switzerland
SCENIC DRIVES IN SWITZERLAND
You can't go wrong with Swiss Alpine passes!
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Off-roading in Switzerland is not very established, generally not allowed and only in few locations it is possible on private roads against a maut fee. This, however, does not mean at all that there are no spectacular scenic roads through the Swiss Alps. In the contrary, Switzerland offers an array of marvellous mountain roads at altitudes well above 2'000 m.a.s.l. but they are simply paved and mostly in perfect driving conditions. That’s just the way it is in Switzerland!
Swiss Alpine Passes
#1
Fuorn-/Umbrail Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Fuorn-/Umbrail Pass
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Distance: 68KM
Season (Fuorn): O All year
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
(Umbrail) O Oct. / Nov.
(Umbrail) O Dec. - May
Start: 46°42'00"N - 10°05'43"E (Zernez)
End: 46°28'11"N - 10°22'11"E (Bormio)
High: 2'501 m.a.s.l. Umbrail Pass
Low: 1'225 m.a.s.l. Bormio
Max. Inclination: 12%
Difficulty: easy
Rating: 4.8 of 5
The route at the southeasternmost edge of Switzerland leads you from Zernez through the Val Müstair to the Fuorn / Ofen Pass. Unlike most Swiss alp passes, the landscape at the Val Müstair is quite different, leading through a national park, it is seemingly wilder and not as steep of a surrounding as one would expect from a 2’150 m.a.s.l. alpine crossing. The 3.2% average climb is one of the least ascent to any Swiss high alpine mountain passes of this category and likely the reason why the Fuorn is open all year round.
Don’t forget to make a rest at the picturesque mountain village of Santa Maria Val Müstair before turning right leading into the renewed ascent, now to the Umbrail. This is without doubt the icing on the cake, the highest paved Swiss summit at 2’501 m.a.s.l. directly on the Swiss Italian border. Which ever fuel you could save on the easy climb to the Fuorn, you will need it on the next 14 kilometres up to the summit climbing an average of 8.4%.
It is an unforgettable experience and will have you leave Switzerland with thousands of great memories and only one wish, to come back soon!
#2
Albula Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Albula Pass
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Distance: 40KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
Start: 46°39'42"N - 9°34'45"E (Tiefencastel)
End: 46°34'45"N - 9°55'32"E (La Punt)
High: 2'312 m.a.s.l. Albula Pass
Low: 855 m.a.s.l. La Punt (Engadin)
Max. Inclination: 12%
Difficulty: moderate
Rating: 4.6 of 5
The Albula Pass was already being used as a mule trail back in prehistoric times and the Romans used this route to trade corn and wine for cheese, honey, beeswax and skins. In the middle ages it was ruled by the Bishops of Chur who were able to secure a good source of income from the road toll that they charged. It was also in their interest to maintain and even widen the trail. In 1695 gunpowder was used for the first time to blow out a tunnel in the Albula Gorge which made direct access to the valley floor at Bergün possible. The road was widened to 4.20m between 1864 and 1866 to enable horse-drawn post coaches to use the pass road and up to 180 horses and 50 drivers used to work during the summer. The journey from Chur to St. Moritz took 14 hours, which was still less than the Julier route.
The post coach even crossed the pass in winter, as the postmaster of Bergün wrote: «It was a very, very long night – with the horses travelling at walking pace Â…». The importance of the pass declined considerably with the opening of the Albula railway line on 1 July 1903. The road still has some very narrow passages and occasionally damages to the road surfaces which means that even today it is best to take your time and enjoy the ride! While at it, a sidestep to the Landwasser Viaduct in Filisur is highly recommended.
#3
Grimsel-/Furka Pass
Name: Grimsel-/Furkapass
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Distance: 65KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
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Start: 46°42’19”N - 8°13’37”E (Innertkirchen)
End: 46°38'02"N - 8°35'37"E (Andermatt)
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High: 2'436 m.a.s.l. Furkapass
Low: 625 m.a.s.l. Innertkirchen
Max. Inclination: 11%
Difficulty: very easy
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Quick Facts
The combination of Grimsel/Furka is not only a scenic highlight, but also geographically most interesting. We start from Innertkirchen (BE) climbing up south following the Aare river. After countless serpentines we reach the Grimsel Lake and the boarder to the canton Valais as well as the European watershed between north (Aare leading into Rhine going to the North Sea) and south (Rhone flowing into the Mediterranean Sea). Needless to say, a sidestep to Valais is always worth it, but shortly after starting the decent passing the Toten Lake (Dead Lake) our route turns upwards again to the Furka. Before reaching the summit at spectacular 2’436 m.a.s.l. a visit to and into the Rhone Glacier is an absolut must. Knowing that James Bond’s Goldfinger also has used these magical sceneries as their backdrop adds another spice to this trip.
