Switzerland

Beau-Rivage Geneva

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

The Hôtel Beau-Rivage in Geneva, Switzerland, is a historic luxury hotel established in 1865 by Jean-Jacques Mayer. Renowned for its elegant architecture and breathtaking interiors, the hotel offers stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Some big names can be found in the hotel’s guest book over its century and a half lifetime, including monarchs and heads of state from multiple contents, Catherine Deneuve, and the Dalai Lama!

Quai du Mont-Blanc 13, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

The Woodward

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

The Woodward is renowned for its sophisticated design, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Geneva. It skillfully combines modern comforts with traditional elegance, creating a harmonious blend of the area’s rich history and contemporary style. The Woodward features high-end amenities, including a gourmet restaurant and a wellness center, all crafted to provide an exceptional experience for guests from all over the world.

Quai Wilson 37, 1201 Genève, Switzerland

MAMCO Genève

MAMCO is Switzerland’s largest contemporary art museum. It is housed in a former factory building and features art from the 1960s to today. MAMCO is home to over 6,000 works and celebrates both Swiss and international artists.

Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 10, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

Art&Tram

All aboard! Our morning commute would be a lot brighter in a perfectly pink tram. Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist set out to design this bubble-gum beauty as part of a project to incorporate art into urban life. Mission accomplished!

1204 Geneva, Switzerland

Patek Phillippe Museum

This is one museum where you will never lose track of time! Considered to be the world’s foremost horology museum, the Patek Philippe Museum celebrates over five centuries of watch making history. The museum also houses the earliest watch ever made! As well as the namesake watches, the museum also features other brands, so don’t worry if you’re on a budget 😉

Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, 1205 Genève, Switzerland

SS Rhône

Featuring an equally elegant interior to match its exterior, the SS Rhône harks back to the Belle Epoque era, where travel by water was as luxurious as it was necessary. Part of a fleet run by the Lake Geneva General Navigation Company (CGN), the Rhône and her fellow ferries over the past century have transferred vacationing patricians, everyday commuters, and even spies.

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Jardin anglais, 1204 Genève, Switzerland

Musée d'histoire des Sciences

Microscopes, telescopes, thermometers, oh my! This scientific studio is home to important instruments that aided in biological breakthroughs in Geneva and around the world. The museum also brings the past to the present through hosting scientific conferences and citizen debates.

Rue de Lausanne 128, 1202 Genève, Switzerland

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

Built on the site of a former fortification ring, Geneva’s Art and History museum houses more than 7,000 artifacts from around the globe. A competition was held in 1900 to decide who would design and construct the museum. After crowning architect Marc Camoletti the winner, the facade was decorated to reflect the contents inside: sculptures depicting painting and a plethora of other art forms.

Rue Charles-Galland 2, 1206 Genève, Switzerland

Phare des Pâquis

After hosting the Swiss National Exhibition in the late 1800s, the city of Geneva realized that their waterways weren’t properly lit for incoming sailors to see. As a result, the Phare des Paquis was constructed so seafarers would no longer confuse lighthouses with the city lights. Today, the lighthouse stands tall as an iconic symbol of the city.

1201 Geneva, Switzerland

Plateforme 10

Platforme 10 is home to three museums, one of the world’s leading photography museums, Photo Elysée; mudac – Musée cantonal de design et d’arts appliqués contemporains which is dedicated to design in French-speaking Switzerland; and Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts de Lausanne which features the works of both local and international artists from iconic Renaissance-era pieces to contemporary art.

Pl. de la Gare 16/17, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland

Royal Savoy Hotel

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

The Royal Savoy Hotel provides a luxurious experience with breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. Combining classic elegance with modern amenities, it features spacious rooms, gourmet dining, and a wellness center. Its central location offers convenient access to the city’s attractions, blending historical charm with contemporary style for a sophisticated stay.

Av. d'Ouchy 40, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Olympic Museum

With over 10,000 artifacts, Lausanne’s Olympic Museum holds the title of the largest archive of Olympic Games memorabilia in the world. Founded in 1993, the Olympic Museum won a medal of its own in a sense: it was awarded the European Museum of the Year in 1995. Around 250,000 visitors every year enjoy the Olympic Museum and the surrounding Olympic park, dotted with sculptures that celebrate the iconic 3,000-year history of the Olympic Games.

