The magical variety of landscapes and experiences the Alps can offer are endless. You find snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, rivers and unique alpine flora, and fauna, the richest in Europe. And not to forget, the smiley welcoming folks that live in these idyllic lands and cities of Switzerland, their unique cuisines or a great variety of outdoor and extreme sports at hand.
The Alps are the highest and the most extensive mountain group in Europe, extending across 8 countries: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
In this story, I am sharing the best itineraries I have explored so far in Switzerland, showing villages and peaks in the mountain, modern cities, stunning lakes and valleys.
Travel a bit with me today and discover the alpine region…
Map of all the alpine destinations I am sharing
Switzerland
The alpine nation is located in the heart of Europe, home to mountains, lakes, rivers, medieval cities, ski resorts, hiking trails, chocolates, cheese, watches, and banks. Here live 8.57 million people.
Getting around:
- Airports located in Geneva, Basel, and Zurich
- Public transportation info at SBB website: bus, train…
- Rent a car
Drinks:
- Apple or Grape organic juices
- Local wines and beers
- Appenzeller liqueur
Food:
- Chinoise (meat) fondue
- Cheese fondue, which contains local cheeses Gruyère and Emmentaler among other ingredients.
- Raclette of cheese with potatoes, fresh vegetables, and pickles
- Spätzli is a type of pasta made with fresh eggs
- “Cordon Bleu or schnitzel cordon bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried.”
- Rösti is consisting mainly of potatoes, in the style of a fritter. It looks like a Spanish omelet but contains no eggs
- Apfelstrudel or the Graubünden nuts tart for dessert
- Swiss chocolate: Lindt, Läderach, Cailler, and Sprüngli. If you go to any of Sprüngli´s shops in Zürich, try also the Luxemburgerli. They look like macarons.
- In Italy: pasta, risotto, gnocchi, lake trout, salads
- In Austria and Germany: pork knuckle with Sauerkraut, Knödel (boiled dumplings) or Wiener Schnitzel
- Tasty vegetarian or vegan options are usually available in many of the restaurants we visited
- Otherwise, check recipes online, book the ingredients and cook at home…
Destinations and itineraries in the Alps:
Lake Geneva
Lake Thun
Jungfrau and Interlaken Region
Davos
Bergün
Lake Lucerne-Viznau-Rigi
Lake Zurich, Baden and Bad Zurzach
Locarno, Ascona, Lake Maggiori and The Verzasca Valley in Ticino
“Above me are the Alps, The palaces of Nature, whose vast walls have pinnacled in clouds their snowy scalps, and throned eternity in icy halls of cold sublimity, where forms and falls the avalanche — the thunderbolt of snow! All that expands the spirit, yet appals, gather around these summits, as to show how Earth may pierce to Heaven, yet leave vain man below.”
- Lord Byron
More about the Alps:
Tailor your own trip:
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