Seeking the best hiking trails, ski resorts, or city neighborhoods? We spoke with local experts to get their recommendations. Here’s what they had to say.
Switzerland’s enchanting alpine landscapes, sophisticated lakeside cities, and expansive ski slopes make it a country of immense natural and cultural richness. We reached out to local professionals, including museum curators, musicians, hiking guides, and authors, to gather their expert advice and recommendations.
Wine hike in Ticino
Ticino’s Wine Hike showcases the remarkable range of Switzerland’s grape varietals—252 in total for a relatively small country. «For centuries, Swiss winemakers have cultivated vineyards to preserve the land and pass it down through generations, in a landscape where mountains and waterways constantly compete for space,» says Ellen Wallace, author of Wine Hiking Switzerland.
While many visitors gravitate towards the towering vineyards of Valais, Wallace’s preference lies with Ticino, the country’s southernmost Italian-speaking region. Accessible via the Monte Carasso cable car, the six-mile trail from Mornera station to the family-run Settemaggio Winery offers a journey through 14th-century church frescoes and chestnut forests, culminating in a tasting of Ticino’s signature white merlot.
Be serenaded by the soundtrack of the Alps
Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the Alps as you listen to the melodious tones of the alphorn, a traditional wooden wind instrument carved from fir trees and stretching nearly 10 feet in length. For centuries, alpine herders and villagers used the alphorn to communicate across valleys, its soft and velvety sound echoing through the mountains and reaching distances of up to six miles.
Renowned alphorn player Fritz Frautschi, a former Swiss Army cornetist, appreciates the echoes created in the mountains, bringing a lyrical quality to the music. Whether played solo, in church choirs, or as part of an orchestra, the instrument shines brightest when performed outdoors. Experience this for yourself at one of Switzerland’s folkloric events or at Nendaz’s annual Alphorn Festival, where the sounds of a hundred alphornists fill the air above the Rhône River valley in July.
Float down an urban river
Experience the unique thrill of floating down an urban river in Bern. While lakeside residents in Zurich and Geneva enjoy open-air bathing, Bern locals embrace a more carefree approach. The Aare River, a 180-mile-long waterway that meanders through the city, becomes a popular destination for residents (including Bern’s mayor) during summer, as they float along its swift turquoise waters.
«It’s total relaxation,» says retired journalist Laura Fellmann, who found her daily lunchtime dips in the river to be a calming meditation over three decades. For a more serene experience, she recommends starting your float just upstream from Lorraine Bad and warming up afterward in the riverside public bath’s tented sauna. «It’s even more magical at night,» she adds.
Get to know Geneva’s Italian side
Discover Geneva’s Italian side in the old town of Carouge, where «we’re in another world here,» says Gianna Mestermann, a guide and long-time resident. Just a short tram ride from downtown Geneva across the Arve River, this bohemian neighborhood is filled with stylish pavement cafés and hidden courtyard gardens, offering a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Carouge was established in the 1700s by the order of the King of Piedmont-Sardinia to compete with Geneva, not through military force, but with craftsmanship and culture, says Mestermann. Her unique tours provide an opportunity to meet Carouge’s artisans in their workshops, such as 92-year-old clockmaker Jean Kazes, trained as a mechanic, and titanium jewelry artist Igor Siebold.
Hit some of Europe’s greenest slopes
Enjoy some of Europe’s most eco-friendly slopes at the Flims Laax Falera resort in Graubünden. Though skiing and sustainability may seem like an unusual pairing, the resort is committed to changing that. «We have a really ambitious vision,» says Reto Fry, the environmental officer of Weisse Arena Gruppe, which operates the year-round resort. From the snow-proofed, solar-paneled roof of its Riders Hotel to the use of biodegradable ski wax, the resort is striving to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Powered entirely by local renewable energy, the resort’s lift system is set to become even greener with the introduction of a rideshare-style 10-seater gondola this December. Fry’s favorite spot at the resort is the skate park, which features a variety of local flowers that attract and support wild bees.
Swath yourself in silk
Wrap yourself in the history of Swiss silk. «The success story of silk has been forgotten,» says Andrea Franzen, curator at Zurich’s Swiss National Museum. Long before Zurich became a global banking center, its prosperity was rooted in silk manufacturing, which made it the world’s second-largest producer of the fabric by the mid-19th century.
Visitors can schedule an appointment to explore the museum’s study room, where they can delve into vintage fashion photographs and leather-bound pattern books from the museum’s 4,000-piece textile collection. Among the most prized possessions are the Abraham archives, donated by Swiss silk merchant Gustav Zumsteg, who was renowned in Paris Haute Couture during the 1950s. A highlight for Franzen is the original sketch by Yves Saint Laurent of Iranian princess Farah Diba’s Dior wedding gown, made with Abraham silk.
Paraglide above Zermatt
Experience a breathtaking view of the Matterhorn, Zermatt’s iconic, jagged peak, by taking to the skies. Paragliding company FlyZermatt offers flights that guide visitors from glaciers to lush green pastures, soaring above the resort town’s extensive network of hiking trails and snow-sure slopes.
Filmmaker and hobbyist paraglider Katie Reisz suggests opting for the 35-minute Elite flight, which begins at nearly 4,000 meters—Europe’s highest lift-accessed launch point. «There are quite a few breeding pairs of bearded vultures in Zermatt, and they often enjoy flying alongside us,» she notes.
Savor zero-waste cuisine
Indulge in zero-waste cuisine in Switzerland, where 26 Michelin Green Star restaurants (and counting) showcase the country’s commitment to sustainable fine dining. On the outskirts of Lausanne, food enthusiasts can enjoy zero-waste dishes at a location steeped in history, set on the grounds of a ruined 15th-century abbey.
One of the latest restaurants to join the green dining scene is Zermatt’s Brasserie Uno. Chef Luis Romo’s «surprise tasting menu» offers a global twist on locally sourced ingredients, many of which are foraged or fermented. His inventive approach highlights the flavors and textures of the region while minimizing waste and celebrating sustainability.
Trek fragrant trails in Doubs
Embark on aromatic adventures in Doubs, a region Sylvain Garraud, an herbalist and hiking guide, describes as «Switzerland in secret, far away.» This tri-canton-spanning Nature Park, nestled along the Swiss-French chalk river, offers a lush temperate rainforest atmosphere in autumn and scented fields perfect for springtime exploration.
Knowing where to follow your nose is key, and Garraud’s two favorite trails can be found in the park’s northern region. The first trail winds «between vineyards and gardens» along the slopes above Lake Biel, offering beautiful views and fragrant flora. The second trail traces the crests of the Jura Mountains between Tête de Ran and Mont Racine. Garraud recommends enjoying this trek during the summer solstice for the most breathtaking experience.