All posts by: "mariyama"

Switzerland has one of the best climates in the world and it is perfect for summer vacations because of its never-ending snow-free days. No matter which time of the year you are planning to visit Switzerland, you will have no end of things to do there. Here, we are listing out the top 5 most beautiful places in Switzerland to visit during summer and you can plan on visiting at least one of these destinations.

Switzerland is a world-class location with an incredible mountain scenery, clean air, and accommodation. It is an eternal summer, even in the middle of winter. If you are looking for adventure then Switzerland is definitely worth looking into – especially in summer.

Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its 72 thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colourful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.

The very name ‘Lauter Brunnen’ (‘many fountains’) suggests the magnificence of this landscape. There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the most famous being the Staubbach Falls. Plunging almost 300 metres from an overhanging rock face, they are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. In 1779, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the valley, and was inspired by the roaring waters to write his well-known poem ‘Spirit song over the waters’.

Another deafening natural phenomenon are the Trümmelbach Falls in the ‘Black Monk’ mountain, hidden behind mighty rock faces. Up to 20,000 litres of water per second cascade over the ten glacier falls from a total height of about 200 metres. This spectacle can only be reached in summer by tunnel lift.

The valley town of Lauterbrunnen (795 m) is the starting point for some of the best-known excursion destinations in the Jungfrau region. A rack railway links Lauterbrunnen with the sunny terrace of Wengen on the eastern flank of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Kleinen Scheidegg, the station where you change trains for the onward journey to the Jungfraujoch.

On the opposite side of the valley is the holiday resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cableway from Stechelberg continues to the peak of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, famous for being the setting where the 007 classics, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.

A few kilometres further up the valley from Lauterbrunnen, accessible along a narrow mountain road, is the peaceful little mountain village of Isenfluh, perched on a steep rock terrace at 1024 m, and starting point for walks in the romantic Saustal and further to Mürren and the Lobhorn mountains.

The two Mythen peaks to the right; to the left, first the Riemenstalden valley, then Lake Uri – a succession of sweeping vistas. Chairlift ascent to the Klingenstock and scenic hike to Fronalpstock with panoramic ridge views as well as extensive views from the mountain house. Valley descent to Stoos again via chairlift.

From the Klingenstock, the path leads in a westerly direction to Rot Turm and Nollen. A climb to the Huserstock is also an option – or alternatively, you hike directly down to Furggeli. The constructed mountain path has in places been cut into the rock face and is secured with chains. Being both stable on your feet and free of vertigo is however highly recommended! Final departure point for possible ascents to the Fronalpstock summit is from the Furggeli mountain hut.

Wasserauen is the last stop on the Appenzell Railway. From there, the ultra-modern cable car carries passengers up the steep 723-metre climb to the Ebenalp (1,644 metres above sea level) in just six minutes.

From the upper station, the path leads down through the prehistoric Wildkirchli caves, which were inhabited around 40,000 years ago, then on to the hermit’s dwelling and the famous Berggasthaus Aescher mountain inn. Prehistoric stone tools were found in the area 100 years ago, evidence that the area was inhabited by hunter-gatherers during the Palaeolithic era (45,000 – 30,000 BC). The remains of cave bears were also found alongside the stone tools.

The Ebenalp is the ideal starting point for numerous easy-to-challenging hikes in the Alpstein massif. Taking in fragrant alpine meadows, impressive rock formations, and magnificent lookout points, the hikes showcase the very best of the Appenzell region.

Discover one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alps with the Oeschinensee.

You can travel by train from Bern or Brig to Kandersteg without having to change trains. From there you can reach the Oeschinensee after a hike of around 1.5 hours. With the somewhat more leisurely variant, you replace the ascent with a gondola ride. A 25-minute walk from the mountain station takes you to the mountain lake.

If you would like to enjoy the unique view of the lake from above, then we recommend the hike to the Heuberg. From the mountain station it goes steeply uphill via Oberbärgli. However, this demanding hike is only suitable for experienced hikers with a head for heights.

The Oeschinensee is part of the Unesco World Heritage and is considered by many to be the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps. Cozy mountain restaurants and cozy places invite you to linger. If the water is too cold for swimming, rent a rowboat and explore the lake on a boat trip. Or continue your hike on one of the numerous routes.

The largest waterfall in Europe is in Switzerland: the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen fascinate visitors with their masses of water.

The Rhine Falls offers a grandiose spectacle: in summer, 600 m3 of water per second fall over the rocks over a width of 150 meters and a height of 23 meters.

An adventure trail with a lift system leads from Laufen Castle to the viewing platforms and enables unobstructed access to the natural spectacle of the Rhine Falls. A boat trip in the Rhine Falls basin, to the Mittelfelsen and downstream to the state border or further to the Rheinau power plant is worthwhile.

The Adventure Park am Rheinfall is located on the north bank – one of the most spectacular rope parks in Europe. All the adventurous can swing from tree to tree on eleven different courses – with a breathtaking view of the Rhine Falls.