Scenic spots in Switzerland: how do I get there?

There are plenty of beautiful destinations in Switzerland – in the mountains, valleys and the lowlands. Depending on the region, a day trip allows you to immerse yourself in a completely different world. Switzerland Tourism reveals four very special excursion tips.

Destination #1: Quinten on Lake Walen

The village of Quinten is situated between Lake Walen (Walensee) and the steep southern flank of Churfirsten. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, kiwis and figs are grown here. But there’s one thing it doesn’t have: cars. This small village can only be reached on foot or by ferry. The ferry runs all year round to Quinten, and you can also hike, depending on the weather. From Weesen or Walenstadt, about ten kilometres of medium difficulty routes lead to Quinten. There are a few accommodation options in Quinten, but it’s also a great location for a day trip. With a glass of Quintner wine and a fresh fish dish at Restaurant Seehus, you can enjoy the area’s culinary delights right next to Lake Walen.

Destination #2: Binn in Valais

The Binntal valley in the Pennine Alps is also known as the ‘Valley of the Seven Passes’, as several important passes lead from here to Italy. In the past, these were also used by smugglers. The municipality of Binn is divided into several small hamlets with a total of 123 inhabitants. The Binntal valley can be reached by car, but it is recommended to arrive by PostBus. However, good organisation is required, as the PostBus only runs five times a day.

This excursion destination is ideal for mineral enthusiasts, but the valley also has a lot to offer for hikers and culture vultures. For example, the classical music festival ‘Musikdorf Ernen’ takes place every year, and the Binntal valley offers everything from haute cuisine to local fare. There are several accommodation options, and the 135-year-old Hotel Ofenhorn offers a glimpse into the past.

Destination #3: The Kiental valley in the Bernese Oberland

The Kiental valley has 210 inhabitants and is located in the Bernese Oberland. The end of the valley is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts plenty of other excursions, including exciting hikes with beautiful views, such as the Gornerbach Falls. If you want to go to the Kiental valley, taking the PostBus is a must. The PostBus route to Griesalp is the steepest in Europe with a gradient of up to 28 percent. The bus ride offers more than just an adrenaline rush – the winding narrow road goes past waterfalls, through gorges and along Lake Tschingelsee.

Once at the top, guests can stay at the Griesalp Hotel and enjoy a great view over the Kiental valley. From mid-May to mid-October, visitors can travel by PostBus; during the rest of the year, visitors are picked up by snowmobile at places lower in the valley.

Destination #4: Rasa in Ticino

Immerse yourself in another world that belongs to another century – that’s what Ticino’s mountain village of Rasa offers. Small stone houses with beautiful flower beds look like they’re from another era. Rasa is the only village in Ticino not connected to the road network and can therefore only be reached on foot. Several walks lead to the village located 900 metres above sea level, and there’s also a cable car, which opened in 1958. It takes five minutes to drive from Verdasio, which is possible from March to November.

Rasa is perfect for other excursions and is a starting point for many hikes in Ticino. The restaurant Grotto Campo Rasa offers regional specialities. You’ll find one of five ‘Swing the World’ swings between the trees just above the village. These swings are scattered throughout Ticino and offer an impressive view of the countryside.