January 10, 2019, 11:55 am | Read time: 6 minutes

The Matterhorn, the Rhine Falls, and Lake Lucerne are probably the first places that come to mind when thinking of Switzerland’s nature. However, the homeland of the Swiss Confederation has much more to offer. The short trip portal “Weekend4two” has compiled nine rather unknown destinations in Switzerland, ranging from underground lakes to hikes with wine tasting.

1. The Stockhorn North Face

Just about 30 kilometers south of Bern as the crow flies lies the Stockhorn North Face–and it offers a truly spectacular view: over Lake Thun, the city of Thun, the Central Plateau, the Aare and Gürbe valleys, and the Jura Mountains. The view even extends to the Black Forest, but only on particularly clear days. Those who don’t want to hike can also take the Stockhorn cable car to the top. It’s best to check the website for operating times, which can vary depending on the weather. Besides the view, there’s another thrill: a glass platform. Daring and especially vertigo-free visitors can look 400 meters down.

2. The Blausee

It is a rather small lake–but still famous throughout Switzerland: the Blausee. It is located about 25 kilometers south of Thun in a wooded nature park–perfect for hikers and nature lovers, thanks to many picnic spots and fire pits. The origin of the lake’s name is clear: It was named Blausee because of its color. Its crystal-clear water is fed by underground springs–a unique feature: There is a sculpture by artist Raffael Fuchs located IN the lake.

3. The Aare River

Who would have thought that the city of Bern is worth a visit not only for its beautiful old town, cultural offerings, and numerous small shops and cafes: The Swiss capital also has a lot to offer for fans of summer bathing fun, as the Aare River is perfect for cooling off. If the summer temperatures get to you, vacationers like to cool off in the Aare. The great thing is that they can even catch a glimpse of the Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government. But if you don’t feel like getting wet, you can also hop on a rubber boat and enjoy the river–probably staying completely dry.

4. The Highest Vineyard in Europe

Hiking, wine, and wonderful nature–all of this is available at the now-legendary “Wii-Grill Fäscht.” Wine lovers should mark the first Saturday in September in red on their calendars, as this is when the hike through the vineyards in Visperterminen takes place, home to the highest vineyard in Europe. Naturally, wine tastings are part of the spectacle. It starts in the old town of Visp through the Riebe vineyard up to the hamlet of Oberstalden, with breaks at a total of eight culinary stations, where regional specialties are served–and the region is known for its wine…

5. The Raiffeisen Skywalk

In 2010, the pedestrian suspension bridge on the Mostelberg in the canton of Schwyz was opened–at the time, it was considered the longest of its kind in all of Europe. The Raiffeisen Skywalk spans 374 meters over the romantic Lauitobel Valley. There is the option to take the Stuckli gondola to the mountain station, after which the use of the suspension bridge is free. The view from the Skywalk is worth the effort, with the view from nearly 60 meters high being a (natural) experience.

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6. The Rhine Gorge

There are several viewing platforms for this impressive natural phenomenon. The Ruinaulta translates to “debris heap”: However, the Rhine Gorge is a bizarre rock formation, a gorge with cliffs over 300 meters high in some parts. No wonder the natural spectacle is also called the Grand Canyon of Switzerland. Those who don’t feel like exploring it all on foot can also enjoy the Rhine Gorge with the famous Glacier Express of the Rhaetian Railway.

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7. Creux du Van

The Creux du Van is a natural rock formation–that may sound unspectacular at first. But it is not. The 160-meter-high walls surrounding the gigantic four-kilometer-long valley promise a breathtaking view. The rock basin is located in the Swiss Jura Mountains between the cantons of Neuchâtel and Vaud, also home to chamois, lynxes, and ibexes. For experienced and ambitious hikers, there is another destination nearby: The gorge of the Areuse River also offers a spectacular view.

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8. Lac Souterrain

Another superlative of Switzerland: The Lac Souterrain, the “underground lake of St-Léonard,” is the largest natural, underground, and navigable lake in Europe. It is 300 meters long and lies between 30 and 70 meters below the vineyards. Visitors can join tours and learn a lot of interesting facts about the underground natural monument from guides during the 30-minute ride. Above all, the atmosphere and the crystal-clear water make the Lac Souterrain a very special experience.

9. Rigi Kulm

This is especially for early risers: The view from the highest peak of the Rigi massif, Rigi Kulm, is phenomenal–especially at sunrise. The good thing is that the viewing platform is easily accessible by the Rigi Railway from Goldau. The gigantic panoramic view over the Swiss mountains fascinated the American writer Mark Twain more than 100 years ago, whose impressions can be read in his diary “A Tramp Abroad.”

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