5 weekend ideas just 2½ hours from Geneva
Do you dream of getting away from it all? Of setting sail for the weekend? We understand. For some people, travelling or taking a break is a real way to switch off and recharge their batteries. It has to be said that we’ve just been through two rather anxiety-inducing years, and for most of us, it’s been very difficult to get away.
That said, travelling doesn’t necessarily mean spending 24 hours on the road, discovering a completely different culture, or taking a week to recover from jet lag. Travelling is more about discovering new things, new places or new people. You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to do that. We always tend to want to explore the world, which in itself is a good thing, but sometimes we also miss out on wonderful places that are not far from home. That’s why we’ve put together a short article on five destinations near Geneva that should allow you to get away for a weekend.
Interlaken and the surrounding area
It would be impossible to write this article without mentioning Interlaken, a small valley nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland mountain region. What makes this little village so special is its location: it lies between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, both renowned for their turquoise waters! They are surrounded by alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks all year round.
Interlaken is the perfect place to unwind for a weekend. It’s a destination that has something for everyone, particularly families and nature lovers, who can enjoy the village and its surroundings.
Must-sees in Interlaken:
- Harder Kulm: this is THE place you simply must visit. It can be reached via hiking trails for the more adventurous, or by cable car! Up there, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view and a sense of immense freedom. You can admire the two lakes that flow down into the village, as well as the surrounding mountain peaks. A true paradise on earth.
- The 72 Waterfalls Route: the name alone is enough to set the imagination racing. Picture yourself driving along the roads of sun-drenched mountain valleys, taking in a multitude of waterfalls at every bend. That’s what awaits you if you decide to drive from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg: an unforgettable experience guaranteed, taking a total of 4 hours (there and back).
- The Blue Lake is another must-see in the region! It is situated at an altitude of 887 metres in the Kander Valley. It is renowned for its crystal-clear, sparkling turquoise waters. A short footpath (entry fee applies) allows you to walk easily around the lake.
There is a wide range of hiking trails to choose from, and for those with a bit of time to spare, we recommend setting aside a day for a trip to the Jungfrau.
🚗: Interlaken is a 2½-hour drive from Geneva
Gruyère and the Cailler company
It’s one of the prettiest and most traditional villages in French-speaking Switzerland! This ancient medieval town is situated in the canton of Fribourg. As you’ll have guessed, it’s world-famous for its cheese… the famous Gruyère. Food lovers will also be tempted by a local dessert made with meringues and Gruyère double cream – a real treat!
Aside from the fine dining, it’s well worth taking a stroll through the pretty cobbled streets of the pedestrianised area.
Must-sees in Gruyère:
- Gruyère Castle: nestled at the foot of the Fribourg mountains, the castle dates back to the 13th century! It is perfectly preserved and has been converted into a museum. The museum houses numerous art collections tracing eight centuries of the region’s medieval history. There is an admission charge and it is open all year round.
- Cailler: this is an activity everyone will love! As well as a tour of the factory, the company offers a wide range of activities, such as life-size games, escape rooms and chocolate-making workshops… And the icing on the cake: you’ll even get to enjoy a little tasting session. There’s an admission charge, but it’s well worth the price!
- Le Moléson is a peak not far from the village of Gruyère, offering the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air after sampling cheese and chocolate! It rises to over 2,000 metres and offers incredible views of the Fribourg Pre-Alps. The more adventurous will enjoy the climb, whilst others can, of course, take the cable car.
🚗: Gruyère is a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Geneva
Bern, the capital
Bern is the capital of Switzerland. A world away from the European capitals we’re used to seeing – which tend to be teeming with people and dominated by large, imposing buildings – Bern will charm you with its small-town, mountain-town atmosphere. To give you an idea, Bern has a population of around 142,000, compared to over 2 million in Paris. Nevertheless, the city is brimming with history and culture, which you can soak up over a weekend.
Must-sees in Bern:
- Stroll through the city as you journey through the ages. Bern is the perfect blend of old-world charm and the vibrancy of a modern city. You can wander through the old town and discover more about this lovely city. Let yourself be carried away by its tranquillity and the surrounding countryside. Don’t worry, you’ll also find all the essentials of a big city, namely: fashion boutiques, restaurants and great hotels!
