Whether it's the snow-capped peaks of Mounts Matterhorn and Jungrau for skiing, snuggling up by the fire to gorge on velvety Lindt-coated pralines, or the piquant flavours of cheese made from the finest goats milk, it’s no surprise Switzerland is a go-to destination for adrenaline-lovers and foodies alike during winter.
But, if you’ve convinced yourself the region is reserved solely for those with a penchant for snowboots and sub-zero temperatures rather than sunbathing, bikinis and luxury, think again.
In addition to its frosty summits and glistening glaciers, the country provides some of Europe’s most crystalline lakes, unparalleled scenic hikes, tan-worthy climates, and five-star hotels - perfect for those needing to ditch the concrete jungle for some R&R in the sun.
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With flight and hotel prices at a considerable low during peak summer seasons (June-September) compared to the likes of Ibiza and Kefalonia and having long been a bucket list destination for the likes of Bella Hadid and the late Princess Diana, you might want to get in on the Swiss action before the rest of your Instagram followers.
With that in mind, here's our top pick of things to do in Switzerland if the thought of sand in your bikini gives you nightmares:
1. Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad
Le Grand Bellevue, situated in the affluent ski resort Gstaad, Switzerland, possesses the grandeur of a luxury five-star hotel, yet with the authentic, personalised and homely feel of a lived-in country abode.
This tucked-away gem boasts stylish décor: think pink tasselled chandeliers in the main dining area, quilted Victorian-esque chairs and sofas, and Versailles La Roche Manor Oak flooring in the bar area – which seemingly features one of the longest chesterfield sofas ever made. The main spiralling staircase is elevated by an elegant centrepiece chandelier that you can see from every floor.
In the basement lies a decadent cocktail bar evoking vintage glamour, which features carpet sofas especially designed so that people can stand on them to dance. It’s clear to see why the likes of Madonna have hung out here.
Pick one of the hotel’s tower suites to stay in, where you’ll find French windows that bring in an abundance of natural light and maximise your view of the botanical outdoor dining space. The rooms comprise of delightful furniture, such as an antique-style upholstered bed bench, Ornate Rose Ceiling Medallion and geometric ceiling.
What’s more, the hotel boasts the largest spa in the region, which contains multiple saunas, a Turkish steam bath and an outdoor pool area. When it comes to spa treatments, try everything from an 80-minute pure oxygen facial to a Swiss deluxe facial, which lifts, defines, restores and boosts cell renewal. (See the full list of treatments, here)
You won’t be short of activities, either. Why not try a mindful Tai chi session in the hotel’s scenic garden, which gives a panoramic view of the mountains? The hotel also offers surf yoga on a paddleboard in the mountains - a perfect way to unwind in the summer.
When it comes to the hotel’s bartenders, you can rest assured knowing they'll whip up divine cocktails – regardless of whether you'd prefer a classic mojito or made-to-order creation.
As for the food, seafood lovers will enjoy the Swiss Salmon Trout with avocado mousse, toasted sesame and vegan mayo, the clams and fish roe and the crispy shrimp – just some of the delights served.
It's worth noting that the hotel's service starts from the moment you land in Gstaad. A private chauffeur collects you in a vintage 1940s car – the kind you’d see in Old Hollywood films – to take you to the hotel, where you’re then welcomed with a cocktail during check-in.
From the interiors and cuisine to the activities and the staff, Le Grand Bellevue is a top pick for a summer retreat in Switzerland's charming Gstaad.
Find out more here.
2. The Chedi Andermatt, Andermatt
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps - 1,447 meters above sea level, if you must know - lies the exclusive five-star The Chedi Andermatt. Or, as we like to call it, ’paradise peak’.
Marrying the unexpected aesthetics of Alpine chic and Asian expression (expect dark woods and soft leather furnishings), the hotel boasts 123 elegant rooms and suites, four award-winning restaurants and bars, and one of the most futuristic-looking yet undeniably cosy spas you could ever dream of experiencing. (It comes as no surprise, then, that it was named Hotel of the Year 2017 by restaurant guide GaultMillau.)
