Switzerland: The Must-Sees in 7 Days

What evocative power some Swiss places have: the resort of Saint Moritz, the Zermatt glacier, the vineyards of Lavaux, Lugano and its palm trees... Switzerland has not ceased to amaze us with the diversity of its landscapes: dense forests, high-altitude lakes, verdant valleys....

How better to explore it than by train? The Swiss have panoramic trains such that you will be thrust into this magical setting. For about eight days, you will make a loop from and to Zurich. You will stay in legendary places and along the way, you will stop to visit cultural heritage: Appenzell, Lucerne.. but especially you will encounter landscapes that you would not see by road like spiral viaducts! All aboard, mind the departure!

Before embarking on this adventure, take a moment to breathe in the gentle town of Zurich by taking a cruise on the lake. This way, you can gaze at the lush gardens set along its shores. Culinary enthusiasts should make a stop on Bahnhofstrasse at chocolatier Läderach or confectioner Teuscher.

Seeking thrills? Climb to the top of Uetliberg at over 800 meters high. From this spot, a hiking trail known as the "planet path" begins. Before you reach Felsenberg, which offers a fabulous viewpoint over the Swiss city, you will trace the distances that separate the planets in the solar system with your steps. (One step equals one million KM!). For a well-deserved swim, head for Oberer Letten, and teenagers will guide you to Frau Gerolds Garten, which is no longer quite a public garden but an Urban Surf installation!!!

From Zurich, you traverse a fantastical landscape until you reach Lucerne. Nestled by the Lake of the Four Cantons, the city blends the past and future seamlessly. On one hand, there's the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge along with the Musegg wall, the Weinmarkt square, and the Baroque churches, all representing ancient architectural elements. On the other hand, the KKL mirrors in its glass architecture and has the Alps as its backdrop.

The Palace of Culture and Congress is credited to Jean Nouvel. If you want to take to the heights, head to the Bourbaki panorama or climb the Stanserhorn and embrace a panoramic view from the roof of the world at the Cabrio. Hiking enthusiasts will be enticed by excursions to Mount Rigi, and nature lovers by the cherry orchards on the Kirsch Road (cherry brandy route). Then, you will continue your journey towards Interlaken, a chic winter sports resort and a starting point for hikers.

Between Zweisimmen and Montreux, aboard the Goldenpass Express with its panoramic windows, you enter a scenery worthy of a postcard. You pass by the broad vineyards of Lavaux, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The golden rows are especially admired in autumn. Terraced by Benedictine monks in the 12th century, the vineyards were only accessible by cable car and monorail. Did you know? It is the stone walls that retain the heat from the soil, thus benefiting from a microclimate. Moreover, endemic plant species have been discovered in Lavaux, found nowhere else! Thanks to the limestone and clay nature of their soil, a chasselas grape variety grown there has obtained a controlled appellation.    

What characterizes Montreux, a city nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva, is undoubtedly its Mediterranean ambiance. In addition to nods to Chaplin and Freddy Mercury, its comedy festival also adds charm. The Matterhorn-Gotthard railway line will have you crossing the Matterhorn, the magical mountain recognizable by its pyramidal shape. You absolutely must not miss the Château de Chillon perched on its rock or the Byron café. The former residence of the Counts of Savoy, which hosted Rousseau—who is said to have written Julie, or the New Heloise there, is particularly romantic. 

Warning: the ascent of Zermatt is exclusively for experienced climbers and you won't resist taking a photo! Seated aboard the Glacier Express, the landscapes pass by, each more breathtaking than the last. You frequently enter tunnels, cross the counties of Valais, Grisons, and then you find yourself on the Landwasser Viaduct… Soon you reach Saint Moritz, which has hosted winter sports since 1934. Back then, the resort had a ski lift, the epitome of modernity. Generally speaking, Saint Moritz enjoys exceptional sunshine, which is why you can find thermal baths and sanatoriums there.

This time, it is aboard the Bernina Express that you will cross an incredible structure. It is the Brusio spiral viaduct which stretches over 400 meters. This is a unique way to cross the Bernina Pass. Just imagine: two loops with a diameter of about a hundred meters that intersect, enough to make your head spin! This technical feat made it possible to avoid digging tunnels through the rock! Then you will see waterfalls before reaching Lugano, the southern city. 

Lugano is very likely to please you! This Italian-speaking city is part of the Canton of Ticino. Its famous Piazza della Riforma is lined with colorful neoclassical Italian palaces. Moreover, it has a magnificent glacial lake. On this section, you can admire the landscape via the Gotthard Panorama Express. You make a stop at the 3 castles of Bellinzona which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These medieval fortresses were intended to control access to the Alpine passes and to defend the entrance to the Ticino valley. Finally, you head towards Flüelen and Lake Lucerne. On-site, try the paddle steamer.  

Aboard the Pre-Alpine Express, you will reach the town of Rapperswil, nicknamed the city of roses. Saint-Gall, for its part, corresponds to one of the highest cities in Switzerland. It contains an abbey housing 170,000 documents, some of which are millennia old. Finish your journey by Appenzell for a tasting of spicy cow's cheese. The recipe requires the use of a brine for its production.  

PS: I did not mention Locarno at the foot of Lake Maggiore or Lausanne, a destination for Olympic Games enthusiasts, I will dedicate a text to it later!  

Author: Gretel Tamalet

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