Discover the ultimate European Roadtrip
Swiss Sensation
Geneva - Geneva
Swiss Sensation
Stop 1: Geneva 1/15
Lake Geneva is blessed with a stunning setting, so it makes sense to begin your journey by sampling one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring spots – gazing down on the lake and the heart of this famous city. Climb the steps to the top of St Peter’s Cathedral and prepare to have your breath taken away by the wondrous marriage of history and nature that stretches out before you. Afterwards, head to the lakeside to see the famous Jet d'Eau in action – this 460-foot geyser started life in 1891 as a safety valve but has become one of the city’s best-loved landmarks.
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Stop 2: Château de Nyon 2/15
Thought to have been first built during the 12th century, this fairy tale castle has slowly taken shape through the centuries, morphing into its current form in the 16th century when it became the seat of the Bernese bailiffs. As well as offering impeccable views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps, the stunning and stately castle doubles as the local history museum. Take a step back in time inside, as you discover the story of the region’s celebrated porcelain, which has been crafted here for hundreds of years.
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Stop 3: Château de Morges 3/15
Offering another opportunity to dip into the past, Château de Morges is a 13th-century castle set in spectacular surroundings. The rolling expanses of green in the garden are punctuated by gentle fountains, ringing a beautiful building that hosts no fewer than four museums. Discover the history of Geneva’s famous special police corps, which started life as a group of locals who had served under Napoleon. Elsewhere, you’ll find more than 40 cannons spanning the last 600 years in the Artillery Museum.
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Stop 4: Lavaux Vineyards 4/15
The criss-crossed vineyards of the Lavaux region are on the UNESCO World Heritage list – and with good reason. Soak up the rural beauty overlooking Lake Geneva and get a true taste of laidback lakeside life. Hike to Lutry from St-Saphorin’s medieval village, then wind your way up and down these scenic hills towards a warm fire and relaxing retreat. There’s nothing quite like a lungful of Alpine air, while an overnight stay means you’ll be able to sample the fruits of the famous vineyards.
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Stop 5: Montreux 5/15
With a long list of famous residents – both past and present – as well as landmark events that shaped the course of modern music, Montreux is where the beautiful people come to play. In the city where rock icons Queen recorded some of their finest work, you’ll find a museum packed full of official memorabilia, chronicling the journey of one of the world’s most iconic bands. Meanwhile, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva sits the famous statue of their legendary frontman Freddie Mercury.
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Stop 6: Bern Old Town 6/15
Switzerland’s captivating capital is recognized as one of the world’s finest examples of medieval town planning. The Old Town gradually expanded over the decades, but never lost its sense of identity. This unique atmosphere is best experienced strolling down the cobbled streets, ducking in and out of the shadows of the local landmarks, including Bern’s 800-year-old clock tower, barely touched by the passage of time. The city’s famous covered arcades house elegant stores and restaurants, while figures from folklore adorn the 16th-century fountains.
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Stop 7: Zürich 7/15
One of Europe’s largest financial centers, Zürich also boasts a wealth of cultural hotspots. Visit the remains of prehistoric stilt houses, head to the Chinese Garden in Seefeld and catch a glimpse of the ‘Three Friends of Winter’ – the pine, bamboo and plum trees that thrive even in the coldest temperatures here. Switzerland’s largest city may be home to an Old Town complete with towering spires and narrow, winding lanes, but it also embraces the new. For evidence, check out the former industrial district of Züri-West, now the hip heart of this lively metropolis.
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Stop 8: Lucerne 8/15
More mesmerizing mountain views await in Lucerne, alongside a generous sprinkling of artistic flair. Gaze across the Reuss river to witness the wooden wonder that is Chapel Bridge – built in the 14th century and restored in the 1990s – then wander the immaculately preserved Old Town. To get a feel for the city’s artistic pedigree, take time to visit the dazzling collection assembled at the Rosengart gallery – a cornucopia of works by modern masters including Picasso, Klee and Kandinsky.
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Stop 9: Interlaken 9/15
Interlaken’s joys were first brought to the world’s attention in the late 18th century, when landscape artists put brush to canvas to immortalize its magnificent mountain views, timber houses and spectacular location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Ever since, the town has been brimming with visitors inspired to catch a glimpse for themselves. Many begin their Alpine adventure here on their way to exploring the three peaks – Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. With no fewer than four ski resorts on its doorstep, it also offers a great opportunity to take to the slopes.
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Stop 10: Zermatt 10/15
In the foothills of the mighty Matterhorn, the winter months see this retreat become a magnet for keen skiers and snowboarders. The region’s best ski resorts are within easy reach of Zermatt village, with courses for every skill level. The ideal base for a ski vacation or a peaceful hike in the crisp Alpine air, you can discover the story of the famous Matterhorn and its pointed peak at the dedicated museum in Zermatt, which has also faithfully recreated the village square as it would have looked in the late 19th century.
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Stop 11: Sion 11/15
Overlooked by not one, but two majestic castles on the rocky outcrops above, Sion is a small city with a big personality. Around 1,500 years ago this was the capital of the Valais region – with all the grandeur to match. The twin castles of Valère and Tourbillon served as the seats of power and continue to stand guard over the medieval Old Town, with its narrow lanes and cozy cafes. Delve deeper into the city’s history at its Fine Arts and History museums and be sure to take in Sion’s dramatic sound and light show staged during the summer months.
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Stop 12: Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Nature Park 12/15
Stretching across nearly 200 square miles and straddling the cantons of Vaud and Freiburg, this part of Switzerland is characterized by its Alpine farming and world-famous cheese production. Seemingly endless pastures give way to lush forests and deep valleys, while in the medieval town of Gruyères to the north you’ll be able to see the cheese of the same name being produced and take a tour of the 13th-century hilltop fortress. The nature park itself is home to some great hikes, including the Pierreuse Trail which takes in rocky terrain, mountain meadows and pretty hamlets.
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Stop 13: Chaplin’s World 13/15
Overlooking Lake Léman, the spot where Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin spent his last 25 years has been transformed into a fantastic celebration of his life and work. The Manoir retraces Chaplin’s private and public life, complete with waxwork figures of the comic and his daughter, plus close friend Albert Einstein. In the movie theater you’ll watch clips of Chaplin’s iconic performances before stepping on to the movie set to encounter interactive recreations of Chaplin in his most famous roles. A 20-minute drive away is Chillon Castle – a fortress on Lake Geneva that’s the most-visited of all Switzerland’s historic buildings.
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Stop 14: Lausanne Olympic Museum 14/15
Lausanne’s status as a European center of sports administration means there’s more to attract visitors than the stunning views over the lake. Trawl the extensive Olympic Museum to uncover exhibitions chronicling the history of the Games – from its roots in Ancient Greece through to the modern era. It includes profiles of every host city and the many famous mascots. Head out of town to climb the wooden wonder that is Sauvabelin
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Stop 15: Palais des Nations 15/15
What better way to bring your trip to a close than with a drive along the banks of Lake Geneva, soaking up epic Swiss scenery that has enraptured visitors for centuries. Upon your return, visit a building with the weight of the world on its shoulders – the Palais des Nations, overlooking Lake Geneva. Home to the United Nations, five architects collaborated to bring to life this vision of global solidarity. Afterwards, head to Jardin Anglais park to check out the flower clock created in the 1950s, as a symbol of the city’s proud watchmaking tradition.
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