#4
St. Gotthard-/Nufenen Pass
Quick Facts
Name: St. Gotthard-/Nufenen Pass
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Distance: 68KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
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Start: 46°40’05”N - 8°35’22”E (Göschenen)
End: 46°30'26"N - 8°18'23"E (Ulrichen)
High: 2'478 m.a.s.l. Nufenen Pass
Low: 1'111 m.a.s.l. Göschenen
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Max. Inclination: 14%
Difficulty: easy (Tremola limit 3.5t!)
Rating: 4.4 of 5
The St. Gotthard is Switzerland’s traditional and undoubtedly most famous crossing of the Alpes. To climb the St. Gotthard summit without immersing yourself in its fabulous history is like crossing the Alpes blindly. Reason why this scenic drive has to start no later than Göschenen, then the first historic highlight and compulsory stop will be at the Devil’s Bridge in the Schölenen Gorge. The rest of the climb is rather unspectacular and likely with high tourist traffic. The Gotthard is the only connection between north and south in Switzerland that does not require multiple passes. Therefore, it is the shortest and fastest alpine crossing, be that by car or train. If you are lucky you will meet a horse carriage at the summit (2’106 m.a.s.l.) . The way down to the Italian part of Switzerland, the Ticino, has two options. If your vehicle has below 3.5t you ought to take the nostalgic Tremola route. It is the former cobblestone road that leads down to Airolo in 24 hairpin bends. If it gets wet, the fun is over however, so be cautious.
Once in Airolo you take a right and follow the gentle slope upwards into the Val Bedretto. Moving from the oldest pass to one of the youngest and highest, the 2’478 m.a.s.l. Nufenen. A rather steep decent (average 8.6%) surrounded by stunning landscapes brings you quickly down to Ulrichen in the sunny canton of Valais. How would you rate this amazing scenic drive?
#5
Great St. Bernard Pass
Quick Facts
Name: Great St. Bernard Pass
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Distance: 44KM
Season: O Jun. - Sep.
Season: O Oct. / Nov.
Season: O Dec. - May
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Start: 45°57’22”N - 7°12’34”E (Bourg St.Pierre)
End: 45°44'6"N - 7°18'48"E (Aosta)
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High: 2'473 m.a.s.l. Great St. Bernard Pass
Low: 583 m.a.s.l. Aosta
Max. Inclination: 11%
Difficulty: very easy
Rating: 4.1 of 5
At 2'473 m.a.s.l., the Great St. Bernard Pass is Switzerland's third highest pass, and is the most important link between Western Switzerland and Italy. Two very different heroes have made this pass famous: Barry the rescue dog, and Napoleon.
This pass links Martigny in the Rhone Valley (Valais) with the Aosta Valley and the Piedmont region in Italy. It was already one of the most important Alpine crossings back in the days of the Roman Empire. It takes its name from Saint Bernard of Aosta, who founded the Great St. Bernard Hospice at the top of the pass in 1050. This plain and rather gloomy complex of buildings set in the middle of a rocky wasteland was one of the first institutions dedicated to rescuing victims of mountain emergencies, and it achieved particular fame because of the St. Bernard species of dogs that were bred there. From about 1750 onwards, these dogs were successfully used to search for avalanche victims and travellers who had lost their way while crossing the pass. The most famous St. Bernard dog was Barry (1800–1814), who is said to have saved more than 40 human lives.
The Great St. Bernard also earned its place in history thanks to Napoleon, who marched south-wards over the pass in May 1800 while it was still covered by snow, with an army of 40,000 men and heavy arms to confront the Austrian troops near the city of Alessandria in Italy.
Today, the Great St. Bernard is a very easy drive within a marvelous mountain landscape ending in a long descent at the Italian side.
MUST-VISITS IN SWITZERLAND
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While you are here...