Quai d'Ouchy 1, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland

Golden Pass Railway

Although the Golden Pass Railway is one of the oldest in Switzerland, that doesn’t mean it has lost any of its charm. “Panoramic” rail cars are a key component to this dreamy pass, and provide a full view of your journey through the rolling hills throughout Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne.

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Rue de la Gare 22, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

Les Avants-Sonloup Funicular

Climbing an intense 54% incline in the Swiss Alps, this is no ordinary train ride. While passengers sit tight enjoying the pastoral views, a 19th century invention is hard at work making the journey as smooth as possible.

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1833 Montreux, Switzerland

Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

With Swiss tourism taking off in the mid 1800s, this hotel was built in a record 18 months! Transitioning between being a temporary hospital during both of the World Wars and a luxury retreat for the rich and famous, Le Montreux Palace has been the location of peace treaties and legendary parties.

Av. Claude-Nobs 2, 1820 Montreux, Switzerland

Montreux Glion Rochers-de-Naye Railway

Originally built as two separate lines, the the Montreux Glion Rochers-de-Naye Railway passes through flowery fields and steep hills. The railway from Montreux, which departs from platform 8 of the main line Montreux railway station, begins to climb steeply almost as soon as it leaves the station and enters the first of many tunnels. Fear of heights? Don’t fret- the views will make you forget all your worries!

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1820, Veytaux, Switzerland

Fribourg Funicular

This nostalgic mode of transportation has been running since 1899 with no exhaust fumes (it’s powered by wastewater!) Also known as “Funi,” this funicular is considered to be a technological marvel and remains a beloved landmark throughout Europe.

Fribourg-St-Pierre, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Auberge Aux 4 Vents

In need of a recharge? This charming hotel sits on the edge of a lush forest, and is home to a farm-to-table restaurant. Originally built as a private residence in the 17th century, the hotel currently boasts an ornate interior and relaxing atmosphere. Just take a look at the massive golden bathtub- you’ll never want to leave! Just make sure you don’t fall in or out the window.

Rte de Grandfey 124, 1763 Granges-Paccot, Switzerland

Zytglogge

Originally a defensive tower on the city’s first outer wall, the Zytglogge would ultimately would ultimately inspire a young Albert Einstein to begin working towards his theory of relativity Today, a city worker whose title translates to “Governor of Time” and his assistants maintain the tower’s magnificent movement every day.

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Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Zentrum Paul Klee

The Zentrum Paul Klee, located in Bern, Switzerland, is dedicated to the life and works of the Swiss painter Paul Klee. In 1997, Livia Klee-Meyer, the daughter-in-law of Paul Klee, generously donated nearly 690 artworks to the city and canton of Bern. The museum now houses about 40 percent of Paul Klee’s complete body of paintings.

Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Parkhotel Gunten

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Built in 1910, Parkhotel Gunten is a charming hotel with a rich history located in Gunten, just off the bright blue waters of Lake Thun. In addition to its picturesque setting and elegant ambiance, the hotel offers guests numerous amenities, such as a spa in a former boathouse and a sauna with panoramic windows. Parkhotel Gunten is a perfect spot for guests to relax, or for the more adventurous, easy access to mountain excursions.

Seestrasse 90, 3654 Gunten, Switzerland

Grandhotel Giessbach

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

While the first simple shelter originally located here dates back to 1822, the Hauser family took over the existing estate in 1870 at a price of $900,000 Francs. After a massive construction undertaking, the five-story building opened its doors in 1875, and a funicular railway was even added just a few years later. Periods of decline lead the hotel to where it is now: one of the most beautiful and renowned buildings in Swiss hospitality.

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Giessbach, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland

Hotel Pilatus-Kulm

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

How does a hotel rise to almost 7,000 feet and only have five floors? With a little geological help of course. Situated on top of a mountain once visited by a dragon (according to legend), this mountain top inn has also had its fair share of famous visitors – including a well-known British royal.

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Pilatus Kulm, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland

Hotel Restaurant Hammer

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

The Hammer hotel, rooted in a family tradition spanning over a century, began with the legendary tale of Anton Hammer in 1901. Saved during a treacherous mountain hike by a mysterious figure, Anton pledged to build a refuge for travelers in Eigenthal, a large valley within the Swiss Alps. Three generations later, the Hammer family continues this legacy, offering accommodation and hospitality to guests in the picturesque Eigenthal valley.

