Winter excursions: Nature

Five Engelberg freeride routes promise spectacular sights, the company of a mountain guide, security and character.

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 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.

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.

An excursion to the grottoes and the prehistoric park of Réclère is nearly like Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth". The large limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites gives the excursion the necessary atmosphere and the life-sized dinosaurs in the park are the climax of a fascinating trip through time.

Walter Zoo delights explorers big and small. Experience adventure, understand nature.

Ten suggested hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty: and all around Egerkingen. Each trail features well-equipped BBQ spots, where you can enjoy a well-earned break along the way.

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.

The Gütsch-Express, which was opened in 2017, takes just eight minutes to reach its destination. The monocable circulating ropeway not only offers picturesque views but is also able to transport 2,400 people per hour from Andermatt to the Gütsch.

In no other zoo are the animals so close to the visitor as they are in the children's zoo in Rapperswil. Depending on the species, the animals can be touched, petted, fed or ridden. This makes the children's zoo an ideal destination for families, grandparents with grandchildren or school trips.

The caves were excavated in the sandstone between 1916 and 1917 to defend the Swiss plateau during the First World War. A 200 metre-long tunnel was created in the process.

The chic ambience, aqua terrace and gorgeous views of the lake, city and mountains all make for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. A boat trip on the Saphir panorama yacht around Lake Lucerne offers a feast for your senses.

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but still within easy reach, the Walensee boat trip entices with an unforgettable experience in a dramatic setting. Let yourself be enchanted by the imposing Churfirsten, the wildly romantic nature and the crystal-clear water. Whether you want to relax, enjoy or celebrate – the Walensee ship makes everything possible.

Deep in the forest in the heart of the Charmey ski region is a winter park with plenty of varied activities for young and old alike. Bounè Rodzo is the name of this winter oasis, which is open free of charge to sledding, skiing and snowshoe fans. A unique, fun experience to enjoy with family or friends!

Eggishorn circular trail and viewpoint – a 360° panorama of the Great Aletsch Glacier, at an altitude of 2,869 metres. The nine lounges offer you a unique choice of places to sit and relax, with amazing views over the glittering world of eternal ice and the impressive giant mountains all around.

Visitors can observe 19 native and formerly native animals like deer, bear, lynx, wolf, wildcat, marmot, elk, wild boar, and the Przewalski horse on 80 hectares.

Morges has been home to a large number of famous composers. This walk offers you the opportunity to learn more about their history.

The Baldegg water tower is both a water reservoir and an observation tower. A spiral staircase with 181 steps leads up to the viewing platform which offers a 360-degree panoramic view across the Mittelland region to the Black Forest and from Mt. Säntis to the Jungfrau in the Bernese Oberland.

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.

Plättli Zoo is one of the few remaining private zoos in Switzerland that has been able to survive without public funding, possibly because of the charming atmosphere in the zoo and the large variety of animal species.

The newly created Rehberger-Weg is a 6-kilometre path from the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein to the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.

The Alpine pass and the legendary Great St. Bernard Hospice symbolise the hospitality shown by the monks to travellers over the centuries. Barry, the large and good-natured St. Bernard dog, is famous for saving the lives of lost mountaineers – this four-legged hero has always been bred here.