Switzerland
Natural beauties

Hidden Gems


Cosmopolitan cities

Culture and Nature lovers

Switzerland offers a broad variety of destinations. Whether you enjoy going to majestic mountains, pristine lakes, vibrant cities, a spectacular countryside with snowy mountain peaks and glaciers, your visit to Switzerland will amaze you beyond your expectations.

We, at Swiss Select Travel, can gladly help you build a tailor made program that meets your client’s expectations and desires. From high-end  to lower budget, we will always find the best solution so that your clients can enjoy to the fullest our small and charming country.

We also enjoy offering to your clients the opportunity to meet the locals and to undertake different activities with them, so they can enjoy to the fullest their own exploration of the Swiss culture, the magnificent nature and outdoors.

ANDERMATT


The heart of the Swiss Alpine Passes

Where nature meets discreet luxury.

The Andermatt Holiday Region is located in the heart of the Swiss Alpine Passes. The variety of touring possibilities with the eight surrounding Alpine Passes is unique in the world! In both summer and winter, the region is the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy unforgettable moments, relaxing in a magnificent mountain setting.

The SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun is gradually being expanded into the largest ski area in Central Switzerland and further development. With modern facilities, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy over 120 kilometres of varied pistes, as well as cross-country skiing trails, winter hiking trails, snowshoe trails and much more. In summer, there’s a diverse natural landscape awaiting for you, with countless mountain lakes, small glaciers, impressive side valleys and a range of mountain passes to be explored on foot or by bicycle. This region at the Gotthard is noted for its cultural diversity and well-documented history. Traces of this turbulent history are seen in the architecture, at the Valley Museum and at the fabled Schöllenen Gorge with its celebrated Devil’s Bridge, which once enabled travellers to cross the Gotthard Pass from north to south.

The Ursern Valley with the communities of Andermatt, Hospental and Realp is one of Switzerland’s most impressive high-lying valleys. It even attracted the attention of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who, when traveling through the valley in 1779, declared „of all the places I know, this is the dearest and most interesting to me“. The name Ursern comes from the Latin word Ursus, meaning bear. Hence Urseren means the valley of the bears. The bear is still used as the emblem of the Ursern. The white cross on its back indicates that the area once belonged to the monastery of Disentis.

The Gotthard (at 2091 meters) has long been an important Alpine crossing linking north and south. The route over the Gotthard was the sole Alpine crossing for travellers who only wanted to cross one pass. In 1200 the difficult “Schöllenenschlucht” (Schöllenen Gorge) was opened to foot travellers and later, in 1830, this pack-way was expanded to take coaches and sleighs. In 1852 the 15- kilometre long railway tunnel between Göschenen (Canton of Uri) and Airolo (Canton of Tessin or Ticino) was opened and this was considered the longest tunnel in the world until 1905. In the heyday of the “Säumers” (freight haulers using pack-animals) the journey between Lucerne and the Italian border took between 5-7 days. With the arrival of the Post Coach this journey was reduced to some 24 hours and the opening of the Gotthard railway tunnel further reduced it to 9 hours. During this 100-year period the journey over the Gotthard was shortened from several days to just a few hours.

BAD RAGAZ


Thermal bath in the Rhine valley

Take a chance to visit the mystic Tamina Gorge, historic home of the thermal waters.

The ascent from Bad Ragaz to a world health resort begins in 1840, when the 36.5 degree warm thermal water of the Tamina spring is led for the first time from the Tamina Gorge 4 kilometres out of the valley into the Ragaz farm.

Today Bad Ragaz is a modern health resort with numerous leisure and health facilities at the entrance to Canton Graubünden. The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz with the public thermal spa Tamina Therme, restaurants, golf courses and a casino is the centre of the health oasis, which bears the Swiss quality label „Wellness Destination“. Regular events such as the sculpture exhibition Bad RagARTz and cultural events round off the offer. The local mountain Pizol, the Bündner Herrschaft and the Tamina Valley with its numerous excursion possibilities will definitely lure you in Bad Ragaz.

Furthermore, and only a few steps away, you can also visit the famous Heidi House, with possibilities to visit some local winemakers.

BASEL


Foodies and Art lovers

Where conviviality and urban style meet tradition.

Basel lies in the heart of Europe, on both banks of the Rhine. The city is the centre of the idyllic border triangle between France, Germany and Switzerland – lying between the Swiss Jura, Germany’s Black Forest and the Vosges in Alsace.

Basel is widely recognised as Switzerland’s city of culture, and for good reason, with visitors finding Art at every turn – whether simply wandering through the streets of the Old Town or visiting one of the city’s nearly forty museums. Like The Fondation Beyeler, Kunstmuseum, Vitra museum, Tinguely Museum and many private Art Galleries.

The sheer number of museums alone indicates that Basel is not a city that lovers of art and culture can explore in just one single day. With their themed collections, the museums of Basel have something for every taste and many have reputations that stretch far beyond the Swiss border. And then there are the countless Galleries scattered liberally throughout the city.

There are also many high-class cultural events that take place throughout the year, underlining Basel’s reputation as a cultural hot-spot. Of course we should not forget that the city also has a lively theatre and music scene.

You can also take a trip through the ages! In scarcely any other cityscape in the world can you find historic buildings from the 15th century so harmoniously blended with modern buildings, designed by internationally-renowned contemporary architects.

Basel’s Old Town is one of the prettiest and most intact in the whole of Europe. However, the city is also open to the new. In the last decades the city has grown into a veritable Mecca for lovers of architecture.

Local architects, such as Herzog & de Meuron, Morger & Degelo or Diener & Diener thrill the world with buildings that delight the senses and are particularly committed to improving and developing their native region.

BERN


Switzerland Capital

Where Renaissance architecture hosts modern culture.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is built on a peninsula surrounded by the Aare River. The origins of the city go back to the 12th century, with medieval architecture having been preserved in the Altstadt (the Old Town). The Federal Assembly and diplomats meet in the Bundeshaus (Federal Palace), a neo-Renaissance building. The Französische Kirche (French Church) and the medieval Zytglogge ( Clock Tower) both date from the 13th century.

This capital city offers a variety of attractions, like the Paul Klee museum, the Einstein House as well as the beautiful Rose Garden, offering amazing views overlooking the city. For animal lovers, don’t forget to visit the famous Bear Park.

Bern is also a well located city for daily excursions to Interlaken and the Jungfraujoch, as well as for cheese lovers visiting the Gruyères area and nearby mountains settled in amazing landscape scenery.

Or simply do like the locals, have a jump and swim in the Aare river, that’s a must do experience during the summer months.

GENEVA


City full of suprises

Everything is nearby by in this humankind home city.

Due to its international dimension, Geneva offers exceptional multi-cultural diversity. Steeped in more than 2000 years of history, the city boasts 40 museums, as well as numerous festivals and international trade fairs.

Geneva is the Capital of Peace and Freedom, considering it’s home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and some 200 other organizations. It’s also the birthplace of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement.

For a very long time, Geneva’s master watchmakers have made of the city the center of excellence for the finest and prestigious Swiss watches brands. The city also has a large and fine choice of hand made chocolates makers.

Geneva offers the perfect location for various excursions and activities, such as hiking, skiing, visits to wine makers, Chocolate Ateliers, cultural activities and water activities. for the shopping lovers, there are over 80 exclusive luxury boutiques where you will surely find something of your taste.

GRINDELWALD


Grindelwald, the lively Eiger village

UNESCO Wold Heritage region.

Welcome to the Unesco World Heritage site of the Jungfrau; covering an area of 824 square kilometers, the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World-Heritage site contains nearly all the of Bernese High Alps, with their monumental rock massifs in the cantons of Bern and Valais. Around 90 percent of this area is covered with rocks and ice. At this heart lies the impressive Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau rock massif and the glacial landscape surrounding the great Aletsch Glacier.

Grindelwald is located right there, at the bottom of these impressive rocky mountains. During Summer you might enjoy hitting many of the diverse hiking trails and in Winter you might try to ski down the world famous Lauberhorn ski track.

The Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe is the hight point of any Swiss holidays. The highest railway station in Europe is located at 3454 meters. Visitors gain access to a high-alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, which they can admire from the viewing platforms on the Aletsch glacier and surrounding mountains peaks.

GRUYÈRES


Where culture and traditions blend with everyday life

Immerse yourself in its history and traditions.

The picturesque town of Gruyères owns its charm to the Middle Ages. The pedestrian town welcomes you to a gentle stroll, with its cobblestones and fountains. The town is named after the region La Gruyère, famous for the delicious Gruyère AOP cheese.

Don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in its history, culture and traditions !

Gruyères offers many places to visit. Attractions like the Cheese factory and the Chocolate factory (Nestlé – Maison Cailler) are at a few minutes driving distance from the village.

The 13th century Castle of Gruyères, visible from the distance, dominates the town. A multimedia show takes the curious ones on a captivating journey through time.
The Knights‘ Hall, the towers, ramparts, and gardens are all impressive and make for an unforgettable experience. Offering some other diverse attractions, the museum and bar of Oscar-winning artist HR Giger shows the fantastic works of the creator of Alien’s, while the Tibet Museum offers visitors the opportunity to discover Tibetan Buddhist Art in the setting of an old renovated chapel.

Additionally, Gruyères also offers a large choice of traditional restaurants and is a great departure point for many outdoor activities in and around.

GSTAAD


The escape

Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect to your roots.

The region has a further 9 chalet villages alongside Gstaad, located at an altitude of between 1000 and 1400 metres. Yet despite its style and class, Gstaad has remained genuinely Alpine and down-to-earth. It is proud of its tradition, and lives it and breathes it every day.

Gstaad spoils gourmets and families with a unique variety of offers. 220 km of ski slopes between Zweisimmen and the only glacier (Glacier 3000) in the Bernese Oberland make Gstaad a top-destination for cross-country skiers, sledding fans and free riders. Gourmets appreciate Gstaad as a pioneer of fine food and as a wellness oasis.

Hiking destination with over 300 km of trails and paths
The hiking trails around Gstaad take you through some rich and diverse scenery. Along the way you will discover moorlands, deep gorges, Alpine valleys, high mountain peaks and, of course, the beautifully located Alpine restaurants. With more than 300 km of signposted and well maintained trails and paths, the holiday region of Gstaad is a veritable paradise for hikers. The dense and extensive network of routes, which is ideally accessible thanks to the many lifts, cable cars and different modes of public transport, is sure to offer something for everyone.

Furthermore, over a thousand cultural and sporting events are available to visitors every year, including top events with an international reputation. In addition, visitors will find first-class hotels, outstanding shopping facilities along the traffic-free promenade and an airport in nearby Saanen.

 

INTERLAKEN


Nature at door step

Experience the holiday region Interlaken.

With its crystal clear lakes, mountain views and sparkling waterfalls, the Interlaken holiday region is a nature rich area full of wonders to be discovered. From active to more relaxing options, the excursion possibilities are many and varied. Let yourself go and stroll amid stunning surroundings, passing mountain lakes and savouring incredible panoramic views. See by yourself how beautiful wooden artworks are made, then visit the grand castles of Lake Thun. Whether you opt for a family holiday in the vivid autumn or for a wellness weekend in a perfect winter wonderland, you can be sure you’ll experience amazing adventures to remember in the holiday region of Interlaken.

KLOSTERS


Idyllic, Chic and Charming village

Discreet luxury resort.

Klosters is a picture book holiday resort: an elegant chalet-style village, with authentic traditions and an international flair with many cosmopolitan customs. Maybe that is why even royal guests feel so at home here.

Klosters was already known as a Winter and Summer holiday destination more than 100 years ago. In the 1950s it experienced a significant impulse in its development as a stylish holiday classic for connoisseurs. At that time, many celebrities from the American and British films, music and theatre scene discovering the ski resort, which gave it the name of the „Hollywood on the Rocks“. During this time, many British and American guests moved to Klosters, and made their second home here. They characterised the style and atmosphere of the holiday village for decades, and their children are still doing it so to this day.

Discreet luxury without airs and graces
Then and today, famed guests enjoy spending their holidays in Klosters, and with good reason: They can relax in peace here. In doing so, the luxury car stays in the garage and the parties are hosted in their own chalets. Discreet luxury – yes, because of the pomposity, but not for the sake of showing off-. As such, there are no flagship stores from international fashion boutiques in Klosters, but small and refined shops instead, with a sense of authenticity and style. Anyone who wishes to stay overnight here will find no 5-star palace, but the unbeatable charm of the Chesa Grischuna or the understated luxury of a well equipped 4-star hotel instead

LAUSANNE


Art and Culture destination

Stunning city by the lake, at only 45 minutes drive from Geneva International Airport.

The Old Town, called „The Cité“, testifies to the past existence of a lively medieval town. Today, among other facilities, its charming lanes host antique shops, Art Galleries, restaurants, bars, art museums and the famous Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium. In the heart of the Old Town, the imposing Cathedral overlooks the city and is considered among the most beautiful Gothic Art monuments in Europe. Heading back down, the Ouchy Harbour represents one of the favourite Lake Geneva shores for Lausanne citizens.

Lausanne is home to the head offices of many multinationals, highly renowned colleges, like the EPFL and research centres, international sports federations and numerous cultural institutions. The city stands out through its dynamism, its capacity for innovation and the diversity of its tourist services.

Lausanne is also the ideal departure point for exploring the beautiful Lake Geneva, mountains, countryside, famous UNESCO vineyards region and forests of the surrounding area.

 

LUCERNE

Be surrounded by nature.

