Let's take the time on Sunday to explore Switzerland. But not just any: of course, there are the inescapable mountains of the Alps which one can hardly ignore. But far from the clichés of a cold and austere country, Switzerland turns out to be a rich and welcoming country. Surprising, even, when it reveals unsuspected tourist attractions, such as the turquoise water of the blue lake of Arolla or the tags of western Zurich. Jean-Bernard Carillet, author at Lonely Planet , takes you in his luggage to approach a truly amazing country.
The Glacier Express adventure
Switzerland is first and foremost a preferred means of transport: the train. The road network is very good, but nothing beats a train trip in Switzerland. For the simple reason that the railway lines cross magnificent landscapes and that the network is excellent throughout the country. Train lines are not just means of travel, they are almost attractions in their own right.
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The Glacier Express is one of these exceptional journeys: it is a legendary train that connects the two most chic winter sports resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt and St Moritz, in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It is one of the most beautiful routes in Europe with some really spectacular sections. Three figures: 290 km in 8 hours, with 191 tunnels to go! The wagons are panoramic, including on the roof: the view is incomparable on the mountains, the walls, the lakes, the ravines. A little advice to have the best view: reserve a seat on the south side. On the other hand, for photographers, the windows do not open. In this case, take a regional express on the same route.
The elegant and gourmet Train du Chocolat
Let's talk about another emblematic route: the Chocolate Train! It is a very gourmet train since it links Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva, to the Cailler chocolate factory (Nestlé), in Broc. Travelers are driven only in first class, in the very elegant Pullman cars from 1915 or in modern panoramic cars. On arrival at the Cailler chocolate factory, a visit and a tasting are of course planned. This should delight both cocoa addicts, of whom we are all, and rail lovers.
The pure water of Lac Bleu d'Arolla
As for the lakes, there is obviously Lake Geneva. But another very special lake is worth a detour: the Blue Lake of Arolla, at 2,100 meters above sea level, near the border with Italy. It is a wonderful setting, surrounded by larches, marmots and chamois. Its real appeal lies in its transparency and color. The water is crystal clear and you can sometimes see trout.
The turquoise blue color is worth a look: it really looks like a Polynesian lagoon. It is quite simply due to a chemical phenomenon: the water comes from a source of exceptional purity upstream and runs on clay. It takes care of a microscopic algae, which gives it these bluish reflections. It is accessible on foot, so it is never too crowded. The walk is not difficult, there is a 45-minute walk. It is one of the most relaxing places in Switzerland, with nice picnic tables.
The Grand Canyon Swiss version
Let’s abandon the alpine mountains for another landscape, in the canton of Neuchâtel, not very far from the French border. It's called the Creux du Van and it's an impressive natural wall. Do you see the Grand Canyon in the United States? It's a bit the same, but smaller. It is the Grand Canyon of Switzerland, with cliffs that surround a valley floor 1 km long and over 400 m deep. The arrival is breathtaking. We walk on a plateau following a path that leads to the edge of the cliff. And there, bingo! We have a panorama that is revealed all at once, with a breathtaking visual effect.
Zurich's underrated neighborhoods
In the family of underrated cities, let's focus on Zurich. Its image is not particularly glamorous, it is a city of bankers, institutional. Most visitors stick to the old town. But Zurich West is undergoing a metamorphosis, with old industrial districts converted. It contrasts with the rest of the city. The alternative district is to be discovered during a pedestrian walk to soak up this so particular, quirky, unusual atmosphere.
We start with the Freitag Tower: 19 stacked containers, 26 meters high, a great view and a recycled mini skyscraper. This Freitag tower is also a shop, which sells bags of the Freitag brand. These are bags made from recycled material from truck tarpaulins.
We continue the walk in this alternative district, which has plenty of arty-style cafes and skateparks. There are contemporary art galleries that occupy former industrial establishments. And even, what you never see in Switzerland, tags! In Zurich-West, you can even swim in the Limmat, a river with bathing spots called "badis". It's a bit like Zurich-plage. There are even spaces fitted out, with changing rooms. Young people jump off bridges and in places the water is transparent.
An essential detour for football fans
For those who love football, we can also recommend a visit to the World Football Museum and FIFA. It is in fact in Zurich that the world headquarters of this world institution is located. There you will see the original FIFA trophy. He made the trip for the official ceremonies and it was he who brandished the France team on the evening of the final in Moscow in 2018. Afterwards, the players only receive a copy, and the original goes to Zurich. We rarely have the opportunity to watch it closely, but it is a trophy that represents two athletes who brandish the planet Earth. With a weight of 6 kg and a height of 37 cm high, it is composed of 75% gold and also of malachite, a green colored stone.