{"id":7214,"date":"2025-12-02T18:10:54","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redkarawana.com\/?post_type=journeys&p=7214"},"modified":"2025-12-04T13:37:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T13:37:50","slug":"alps-and-regions-switzerland","status":"publish","type":"journeys","link":"https:\/\/redkarawana.com\/?journeys=alps-and-regions-switzerland","title":{"rendered":"Alps & Regions, Switzerland; Majestic Mountains and Lakeside Towns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Switzerland, a country in the heart of Europe, boasts breathtaking landscapes of Alpine pastures, winding rivers, beautiful valleys and the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland\u2019s multi-national character is deeply embedded in its culture, architecture and cuisine. The cultural landscape comprises historic Old Towns, medieval castles, Alpine villages, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces and legendary high-altitude hiking trails. The Swiss cultural diversity is expressed through its unique Alpine folklore, its traditional wooden chalets and diverse gastronomy. Our Alps & Regions, Switzerland Travel Itinerary explores famed cultural gems, breathtaking natural wonders and celebrated culinary destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 1 \u2013 Arrive Gen\u00e8ve, Switzerland; Transfer to Lausanne, Switzerland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are direct flights to\/from Gen\u00e8ve, Switzerland from the major European hubs, including Frankfurt, Paris, London and Amsterdam. Upon arrival at the Gen\u00e8ve Airport, we walk to the underground level, location of the Gen\u00e8ve Airport Railway Station. We take a 50 minutes’ direct train to the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station) and then a 5 minutes’ taxi to our hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 2 \u2013 Lucerne, Bern, Thun <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the morning, we arrive at the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station), situated within a 5-minute taxi ride or 20 minutes\u2019 walking distance from our hotel. We take a 2.5-hour direct train (IR) from the Gare de Lausanne to Bahnhof Luzern (Lucerne Railway Station). A few minutes\u2019 walk from the Lucerne Railway Station leads to the wooden Chapel Bridge over the River Reuss and to the Old Town. We follow the cobblestone streets to visit the Weinmarkt square, the Rathaus (Town Hall) and the Peterskapelle (Saint Peter\u2019s Chapel) at the Kapellplatz square. We have a quick lunch at the riverside restaurant and then walk to the Lucerne Railway Station to take 1-hour direct train (IR) to Hauptbahnhof Bern (Bern Railway Station). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bern\u2019s Old Town is situated around 15 minutes walking distance from the Bern Railway Station. We visit the B\u00e4renplatz Square and the Bundenshaus (Parliament Building). The cobblestone streets guide us to the Marktgasse, the Berner M\u00fcnster and the 15th century Rathaus. The pathway along the River Aare overlooks the city\u2019s old houses and the B\u00e4renpark. Afterward, we walk back to the Bern Railway Station and take a 30-minute direct train (S1) to Thun, a historic town along the River Aare. We walk 15 minutes to the 16th century Town Hall and the nearby 12th century Thun Castle. After a light dinner, we walk back to the Thun Railway Station and take a 30 minutes\u2019 direct train (IC) to Bern, followed by 1 hour and 20 minutes direct train (IC) to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 3 \u2013 St. Gallen, Z\u00fcrich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Early morning, we take a 5 minutes\u2019 taxi to the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station), then take a 3 hours and 40 minutes\u2019 direct train (IC) to the Bahnhof St. Gallen (St. Gallen Railway Station). St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated at a 10 minutes\u2019 walking distance from the St. Gallen Railway Station. We visit the square of Marktplatz, the St. Gallen Cathedral and Monastery and the Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library of St. Gall). We walk toward the Kirche St. Laurenzen (St. Lawrence Church) to view its original interiors decorated with frescoes. After a quick lunch, we walk back to the St. Gallen Railway Station and take an approximately 1-hour direct train (IC) to the Hauptbahnhof Shopville Z\u00fcrich (Z\u00fcrich Railway Station). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Alshtad, Old Town of Z\u00fcrich, is located at a 15 minutes\u2019 walking distance from the Z\u00fcrich Railway Station. We follow the cobblestone street of Niederdorfstrasse and the promenade along the Limmat River. We explore the city\u2019s historic churches, including the Grossm\u00fcnster, the Fraum\u00fcnster and St. Peters Kirche. We admire the 15th century Rathaus (Town Hall), enjoy panoramic city views atop the Lindenhof Hill and have dinner at the riverside restaurant. Early evening, we walk back to the Z\u00fcrich Railway Station and take a 2 hours and 20 minutes\u2019 direct train (IC) to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 4 \u2013 Lausanne, Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon, Saint-Saphorin <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Our morning starts in the lakeside district of Ouchy. We walk a few minutes from our hotel to the Ouchy Harbour. The promenade around Lake Geneva offers panoramic views and overlooks the 12th century Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Ouchy. After our walk, we take a 10 minutes\u2019 taxi to the Old Town of Lausanne and visit the Place del la Palud and the 17th century H\u00f4tel de Ville (Town Hall). We walk up the hill to the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Lausanne and the nearby Ch\u00e2teau Saint-Maire, the seat of the government of the Canton of Vaud. The narrow streets lead to the 19th century Palais de Rumine, L\u2019\u00c9glise St Laurent and the tranquil park of Esplanade de Montbenon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We enjoy sandwiches for lunch and walk around 10 minutes to the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station). We take an around 35 minutes\u2019 direct train (S5) to the Gare de Veytaux-Chillon (Veytaux-Chillon Railway Station). We walk 5 minutes along Lake Geneva to visit the nearby Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon, the 11th century medieval castle and fortress. Afterward, we return to the Gare de Veytaux-Chillon (Veytaux-Chillon Railway Station) and take a 20 minutes\u2019 direct train (S5) to the village of Saint-Saphorin. We explore the village\u2019s stone houses, its lakeside vineyard terraces and have dinner. In the evening, we take a 25 minutes\u2019 direct train (S5) to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 5 \u2013 Swiss Alps, Zermatt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We take a 5 minutes\u2019 taxi to the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station) to take a 1 hour and 40 minutes\u2019 direct train (IR) to Visp Bahnhof (Visp Railway Station) and then the connecting 1 hour and 10 minutes\u2019 direct Glacier Express Train to Zermatt Bahnhof (Zermatt Railway Station). Note: The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn is a railway company connecting the regional towns to the Alpine town of Zermatt. Upon our arrival, we walk from the Zermatt Railway Station on the Bahnhofstrasse toward the historic Hinterdorf district with old wooden chalets along the Hinterdorfstrasse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We take the Matterhorn Express, a cable car from the Zermatt Station at Schluhmattstrasse, via the Furi Station to the Zermatt Schwarzsee Station, enjoying the panoramic mountain views. A cableway from the Zermatt Schwarzsee takes us to the Klein Matterhorn Summit Station (also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise). The summit is an ideal place to relax, enjoy the regional cuisine and admire the beautiful Alps. After the visit, we take the cableway back to Zermatt and take a 3-hour train via Visp to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 6 \u2013 Village of Gruy\u00e8res, Montreux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Early morning, we arrive at the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station) and take the train with two connections to the village of Gruy\u00e8res. Our train route includes a 20 minutes\u2019 train (IR) to Montreux, a 50 minutes\u2019 train to Montbovon and a 20 minutes\u2019 train to Gruy\u00e8res. We walk 15 minutes from the Gare de Gruy\u00e8res (Gruy\u00e8res Railway Station) to the village center. We visit the Ch\u00e2teau de Gruy\u00e8res and its medieval ramparts overlooking the Saane Valley. The Restaurant Le Chalet de Gruy\u00e8res is a Swiss style wooden chalet that serves a traditional regional cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the afternoon, we walk to the Gruy\u00e8res Railway Station and take 1 hour and 15 minutes\u2019 train with 1 connection to Montreux (Gruyeres to Montbovon to Montreux). The resort town of Montreux has a quaint Old Town and a lakeside promenade. We explore the town\u2019s architecture, lakeside scenery and degust the regional seafood. In the evening, we take a 30 minutes\u2019 direct