Würzenrain 11, 6013 Schwarzenberg, Switzerland

Pilatusbahn

In 1889, engineer Eduard Locher defied skepticism by opening the 4,618-meter-long railway from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm on Mount Pilatus in Switzerland. The railway boasts the world’s steepest cogwheel gradient at 48% which leads travelers up to an elevation of 2,703 meters (6,801 feet). Its innovative design, featuring two horizontally rotating cogwheels, was showcased at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris.

6010 Alpnach, Switzerland

Dragon Ride Ariel Cable Car

The Dragon Ride Ariel Cable Car, which takes riders up a vertical high of 647 meters (2,120 feet), is the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. It’s one of only two ways to reach the top of Mount Pilatus, but definitely the closest you’ll find to flying right in the ethereal Swiss Alps!

6010 Alpnach, Switzerland

Hotel Des Alpes Lucerne

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Before the Hotel Des Alpes Lucerne was converted to a hotel in the 19th century, it was a private home built circa 1553. Now, the hotel is a home (at least, a temporary one!) for guests from all over the world who come to experience the history and charm of Lucerne. Guests are greeted with stunning views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains, and are treated to an interior that blends history with modernity.

Rathausquai 5, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland

Lake Lucerne Cruises

The site of a tsunami in the early 1600s, the uniquely shaped Lake Lucerne is known for its variety of scenery with everything from medieval views to city lights and gorgeous mountain ranges. The lake itself was an integral part of the transalpine trade route in the mid 1800s, and with a ride on the Lucerne Ferry you can take in everything the lake has to over. Just keep your fingers crossed for calm waters.

Landungsbrücke 2, 6003 Luzern, Switzerland

Rigi Railways

Stepping off the Lake Lucerne boat into the port of Vitznau, one is immediately welcomed by the bright red train cars of the first cog railway in continental Europe. With laid track climbing all the way up to the summit of towering Mt. Rigi, the inventor behind this engineering feat took railroading to new heights.

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Rigistrasse 2, 6410 Goldau, Switzerland

Sorell Hotel Zürichberg

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

The Sorrell Hotel Zürichberg was originally established at the end of the 19th century by the Women’s Society for Temperance and Public Health, a group determined to counter rampant alcoholism affecting their community, as an alcohol-free spa & hotel.

Orellistrasse 21, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland

Museum Rietberg

The Rietberg Museum, located in Zurich, Switzerland, showcases art from Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. It stands as Switzerland’s premier museum dedicated to non-European art and design. The museum is home to 32,600 objects and 49,000 photographs in its collections, most of which are on public display!

Gablerstrasse 15, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland

Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

Museum für Gestaltung Zürich (The Museum of Design) in Zurich explores the history and contemporary significance of design through exhibitions and collections across areas such as graphic design, industrial design, and fashion. It serves as a platform for both Swiss and international design, with an emphasis on innovation and cultural relevance. The museum aims to educate and inspire visitors about the impact of design on society, highlighting its evolution and diverse applications.

Ausstellungsstrasse 60, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland

Kunsthaus Zürich

Distinguished by its collection of Swiss fine art, the Kunsthaus Zurich has evolved into the cultural institution it is today thanks to the continued collaboration & contributions of Zurich’s artistic community. Its origins began the same way as many creative endeavors have: when a group of friends decided to get together to talk about art.

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Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Hotel Widder

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

The Hotel Widder in Zurich is made up of nine connected medieval townhouses once home to gentry, merchants, and artisans. Transforming the old (like, really old!) townhouses into a luxury modern hotel was no small task, given its impressive 700 years of history. Luckily, Swiss architect Tilla Theus had a plan: she connected the houses with passageways and made design choices that complemented the historic stone walls and wooden beams.

Rennweg 7, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Fotomuseum Winterthur

The Fotomuseum Winterthur is a photography museum in Winterthur, Switzerland, dedicated to showcasing photography from both emerging and established photographers from all over the world. The museum’s collection includes 9,000 photographs, prints, copies, moving images and more!

