Category: Sights & attractions

The Maggia valley is the largest valley in Ticino and known for its crystal-clear, emerald-green river water, stone mountain villages and waterfalls. Its landmark is the Foroglio waterfall. Natural pools along the Maggia invite swimming in summer, though the water stays cold.HighlightsEmerald-green, clear river waterForoglio waterfallStone mountain villages and rusticiNatural bathing spots along the MaggiaGood to…

Merano (Meran) was one of the most fashionable spa towns of the Habsburg Empire and captivates with its mild climate, promenades and Art Nouveau architecture. Above the town lie the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, an award-winning botanical garden with plants from all over the world. The Therme Meran spa lies right in the centre.HighlightsBotanical Gardens of Trauttmansdorff CastleMild climate and spa promenadeTherme Meran…

Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of South Tyrol and blends alpine and Mediterranean influences, visible in the arcaded lanes of the old town and the surrounding vineyards. Its most famous resident is Ötzi, the more than 5,000-year-old Iceman, on display in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Three cable cars lead up to the surrounding plateaus.HighlightsÖtzi in the South Tyrol Museum of ArchaeologyMedieval…

At 3,089 m above Zermatt, the Gornergrat offers one of the grandest mountain panoramas in the Alps, with views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and a ring of over 20 four-thousanders. The Gornergrat Railway, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe, has led up since 1898. At the top stand a hotel and an observatory.HighlightsPanorama of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa massifGornergrat Railway (highest…

Val Gardena (Gröden) is one of the best-known Dolomite valleys and part of the famous Sellaronda ski circuit around the Sella massif. Above the valley rise the Langkofel and the striking Seceda plateau. Gröden is also a centre of Ladin culture and centuries-old woodcarving.HighlightsPart of the Sellaronda ski circuitSeceda and Langkofel as a backdropLadin culture and woodcarvingUNESCO World Heritage DolomitesGood…

Leukerbad is the largest thermal-bath village in the Alps; every day millions of litres of around 51-degree spring water bubble out of the mountain into numerous baths. Above the village, the historic Gemmi Pass leads on foot or by cable car into the Bernese Oberland. A backdrop of vertical rock faces frames the village.HighlightsLargest alpine thermal-bath offeringAround 51 °C warm…