In the lap of the alps, Switzerland offers the best of hiking trails, ski slopes, and abundance of nature

With its storybook alpine scenery, cultured lakeside cities, and miles of peerless pistes, Switzerland is truly and aptly called heaven on earth. And this one country has the best of everything on offer all year round. During spring you can hike along the low elevation trails through forests, gorges, waterfalls, and lakes. The cool weather during summers makes it an ideal holiday locale to run away from the heat. In autumn you can enjoy the best of Swiss cheeses and grape harvest, and, of course, Switzerland’s world-famous ski resorts are the best attraction for all ski lovers during winters.  

Switzerland is also the land of lakes, which packs a lot into its landlocked borders. All the prominent cities have their own lakes. From Lake Zurich to Lake Geneva, Lake Lucerne, Lake Lugano and more, they remain the main attraction in each city. The best way to get around this scenic country is to travel by trains to enjoy the most beautiful small villages dotted with vast lush green fields, or snow-capped mountains. Get your Swiss Rail Pass that gives you unlimited access to all the intercity trains, including trams and buses within each city.

There is  a lot for everyone to do in Switzerland. In this feature, we take you through a well curated six-day trip we recently experienced, which includes the beautiful city of Zurich, the snowy slopes of St Mortiz, and the village of Engelberg—a precious little hidden gem that most tourists don’t know of.

ZURICH

Zurich is a city that offers variety, where urban life is never far from nature. The old town can be found alongside the hip district, and luxurious brands alongside trendy labels. Opportunities for sightseeing and enjoyment of art are guaranteed. Parks and laid-back bars can be found by the lake or river. And you can get from A to B in no time at all by tram or by bus.
The city is situated at the northern tip of Lake Zurich and on the Limmat river. Whether for a coffee or beer at a waterfront restaurant or a cruise on Lake Zurich with views of the Alps, the city is virtually unrivalled when it comes to combining cosmopolitan flair, nature and indulgence. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall). Zurich’s old town impresses with its historic buildings, picturesque alleyways, and, of course, Zurich’s landmark, the Grossmunster church. The view from the Karlsturm tower is simply breathtaking! The Grossmünster is just a stone’s throw from the Fraumuncher church with its world-famous Chagall windows. No sightseeing tour of Zurich would be complete without a visit to Bahnhofstrasse. This is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. 

Zurich has a large and diverse gastronomic scene. Whether classic Swiss, Italian, Asian, Moroccan, or Lebanese: there’s something here for everyone. For all the vegetarians of the world, visit Hiltl, hailed as the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. This family-owned establishment beckons with a sumptuous meatless buffet.

When at Zurich, your trip is incomplete without a visit to the world famous Lindt Home of Chocolates. Switzerland is the quintessential land of the most delicious chocolates, and the Swiss history of chocolates reads like a fairy tale. It was the fascination of the Swiss with cocoa as an exotic delicacy that made Switzerland the foremost country in the world for chocolates lovers.

Lindt, renowned for its mouth watering melt-in-your-mouth goodness, is the country’s most famous gift to the world. A visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate located in the tony and affluent Kilchberg suburb of Zurich will take you down the history of how and what makes Lindt one of the most popular chocolates in the world. The impressive building is not only house to the world’s Master Chocolatiers, but also boasts of the world’s largest chocolate fountain that is over nine metres tall with over 1500 kg of chocolate flowing through it. Along with a state of the art research facility, one can walk around a specially curated museum journeys you back to the origins of chocolate and the history of the brand through a multimedia exhibition focussing on topics like cocoa cultivation, Swiss chocolate pioneers and chocolate production. On this extraordinary adventure, you will have the opportunity to meet the visionary Swiss chocolatiers who have made life sweeter with their delectable creations. Discover the meticulous artistry behind transforming cocoa beans into one of your all-time favourite treats. Join us and unravel the secrets behind the irresistible allure of Swiss chocolate, where nature's beauty intertwines with the unparalleled craftsmanship of chocolatiers. 

A must visit for your sweetest dreams to come true! This visit is truly an eye opener and enjoyed equally by both kids and adults. And don’t forget to shop your heart out in the world’s largest Lindt chocolates shop before stepping out! This immersive chocolate experience with limitless tasting delights is the closest you can get to Willy Wonka’s enchanting factory.

ENGELBERG

Known as the base of Mount Titils, Engelberg is a beautiful alpine town it is probably the most beautiful ski resort in Central Switzerland.  The view of the famous Mount Titlis is totally overwhelming, as the gigantic mountain overpowers your senses with endless expanses of snowscapes and snow-covered forests glistening under the sun. You can ski to your heart's content on the 82 km of perfectly groomed pistes on Titlis. You don't have to know skiing to have fun in the snow! Whether sitting, lying or tumbling down, everyone makes it to the finish at the Trübsee snow park.

On your way up to the mountain, endless expanses of white snow and craggy rock faces are interspersed with deep crevasses and glistening snow fields. In order to give you the perfect perspective, the Titlis Rotair cable car, also the world’s first rotating cable car, wont let you miss a moment of this fantastic panorama!

The Glacier Cave takes you back in time. In the dim turquoise-blue light of the glacier cave, where the 5000-year old ice causes the air you breathe to form clouds of mist, the powerful heart of the glacier is beating. On the 150-metre long path, 10 metres below the surface, you can sense it under your feet and feel it with your hands. The experience is profound.

