14 July 2020 | Conseil du bien dormir
In 2019, almost 90% of Swiss people travelled within Switzerland or abroad. The Swiss love their holidays, however, this pleasure seems to have been limited for 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis.
According to a recent study by the World Tourism Organization, 96% of destinations worldwide currently have imposed travel restrictions due to Covid-19. Borders are closed, air traffic restricted, quarantines are in place at borders: the prospects for holidays away seem bleak for those who dream of travelling to the tropics or to the seaside.
According to a recent study by the World Tourism Organization, 96% of destinations worldwide currently have imposed travel restrictions due to Covid-19. Borders are closed, air traffic restricted, quarantines are in place at borders: the prospects for holidays away seem bleak for those who dream of travelling to the tropics or to the seaside.
Summer in the saddle
Anyone who has recently ventured into the countryside in recent weeks will have noticed more cyclists than usual. These bicycle rides could well be the first steps in long summer getaways to explore Switzerland.
With 12,000 km of signposted cycling trails, Switzerland has one of the most varied networks in the world. Cycling trails are a way of life in our country! There are so many that it is estimated that 90% of cyclists ride on only 20% of the cycle paths. Many routes remain little known. Cycling is an ideal rhythm for the senses: we feel all the movement while the landscapes constantly change colours. The paths go from bitumen to gravel, and from the forest to steep paths. It is easy to stop in many places, chat with passers-by, and hear stories and anecdotes from each region visited. Through the Lavaux vineyards, visiting the four old towns of the Middle Country, along the shores of Lake Lugano, passing by Lake Constance, the routes of the Three Lakes region and the Riviera; it is not possible to get tired of cycling!
For journeys with stages that last a few days, remember to book a hotel to rest. The Swiss Hotel association offers a directory of establishments that are regularly updated and that are open Click here
You might even come across an establishment that has Elite mattresses to provide you with an unforgettable night...
Switzerland, a land of trails
Mountain lakes, glaciers, forests: Switzerland is a veritable paradise for hikers. For an afternoon, a day or a few days, there is something for all levels! Swiss nature is abundant. Spread over 15 major tourist regions, the 26 cantons of the country all have fabulous trails to be explored. In the Alps, the Jura, on the lake shore, in the vineyards, at the foot of the largest glacier in Europe, the most experienced hikers can breathe lungfuls of fresh air. Stroll through the big lakeside cities like Lucerne, Geneva, Lausanne or even Bern, the most flowered city in Europe. Here are some suggestions classed by region:
Jura: The famous Creux du Van nature reserve is a 14 km hike from Noiraigue. There you will encounter hawks, roe deer and ibex. Reaching the summit, ascending 725 m, is the highlight of this walk; an incredible view awaits you. This region is also where we find Mont Tendre, the highest point in the Swiss Jura. At the top, the panoramic view is breathtaking.
Geneva Lake: If you cannot decide between the Jura and the Alps, head for the Lake Geneva region. It has approximately 3,000 km of marked hiking trails. To take in all its grandeur, begin from the Col de Marchairuz, on a magnificent walk in the Vaud Jura. The Crêt de la Neuve is just an hour’s walk, and there you can admire Mont-Blanc in all its splendour. Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Switzerland, and one of the largest in Europe, can be admired from the hillside terraces of the Lavaux vineyard.
Valais: There are an incredible 8,000 km of hiking trails in the region. Visit the Aletsch Glacier, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Smaller villages such as Evolène and Arolla are the departure for many hikes. The route to the Grand Glacier provides some astounding panoramas of this giant glacier. Val d'Hérens is considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Valais.
Bernese Oberland: The trio of summits; Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, are about and even over 4000 m in altitude. At the end of a 9 km stretch, including 7 km in tunnels, lies the highest railway station in Europe, 3,454 m above sea level. To admire this famous trio from a little further, head for the Sockhorn summit, overlooking Lake Thun. This is unmissable!
Culture
Games, animals, food, sport, cinema, photography, etc... There are numerous museums for children and adults alike. Some museums have even made public interest the very object of their collections. With tours adapted to various ages, interactive activities and practical workshops, the ingredients are there for a successful cultural outing. From the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts in Lausanne (VD), the Natural History Museum in Geneva (GE), the Sensorium in Walkringen (BE), the Swiss Science Center Technorama in Winterthur (ZH), via Maison Cailler in Broc (FR), the Alimentarium in Vevey (VD) or the Barryland Saint-Bernard and Dog Museum in Martigny (VS), there is something for everyone! Get an overview on:
