Switzerland is a country on everyone’s bucket list. Yet it’s hard to explore without insider knowledge. I’ve seen it as few outsiders can, through the eyes of my Swiss husband and his family and friends.
I love Switzerland’s chocolate, cheese, and crisp white wines, farmhouse stalls and outdoor food markets. And, like everyone else, I love its breathtaking chocolate-box scenery. From the Alps to the lakes, wherever there’s great views you can bet great food and wine are nearby. Here’s where to find some of the best food and views in Switzerland.
Alps Bernese Oberland (Bern)
The Swiss Alps are the most awe-inspiring sight in a lifetime of travel, I still find it hard to believe that any mountain chain can be this high. I love glimpsing the Alps from a distance, and waking among them as you do at the rustic Griesalp Hotel at 1400m with the 3661m Blüemlisalp looming above it.
Lakes Lake Geneva (Vaud)
I love the terraced vineyard towns above Lake Geneva (especially Saint-Saphorin pictured above) with their gorgeous views and delicious white wines. Some of my best food memories are fondue at Café Tivoli and lunch at Café de Riex. I adore strolling the cobbled streets of the old town of Vevey and visiting Charlie Chaplin’s statue on the lake front.
Valleys Valle Maggia (Ticino)
Switzerland’s valleys are as special as her mountains. And my favourite is long, green, steep-sided Valle Maggia in Italian-speaking Ticino. It’s dotted with picturesque stone buildings, some of which house traditional grotto restaurants, like La Froda overlooking a wonderful waterfall.
Passes Albula Pass (Graubünden)
Visit Switzerland in summer to drive over wonderfully winding high mountain passes, such as the Albula Pass in the remote north-east. Stop for a bowl of gerstensuppe (Swiss barley soup) at the Hospice, then drive on to the spectacularly-located village of Soglio where you’ll eat pizzocheri at Stüa Granda and stay at Hotel Palazzo Salis.
Medieval Towns Murten & Gruyères (Fribourg)
Many Swiss towns have well-preserved fortifications and old town walls. Climbing the ramparts surrounding the historic old town of Murten is one of my favourite Swiss pastimes (with lunch at Adler afterwards). Hilltop Gruyères, with its fondue restaurants and kitsch-but-cute souvenirs is another favourite for the best Swiss scenery and food combination.
Updated 24 Feb 2024
