Exploring Switzerland: Uncover Local Favorites

Nestled within its landlocked borders, Switzerland boasts a breathtaking blend of alpine landscapes, vibrant lakeside cities, and pristine ski slopes. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve tapped into the wisdom of locals, including museum curators, musicians, hiking guides, and authors, who graciously shared their insider tips.

1. Wine Hike in Ticino
Switzerland might be small, but it’s big on wine, with an astounding 252 grape varietals thriving within its borders. Ellen Wallace, the author of “Wine Hiking Switzerland,” highlights the enduring tradition of Swiss winemaking. These vintners have cared for their vineyards for centuries, not only crafting fine wines but also preserving their cherished landscapes.

While the Valais region’s vineyards often steal the spotlight, it’s Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton in the south, that has captured Wallace’s heart. Accessible via the Monte Carasso cable car, a six-mile trek from Mornera station to the family-run Settemaggio Winery awaits. Along the way, you’ll encounter 14th-century church frescoes and wander through enchanting chestnut forests, all leading to a delightful tasting of Ticino’s signature white merlot.

2. Alpine Serenades with Alphorns
For centuries, Alpine herders and villagers communicated across valleys using impressive 10-foot-long horns crafted from fir trees. Fritz Frautschi, a renowned alphorn player and former Swiss Army cornetist, describes the soft, velvety tones of this wooden wind instrument. Its hauntingly beautiful melodies can travel up to six miles, making it ideal for outdoor performances. Experience this musical tradition at Switzerland’s folkloric events or the Alphorn Festival in Nendaz, where a hundred alphornists harmonize above the Rhône River valley in July.

3. Urban River Adventure in Bern
While Zurich and Geneva residents are known for their lakeside swims, Bern takes a more adventurous approach. The Aare River, meandering 180 miles through the Swiss pseudo-capital, becomes a summertime playground for locals, including Bern’s mayor. Laura Fellmann, a retired journalist, spent three decades enjoying daily “lunch break dips” in the fast-flowing turquoise waters. For a serene experience, enter the glacial-fed Aare just upstream from the Lorraine Bad and reward yourself with a riverside sauna. As Fellmann aptly puts it, the magic amplifies at night.

4. Discover Carouge’s Mediterranean Charm in Geneva
Gianna Mestermann, a guide and long-time Carouge resident, invites you to explore this bohemian neighborhood, which feels more Mediterranean than Swiss. Just a tram ride from downtown Geneva, Carouge was constructed in the 1700s to rival its larger neighbor with craftsmanship rather than arms. Mestermann’s tours offer a chance to meet Carouge’s artisans, including clockmaker Jean Kazes and titanium jewelry crafter Igor Siebold, in their workshops.

5. Sustainable Skiing in Graubünden
Skiing and sustainability may not seem like a natural pair, but Flims Laax Falera resort in Graubünden is changing that perception. With ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2030, this year-round resort leads the way. From snow-proofed, solar-paneled roofs to biodegradable ski wax, sustainability is ingrained in every aspect. Even the lift system runs on regional renewable energy. Don’t miss the resort’s skate park, adorned with local wildflowers to support bee populations, a testament to their eco-conscious commitment.

6. Rediscovering Swiss Silk in Zurich
Andrea Franzen, curator at Zurich’s Swiss National Museum, invites visitors to explore Switzerland’s forgotten silk legacy. Before becoming a global banking hub, Zurich was the world’s second-largest silk manufacturer in the mid-19th century. The museum’s textile collection, including vintage fashion photographs and pattern books, offers a glimpse into this rich history. A highlight is the original sketch by Yves Saint Laurent of Iranian princess Farah Diba’s Dior wedding gown, crafted with Abraham silk.

7. Paraglide above Zermatt’s Majestic Peaks
For a unique perspective on the iconic Matterhorn, take to the skies. FlyZermatt, a paragliding company, offers breathtaking flights above Zermatt’s 370 miles of slopes and hiking paths. Filmmaker and paraglider Katie Reisz recommends the 35-minute Elite flight, starting at Europe’s highest lift-accessed take-off point. You might even share the skies with bearded vultures, adding to the already stunning vistas.

8. Savor Sustainable Fine Dining
Switzerland boasts 26 Michelin Green Star restaurants, a testament to its thriving sustainable dining scene. In Lausanne, dine on zero-waste fare amidst the ruins of a 15th-century abbey. Zermatt’s Brasserie Uno offers a “surprise tasting menu” by chef Luis Romo, which incorporates regionally sourced ingredients, many of them fermented or foraged, in innovative ways.

9. Fragrant Hiking in Doubs
Discover the hidden beauty of the Doubs, a Swiss-French chalk river and Nature Park that spans three cantons. Herbalist and hiking guide Sylvain Garraud describes its autumn allure as a “temperate rainforest atmosphere.” In spring, explore fragrant fields. Garraud recommends two trails, one winding through vineyards above Lake Biel, and another traversing the Jura Mountains between Tête de Ran and Mont Racine, especially enchanting during the summer solstice.

Switzerland is a land of diverse experiences, from culinary delights to outdoor adventures, and the insights from these locals will undoubtedly enhance your journey. Enjoy your exploration of this remarkable country!

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More about SwissLocalGems

• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Wine Hiking Switzerland (Book by Ellen Wallace)
• Nendaz Alphorn Festival
• Flims Laax Falera Resort
• Swiss National Museum
• FlyZermatt Paragliding
• Michelin Green Star Restaurants in Switzerland
• Nature Park Doubs