Switzerland is renowned for its storybook scenery, and our Europe specialist, Arran, got to sample them for herself on a rail-focused research trip. Incredible train journeys took her through valleys and over mountains, with stops to feast on hearty Swiss cuisine along the way. Eager to know Arran’s top tips for getting around the country? Read on for her rundown... When was your trip? Where did you visit?
28th November 2023 - Switzerland
Home to the United Nations and the Red Cross, Geneva means business and that’s no less true when it comes to playing host to a weekend away. Aside from its identity as a global hub for politics and finance, the Swiss city has a Bohemian underbelly that’s every day tripper's dream. From walks along the banks of the lake, with a dreamy backdrop of the French Alps, to dipping into boutique galleries and sipping piping hot chocolate on cafe terraces, there are plenty of ways to spend 24 hours in Geneva.
25th May 2023 - Switzerland 24 Hours In
The focal point of the huge Four Valleys ski area in Switzerland, Verbier might just be the perfect all-round Alpine ski resort. Sure, St Anton wins - just - in the après-ski stakes, Zermatt might be (even) prettier and Chamonix has the ultimate gnarly off-piste action, but Verbier delivers for anyone wanting extreme skiing plus extremely hard partying and extremely comfortable accommodation in beautiful surroundings.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Travel Inspiration
A view I'll never forget... Not quite what I imagined! After a short stay in Verbier last January, I decided to go to the tents that are pitched in the snow near to Villars and see what all the hype was about. Wow was I in for an incredible experience. On arrival after a 15 minute drive of ""are we going the right way?"", I arrived at a dead end and found a man on a snowmobile ready and waiting to take my suitcase out of the car and hand me the most important rucksack I will probably ever be given!
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Hotels
As first research trips go... Want to bet? In the summer of 1864 Johannes Badrutt, owner of the Kulm in St Moritz, Switzerland, grew disappointed his hotel was full only for the spring and summer months. He decided to challenge five of his guests to a bet. The guests were well connected English gentlemen whom Badrutt promised free lodging if, after a winter's stay they did not want to return for next year's snowfall.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Travel Inspiration
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Dating back to 1879, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is one of the grandest of the grand dame hotels in Zermatt, offering 19th century elegance combined with 21st century amenities and polished service. There are 78 guestrooms and suites in total, ranging from the intimate Grand-lit and Standard rooms, which feature wood panelling, and either Double, Queen or Twin beds, to the spacious and luxurious Suites, which have separate living and sleeping areas with space for a sofa bed, and some with views of the Matterhorn.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Hotels
Badrutt's Palace Hotel In the heart of St Moritz - famously the luxiest of luxury ski resorts - is Badrutt's Palace Hotel, where the most glittering echelons of high society have been gracing the halls since the hotel first opened as the Palace Hotel in 1896. Alfred Hitchcock was said to have his best brain waves in the hotel, and Greta Garbo came here to be left alone. Calling the quirky family run Badrutt's Palace, which has 120 rooms and 37 suites, 'luxury' would be dramatically understating its charm, elegance and attention to detail.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Hotels
What exactly is the Cresta Run? An adrenaline-charged 80mph thrill, with your face just inches above the ice, explains OT founder and ski fanatic Nick. For a once in a lifetime holiday experience, head to Switzerland for the adventure to beat all adventures... 1. British Olympic Gold 2. How Cresta originated... 3. 80mph, face just inches above the ice... 4. Off we go 5. Again, please! 6. Riding with Olympic athletes 1 British Olympic Gold Last year, Amy Williams brought the little known sport of Skeleton to our screens as she slid at breakneck speed to Winter Olympics Gold in Vancouver.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Adventure
I've done Switzerland's Engadin Ski Marathon for the last three years, and although I'm certainly not the future of British Nordic skiing, these are my tips if you're thinking of doing it... Logistical advice Enter the event - that way there's less of an excuse not to do it! If you're first timers, you might be encouraged to enter Classic style - but ignore this advice! Classic is slow, a groin breaker and a blister breeding ground.
28th June 2021 - Switzerland Adventure
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