Experiências ao longo de Grand Tour - Photo Spot

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kaspar Stockalper (1609–1691), merchant, banker, large-scale entrepreneur, military official and politician, built Stockalper Palace in Brig in the years 1651 to 1671. The impressive castle with its three gilded onion domes was the largest private building constructed in the 17th century in Switzerland and reflects the immensity of Stockalper’s wealth. Today, his fortune would be worth far more than half a billion Swiss Franks. It is to no surprise that Stockalper was called ‘The King of Simplon’.

The picturesque Morges region stretches along vineyards between Lake Geneva and the Jura forests. During the 17th century, Morges, with its unique guard houses known as ‘guérites’, was the most important commercial port on Lake Geneva. The castle, with its striking towers, houses five museums and, on a clear day, the glistening, snow-capped peaks of the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif can be seen. From April to October, a plethora of flowers in the most beautiful colours adorns the city.

La Pierreuse Nature Reserve in the Vaudois Alps is the ideal place for mountain walks. On the right bank of the Sarine, south of Château-d’Oex the nature reserve is arranged around the Gummfluh. This characteristic pre-alp landscape covering an area of 34 km2 includes valleys overlooked by limestone rock faces.

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!

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.

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.

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 only 'mobile photo spot' on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. In 1928, Alois Waser-Bucher, an entrepreneur from Nidwald, took interest in the Beckenried–Gersau car ferry project and, subsequently, had a ferry constructed in Uerikon on Lake Zurich in 1929. On Whit Sunday 1930, the ferry service was opened with the motor vessel ‘Tellsprung’ (‘Tell’s Leap’) carrying 20 cars. In 1959, a local hotelier bought the ferry and had it extensively rebuilt by Bodan Wharf on Lake Constance. The new ferry, which can carry up to 45 cars, started its service on Whit Saturday 1964, and has been owned by the F&R Group Beckenried since 2016.

With glorious views of the Matterhorn, a trip to Sunnegga-Rothorn is sure to be an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. It’s part of the Matterhorn ski paradise in winter, turning into a hiking paradise and land of adventure in summer: Whizz down on mountain carts and kick bikes or embark on the five-lake trail and discover the idyllic Lake Stelli, famous for its impressive reflection of the Matterhorn.

Piazza Ticino, on Monte Ceneri Pass, boasts the region’s new landmark – Totem Ticino, which is built of stone from the canton. The symbolism of this work is unmistakable: the piazza represents the union of the three regions of Locarno, Bellinzona and Lugano, whose history was shaped by deep divisions, starting in 1803 – the year in which Ticino became a canton. The totem, on the other hand, represents the completion of the entire AlpTransit project, with the Ceneri Base Tunnel marking the concluding phase. The Totem is clad in stones from Ticino that were removed during the boring of the AlpTransit tunnel. The new Piazza Ticino is one of the main stops on the La Via del Ceneri cultural trail. The oval-shaped space features five benches and four new trees, which offer a shady respite for visitors.

Wildly romantic, sunny and sheltered: Pontresina is nestled amongst mountains – a place for leisure as well as recreation. Arguably the best vantage point is the world-famous Montebello hairpin bend, at the point where the Bernina section of the Rhaetian Railway crosses the road. You can see the tallest peaks of the Eastern Alps behind the Morteratsch Glacier, including Piz Bernina (4,049 m), Piz Palü (3,901 m), Piz Roseg (3,937 m) and Bellavista. Fancy cooling down a little? The glacier trail from Morteratsch station takes you to where the ice is eternal.

Feel history come alive – you are, after all, standing on historic ground. Here on the flanks of Monte Generoso stood the castle of the patrician Torriani family. It was razed to the ground in 1242. Out of respect, the church tower of San Sisinio was spared: this is La Torre, the landmark of Mendrisio. This vantage point offers views of the old town quarter and of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The mountains rise up majestically over the glittering Lake Thun. Set against the breathtaking panoramic backdrop of the Bernese Alps, the famous three peaks, the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, are unmistakeable. This is the magnificent spectacle that awaits visitors on the Niederhorn. Thanks to its unique location, it offers fantastic 360-degree views of the Swiss Plateau and the Bernese Alps, stretching as far as the cities of Thun and Bern.

Höhematte Interlaken, a protected area of historical interest since 1864, affords views from the promenade with Interlaken’s top hotels to the imposing panorama of the Jungfrau. Interlaken is the centre of the tourism and holiday region of the same name and the perfect starting point for excursions to the mountains or on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Interlaken is also the “Adventure Capital of Europe”. Here’s one highlight to prove it: paragliding. Enjoy a flight over Interlaken and land here on the Höhematte.