- Did you know that Bern is also known as the ‘City of Bears’? This is said to stem from a legend that Duke Berthold V of Zähringen, the city’s founder, killed a bear there. As an iconic symbol of the city, Bern is committed to protecting these animals, and since 2009 you’ve been able to visit the BearPark (a bear sanctuary). There is an admission charge to enter the park.
- The Rose Garden: an idyllic garden straight out of an enchanting cartoon. It’s best to visit in summer to admire no fewer than 200 different varieties of rose. You can take a seat on the restaurant terrace to enjoy a breathtaking view of Bern’s old town.
🚗: Bern is 1 hour 50 minutes from Geneva
Montreux, the Swiss Riviera
Montreux is a beautiful little town that’s well worth a visit. It’s world-famous for the Montreux Jazz and Montreux Comedy Festivals. The setting is incredible: situated on the lakeside, the town is surrounded by mountains. Simply strolling along the shores of Lake Geneva and wandering through the old town should be enough to leave you in awe. Don’t forget to pop along to see the life-size bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, who, after performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, decided to settle in this pretty Swiss town.
Must-sees in Montreux:
- Chillon Castle: its location is stunning; it seems to float on Lake Geneva, offering an impressive view of the mountains reflected in the water. Dating back to the 12th century, it is Switzerland’s most visited historic monument. Foodies can round off their visit in style with a stop at Clos de Chillon to sample a wine aged and bottled at the castle. There is an admission charge for the castle.
- A post-lunch stroll to the Rochers de Naye: this is THE viewpoint you simply mustn’t miss! You can reach the summit via signposted hiking trails or by cable car. Whichever way you choose, the walk is incredible: the higher you climb, the more you look out over the town, the lake and the mountains! The scenery is just as beautiful in summer as it is in winter.
- Chaplin’s World! And no, Freddie Mercury wasn’t the only one to have settled in Montreux; Charlie Chaplin also lived there. A museum dedicated to him has opened on the site where his home still stands. During your visit, you’ll be transported back to the actor’s greatest films. The sets are brilliant and the museum is very interactive. To round off the visit, you can explore his house and the beautiful garden that surrounds it. There is an admission charge for the museum.
🚗: Montreux is a 1 hour 10 minute drive from Geneva
Chamonix and the Mer de Glace
A quick detour to visit our French neighbours! Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest glacier in the Alps, which rises to an altitude of 4,809 metres. Every year, it welcomes countless tourists from all over the world who come to try their hand at the resort’s slopes.
Chamonix is a rather attractive mountain town that offers plenty to do in both summer and winter! The town centre is quite large and you’ll find all the essential shops there, as well as numerous hotels and restaurants.
Must-sees in Chamonix:
- The Mer de Glace: this is the largest glacier in mainland France, covering an area of 40 km² and stretching 7 km in length. To get there, you’ll take a charming little rack-and-pinion train, which will get you there in complete comfort. You’ll then take a cable car to explore the Ice Cave! You’ll venture deep into the heart of the glacier for a memorable visit. You can also continue with a visit to the Glaciorium to learn all about the history and evolution of the Mer de Glace, which, due to global warming, is shrinking year on year… There is an admission charge for the site.
- The Aiguille du Midi is a peak rising to an altitude of 3,842 metres. It is a very popular activity that can be enjoyed all year round, weather permitting. The ascent is made very easy by the cable car. The views during the journey and upon arrival are breathtaking – in fact, watch out for altitude sickness when you step out of the cabin! There is a charge for the cable car ride.
- Lac Blanc is world-renowned for its setting. This high-altitude lake (over 2,000 metres) boasts crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains. For the more active, a magnificent hike awaits – it’s a bit challenging, but well worth the effort. Alternatively, you can always take the cable car, though this will still require a short walk; a view like this has to be earned!
🚗: Chamonix is a 1 hour 10 minute drive from Geneva