train (IR) to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 7 \u2013 Neuch\u00e2tel, Yverdon-les Bains, Gen\u00e8ve <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We arrive early in the morning at the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station) and take a 50 minutes\u2019 direct train (IC) to Neuch\u00e2tel. We walk 15 minutes from the Gare de Neuch\u00e2tel (Neuch\u00e2tel Railway Station) to the Place des Halles in the Old Town of Neuch\u00e2tel. We explore the 12th century Collegiate Church and take a guided tour of the Ch\u00e2teau de Neuch\u00e2tel. We have an early lunch, then walk to the Neuch\u00e2tel Railway Station to take a 20 minutes\u2019 direct train (IC) to Yverdon-les-Bains. A few minutes\u2019 walk to the Old Town of Yverdon-les-Bains reveals an inviting square and the 13th century Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Yverdon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the visit, we take a 1-hour direct train (IC) to the Gen\u00e8ve-Cornavin Railway Station. We take a few minutes\u2019 taxi to Gen\u00e8ve\u2019s waterfront and its symbol of the Jet d\u2019 Eau Fountain. We visit the nearby Jardin Anglais (English Garden), the Cath\u00e9drale Saint-Pierre, the Place du Bourg-de-Four and the tree-lined pathways of the Parc de Bastions. We have dinner, then take a taxi to the Gen\u00e8ve-Cornavin Railway Station and take a 45 minutes\u2019 direct train (IR) to Lausanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Day 8 \u2013 Lausanne, Switzerland Departure, Transfer to Gen\u00e8ve, Switzerland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We enjoy our breakfast and the views of Lake Geneva. At noon, we take a 5 minutes\u2019 taxi to the Gare de Lausanne (Lausanne Railway Station). We take a 50 minutes\u2019 direct train (IR) to the Gen\u00e8ve Airport and take our international flight home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSwitzerland, Castle of Gruy\u00e8res<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Switzerland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Switzerland, a country in the heart of Europe, borders France to the west, Germany to the north, Austria and Liechtenstein to the east and Italy to the south. The diverse topography of Switzerland comprises the Swiss Alps in the south-central part, the Central Plateau and the Jura Mountains in the west of the country. Switzerland is a federal state divided into 26 multi-cultural cantons. The multiple languages and numerous dialects are spoken across distinct regions. The German language is spoken in the eastern, northern and central part of Switzerland. The French language is spoken in the western part and the Italian language is spoken in the southern part of Switzerland. Switzerland\u2019s multi-national character is deeply embedded in its culture, architecture and cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cultural landscape of the country comprises historic Old Towns, medieval castles, Alpine villages, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces and the legendary Via Alpina, the long-distance high-altitude hiking trails. The high peaks of the Alps are a magnet for skiers, trekkers and nature lovers. The Swiss Railway Network is an excellent transport system and an incredibly efficient way to explore the country. Visitors to Switzerland shall purchase a Swiss Pass, a best value for unlimited travel and free or discounted museum tickets. The Swiss Rail (sbb.ch\/en\/home.html) streamlines the travel plans and offers an unforgettable scenery of the Swiss Alps and the countryside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Swiss cultural diversity is expressed through its unique Alpine folklore and its traditional wooden chalets nestled in the Alpine meadows. The culinary landscape of Switzerland mirrors its regional diversity and the cuisines of the surrounding countries. The Swiss gastronomy is famous for its distinct regional specialties, world-class cheese and dairy products and high-quality chocolate. Our Alps & Regions, Switzerland Travel Itinerary explores famed cultural regions, breathtaking natural wonders and celebrated culinary destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lucerne, Bern, Thun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the heart of Switzerland, the Canton of Lucerne is a uniquely beautiful region. Lucerne, the regional capital city, boasts panoramic mountain views, the picturesque Lake Lucerne and an ancient wooden bridge crossing the River Reuss. The Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss is the 14th century medieval symbol of the Old Town of Lucerne. A maze of cobblestone streets in the Old Town lead to the Weinmarkt square, lined with houses painted with beautiful frescoes. In the heart of the Old Town, the Rathaus (Town Hall) is a beautiful symbol of the Italian Renaissance style. Situated in the Kapellplatz square is the 18th century Peterskapelle (Saint Peter\u2019s Chapel), showcasing works of art on the outer wall and overlooking the River Reuss. Animated conversations take place on the terraces of restaurants set along the river. We depart Lucerne and journey to the Bern-Mittelland Region situated in the Canton of Bern. The region boasts the majestic Alps, beautiful countryside and Switzerland\u2019s capital city of Bern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bern\u2019s Altstadt (Old Town) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes an impressive architecture and six kilometers of medieval covered arcades. A walk to the B\u00e4renplatz Square reveals the impressive Bundenshaus (Parliament Building) and an animated city life filled with restaurants and caf\u00e9s. The Bundenshaus, seat of the Swiss government, showcases a turquoise dome and chambers decorated with frescoes. A guided tour of the Bundenshaus educates the visitors about the history of Bern, Switzerland\u2019s federal city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The walk through the cobblestoned streets of Marktgasse shows Bern\u2019s medieval landmark of Zytglogge (Clock Tower). The maze of streets leads to the majestic Berner M\u00fcnster, the Bern Cathedral of St. Vincent, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Rathaus, the Town Hall of Bern, dates back to the 15th century and is the political center of the canton and city of Bern. Beautifying the Old Town of Bern is the River Aare, offering panoramic views of the red-tiled roofs of the old houses and the B\u00e4renpark, a nature reserve for bears situated along the river banks. The Bernese Oberland Region in the Canton of Bern is defined by its mountainous topography, tranquil villages and picturesque towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idyllic town of Thun is set along the River Aare that flows to the beautiful Lake Thun. The wooden bridge decorated with potted flowers crosses the river and overlooks the pretty riverside houses. The Town Hall Square is the historic center of Thun and the location of the 16th century Town Hall. The 12th century Thun Castle serves as a museum and is listed as a Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance in Switzerland. The Thun Castle is an imposing structure with white exteriors, four corner turrets and magnificent red rooftops. Central Switzerland is a fascinating union of beautiful nature and historical heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
St. Gallen, Z\u00fcrich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the northeast of Switzerland, the Canton of St. Gallen is defined by its Alpine pastures, meadowlands, vineyards and the historic town of St. Gallen. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Gallen boasts stunning half-timbered houses, the inviting square of Marktplatz and the historic St. Gallen Cathedral and Monastery, established by an Irish monk called Gallus. The Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library of St. Gall), the 16th century rococo library, has sublime ceiling frescoes and a collection of ancient rare books and manuscripts. A stroll through the historic town leads to the Kirche St. Laurenzen (St. Lawrence Church), a Protestant church with a beautiful multi-colored tiled rooftop and original interiors showing painted frescoes. St. Gallen is a tranquil and exceptionally beautiful town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the north-central part of Switzerland, the Canton of Z\u00fcrich includes the picturesque Lake Z\u00fcrich, river valleys and the lively city of Z\u00fcrich. The medieval Old Town of Z\u00fcrich is on display along the banks of Limmat River. The Grossm\u00fcnster, the Evangelical Protestant Church, is the city\u2019s landmark with its iconic twin towers built in the neo-Gothic style. Overlooking the M\u00fcnsterhof square, the Fraum\u00fcnster is a blue-spired church with beautiful stained-glass windows, designed by the famous painter Marc Chagall. St Peter Kirche (St. Peter\u2019s Church) has a large clock and stunning interiors designed in the Baroque and Romanesque styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A walk through the Old Town of Z\u00fcrich reveals the 15th century Rathaus (Town Hall) and the charming cobblestone street of Niederdorfstrasse lined with boutiques. Lively restaurants are situated along the Limmat River. A walk to the Lindenhof Hill, a historic square set above the Limmat River, offers