100 kilometres of Alpine peaks, 10 lakes: the view from CabriO, the world’s first convertible-style cable car with a roofless upper deck, is as fascinating as unique. It is, however, not the first innovation on Stanserhorn – the funicular already featured a novelty in 1893, as that was the first time clasp brakes were used. A ranger welcomes the visitors at the Stanserhorn summit to show them where the most beautiful flowers bloom and the marmots live. The revolving restaurant Rondorama is a further acme.

The Lucerne hotel icon, modelled after Neuschwanstein Castle, was built by Emil Vogt in 1888 in one of Switzerland’s finest hotel locations. Martyn Lawrence Bullard, a world-renown interior designer, has revived the historic charm of Château Gütsch, putting great emphasis on small details – from the stuccoed ceiling to the hand-painted wood panelling. Just as in years past, the view from the rooftops of the old town over Lake Lucerne and the mountains is still spectacular.

Nestled in the heart of lush nature on the banks of the river Doubs, the small medieval town of Saint-Ursanne preserves its treasures. The Saint-Jean Népomucène bridge, renovated in 2016, and three city gates are the only accesses to the old town. Lovingly called the ‘Pearl of the Jura’, it has a remarkable historical heritage, including the collegiate church and cloister dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. The town’s surrounding areas are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing or paragliding.

Fribourg – founded in 1157 by Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen – is a city of bridges in every respect. The city was built on both sides of the river La Sarine/Saane and there are bridges in all styles and from all eras. Being a bilingual city, it also bridges the cultures of the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. Fribourg is home to many contemporary witnesses and architectural jewels, such as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, built in the 13th century, which dominates the centre of the historic Old City.

The Viamala gorge lies near the historical viaSpluga transit route, one of the many roads that led to Rome in ancient times. With its rugged cliffs, the kaleidoscopic play of colours on the water, and the potholes that have been cut into the rock over thousands of years, this gorge offers an unforgettable nature experience. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was one of many who were fascinated by the gorge: “I shall not write about the tremendous grandeur of the Viamala. I feel as if I had not known Switzerland at all!”

Built between 1861 and 1863 by Baron Albert Emil Otto von Parpart (1813-1869), a former officer in the Prussian royal service. The Baron married Adelheid Sophie Margaritha von Bonstetten (1814-1883) in 1846. Architect Heino Schmieden (1835-1913). Museum of interior furnishings in the Art Nouveau style. The interior has remained unchanged since 1900 – as if time has stood still and the owners might return at any moment. The expansive grounds with native and non-native tree species add an extra charm to the overall experience.

Is Snow White waiting behind the seven mountains? The seven Churfirsten peaks are as magical as a fairytale, and the children of the Toggenburg know what each of them is called. From east to west: Chäserrugg (2,262 m), Hinterrugg (2,306 m), Schibenstoll (2,234 m), Zuestoll (2,235 m), Brisi (2,279 m), Frümsel (2,263 m), Selun (2,205 m). Trails lead to each of them. A particularly popular destination for day trippers is the Chäserrugg, which is easy to reach via two aerial cableways from Unterwasser.

With a surface area of 540 square metres (80,000 football pitches), a length of 63 kilometres, a depth of 254 metres and holding 50 billion cubic metres of water, is it any wonder that our neighbours on the other side of the lake like to call it the Swabian Sea? This third-largest lake in Central Europe falls within the borders of three countries: Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Fancy a unique prospect? The panoramic views along the jetty (270 m) are breathtaking.

The magnificent limestone cliffs of Creux du Van (“van” means rock) form a rocky circle almost 200m high with a circumference of 1.4km. Together with the Areuse Gorge, the site has been a nature reserve since 1876. Upstream is Val-de-Travers, known for its terroir, history and numerous activities. Staff from the tourist information point at Noiraigue Station will be happy to provide more information. And, on its south side, the summit of Creux du Van also offers stunning views of the Alps.

“Guten Tag”, “Bonjour”, “Grüezi” – welcome to the striking Basel border triangle, where the languages and cultures of Germany, France and Switzerland converge. From its Rhine harbour, ships sail towards the North Sea. Basel has a lot to offer, be it experiences of the cultural, recreational or culinary kind: take a plunge into the Rhine river, stroll through the historic Old Town or be inspired by a museum visit. In Basel, you are definitely in for a treat!