Switzerland is next level beautiful. It is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places on the planet, but as our Editor, Alana Lowes, discovered, you don’t have to climb to the top of the Matterhorn to uncover the beautiful sights and treats this tiny European country has to offer for the urban adventurers.
It’s not hard to see why Switzerland lures the international traveller. Snow capped craggy mountains attract those who love to rough it in the outdoors, but it’s the quirky, clean and cosmopolitan villages and cities with culture, art and food nestled on the banks of deep blue rivers and lakes which can give you an adventure of a different nature – an urban adventure.
SOLOTHURN
Often overlooked for it’s bigger neighbours, the village of Solothurn, with its exquisite baroque architecture and grey cobblestone streets oozes a rural village vibe, but it’s quirks makes for a fun adventure on foot along the River Aare.
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While the first stop at an Absinthe bar may seem somewhat premature, the quaint, Die Grüne Fee, the first legal Absinthe bar in Switzerland, sets the charm of this village as the highly alcoholic spirit is made from a number of botanicals and herbs, all grown in abundance in Switzerland.
From here, trundle into the main square and you might just spy an oddity. Solothurn has a special affinity for the number 11. It seems like everything in this place was designed around this magical number, from the fact that there are precisely 11 churches and chapels, as well as 11 historical fountains, 11 museums and 11 towers, to the rather bizarre clock in the town square that features an 11-hour dial and the number 12 is missing.
On the outskirts of Solothurn, you can take in the crisp Swiss air with a stroll along the Verenabach Stream and into the Verena Gorge. The easy walk in is peppered with highlights like the mossy Magdalene and Mount of Olives grottoes and a tidy forested chapel built directly into the misty gorge. This mystical gorge and romantic streamside hermitage continues to be maintained by a real live hermit who was hired by the town in 2016.
BIEL
A town on the linguistic divide, where French and German is equally spoken, and where steeply sloped vineyards are grown on the edge of Lake Biel offering stunning views of the lake and the Alps. Swiss wines are relatively unknown around the world as most of it is consumed within Switzerland, many varieties are either ancient or indigenous, barely found outside the borders. One winery you should take the time to visit is Keller Am See. Handcrafted organic wines with the Sauvignon Blanc a standout.
If you are feeling energetic and are keen to get the heart rate up, the picturesque ravine, the Taubenlochschlucht, is right on the edge of town. Since the walk is only around 45 mins, it is best to combine the gorge walk with a one-hour walk through the forest from Evilard to Frinvillier. A funicular goes from the old town of Biel up to Evilard, allowing for a spectacular view of the valley below.
THUN
The alluring city of Thun has all the ingredients a visitor to Switzerland hopes to find: spectacular vistas, a medieval town center, interesting museums and castles, quirky festivals, great restaurants, flower filled planters everywhere, gorgeous trails in a breathtaking setting on sparkly Lake Thun and the gleaming Bernese Alps at the front door.
The “correct” way to know Thun is to let yourself go and walk through the streets, squares and bridges, which will transport you to older ages. Plus, watching people “surf” the river rapids at the locks to regulate the water level is fantastic. You can literally spend an hour just watching each one jump in and onto the wakes.
The Thun castle is a must on your list of things to do in this quaint town. The castle sits up on the hill standing watch over the medieval streets below. It has an engaging museum featuring exhibits exploring the history of the town and region.
Fast Facts
Swiss International Air Lines, along with airline partners, offers daily connections from Sydney and Melbourne via Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. See swiss.com
This is the way you experience Switzerland is by train, bus and boat – the Swiss are famous for the watches, which means trains, buses and boats all run to perfect timing. It is easy to move from one village or city to another aboard their comfortable trains. See myswitzerland.com/rail
For more information about Switzerland see myswitzerland.com
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