panoramic city views. Z\u00fcrich is an amazing city with an impressive Old Town and an exclusive shopping avenue of Bahnhofstrasse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lausanne, Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon, Saint-Saphorin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Canton of Vaud in western Switzerland overlooks the spectacular scenery of Lake Geneva, the Jura Mountains, the Alpine peaks and vineyard terraces. Lausanne, set on the shores of Lake Geneva, has a historic Old Town and a gorgeous lakeside district of Ouchy. At the center of Old Town, the Place del la Palud showcases a Renaissance style fountain (Fontaine de la Justice), historic buildings with colorful window shutters and the 17th century H\u00f4tel de Ville (Town Hall). A pathway up the hill leads to the magnificent landmark of Cathedral Notre-Dame de Lausanne, a Gothic Cathedral dating back to the 12th and the 13th centuries. The nearby Ch\u00e2teauSaint-Maire is a 15th century castle and the seat of the government of Canton of Vaud. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Situated at the Place de La Riponne, the 19th century Palais de Rumine showcases a magnificent Renaissance architecture and houses several museums. A stroll through Lausanne passes near the spiritual symbol of L\u2019\u00c9gliseSt Laurent and leads to the tranquil park of the Esplanade de Montbenon, situated near the Casino de Montbenon and the Palais de Justice de Montbenon. The metro route connects the Old Town of Lausanne to the Ouchy Harbour, a lovely waterfront lined with sailboats and private yachts. The promenade around Lake Geneva overlooks the stately buildings and the 12th century Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Ouchy, presently a hotel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 40 minutes\u2019 train or car journey from Lausanne leads to the lakeside Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon, the 11th century medieval castle and fortress constructed for the Dukes of Savoy. During the times of Savoie, the region of Chillon served as the profitable trade route between Lombardy (north of Italy) and France. The Ch\u00e2teau de Chillon, set along Lake Geneva, offers magnificent views. The further exploration of the Canton of Vaud leads to the UNESCO Heritage Site of Lavaux Region, the protected vineyard terraces cultivated along Lake Geneva. The winemaking village of Saint-Saphorin enchants us with its historic stone houses, the Church of Saint-Symphorien, its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque vineyard terraces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Village of Gruy\u00e8res, Montreux<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In western Switzerland, the Canton of Fribourg is blessed with beautiful rivers, lakes, farmlands, historic towns and awe-inspiring villages. The beautiful village of Gruy\u00e8res enchants us with its medieval history, spectacular architecture and traditional Swiss cuisine. A beautiful cobblestone street runs through the village and leads to the historic Ch\u00e2teau de Gruy\u00e8res (Gruy\u00e8res Castle). The 13th century castle has a central courtyard, impressive chambers and French style gardens. Atop the medieval ramparts, we enjoy panoramic views of the Saane Valley, the mountainous terrain and the village of Gruy\u00e8res. A stroll through the village reveals historic buildings, souvenir boutiques and charming restaurants. The Restaurant Le Chalet de Gruy\u00e8res is a Swiss style wooden chalet that serves traditional regional cuisine. We sample a delicious fondue for lunch, prepared with the famous locally produced Gruy\u00e8re cheese. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We depart the village of Gruy\u00e8res and travel to the Canton of Vaud. The Swiss Riviera is known for its scenic vineyard terraces, palatial architecture and beautiful nature along the Lake Geneva. The lively resort town of Montreux has a quaint Old Town and the remarkable structure of the Montreux Palace Hotel. The Montreux Lakeside Promenade is a picturesque walkway on the banks of Lake Geneva. The town attracts many visitors during the annual Montreux Jazz Festival. The beautiful lakeside setting, the Mediterranean climate and a fascinating culture contribute to the popularity and charm of Montreux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In western Switzerland, the Canton of Neuch\u00e2tel boasts beautiful lakes, mountains, valleys and rivers.\u00a0 Nestled along the Neuch\u00e2tel Lake, the university town of Neuch\u00e2tel boasts yellow limestone buildings and an impressive Gothic architecture.