...there are certain spots that must not be missed. Depending on the season the most important Swiss attraction may differ. The fascination of our TOP-5 must-visit in Switzerland, however, are little depending on the season, but good weather may greatly boost their enjoyment. To combine the must-visits with some scenic drives, customs & traditions or photogenic locations is certainly a great idea to get the best out of your time in beautiful Switzerland.
#1
Jungfraujoch- Top of Europe
Quick Facts
Name: Jungfraujoch
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Location: 46°32'51"N - 7°59'6"E Access through either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen / Wengen.
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Visiting Hours: daily as per Eiger Express schedule between 7.15/8.30AM and 4.50/6.20PM
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Fees: regular price starting from approx.
adult: 195 CHF
child: (6-15 yrs.) 20 CHF
infant: (0-5 yrs) free
Time allocation: full day
Special consideration: 3'454 m.a.s.l.
Rating: 4.9 of 5
#2
Bahnhofstrasse - Zurich
Quick Facts
Name: Bahnhofstrasse
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Location: 47°22'11"N - 8°32'22"E (Paradeplatz)
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Visiting Hours: 24/7
Shops open Mon-Fri 9AM-6.30/8PM
Sat 9AM-5PM
Sundays closed
Fees: n/a
Time allocation: men 1 hour, women 1 day
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Special consideration:
Nearest van/truck parking at Mythenquai
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Rating: 4.7 of 5
#3
Lavaux Vineyards
Quick Facts
Name: Lavaux Vineyards
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Location: 46°28'48"N 6°46'24"E
many more locations along the lake of Geneva
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Visiting Hours: 24/7
Best Season: Summer & Autumn
Fees: n/a
Time allocation: at least half a day
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Special consideration:
Attention narrow streets!
Take advantage of the wine walks and tastings.
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Rating: 4.6 of 5
#5
Rhine Falls
Quick Facts
Name: Rhine Falls
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Location: 46°42'00"N 10°05'43"E
(Southern banks)
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Visiting Hours: 24/7
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Fees: adult: 5 CHF
children 5-16 yrs.: 3 CHF
Parking: free
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Time allocation: 2 hours
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Special consideration: There are the Northern banks (across/downstream) with free access, but parking fees.
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Rating: 4.3 of 5
Quick Facts
Name: Abbey of Saint Gall
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Location: 47°25'23"N 9°22'33"E
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Visiting Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM - 4PM
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Fees: adult: up to 18 CHF (all incl.)
children -16 yrs.: free
Parking: nearby
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Time allocation: 2 hours
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Special consideration:
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Rating: 4.3 of 5
#4
Abbey of Saint Gall
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS IN SWITZERLAND
A top selection for all your senses
Probably there are five hundred or more customs and traditions that are worth to be discovered. To make a shortlist of just five does in no way do justice to many others that would deserve to be mentioned as typically Swiss. This selection of our TOP5 considers different fields such as music, sports, food and of course old traditional beliefs, which - should the opportunity arise - must not be missed during a trip to Switzerland.
#1
Yodelling
Quick Facts
Name: Yodelling
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Multiple events all over Switzerland
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Season: mostly outdoors from Apr. to Oct.
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Swiss Jodelling Event Agenda (German only)
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Rating: 4.9 of 5
Alpine Yodelling does well deserve the leading rank of Switzerland’s custom and tradition. It is deeply rooted in this central European Alpine state and does express true Swissness more than anything else.
Just in case you have no idea, yodelling is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch. Originally, it was used as a form of communication between people from one mountain to the next. It also served the herders to call their livestock. Since mid 19th century, yodelling became popular in entertainment. Today, it is an essential part of most Swiss folkloristic festivals and the expression of the Swiss groove. As it is preferably performed outdoors, it is often combined with flag-waving and the use of the alpine horn, two more top fascinating Swiss traditions, not to be missed!
Quick Facts
Name: Carnival of Basel
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Location: 47°33'24"N - 7°35'29"E
(Münsterplatz).
Hover to see route map
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Event Date: Btw. Mid-February & Mid-March
Starting at 4 AM (Morgestraich) on Monday following Ash Wednesday and lasting for precisely 72 hours.
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Special consideration: Get a translator to understand the satire if you are not familiar with Basel Swiss German.