Grüzenstrasse 44-45, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland

Museum Tinguely

Basel’s Museum Tinguely celebrates Swiss artist Jean Tinguely’s kinetic art, or art that involves movement. It houses a diverse collection of Tinguely’s whimsical and interactive sculptures, showing his unique approach to art through movement and sound. Designed by architect Mario Botta, the museum’s striking architecture complements Tinguely’s dynamic creations, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the world of kinetic art.

Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland

Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

Due to their grand nature, some hospitable places deserve the description of being “fit for a king.” But how about three kings? Known as one of the oldest hotels in Switzerland, the Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois has seen its fair share of legendary historical figures and even true royalty.

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Blumenrain 8, 4001 Basel, Switzerland

Kunstmuseum Basel

Easel-y one of the most precious gems of the city’s art space is the Kunstmuseum Basel. The Kunstmuseum has represented the city’s devotion to art since 1661. It is the oldest municipality-owned art gallery in the world, meaning it was the very first art gallery open to the public! The museum’s collection of classical art colors the Kunstmuseum as one of the finest collections anywhere in the world.

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St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

Hoosesagg Museum

Tucked in a narrow pedestrian alley in Basel, Switzerland sits the Hoosesagg Museum (The Pants Pocket Museum), the smallest museum in the city. The location didn’t start as a museum; it was more of a solution to entertain the wandering eyes of passersby and tourists on walking tours outside the window of Dagmar and Matthias Vergeat’s home! It’s called the Pants Pocket Museum because most of the collection’s items could fit in a pocket.

Imbergässlein 31, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

Fondation Beyeler

The Fondation Beyeler, located near Basel, Switzerland, is renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Founded by art collectors Ernst and Hildy Beyeler, the museum showcases works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Andy Warhol, among others. The museum is located in the middle of Berower Park, where visitors can find sculptures that sit among the beautiful, natural backdrop of the foothills of the Black Forest.

Baselstrasse 101, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland

Hotel Restaurant Bellevue des Alpes

Constructed in the mid 1800s, this charming hotel has some of the best views of the Kleine Scheidegg pass. A family run hotel (currently five generations in!), this alpine escape has been featured in a variety of films, from “The Eiger Sanction” to “North Face.” With its pretty facade and picturesque location, it’s no wonder why this hotel made it into some iconic films.

Kleine Scheidegg, 3823 Wengen, Switzerland

Wengernalp Railway

High in the Bernese Alps, the Wengernalp Railway winds its way through the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass at 2,061 meters above sea level. As the longest cog railway in the world it transports passengers through nine villages – one of its most traveled stops is to Wengen, a village without cars.

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Bahnhofstrasse, 3823 Wengen BE, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen-Murren Mountain Railway

Winding through the Bernese Oberland area of Switzerland, the Lauterbrunnen-Murren Mountain Railway – a hybrid cable car and rail line – provides rail service to Murren, a resort village situated above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. With limited road access to the village, the Railway offers a safe – and scenic – mode of transportation for passengers and goods.

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3825 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Jungfraujoch Cogwheel Train

Riding through the Swiss Alps along the Kleind Scheidegg Pass, you are bound to see not just beautiful mountains and green pastures, but also some black and white four legged friends as well! The highest railway in Europe, Jungfrau Railway has five operational stations to allow for anyone to experience the height- and the cows.

3801 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Hotel Belvédère

Built in 1882, the Hotel Belvédère is cradled by a hair-pin turn in the Furka Pass, a road that winds in dramatic loops through Switzerland’s Alps. In its heyday, guest rooms overlooked icy stretches of the Rhône Glacier and a grotto carved into the blue-tinged ice. Although you can’t book a room here anymore, seeing the facade in person is still worth the trip!

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3999 Oberwald Switzerland

Cardada Cimetta

Home to the only chairlift in Switzerland with a side seat for unobstructed views, Cardada Cimetta will get you a look at some of the highest and lowest points in the country! Cardada’s slogan is “The Place to Be,” which is something that we can 100% support! Just don’t look down 😉

6647 Mergoscia, Switzerland

Locarno–Madonna del Sasso Funicular

In this part of the Switzerland, a town center may look like the nearby Italian villages on Lake Como, but one element is unequivocally Swiss–a perfectly engineered funicular rising above the coastal mountainside. This royal blue car was the dream of man who brought his immense fortunes back to Locarno.

