Best of countryside holidays in Switzerland
Lakes, picturesque villages, and scenic alpine peaks awaits
Switzerland's Most-Loved Rural Regions
Family-Friendly Accommodations
City-Break Escapes
Eco-stays or pet-friendly
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Spectacular, Unforgettable Family Holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland, home to gorgeous lakes, picturesque villages, and scenic alpine peaks, can be best described as a mountainous paradise on Earth. The country also boasts many famous landmarks, such as the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Chapel Bridge, and Chillon Castle, which combined with its natural splendours make it a dream destination for travellers.
Things to Know About Switzerland
Located in central Europe, Switzerland covers an area of 41,285km² and consists of 26 cantons, or federal states. It's home to almost 8.9 million inhabitants, who speak four official languages: French, Italian, German, and Romansh. A landlocked country, Switzerland’s highest mountain is the 4,634m-high Monte Rosa. Lake Geneva is the country’s largest body of water, and its other spectacular lakes include Lake Constance, Lake Neuchatel, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Zurich.
Taking a scenic train ride through the country is one of the best ways to enjoy the distinctive beauty of its alpine glaciers and quaint villages. When it comes to food, fondue and raclette are famous regional cheese dishes you can't miss, while Rosti is a popular potato dish. Swiss watches and chocolates are also world-renowned products, due to their superior quality of production.
Enjoy the Best of Farm Holidays in Switzerland
About one-third of Switzerland's land is used for agricultural purposes, including the cultivation of vineyards, fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock fodder. Switzerland also has a flourishing agritourism industry that provides unique cultural experiences on working farms. You'll immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of picturesque holdings nestled amidst the majestic Swiss Alps, as you gain close insights into their daily operations. You'll also enjoy the best of local produce, including fantastic cheese and wines, here.
Wine Tourism
Swiss vineyards occupy approximately 15,000 hectares of area in the country. Ticino, Valais, and Vaud are some of the leading wine-producing cantons.
Vaud is where you can see the famous Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where wine has been produced since the 11th century.
If you stay at a traditional vineyard, sample a glass of Chasselas, Pinot noir, Gamay, or Merlot wine while admiring the impressive views and interacting with the winemakers themselves.
Cheesemaking Experiences
Switzerland produces more than 700 kinds of cheeses, with Appenzeller, Fribourg, and Emmental some of the leading varieties.
Many dairy farms have haylofts and barns converted into separate comfortable accommodation for holidaymakers looking for a unique agritourism experience.
Wake up to the sound of mooing and cowbells, and spend the day experiencing a bit of the life of alpine farmers and cheesemakers in the midst of breathtaking landscapes.
Switzerland covers an area of 41,285km² and consists of 26 cantons, or federal states.
It's home to almost 8.9 million inhabitants, who speak four official languages: French, Italian, German, and Romansh.
The Best of Switzerland
A historically and culturally rich country blessed with scenic beauty, Switzerland boasts many iconic attractions that capture the best of its heritage.
The Matterhorn
A 4,478m-tall mountain on the Swiss-Italian border, the town of Zermatt lies at the base of the iconic mountain.
The Matterhorn is the centerpiece of Zermatt's resort area, where you can enjoy a peaceful alpine ambience, with classic carriage rides and world-class restaurants.
Jungfraujoch
This saddle in the Bernese Alps connects the Jungfrau and Monch peaks. It boasts Europe’s highest train station at 3,454m, giving it the nickname the “Top of Europe”.
Grindelwald, a small village, is the gateway to the Jungfrau region that's also a base for climbing the 3,967m-tall Eiger Mountain.
The Eiger, where you can see stunning waterfalls and striated limestone walls, provides fantastic skiing opportunities in winter and hiking in summer.
Bernina Express
One of the most unforgettable ways to cross the Alps is with the Bernina Express, a single-track railway that passes various glaciers, finally descending to the edges of northern Italy below.
The train acts as a link between northern and southern Europe, making its way past the gorgeous Lake of St. Moritz en route.
Jet d'Eau
One of Geneva’s most famous landmarks, this fountain shoots water 150m into the air. It's lit up at night, further enhancing the view of the cityscape.
Take a walk on the shores of Lake Geneva to further appreciate this symbol of the city.
Chillon Castle
Lake Geneva’s eastern shores are home to Chillon Castle, an over 1,000-year-old historical monument located on the narrow shore between Montreux and Villeneuve.
The place features Gothic-style underground chambers and paintings as old as the 14th century, which are exhibited throughout the year.
Rhine Falls
This splendid waterfall is located on the High Rhine river, between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich. Spanning 150m, this is the largest waterfall in Central Europe.
Excellent views are available on boat trips or from the viewing platforms on both sides of the river.
Chapel Bridge
This landmark is a covered wooden footbridge located in Lucerne, spanning the River Reuss.
It’s the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world, with an interior decorated with paintings depicting some of the city's notable historic events.
Grossmunster
Located in Zurich, this 12th-century Romanesque-style church played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation.
Enjoy the commanding view of Zurich from the top of the church tower, while listening to its bells toll.
Swiss National Park
This 170km² park in the Western Rhaetian Alps is home to more than 5,000 species of wildlife.
You'll see animals including marmots, red deer, chamois, ibex, mountain hares, and European moles, and over 100 species of birds like golden eagles, bearded vultures, and barn owls.
Great Swiss Tourism Offers
If you’re thinking about a holiday to a beautiful destination filled with recreational activities for all ages, then Switzerland should be at the top of your list. Whether it's hiking trails, ski resorts, agritourism, historic delights, or scenic splendours, you'll have your pick of adventures for a fantastic holiday. Roads are well-maintained and signed, and the national rail system is world-renowned for its efficiency and timeliness.
FAQs
To experience Swiss countryside and farm life, you can:
- Stay at a working farm through agritourism programs
- Visit vineyards in Ticino, Valais, or Vaud for wine tasting
- Experience cheesemaking at dairy farms in regions like Appenzeller, Fribourg, or Emmental
- Take scenic train rides like the Bernina Express to view alpine landscapes
- Hike or bike through rural areas and alpine meadows
Key natural attractions in Switzerland's countryside include:
- The Matterhorn mountain near Zermatt
- Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe"
- Lake Geneva and the Jet d'Eau fountain
- Rhine Falls, Central Europe's largest waterfall
- Swiss National Park in the Western Rhaetian Alps
During your Swiss countryside holiday, try these traditional foods:
- Fondue and raclette (cheese dishes)
- Rösti (potato dish)
- Local cheeses like Appenzeller, Emmental, and Gruyère
- Swiss chocolates from local producers
- Regional wines such as Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Merlot
To explore Switzerland's rural areas and small villages:
- Use the efficient Swiss rail system to reach remote locations
- Rent a car to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
- Take scenic train routes like the Bernina Express
- Join guided tours focusing on rural experiences
- Stay in bed & breakfasts or farm stays in small communities
Switzerland's countryside offers numerous outdoor activities:
- Hiking and mountain climbing in the Alps
- Skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts
- Mountain biking on scenic trails
- Paragliding over alpine landscapes
- Boating and water sports on lakes like Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich
Yes, rural Switzerland has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- The Lavaux Vineyard Terraces along Lake Geneva
- The Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina landscapes
- The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area
- The Benedictine Convent of St. John at Müstair
- The Abbey of St. Gall in eastern Switzerland