\u00a0 The Old Town of Neuch\u00e2tel has a remarkable Place des Halles (Market Square) with lively restaurants and cafes.\u00a0 We walk toward the Fountain du Griffon, then climb up the steep stairway to the 12th century Collegiate Church and the Ch\u00e2teau de Neuch\u00e2tel.\u00a0 The Collegiate Church is a magnificent structure with two towers and beautiful interiors decorated with stained glass windows.\u00a0 Upon entering the grounds of the Ch\u00e2teau de Neuch\u00e2tel, we observe a beautiful courtyard.\u00a0 Perched atop the hill, the castle houses the legislative offices of the Canton de Neuch\u00e2tel.\u00a0 The guided tour explores the castle\u2019s historic rooms, the cloisters and the ramparts that overlook the city and the Lake Neuch\u00e2tel.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our journey along Lake Neuch\u00e2tel leads to the town of Yverdon-les-Bains, a charming town and a Thermal Spa since Roman times.\u00a0 The Old Town has pretty avenues, an inviting square and the 13th century Ch\u00e2teau d\u2019Yverdon.\u00a0 We continue the journey to the southwest of Switzerland, the Canton of Gen\u00e8ve that borders France.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gen\u00e8ve is the capital city of Switzerland and the Canton of Gen\u00e8ve, and serves as the European headquarters for the United Nations.\u00a0 This cosmopolitan city boasts a multitude of art galleries and museums.\u00a0 Gen\u00e8ve\u2019s waterfront of La Rade showcases the Jet d\u2019 Eau Fountain, a 140-meter water jet in the middle of La Rade and a symbol of Gen\u00e8ve.\u00a0 The nearby Jardin Anglais (English Garden) is an inviting space with scenic walking trails and the impressive L’Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock) made of diverse blooming flowers throughout the year.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A saunter through Gen\u00e8ve\u2019s Vieille Ville (Old Town) reveals charming alleyways, the 12th century Cath\u00e9drale Saint-Pierre and the town square of Place du Bourg-de-Four.\u00a0 The cultural center of Place de Neuve features the Musee Rath and the Grand Theatre de Gen\u00e8ve. \u00a0A walk through the Parc de Bastions shows the Reformation Wall monument and the tree-lined pathways.\u00a0 Cruise excursions depart Gen\u00e8ve and the nearby towns to explore the beautiful estates and natural scenery of Lake Geneva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The south-west region of Switzerland is a natural paradise with snow covered mountains, river valleys, gorgeous villages and posh ski resorts.\u00a0 The glacial Rh\u00f4ne Valley, the Old Town of Sion, the enchanting wooden chalets of Grimentz village, the majestic Alps and the fashionable ski resort of Zermatt define the Canton of Valais.\u00a0 The Glacier Express Train connects the quaint towns of Brig and Visp to Zermatt.\u00a0 The train route passes through winding valleys, green pastures, mountain tunnels and charming villages.\u00a0 The iconic snow-covered summit of Matterhorn peeks through the clouds.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A stroll from the Zermatt Railway Station follows the Bahnhofstrasse, a pretty street lined with wooden architecture, boutique hotels, quaint shops and restaurants.\u00a0 The Hinterdorf district, the oldest part of Zermatt, was built between the 15th and the 19th centuries.\u00a0 Hinterdorf can be reached by following the Hinterdorfstrasse, a narrow street lined with old wooden chalets and storage barns decorated with potted flowers. \u00a0The Bahnhofstrasse changes to the Oberdorfstrasse that connects to the hiking trail leading to the Gornergorge (Gorner Gorge).\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Swiss Alps may be explored in multiple ways.\u00a0 Visitors enjoy a funicular ride from the Sunnegga-Rothorn Valley Station to Sunnegga Point at 2,288 meters above the sea level and to the nearby Leisse Lake.\u00a0 The Gornergrat Bahn (GGB), the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway, offers a thrilling 30 minutes\u2019 journey from Zermatt GGB Railway Station to the Gornergrat Summit Station at 3,089 meters above sea level.\u00a0 The observation platform at the Gornergrat Summit offers unforgettable views of the summit of Matterhorn and the surrounding mountain peaks.\u00a0 The Matterhorn-Express offers a gondola ride from the Zermatt Station at Schluhmattstrasse, via Furi Station to the Zermatt Schwarzsee Station at 2,583 meters above sea level.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Zermatt Bergbahnen AG offers a 40 minutes\u2019 cableway journey from Zermatt Schwarzsee (connecting at Trockener Steg Summit Station) to the Klein Matterhorn Summit Station (also known as Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) at 3,883 meters above sea level.