The 4 best places to visit in Switzerland for your holiday
The b-sharpe team has put together a list of their four favourite destinations in Switzerland! If you’re planning a holiday in Switzerland, here are the places we recommend you visit. Discover the rich diversity of this country, from its natural landscapes to its towns, lakes and mountains.
Lugano and its lake: Italian-style relaxation
Claire and Marie recommend a visit to Lugano, a charming town in the canton of Ticino, on the border with Italy. Whether you’re spending a few days with the family or on a romantic getaway, it’s a dream destination with its lake and the mountains close by. The Italian influence is evident both in the cuisine and in the laid-back atmosphere that pervades the town.
Enjoy the town centre as you wander through the narrow streets; along the way you’ll come across charming little shops and ice-cream parlours serving refreshing soft-serve ice cream, and you’ll hear Italian, German, English and French spoken on every street corner!
From the town centre, you can head down to the lakeside and go for a stroll, taking in the views surrounded by mountains. On sunny days, you can even go for a swim or take a boat trip.
You can reach Mont Brè by funicular – head up to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and the town! The funicular departs from Cassarate, which is a 20-minute bus ride from the town centre. Once you reach the top, make your way to the village of Brè with its narrow streets and stone houses.
Our recommended ice cream parlour: -9 Gelato Italiano
The restaurant we loved: Ristorante Tango
Lausanne: a treat for the taste buds and the eyes
Abdallah, who has lived in Lausanne for several years, shares his favourite spots and places with you! Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, is less than an hour’s drive from Geneva. It is a city much loved for its cultural and architectural heritage, as well as for its location between the lake and the mountains.
If you get the chance to spend a few days there, Abdallah recommends you visit Le Milan restaurant, where the aromas of southern Italian cuisine and the friendly staff will transport you to another world.
Staying on the theme of fine dining, do pop into Mon Ami, a delicatessen run by two brothers who are passionate about fine dining and, above all, local produce. You won’t be disappointed by this culinary detour!
Just a twenty-minute drive from Lausanne, head to the stunning terrace at the Baron Tavernier. You can sip a cocktail whilst taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and soaking up the peace and quiet of the surroundings.
Brienz, a charming lakeside village
If you’re looking to recharge your batteries, Brienz is the destination Brice recommends. Located in the canton of Bern, on the shores of Lake Brienz with its turquoise waters and surrounded by mountains, you’re sure to fall in love with this village.
Its proximity to Interlaken and Thun, along with the many surrounding mountains, makes it the perfect destination for enjoying the great outdoors and getting away from it all. With hiking, paragliding, funicular rides and water sports to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you busy!
To get a bird’s-eye view and enjoy the panoramic scenery, take the cable car up to Harder Kulm. The scenery is magnificent: you’ll find yourself facing the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, and looking down over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Gruyères, a medieval town in the heart of Switzerland
Gruyères is a must-see destination if you want to explore Switzerland. Clément recommends visiting during the Swiss National Day on 1 August, when the town comes alive and you can enjoy a musical performance featuring the alphorn. Throughout the year, events and activities are organised in the medieval village; for example, there’s a Christmas market in the run-up to Christmas.
In Gruyères, you can visit the castle, which is the second most visited castle in Switzerland. Not far from the castle is the HR Giger Museum; fans of the “Alien” films will have the chance to immerse themselves in the fantastical world of the Swiss artist, who was notably recognised for his artistic contribution to the film “Alien”.
If you’re visiting Gruyères, a visit to the Maison du Gruyère is an absolute must! To find out more about the history, expertise and all the secrets behind the production of Switzerland’s most popular cheese, this is a visit not to be missed.
Switzerland is a breathtaking country, home to magnificent landscapes and places. The four towns we’ve featured in this article are just a taste of all the destinations you can explore. Please do share your favourite spots in Switzerland with us! Stay tuned, as we’ll be telling you more about this wonderful country in future articles!