Lucerne offers plenty of rich city experiences. Centuries-old sights such as the Chapel Bridge or the historic Water Tower are in pleasant harmony with the contemporary city, which includes the avant-garde KKL Luzern, a variety of restaurants, bars and an attractive range of shops.

There’s plenty of top class range events, like the Festival City of Lucerne, which delights with Blues, Jazz and other celebrations, like the splendidly colorful yearly Lucerne Carnival. Further highlights are visits to The Rosengarten Collection and the Swiss Transport Museum.

As for the Nature and outdoors lovers, there are plenty of excursion options at the doorstep, like the famous Mount Pilatus and his steepest cogwheel train, Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of the alps, the Lucerne Lake, with its water-sports attractions and steam boat cruises and last but not least, the famous and majestic Jungfraujoch mountain nearby.

LUGANO

Surrounded by mountains and a magnificent lake.

Lugano brings together all the aspects of a metropolis with great style, despite maintaining the traits of a small city. Specially particular and noteworthy is the large pedestrian area, which contains the historic centre, full of splendid buildings, the Art Museum and Galleries.

Considered as a privileged area in terms of gastronomic quality and diversity, the region of Lugano and the Ticino canton brings honor to the culinary culture and is particularly endowed with excellent restaurants, praised by the most important gastronomic guides. But there’s much more to discover than the“Haute Cuisine“: The Grottos and Canvetto serve mainly local dishes which celebrate the products of the land and which can hardly be eaten elsewhere.

The Lugano region offers plenty of shows all year round. Winter season is marked by diverse activities, like theater performances and concerts. From Spring to Autumn, the events become even more interesting and plentiful, including the Lugano Festival, a high level musical performance devoted to classical musique, the Estival, dedicated to Jazz and offering open air Jazz concerts, while in Autumn you can delight yourself with the Blues to Bop music festival.

Lugano is also a great departure point for outdoors activities and culinary delights discoveries, like cooking your own risotto in a beautiful scenic location.

MONTREUX - VEVEY


Between the lake and mountains

Lavaux region have been part of the Unesco World Heritage Program since 2007.

From the terraced vineyards of Lavaux to the Chillon castle, from the old city of Vevey to the summit of the Pleiades mountain, from the flower decorated embankments of Montreux to Les Rochers-de-Naye (at 2054 meters), the sun-kissed Montreux Riviera region can always offer you something unique and marvelous.

There’s the beauty of its landscapes, forming subtle reflections between the lake and the mountains. Then there’s the local climate, and above all a pleasant easygoing way of life that seems to make everything go with the swing. The area is also known for its private schools renowned for their quality and for its wellness centres, spas and clinics that do everything possible to assure your wellbeing. But we should not forget the rich historic past, which has left traces that are always visible and its rich cultural life, including famous festivals, like the Montreux Jazz Festival.

The unique Chillon Castle and Chaplin’s World Museum are only a few steps away from the city. Many other attractions are nearby with car or by train, like getting to Gstaad with the famous Golden Pass Panoramic train or the Gruyères region, known for its cheeses and chocolates manufactures as well as some really cool and nice ski-resorts, like Les Diablerets, Leysin or Villars-sur-Ollon.

NEUCHÂTEL


In the Three Lakes region

For a romantic or family stay, the pays of Neuchâtel will enchant you with its charm

With the beautiful castle and church overlooking the town from a privileged position at height, the Old Town looks as „carved from butter“, as the writer Alexandre Dumas once mentioned. Neuchâtel leads the visitor from one discovery to another, like the Place des Halles or the Market square, where weekly markets take place and are truly special days in town.

The Hotel DuPeyrou, Neuchâtel’s prestigious historic palace, is now a gastronomic restaurant set in an elegant park with garden benches. The Quai Ostervald is a very pleasant lakeside promenade. You can find all over many fascinating fountains and the city offers three gripping Museums : the Natural History museum, the Ethnography Museum and the Arts and History museum.

Neuchâtel is definitely a relaxing halfway place between the lake and mountains, with easy access to various sights to visit, like vineyards areas, La Chaux-de-Fonds (watchmakers Capital), Murten or Yverdon-les-Bains (the thermal town). It’s definitely a town to visit and stay, as there’s plenty of cultural and outdoors activities to do.

SAAS-FEE

80% sunny days, 100% reliable snow conditions and hiking trails.

That’s why Saas-Fee has declared its independence from the usual holiday regions and proudly announced the Free Republic of Holidays Saas-Fee: a unique world of mountains and glaciers, where you can recover yourself just as easily in Winter as in Summer or Autumn.