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Rating: 4.8 of 5
#2
Carnival of Basel
The carnival of Basel dates back more than thousand years and is therefore one of the oldest traditions in Switzerland. It starts exactly at 4AM on Monday after Ash Wednesday with the “Morgestraich” and lasts for 72 hours and is referred to by the locals as “the three most beautiful days”.
The almost twenty thousand participants of the Basler Fasnacht are wearing costumes and are often disguised with an oversized masks while strolling through the streets and restaurants in themed cliques. The themes are commonly referring to a recent event or public figure (including politicians) and satirical verses are recited. The Carnival of Basel was recently included in UNESCO’s intangible world heritage and even ranks as one of the top festivals in Europe. Watch out for the Confetti storms along the parade and in case you have missed those three days, no worries, there are plenty of after (party) events to enjoy in Basel.
#3
Swiss Wrestling
It is neither football nor alpine skiing: The one Swiss national sport that you can’t miss while in Switzerland is without doubt the Swiss Wrestling. Serious tournaments are contested since more than 200 years and a Swiss Wrestling Champion enjoys, still today, the status of a king! Fortunately, Swiss Wrestling events are often accompanied by other Swiss folklore, great food and wine, so your day is guaranteed to be a memorable Swiss experience.
Quick Facts
Name: Swiss Wrestling
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Multiple events all over Switzerland
Season: from April to Mid-October
Swiss National Wrestling Agenda (German only)
Rating: 4.8 of 5
#4
Sechseläuten
This spring tradition in Zurich is actually a combination of two old Zurich customs. On one hand it originates from medieval times when the guilds celebrated the return of the summer working hours and on the other hand from the burning of Winter in effigy, in the form of the “Böögg”, a snowman made of cardboard and stuffed with explosives. Since more than hundred years the two traditions were combined in what Zurich folks proudly call their “Sechseläuten”, an expression that refers to the “six o'clock ringing of the bells”.
A colourful kids parade precedes on Sunday while the main parade happens on the 3rd Monday afternoon of April, culminating with the burning of the Böögg sharp at - you guessed it - 6PM. It is said in tradition that the faster the Böögg burns on the pyre and the sooner its head explodes, the better the forth-coming summer will be.
Quick Facts
Name: Sechseläuten
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Location: 47°21'58"N - 8°32'45"E (Sechseläutenplatz next to Bellevue)
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Event Dates:
Sechseläuten: 3rd Monday of April
Parade starting at 3PM with approx. 3'500 guild members, 350 horsemen and 50 parade floats.
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Böögg pyre set afire: 6PM at Sechseläutenplatz
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Children Parade in historical costumes: Sunday prior, as of 2.30PM
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Special considerations:
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Rating: 4.6 of 5
#5
Swiss Chocolate
Quick Facts
Name: Home of Chocolate
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Location: 47°19'06"N - 8°33' 05"E
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Visiting Hours: daily 10AM - 6PM
Last entry: 5PM
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Fees: adult: 15 CHF
child: (8-15 yrs.) 10 CHF
infant: (0-7 yrs) free
Public guided Tour: +23 CHF
Time allocation: min. 2 hours
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Special consideration: Cholcolate Master-classes available
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Rating: 4.5 of 5
We have long fought with ourselves whether it is the mystical Swiss CHeese or rather the seductive Swiss CHocolate that deserves to be mentioned. Once foreign visitors start to understand that the Swiss National Symbol is neither "S" nor "SW" but a "CH" it becomes obvious that both CHocolate and CHese are equally important and deeply rooted in Swiss traditions.
Needless to say, you must try Swiss Cheese or Fondue even in summer or try to visit one of those many amazing cheese dairies along the route. More difficult to find are chocolate factories, hence this recommendation to visit Lindt's Home of Chocolate and its spectacular museum with unlimited tasting.... I know I convinced you right here!
PHOTOGENIC LOCATIONS IN SWITZERLAND
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The beauty of our planet...
... has also not spared Switzerland. In the contrary, with the Alpes, an abundance of little lakes and a very sophisticated infrastructure this neutral State in the middle of Europe has been popular for foreign visitors already for more than 150 years. Switzerland was part of the origin of modern tourism and its photogenic beauty and advanced transport technology the main reasons why the desire to travel started to exist.
