Switzerland

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!

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 😉

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.

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.

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.

Comfortably buckled into their plush tan seat, passengers aboard this aircraft can technically claim to be at the highest point in Switzerland–only a few minutes after leaving Geneva airport. Climbing high above the country’s famous mountaintops and valleys, Swiss Airlines can lift passengers where no funicular can.

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.

Dating back to the 10th century, Chillon Castle is one of the most visited castles in Europe. Its strategic position allows for easy passage to both Germany and France, and it is the only medieval castle in Europe that has never been captured in a seize! It has also been the source of inspiration for a variety of artists, even inspiring the castle in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A car-free village, Mürren lies high above Lauterbrunnen valley. Taking cues from its name, the Sportchalet Mürren hotel is a prime place to stay if you’re into winter sports and hiking. Located a mere 1,000 feet from the ski area, it is every avid skier’s dream!

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.

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 😉

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.

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).

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!

Looking for a little thrill? Look no further than the Carona Tunnel: a narrow passageway entering the ancient village of Carona. Winding up the roads from Lugano, this yellow postbus barely squeezes its way through the rocky tunnel. Nervous about the tight journey? The busses have been making this trek for many many years without issue, and even still, Carona wouldn’t be the worst place to get stuck!