Location: Switzerland

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…

The Flims-Laax region is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland and in summer is known for the turquoise-green Caumasee, one of the most beautiful bathing lakes in the Alps. Nearby runs the Rhine Gorge Ruinaulta, an impressive canyon of the Vorderrhein.HighlightsOne of the largest ski areas in SwitzerlandTurquoise-green bathing lake CaumaseeRhine Gorge Ruinaulta (Swiss Grand Canyon)Known for freestyle and snowparksGood to…

The Lötschental is considered one of the most unspoilt high valleys in the Alps. Long reachable only by mule tracks, it preserved old customs such as the terrifying Tschäggättä masks of carnival. Today trails and the Lötschberg open up the valley before the backdrop of the Bietschhorn and glaciers.HighlightsUnspoilt valley landscape and customsTschäggättä carnival masksHigh trail with glacier viewsKühmatt pilgrimage siteGood to knowLocationnorthern…

The Val Müstair in the far south-eastern tip of Switzerland is home to the Benedictine convent of St John in Müstair, whose Carolingian frescoes from the 8th century have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The quiet valley borders the Swiss National Park and keeps Romansh culture alive.HighlightsConvent of St John with Carolingian frescoes (UNESCO)Romansh valley and convent cultureNear the Swiss…

Lugano is the largest city in Ticino and lies with Mediterranean flair on the lake of the same name between the viewpoint mountains Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore. Palm-lined promenades, a lively old town and funiculars up the local mountains shape the scene. The lake reaches as far as Italy.HighlightsMediterranean lakeside promenade and old townLocal mountains Monte Brè and San Salvatore…

First at 2,168 m above Grindelwald is an adventure mountain set against the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The First Cliff Walk, a walkway suspended from the rock face, and attractions such as the First Flyer and Trottibike complement classic high-altitude hikes. A popular destination is the mountain lake Bachalpsee.HighlightsFirst Cliff Walk on the rock faceView of…