On visiting the ‘Chedi’ as it’s known among visitors - including A-list couple Olivia Palermo and Johanes Huebl - guests will be enticed with homemade chocolate brownies and rooibos tea before being given the grand tour of the resort.
With views overlooking the nearby town from the room’s private balconies, visitors will be undoubtedly awe-struck at the snow-tipped mountains engulfing the resort. So, what better way to unwind than in the hotels’ hydrotherapy area (including heated saunas, steam rooms, baths and - not for the faint hearted - a 18ºC cold pool!), the outdoor heated pool, or with a 60-minute marmot oil-infused Alpienne Mountain Massage?
For outdoor lovers, the local hills of Andermatt offer unparalleled scenery, with hiking tours and cycle routes, including the Oberalp Pass featuring the highest lighthouse in the world at the source of the Rhine.
If you're a cheese-obsessed foodie, the resort offers a Porsche-driven tour to a mountain farmer where you can make - yes, make - your own Alpine cheese before tasting your delights over a fireplace.
And, of course, no holiday pitstop in Switzerland is without a refreshingly cool pint of Eichhof beer in one of the town’s local bars (we suggest a visit to Spycher, which is less than a five minute walk from the hotel).
Rejuvenation complete, we advise you make your way down to the hotel’s signature eaterie - The Restaurant. With both European and Asian-inspired dishes to choose from (and undoubtedly the best smoked salmon and eel ELLE UK has ever tasted), diners can also feast their stomachs - and eyes - with a trip to the hotel’s very own 'Cheese Room' - yes, thats right, a room dedicated to cheese. What more could you want?
End a night’s stay with a dip in your room’s standalone bathtub - equipped with Acqua di Parma toiletries - nestle beside your private fireplace, and snuggle in for a perfect night’s slumber.
Just try not to fall in love with the Chedi Andermatt – we dare you.
Find out more here.
3. The city of Lucerne
Studied German at GCSE? Well, even if you didn’t you’re going to want to flex your linguistic muscles during a visit to Lucerne. Situated in the German-speaking portion of the country, you can pretty much tick off a trip to the mountainous panorama-filled sight in just under a day, meaning more time for beer, swimming and sunbathing. Glorious!
Start the day with a quick stop-off at the Lion Monument. Hewn in 1820, the figure of a dying line carved into the face of race commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during an attack on the Tuileries in 1792. As a result, it’s one one of the best-known monuments in Switzerland. It’s also conveniently situated next to the Glacier Garden, with glacial potholes dating back to the Ice Age.
A quick visit of the 17th Century Jesuit church - with its ionic twin towers of the Hofkirche - is also a must before taking a stroll along the lake towards the medieval ‘Kapellbrücke’ Chapel Bridge.
Spanning diagonally across the Reuss river the bride is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe and the oldest surviving truss bridge, covered in paintings dating back to the 17th century.
Find out more here.
4. Mount Pilatus
If you fancy yourself as the new Bear Grylls or Anna McNuff, how does a climb up the 2119 summit of Mount Pilatus sound?
Overlooking Lucerne, this mountain massif can be reached by the world's steepest cogwheel railway from Alpanchstaf (May to November) or a good old-fashioned hike which takes an approximate five hours to complete. Note: from Alpnachstad there are two marked paths lead to Pilatus Kulm; the first trail goes via Aemsigen and runs parallel to the train tracks, and the second leads Luetoldsmatt and swings wide around the southwestern base of Pilatus.
However, hikers and non-hikers will equally be rewarded for their heroic efforts at the top with two newly renovated hotels, restaurants, a tourist shop, and lookout points to indulge in the surrounding Swiss landscape.
Overlooking alpine meadows and awe-inspiring rock formations, we suggest trying out a night-time buffet dinner in Restaurant Bellevue (June to September, every first and last Saturday of the month) where thrill-seekers will be invited to dine on gastronomy delights while learning about summit names, weather phenomena and local wildlife.
If a hike all the way back down doesn’t take your fancy, why not descend on the new aerial cableway - appropriately named 'Dragon Ride' - which will have you back down at Fraekmuentegg station in minutes? Walking off dinner is so overrated after all, right?
Find out more here.
