Over hills and valleys, along lakes and fields, downhill and uphill… there is so much beauty in the country of chocolate and watches, where clean blue waters snuggle to lush green, mountainous landscapes. Surrounded by France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Lichtenstein, the tiny Switzerland has no sea access but still called “the water palace of Europe”, as owing six percent of Europe’s water supply. Switzerland has a lot to offer for nature lovers and outdoor sport fans.
So open your eyes for the green side of Switzerland.
1. The Rheinfall waterfalls
The biggest waterfall of Europe is located between two cantons of Switzerland: canton Schaffhausen and canton Zürich. Every second 700,000 liters of water are flowing down the rocks with a 150 meters width and 23 meter depth. In summer I used to go to a nearby village Dachsen for a sunbath and to take a boat trip to the Rheinfall. The captain will give you a sign to jump into the waterfall. 3…2…1… Jump! 🙂 Now let the water flow slowly bring you back to the “Dachsen beach”. This is a wonderful, refreshing summer experience!
Picture: fotoforum-fotocommunity.de
2. Lac de Derborence
This pretty lake was created in the 18th century due a fall of two mountain avalanches, which were detached from the solid. The lake with the surrounding forest area are under nature conservancy since 1960. If you have a busy week at work or a bad argument with your girlfriend / boyfriend, this is the right for you to visit and chill out.
Picture:bluewin.ch
3. Swiss National Park
Do you like wolves and bears as much as I do? If so, you should definitely come to the Swiss National Park and enjoy its natural treasuries. The park was built in 1914 as an expression against modernization and industrialization in Switzerland. With success! The green mountainous region has been approved by UNESCO as World Heritage.
Page: tagesanzeiger.ch
4. Gotthardpass
According to Swiss legend, it was the devil himself, who build the “Devils Bridge” over the Schöllen Canyon (Schöllenschlucht) 800 years ago. Bad luck for him! Instead of the longed humans soul he has only received an angry goat. Nowadays the bridge is an important transport way, which connects canton Uri with canton Tessin.
Picture freewhd.com
5. Greina-Ebene
This amazing plateau is one kilometer width and six kilometers long. In the past this route through the Alps was already used by the Old Romans. Today this territory is still reachable by feet but recommended for experienced hikers. As you can see on the picture below the Greina Ebene is almost untouched by the humans and therefore so unique and beautiful.
Picture: ruedimumenthaler.ch
6. Lago Maggiore
This endless beauty is largely located on the Italian territory but 25% of the lake belong to Switzerland. The Swiss city Locarno has the biggest benefits from Lago Maggiore and gives its visitors the Italian flair with average yearly temperatures of 16 degrees. No surprise that Locarno with its lake view was chosen for the yearly Locarno Film Festival (described in my blog “8 Best Festivals in Switzerland”)
Picture: lagomaggioreguide.com
7. Lake Geneva
Another lake that has to be shared with the neighbours. The Swiss are sharing Lake Geneva with its French friends from the West. It is Europes biggest freshwater pool with a developed and popular boat tours, which transpot the tourist between the shores.
Picture: myswitzerland.com
8. Lake Lucerne
Last one for today… the Vierwaldstättersee or Lake Lucerne is famous for the legendary event Rütli-Schwur in 1291, which was fundamental for establishing of Switzerland. Lake Lucerne is located between cantoon Uri, Schwyz, Lucerne and Unterwalden and with 113,7 m2 it is the biggest lake in Switzerland.