Try the stroll down the Titlis Cliff Walk suspension bridge, with your heart in your mouth as you stare down at thousands of metres of nothing.

In the centre of the town is Kloster Engelberg, a 12th-century monastery, which still yields a lot of influence on the locals. The monastery continues to enchant with its timeless tranquillity.

We stayed at the beautiful Kempinski Palace Engelberg, the first and only international five-star hotel in the world-famous mountain village, where Swiss hospitality and modern luxury welcome you to a world of comfort and indulgence. Sublime and luxurious, the hotel is situated right in the heart of the town, and the historical and modern parts of the imposing building merge into a harmonious unity. With its 129 deluxe rooms & suites, and the state-of-the-art event facilities make it an ideal stay for families. One wakes up to the mesmerising view of the Swiss Alps and the snowcapped mountains staring at you, as each room has an uninterrupted view. The hotel provides countless unique facilities and experiences including a rooftop infinity pool as part of the spa, or unique gastronomic offers with regional and seasonal products by the Cattani restaurant, the Palace Bar with Cigar Lounge, and the restaurant Wintergarden. Their best being the Chalet, the region’s most famous fondue place. For the cheese lovers, some of their most classic melting cheese dishes are paired with the best wines to give you the authentic cheese experience. The interiors of the restaurant transport you to a typical Swiss chalet, complete with warm wooden furniture and traditional Swiss artefacts. The hotel is excellently equipped with venues of different sizes to host seminars, conferences and family events. With its unique combination of timeless elegance and modernity, tradition and innovation, the Kempinski Palace Engelberg truly revives the history of Swiss Grand Hotels we grew up reading in the books.

ST MORITZ

Known as the playground of the rich and famous, St Moritz is one of the world’s most sought-after and popular ski resorts, where you have every chance of bumping into celebs from all over the world, either on the ski slopes, or in the tony cobbled lanes dotted with uber luxury stores.

Majestic mountains, seemingly endless space and magnificent lights—the largest winter sports region in Switzerland enchants visitors with a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that combines nature and tradition in perfect harmony. Aptly called the 'Top Of the World', it is more than just a holiday resort. It was also the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism (in 1864) and has twice hosted the Winter Olympics. It first became famous thanks to its mineral springs, which were discovered 3,000 years ago.

Located on the Upper Engadine, this exclusive destination is renowned for its world-class pistes, luxury shopping, and high-end restaurants. Sitting at 1800m above sea level, St Moritz is surrounded by the Upper Engaldin’s crystal clear lakes and mountains. The slopes of Corviglia give you a glitzy and glamorous experience of the Swiss Alps, where temperatures dip below minus 30, and you will be rubbing shoulders with ultra-rich skiing around in their designer wear. It is a beautiful town to be covered on foot, where every corner and street offers a 360 degree view of the mountains. While your day is hectic with skiing activities, you can enjoy some great night life with world club night clubs and uber chic bars. Another unmissable attraction in St Moritz is the vintage horse carriage rides, which take you through the scenic forests into the old town, and finally ending in the centre of the town laced with luxury boutiques. You must cherish every passing second of this magical sunset gathering. A visit to the famed Hanselmanns bakery, a historic establishment and one of Switzerland’s earliest coffee houses, to try their almond tart, carrot cake, and the most delectable coffee. For four generations, the family behind this striking store with its wonderful fresco facade has been producing sweet pleasures, specialities and chocolates prepared with love and care according to traditional recipes. The cultivated ambience, grown over many decades, garnishes a touch of luxury from the turn of the century. This store’s family history stretches back to 1894, when Fritz Hanselmann opened his own bakery in Elvezia House. The Hanselmann range extends from pralines and the classic Engadine nut cake to colourful nibbles in a variety of colours.

Our stay at the Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski was an unforgettable experience. This is another jewel in the Kempinski crown. Nestled in the lust Alpine setting, the iconic hotel is a 19th-century building, seeped in timeless European luxury. Its ideal location gives the guests and unrivalled access to skiing and hiking trails.. Every corner of the hotel, and every room boasts of a panoramic view. The spa is the ultimate place to be pampered after a day of adventure on the ski slopes, where the mineral water therapies and a cryotherapy session at minus 130 degrees to fully reinvigorate and reenergise you. The hotel is also known for its award winning Italian restaurant Ristorante Da Adrian, where the friendly manager delights you with his antics and dramatized warmth. The lobby bar is extremely popular with the guests, as the bartender serves up some exquisite cocktails you can sip on while listening to live jazz.

Plan to be in St Moritz for at least three days to soak in all the snow, glamour and luxury, in the peaceful surroundings of the Swiss Alps.

Beyond the picture-perfect tourism, Switzerland stands tall as a global leader in innovation and craftsmanship. Every meticulously crafted timepiece, every velvety piece of chocolate, and every wheel of meticulously aged cheese reflect a reputation, enhancing the allure of the country. So bundle up, and plan your next visit to this Wonderland!

Feature image credit: Kempinski Palace Engelberg

Also read: 5 best eco-friendly luxury hotels around the world

Also read: 5 under-the-radar European destinations to visit this summer