Here are the top five photgenic loations and most representative shots of Switzerland:
The ultimate picture of Switzerland is the one with the pyramid shaped Matterhorn reflecting in one of the many crystal clear mountain lakes. It’s cliché, but that is Switzerland anyway.
Quick Facts
Name: Landwasser Viaduct
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Locations: 46°40'50"N - 9°40'25"E
Viewing platform north (VPN)
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46°40'45"N - 9°40'34"E
Viewing platform south (VPS)
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Altitude: 1'011 m.a.s.l.
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Visiting Hours: Generally all year. VPN may be difficult after snowfall
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Time allocation: half day
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Special consideration: To reach VPN and the base of the bridge use parking at 46°40’31.6″N - 9°40’15.5″E.
To reach VPS park at Filisur train station. Platform north within 30 min. walk. Base and south within 15 min.
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Rating: 4.7 of 5
#2
Landwasser Viaduct Filisur
The Landwasser Viaduct is an UNESCO world heritage and as such not only an amazing and photogenic location, but a symbol for Switzerland and its tourism. This 65 meter high six-arched limestone bridge of the Raethian Railway was build in 1902 and has only been renovated once ever since! There are two viewing platforms that may help amateur photographers to get a good angle. Professionals may use a drone or find other spots that are courageous, but must not really be recommended.
#3
Äscher Wildkirchli
Quick Facts
Name: Äscher Wildkirchli
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Location: 47°17'01"N - 9°24'54"E
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Altitude: 1'454 m.a.s.l.
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Time allocation: Full day
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Special consideration:
Rather crowded during the day
Access via cable car Wasserauen-Ebenalp (15min.) or hike approx. 1h25min (3.3km / 630 mdh). Parking at 47°17'11"N - 9°25'45"E
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Rating: 4.5 of 5
Äscher Wildkirchli is a guesthouse that is built into the rocks of the Wildkirch caves. It is documented that both Neandertals and cave bears have used this location well before the Swiss hermits arrived. With more than 160 years of age, it is one of the oldest guesthouses in Switzerland and representative for their very mountainous locations. Still today, there is a little chapel next to it and as such a popular and very picturesque attraction for tourists. To get a view on it without people is equally arduous as the climb up to 1’454 m.a.s.l.
#4
Drumlins
Quick Facts
Name: Drumlins
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Location: 47°11'46"N - 8°35'59"E
near Menzingen/ZG
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Altitude: 848 m.a.s.l.
Visiting Hours: All year
Parking: nearby on public road
Special consideration: foggy weather in fall or winter makes the best out of it.
Rating: 4.3 of 5
Drumlins are not really uncommon in Switzerland and those found around Menzingen are as impressive as those in the canton of Appenzell. Part of its fascination are those trees atop of each little hill and the saga why they exist the way they do. The fairytale like scenery, however, also results from a great alpine backdrop or the mystic foggy surrounding during morning or evening hours.
#5
La Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Quick Facts
Name: La Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
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Location: 46°25'50"N 8°39'48"E
Mogno - Fusio
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Altitude: 1'000 m.a.s.l.
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Visiting Hours: all year
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Parking: On location
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Rating: 4.3 of 5
Switzerland is certainly best known for its spectacular mountains and picturesque landscapes. Nonetheless, there is a rather unexpected modern architecture at an even more unexpected location that deserves a place among the top five. Mongno is part of Fusio, a small mountain village at the end of a remote valley in the Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. To travel to this location is already quite an adventure by itself and at a distance that is unusual for tiny Switzerland.
Architect Mario Botta has designed a masterpiece of a church to replace the former one that has been destroyed by an avalanche in 1986. The (hi)story of this church is as fascinating as the building itself. Its modern design is well ahead of its time for such a backward location and it is built to last for ever. An inspiration for architects, engineers and photographers alike.
See all Swiss photogenic location on Google Maps
Quick Facts
Name: Matterhorn
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Location: 46°00'50"N - 7°48' 8"E
Stellisee
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Visiting period: summer/fall
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Altitude: 2'537 m.a.s.l.
Time allocation: full day
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Special consideration: a 20-minute walk from the Blauherd summit station or a 3-hour hike (approx. 9.2km and 920mhd) from Zermatt. BTW Zermatt is car free. Use public parking in Täsch.
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Rating: 4.8 of 5
#1