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Via alla Ramogna 2, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland

Swiss Federal Railways

Noted as the largest railway in Switzerland, Swiss Federal Railways is the national railway company of Switzerland. This amazing train service handles most of the domestic and international locomotive commutes. We were frequent users of Swiss Federal Railways, and were blown away by the views offered on these magnificent trains.

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6600 Locarno, Switzerland

Madonna del Sasso

One of the most famous places of pilgrimage in Switzerland, this shrine’s origin dates back to the mid 1400s when the Virgin Mary appeared to a Franciscan Friar. After the sighting of Mary, the Friar then decided to build a place of worship on the “rock” of Locarno.

Via Santuario 2, 6644 Orselina, Switzerland

Teatro Sociale

Neoclassical motifs decorate this Italian theater, reminding us that the border of Switzerland and Italy is somewhat blurred. Closer in proximity to Milan than Zurich, this simple and symmetrical facade is the doorway to the only existing 19th century theater in the Swiss confederation.

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Piazza Governo 11, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland

Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

Today, the Splendide Royal is recognized as Lugano’s leading five-star luxury hotel and is part of the prestigious brand “Leading Hotels of the World.” The hotel is housed in Villa Merlina, an elegant Baroque villa near Lake Lugano built around 1870. It’s appropriately named: this hotel certainly is splendide — spledide enough that it has hosted numerous notable guests such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, and President George H. W. Bush.

Riva Antonio Caccia 7, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

MASI Lugano

Founded in 2015, MASI Lugano is an art museum that prides itself on its collection of over 14,000 pieces from the late 15th century to today. The museum celebrates local artists as well as international artists, all of whom have some connection to the local area!

Via Canova 10, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Ristorante Vetta

Delicious food with a view? What more can you ask for? Located on the peak of Monte Bre, this gorgeous restaurant allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in nature. Whether you’re recovering from a hike or mountain bike trek, or merely just took the funicular to the top, this is the perfect place for some peace and quiet (and a nosh).

Via alla Vetta, 6979 Brè Paese, Switzerland

Monte Bré Funicular

Located on the “Sunniest Mountain in Switzerland” this 100+ year old funicular can get you to the summit of Monte Bré in just over 10 minutes! Originally built to allow for Lugano residents to get a break from the heat in the summer without straying too far from their homes, the funicular offers a quick and enjoyable ride with breathtaking views!

Via Pico 8, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland

Lake Lugano Navigation Company

On the border between northern Italy and Switzerland, Lake Lugano winds its way around dramatic mountains and picturesque towns. Navigating these glacial waters for more than a century, the Societe Navigazione del Lago di Lugano or ‘Lake Lugano Navigation Company’ (SNL) offers visitors one of the best ways to explore this stunning landscape.

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6900 Lugano, Switzerland

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A Camping Guide to Texas

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Switzerland

The Seventh Continent

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An Off-centered Vermont Road Trip

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AWA, Vol. 2 (2024)

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Postcards

Puzzle

Exploring the Land of Milk & Honey

2024 Adventure

Day 1

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2024 Adventure

Typically Swiss Hotels & Lodgings

2024 Adventure

Luxury Hotels & Lodgings

2023 Adventure

The French Speaking Region

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The Italian Speaking Region

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The German Speaking Region

Beau-Rivage Geneva

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

The Woodward

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

MAMCO Genève

Art&Tram

Patek Phillippe Museum

Musée d'histoire des Sciences

Musée d'Art et d'Histoire

Phare des Pâquis

Plateforme 10

Royal Savoy Hotel

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

Olympic Museum

Hotel Fairmont Le Montreux Palace

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

Fribourg Funicular

Auberge Aux 4 Vents

Zentrum Paul Klee

Parkhotel Gunten

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Hotel Restaurant Hammer

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Pilatusbahn

Dragon Ride Ariel Cable Car

Hotel Des Alpes Lucerne

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Lake Lucerne Cruises

Sorell Hotel Zürichberg

Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings

Museum Rietberg

Museum für Gestaltung Zürich

Hotel Widder

Luxury Hotels and Lodgings

Fotomuseum Winterthur

Museum Tinguely

Hoosesagg Museum

Fondation Beyeler

Hotel Restaurant Bellevue des Alpes

Jungfraujoch Cogwheel Train