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, on its Ticino lake, charms with its Italian atmosphere and a funicular up to Monte Brè for panoramic views.
• Lausanne combines cultural heritage, fine dining and lake views, including from the terrace at Baron Tavernier.
• Brienz rounds out this selection of 4 recommended Swiss destinations for a refreshing getaway by the water.
Lugano and its lake: Italian-style dolce far niente
Claire and Marie recommend a visit to Lugano, a charming town in the canton of Ticino, right on the border with Italy. Whether you’re spending a few days with the family or on a romantic break, it’s a dream destination with its lake and the mountains close by. The Italian influence can be felt both in the cuisine and in the relaxed “dolce far niente” atmosphere that pervades the town.
Enjoy the town centre by wandering through the little streets, where you’ll come across charming small boutiques and ice-cream parlours serving refreshing Italian-style ice cream – and you’ll hear Italian, German, English and French spoken on every corner!
From the town centre, you can walk down to the lakeside and enjoy a stroll with views framed by the mountains. On fine days, you can even go for a swim or take a boat trip.
Mont Brè is accessible by funicular railway – head up and enjoy a panoramic view over the lake and the town! The funicular departs from Cassarate, a 20-minute bus ride from the town centre. Once at the top, make your way to the village of Brè with its narrow lanes and stone houses.
The ice-cream parlour we recommend: -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 addresses and spots with you! Lausanne, in the canton of Vaud, is less than an hour from Geneva. It’s a city 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 the restaurant Le Milan, where the aromas of southern Italian cooking and the warmth of the team will transport you.
Staying on the theme of good food, come and discover the Mon Ami delicatessen, run by two brothers who are passionate about fine food and, above all, local produce. You won’t be disappointed by this tasty detour!
Just twenty minutes or so from Lausanne, head to the splendid terrace at the Baron Tavernier. You can sip a cocktail while taking in a breathtaking view over Lake Geneva, all while enjoying the calm and tranquillity of the setting.
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 the turquoise-watered Lake Brienz and surrounded by mountains, you’re sure to fall for this village’s charm.
Its proximity to Interlaken and Thun, along with the many surrounding mountains, makes it an ideal destination for enjoying nature and getting away from the daily grind. Between hiking, paragliding, funicular railways and lake activities, you’re bound to find something to keep you busy!
To gain a little height and enjoy a panoramic view, take the cable car up to Harder Kulm. The scenery is stunning – you’ll find yourself facing the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau, looking down over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.
Gruyères, a medieval town in the heart of Switzerland
Gruyères is a destination not to be missed if you want to discover Switzerland. Clément recommends visiting during the national holiday on 1 August, when the town comes alive and you can enjoy a musical moment with the alphorn. Throughout the year, events and activities are held in the medieval village – for example, a Christmas market around the festive season.
In Gruyères, you can visit the castle, the second most visited castle in Switzerland. Not far from the castle is also the HR Giger Museum – fans of the “Alien” films will have the chance to be immersed in the fantastical universe of the Swiss artist, who was notably honoured for his artistic contribution to the film “Alien”.
A must-see if you visit Gruyères is the Maison du Gruyère! To find out more about the history, know-how and all the secrets behind the production of Switzerland’s most popular cheese, this is a visit well worth taking.
Switzerland is a breathtaking country, made up of magnificent landscapes and places. The 4 towns we’ve presented in this article are just a glimpse of all the destinations you can discover. Don’t hesitate to share your favourite spots in Switzerland with us! Stay tuned, as future articles will tell you more about this wonderful country!
