With its rolling green hills, glassy lakes and snow-capped mountains, Switzerland has long been a destination that speaks to both soft explorers and adventure-seekers alike.
The moment you touch soil in this scenic mountainous country, an abundance of outdoor activities beckon.
For nature-lovers, a visit to the Marmot Trail is a must. Located at Avers near Splugen, the three kilometre long dirt road is home to marmots, a species of large squirrels that hibernate through winter.
Another way to observe the fuzzy rodents in the wild, as well as witness the majestic ibex,is to depart on a guided tour.
The marmot and ibex excursion in Pontresina is expertly guided and available from mid June through to the beginning of October. Simply reserve a spot at the valley station of the Languard Pontresina cable car and make sure you pack some good walking shoes.
To take in spectular panoramas by rail, a series of scenic journeys and themed routes have been carefully curated by Swiss Travel Systems. The most famed routes include the Bernina Express or Glacier Express, where some of the most untouched and raw landscapes are exposed.
To test your limits and feed the adrenalinseeker within, embark on a trip to Interlaken and the wider Jungfrau Region to try your hand at paragliding, hiking, canoeing, skiing or snowboarding.
An assortment of quirky accommodation offerings are also part of the outdoor experience, take the Four Tree Houses “Les Nids” for instance, where travellers are given the chance to stay five to eight metres off the ground in “nests”.
As an unusual alternative to a hotel, these “nests” are capable of housing two to four people, and are fashioned as little houses which come complete with glass windows, a kitchen, shower, wood stove and toilet.
To embrace the best of what Switzerland has to offer, the Grand Tour is recommended. Trips to both iconic and lesser known places have been expertly woven through the country’s lush landscapes.
The tour highlights both the highest point at 2429m (Furka Pass) as well as the lower point of 193m (Lake Maggiore), and will take you on a journey through 11 UNESCO World Heritage sites, five alpine passes and across the four main language regions.
