unforgettable moments on Lakes Thun and Brienz.

In the Grindelwald Glacier Gorge you can immerse yourself in a world of rock and water. Follow the path deep between 300-meter-high rock faces and test your courage on the spiderweb stretched over the gorge.

The Autschliweg leads from Scharmoin back to the village of Lenzerheide. On the way, exciting discoveries about the forest habitat await. Autschli, the magical bear, is always there.

Beautifully energising! Energy Adventure Entlebuch is an extraordinary themed trail. At its heart is the path that links the adventure park’s six separate energy platforms.

Take the funicular to the San Salvatore in Ticino and enjoy the view of Lake Lugano, the Alps and all the way to the Po Valley. Combine the funicular ride with a hike and a boat trip.

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.

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.

The Grindelwald–Männlichen gondola takes you up 1,200 metres in altitude to 2,225 metres in just 19 minutes – with direct views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. At the top, the panorama of the Bernese Oberland awaits.

Sit on one of the steepest funiculars in the world and ride from Piotta up to Val Piora in 12 minutes. At the top, the turquoise-blue Lake Ritom, alpine hiking trails and a fascinating Ticino mountain landscape await you.

In a relaxed atmosphere, far from the stress of everyday life, you have the opportunity to play golf. The 9-hole course of Vulpera with alpine game enjoyment on the edge of the national park offers a challenge for all levels and requires good tactics and precise play.

Wallbach Gorge is a cool tip for a hot day. The wide stream bed at the end of the falls and the outdoor grill are both enjoyable places to spend time.