\u00a0 The summit offers glorious view of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.\u00a0 The world\u2019s highest 3S cableway was inaugurated in 2018 and connects the Trockener Steg to the Klein Matterhorn.\u00a0 The Swiss Alps and the ski resort of Zermatt are popular destinations at every season, enchanting its visitors with challenging ski trails, scenic hiking routes and charming Alpine villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Selected Cuisine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\nSwitzerland, Village of Gruy\u00e8res, Fondue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nSwitzerland, Village of Gruy\u00e8res, Raclette<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Fondue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cows grazing in the alpine pastures is a classic postcard picture of Switzerland. The idyllic countryside and fertile valleys contribute to long-established Swiss Cheese-making traditions. Switzerland produces a wide variety of high-quality cheeses, including the acclaimed Gruy\u00e8re and Vacherin cheeses. The medieval village of Gruy\u00e8res offers awe-inspiring mountainous scenery and a superb cuisine. In the village of Gruy\u00e8res, the Fondue is made with locally produced cheeses of Gruyere and Vacherin, combined with fresh garlic and white wine. The fondue is a delicious union of flavors. The Restaurant Le Chalet de Gruy\u00e8res is a Swiss style wooden chalet that serves traditional local specialties, including a delicious fondue served with boiled potatoes and slices of bread. Le Chalet de Gruy\u00e8res is a symbol of Swiss hospitality, rustic d\u00e9cor and traditional regional cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Raclette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Switzerland\u2019s cheese-making traditions date back to ancient times. The Alpine pastures are a major source of forage to the grazing livestock. The unpasteurized milk from the Swiss cows is used to create the Raclette, a delicious semi-hard cheese. The Raclette is also a classic Swiss dish. The traditional cooking technique require an open fire to heat the cheese and scrape the melted cheese onto the plate. The Restaurant Le Chalet de Gruy\u00e8res serves a Raclette in a small electric grill that melts the cheese from the top. The cheese can easily be scraped (\u201cracler\u201d means to scrape in French language) onto the plate. Raclette may be served with bread, boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions and at times cured meats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSwitzerland, Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne, Lake View<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In the morning, a pale fog covers the beautiful Lake Geneva and blankets the majestic Alps. The Beau-Rivage Palace is a luxury hotel situated on the banks of Lake Geneva in the town of Lausanne. The grand structure epitomizes the European style, elegance and charm. The Beau-Rivage Palace boasts expansive gardens and a relaxing space around an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has a collection of Rooms and Suites with Lake Geneva Views that overlook the picturesque lake and historic Ch\u00e2teau d’Ouchy. A gourmet breakfast buffet at the La Terrasse Restaurant includes a wide selection of fresh breads, cured meats, Swiss cheeses, fruits and desserts. Lausanne\u2019s historic Old Town and the Gare de Lausanne are situated a short distance from the hotel, accessible by a short taxi ride or the metro. The Beau-Rivage Palace is a peaceful lakeside destination and the perfect base to discover the beauty of Switzerland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\nSwitzerland, Village of Gruy\u00e8res<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Switzerland, a country in the heart of Europe, boasts breathtaking landscapes of Alpine pastures, winding rivers, beautiful valleys and the dramatic peaks of the Swiss Alps. Switzerland\u2019s multi-national character is deeply embedded in its culture, architecture and cuisine. The cultural landscape comprises historic Old Towns, medieval castles, Alpine villages, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces and legendary high-altitude hiking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":7158,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"journeyscat":[34],"class_list":["post-7214","journeys","type-journeys","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","journeyscat-history-traditions"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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