Famous for luxury branded watches, milk chocolates, and Swarovski crystals, Switzerland has a lot more to offer. Home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, Switzerland is the perfect travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a sense of adventure in Central Europe.
Here are 10 travel experiences in Switzerland for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers
Guided Hike in Schilthorn Via Ferrata
An extensive and well-maintained hiking trail network criss-crosses the stunning mountain landscape in the Mürren-Schilthorn area. The 1,907-metre-high Allmendhubel is the perfect starting point for numerous hikes.
Thrill-seekers really shouldn't miss the Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata. This excellently secured "iron way" covers a distance of over 2.2 kilometres and 300 metres altitude difference from Mürren down to Gimmelwald. A head for heights and sure-footedness are an absolute must when you stand – always secured by a rope – a lofty 600 metres above ground in the Mürrenfluh. What an adrenaline rush!
The thrill factor reaches new heights on the 80-metre rope suspension bridge at the end of the route and the 60-metre Tyrolean traverse, which may be used only when accompanied by a mountain guide. From Gimmelwald, it's a convenient ride with the Schilthorn aerial cableway back to Stechelberg or Mürren.
Inexperienced climbers should go with a mountain guide for the first time.
Glacier Gorge at Grindelwald, Jungfrau Region
The 300 metre high rock walls of the glacier gorge testify to the incredible power of the lower Grindelwald glacier. Unfortunately, this glacier no longer exists. But the glacier gorge reminds of it and is no less spectacular and offers with the footbridge deep into it a unique, real view into the past. The rushing water of the Lütschine, the steady light wind and the impressive light conditions make this place exciting for all senses!
The glacier gorge is divided into various themes such as geology, glaciers, water, myths - an exciting experience for all ages, easily accessible in all weathers! One of the highlights is the 170 square metres SPIDERWEB. The walkable net stretched over the gorge offers a unique view and thrills at the same time!
Pedalo Ride in Lake Lucerne
The pedalos on Lake Lucerne offer a great way to relax and spend leisurely moments on the water. The little motorboats (maximum of 8 persons) can be driven without a skipper’s licence. Starting point is at Schwanenplatz, right in the centre of Lucerne.
Camping at Mount Pilatus
Spend the night in a Tree Tent at Fräkmüntegg, Mount Pilatus. Like floating on clouds, gently swaying in the wind, the stars close enough to touch – in the Tree Tents your sleep is divine.
Tree Tents are spanned between trees, and have space for two or three persons. Before you crawl into your “air castle” marvel at the sunset and enjoy an exclusive entry to the rope park. After a restful night in the Tree Tent fortify yourself with a generous breakfast at the Restaurant Fräkmüntegg. And then? You may well feel up to more adventures.
Zipline at Mount Titlis
How to spend an adventure-filled weekend on Mount Titlis? Buckle up and take to the air – a unique panoramic view awaits you! Attached to a secure steel cable, you will fly 500 metres down the zipline from Trübsee Alpine Lodge to the lake. Up to two people can fly next to each other.
The zipline starts 20 metres above Trübsee Alpine Lodge. It finishes 40 metres lower down, right next to the adventure playground by the lake.
Sunrise HIke at Zermatt, Matterhorn
Experience a unique moment when the sun rises. From violet to blue and to a golden glow the first rays of the sun brighten the Matterhorn. On Sundays the cog-wheel train will take you up to Rotenboden station in the early dawn. In a 10-minute walk you will reach lake Riffelsee, where the Matterhorn is reflected on the lake’s calm surface.
Swimming in Zurich City
Zurich is one of the cities in the world with the highest density of swimming areas. There are in total 18 of them within city limits – 6 in the river, 6 in the lake, and 6 are outdoor swimming pools open to the public.
Enjoy water sports? Whether wakeboarding, swimming, SUP, or surfing in Zurich there is an enormous array of activities on the water. In the trendy quarter of Zürich-West, there is a never-ending wave on which people can try surfing tricks at the feet of the Prime Tower – the tallest building in Zurich – and of the Freitag Flagship Store, in very chilled and summer-vibe atmosphere.
Biking in the Vaud Region
With its varied landscapes, adapted accommodation and services specially designed for cyclists, the canton of Vaud is ideal for bike and mountain bike excursions of one or several days. Hikers and cyclists appreciate the many lakes in the canton of Vaud for their pretty trails with shallow gradients.
In 2022, the canton of Vaud, the cities of Lausanne and Aigle are hosted internationally renowned cycling events, including two stages of the Tour de France.
Glacier 3000 Alpine Coaster
The highest situated toboggan run in the world! The Alpine Coaster boasts 520° circles, 10 curves, 6 waves and 3 jumps, promising action-packed speeds of up to 40 km/hour on a one kilometre stretch.
The Alpine Coaster will quickly raise your adrenaline level and get your heart beating hard! You will experience weightlessness up to 6 metres above the ground on this high-flying adventure in a mountain environment you will never forget. You determine the speed with the brake lever and how many times you want to go down the toboggan run.
Train Ride Aboard the RhB Bernina Express
What about a grand train tour around Switzerland? The highlights along the 1,280-kilometre-long panoramic route are never out of season.
The routing over mountain passes and through many valleys allows for a perfect combination of visits to cities as well as mountain locations. A great number of top sights and natural wonders can be admired, such as the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen or the Matterhorn at Zermatt, to name just a few. Also, mountain excursions like Pilatus or Jungfraujoch can be easily included in the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
Enjoy a historical journey between Davos to Filisur from 14 May to 30 October 2022. In not quite 40 minutes your trip will take you through the ruggedly romantic Zügen Gorge, over the famous Wiesen Viaduct to Filisur.
You can also take RhB to some of the most beautiful bike trails in Switzerland.