Situated at 1800 meters high, the car-free village of Saas-Fee lies at the foot of the highest mountain in Switzerland, the Dom (4545 meters), which can be viewed in all its glory from the world’s highest revolving restaurant. Even the journey through the Saas valley is an experience. Steep mountainsides and deep gorges are a hint of the sheer forces of Nature that happen here. Traffic-free Saas-Fee has managed to hold on to its rustic character despite its state-of-the-art infrastructure. With their old Valaisan wooden houses and grain barns, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell (home to the former skiing race Pirmin Zurbriggen) and Saas-Balen (famed for its circular Baroque church) have all retained their original and charming village character.

In winter, the outstanding snow conditions and well-kept slopes make Saas-Fee the ultimate haven for winter sports pros, as well as anyone who just wants to give it a go. In summer, visitors can enjoy a huge number of day trip destinations, along with 350 km of hiking paths and trails. Of course, let’s not forget the cuddliest citizens of the village, Saas-Fee either: the famous tame marmots.

St. GALLEN

Where textile dreams become a reality.

St. Gallen, in the lake-Constance region, feels like a world away from everyday life. It’s located in the quadrangle between Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Liechstenstein, at 1 hour drive from Zurich airport.

The city was founded – and thus developed the way it did – thanks to a wandering monk, who once, according to history, drove away a bear in the Mülenenschlucht gorge. He saw this as a sign that he should set up his hermit’s dwelling here, and so was the foundation for the establishment of the city and canton St.Gallen laid.

Traces of this fascinating history, as well as buildings from the Baroque period and richly decorated houses belonging to the drapers of St. Gallen, can be marvelled at on an informative stroll through the old part of the city.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Abbey Library is also known as the pharmacy of the soul.

St. Gallen is known thoughout the world as a city of textile manufactures. Chanel, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani and other great designers source lace from St.Gallen. Major fashions shows in Paris, Milan and New York display haute couture to which St. Gallen has also made a significant contribution.

Experience the „City of textiles“ by staying in St. Gallen region and visit the world-renowned Textile Museum to find out why St.Gallen is truly a cut above when it comes to textiles.

While you’re here, you should also discover the four-nation region around Lake Constance, with the Rhine valley region, vineyards, the Mount Säntis and the Appenzell region being at the doorstep.

VERBIER


An energy pure destination

With friends or family, for nature lovers or thrill seekers, everyone will find the experience they’re looking for.

As soon as the first snow falls, Verbier becomes a Winter sports paradise.  A cableway opens up the top of Mont Fort at a height of 3330 meters. From here there is a fantastic view to the Matterhorn, Grand Combin and Mont Blanc.

In Summer, Verbier offers over 500 km of hiking trails, a golf course and many possibilities for outdoors activities, as well as a notorious music festival to delight locals and visitors.

ZERMATT


The indulgence destination

This is where alpinists, ski fans, bon vivants and nature lovers meet.

Everyone should see the Matterhorn at least once in his life. The superlatives are plentiful: the highest mountain lift station in Europe. The most beautiful ski pistes and hiking trails. Mountain excursions with exceptionally rich views and cozy mountain eateries. World-class gastronomic and shopping experiences. And all of this in a village without cars.

In Winter, the snow-assured ski region offers 360 km of pistes in three varied ski areas: the Sunnegga-Rothorn, Gornergrat-Stockhorn, Schwarzsee and Matterhorn glacier paradise. In Summer and Autumn, guests can enjoy popular activities like walking, cycling, climbing and high-Alpine tours. There are also over 400 km of walking trails for guests that prefer to go at an easier pace through the mountainscape around Zermatt.   The cogwheel train operates between Zermatt and the 3089-meters-high Gornergrat. The summit offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the glaciers and the Monte-Rosa massif.

ZURICH


...by the lake

As a lifestyle capital on the lakeshore, Zurich offers a unique mix of discovery, pleasure, nature and culture.

Zurich brings together a creative city life and idyllic scenery within the smallest of areas. Art connoisseurs and culture enthusiasts have over 50 museums and more than 100 Galleries to choose from, while inquisitive city explorers can discover the striking contrast between the picturesque Old Town and the modern, constantly changing urban quarters. Nature lovers seeking fresh air and green open spaces will delight themselves in the city’s location directly by the lake, but also with its abundant forest and parkland areas, plus its very own mountain, the Uetliberg. In addition, the vibrant nightlife, offering the widest choice of entertainment facilities in Switzerland, is perfectly suited to night owls and the young-at-heart.

Nowadays, Zurich is a vibrant hub of culture and business. Over the centuries, the region has developed from a small Roman customs post into a world-renowned tourist destination. Traces of the past invite visitors to explore the over 2,000-year-old history of the Old Town, including, among others, the Romans, the Guilds and Zwinglis periods.