5. Hotel Villa Honegg
Want to live out the ultimate Bond Girl fantasy? Look no further for your cinematic delights – and Instagram fodder – than with an overnight stay at Hotel Villa Honegg.
Opened in 1906, this five-star boutique hotel on the Bürgenstock provides breath-taking views overlooking Lake Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland. Following several hairpin bends and a rather steep drive up towards the hotel, guests will be treated with the choice of 23 rooms and suites, several with balconies providing lake views or Alpine panoramas. And, trust us, they do not disappoint.
With a restaurant recently awarded 14 Gault-Millau points (that's a lot, FYI), diners can tuck into a delicious array of cuisines focussing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients including beetroot, herbs, apples, berries and honey from the hotel’s gardens.
From chicken liver parfait and Norwegian salmon smoked in Beckenried, to sautéed whitefish filled from Lake Lucerne to Hong’s locally-sourced meatloaf, you won’t struggle to find a dish to alter to your culinary tastes.
Top tip: We suggest eating out on the terrace overlooking the Valley where thick, hooded furry jackets will be provided.
However, the pièce-de-résistance of Honegg is most certainly it’s 34ºC heated outdoor pool which can be enjoyed throughout the year, be in snow or sun. The infinity pool - equipped with water benches for and a jacuzzi - provides the perfect photo opportunity with views looking across the lake, long into the night. So, it comes as no surprise this is a prime location for Instagram and hiking lovers, alike.
Inside the spa you’ll find a relaxing Finnish sauna heated to 90ºC, steam bath at 45ºC, and a state-of-the-art gym. But, we can't blame you if you'd rather sunbath next to that pool all day long. After all, you're only human.
For those wanting even more from their séjour, why not check out the hotel's in-house cinema or, better yet, hike the 50-minute walk to the Hammetschwand Lift on the Bürgenstock - the highest outdoor life in Europe? Canoeing, water-skiing and cycling tours are also offered by the hotel.
If you're in need of a good sleep, fresh air and more 'Insta' content, let Honegg do the hard work and you sit back and relax.
Visit Hotel Villa Honegg to find out more.
6. Charles Kuonen Bridge
Note: If you suffer from Vertigo or a fear of heights, you might want to steer clear from this one.
Opened in 2017, this is now the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world (open June until November). Thrill-seekers who dare cross it will have to walk/wobble across the 494-metre strip - just don’t look down through the 65 cm grating - but, will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Alps including the world-famous Matterhorn.
I mean, what better way to see Switzerland than being suspended in the middle of a valley 80 metre from the ground?
The bridge, intended to be a ‘monument for the mountain panorama - completes the Europaweg from Grächen to Zermatt, which is widely believed to be the most stunning two-day hike in the whole of the Alps, enjoying views of Matterhorn, Weisshorn and the Bernese Alps.
Access to the bridge:
- By foot from Randa: 2-2.5 hours
- By foot from Grächen: 6-7 hours hiking time
- By foot from Zermatt: 6-7 hours hiking time
Dare you try it?
Find out more here.
7. Chetzeron, Crans Montana, Switzerland
Forget rooms with a view, it’s all about restaurants with a view. After all, who wants to sleep when you’re surrounded by the world’s most epic vistas?
At 2112m on the top of the ski slopes and hiking trails of Crans Montana, sits the Chetzeron Restaurant, accessible only via foot, ski, or snowmobile.
Those fortunate enough to afford this experience are invited to dine inside or on the terrace, and tuck into an ‘Alpine refined’ flavoured cuisine, compiled with Valais-based specialities including line-caught seabass ceviche, a valaisan platterof cured meats, roasted monkfish with rhubarb risotto, and duck filet potato waffle, juice intensified in the fortified wine.
Are you salivating, or is that just us?
This unprecedented gourmet delight begins when Chetzeron staff pick you up from the station of Crans-Montana (by snowcat in the winter and 4x4 in the summer), before providing an aperitif next to the fireplace or on the panoramic terrace, as you take in the vista and wait for menus to arrive. And let’s not forget the plethora of Valais-based, French and Italians wines on offer.
Find out more here.
Visit Switzerland's Tourism website to find out more.
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Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
