SWITZERLAND beyond the obvious | 10 beautiful places to visit!

The usual suggestions for travel within Switzerland often concentrate on highly recognized and frequently visited tourist spots. However, a deliberate shift in focus highlights destinations that are significantly less trivial and obvious, yet possess beauty equal to or surpassing the well-known attractions. Switzerland contains an abundance of hidden locations, suggesting that even extensive travel may not reveal everything the country offers. The speakers are currently situated near Lake Lucerne (Fjälls-See), specifically in the less-known village of Burgs, approximately 20 kilometers from Angleberg, during mid-March when temperatures hover around 7 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a cool breeze despite pleasant sunshine.

Before detailing the ten suggested locations outside the ordinary tourist circuit, it is important to note that dedicated video content exists for every spot mentioned. This allows for commentary based on actual experience, confirming that these sites are genuinely worthwhile visits. The selection process prioritizes unique experiences that showcase the diverse landscape and culture of the nation, encouraging deeper exploration beyond the primary routes.

The first recommendation is Ballenberg, recognized as the most authentic open-air museum in Switzerland. Many visitors frequent the Interlaken region and surrounding villages but often miss the opportunity to grasp the genuine rural experience of the Swiss interior. Ballenberg rectifies this by featuring over 100 typical houses from historical Switzerland, illustrating past living conditions. The project involved relocating and reassembling historical structures destined for demolition across the country onto the museum grounds, a process requiring fantastic effort and precision.

The site is thoughtfully organized geographically, mirroring the linguistic regions of Switzerland, including sections for Italian, French, and German Swiss architecture, complete with historical farmsteads and even an 1800s pharmacy. This location proves especially valuable for younger visitors, as numerous activities and craft demonstrations are available. For instance, during a previous visit, artisans were observed baking bread in a traditional wood-fired oven, offering samples to guests. The presence of various farm animals, such as cows and chickens roaming freely, enhances the immersive rural atmosphere.

Stoos is presented as a mountain village renowned for hosting the steepest cogwheel train globally, boasting an inclination of 110%. This destination offers diverse activities suitable for both the summer and winter seasons. During the warmer months, visitors can engage in numerous hiking trails, including the ascent to Fronalpstock, which rewards travelers with incredible vistas overlooking Lake Lucerne and the Alps. The village itself maintains a quaint, charming atmosphere, and importantly, it is entirely car-free, relying on pedestrian traffic and bicycles.

In winter, the area transforms into a hub for snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skiing, with some trails remaining accessible. A significant benefit for many travelers is that the initial segment of the journey, utilizing the steepest train up to the village, is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Travelers possessing this pass avoid payment for this first leg. However, proceeding beyond the village via the second part of the ascent requires purchasing an additional ticket.

The Swiss Travel Pass includes this first part of the journey on the steepest train.

The third suggestion is Giessbach, characterized as a hidden waterfall accompanied by a fairy-tale hotel, often missed by those touring Lake Brienz. The waterfall experience is immersive, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to walk directly behind the cascade to feel the sheer force of the water and even touch it. The recommended approach involves parking in the small village of Iseltwald and undertaking a relatively tranquil, approximately 2.5-kilometer trail to reach the falls.

Alternatively, travelers can opt for a boat tour departing from Interlaken, stopping at various villages, ensuring Giessbach is included on the itinerary. Upon reaching Giessbach, a funicular transports visitors up to the notable hotel mentioned. From the terrace of this grand hotel, considered one of Switzerland's oldest and most charming establishments, magnificent views of Lake Brienz are available, making the ascent highly worthwhile.

The fourth suggestion is the city of Thun, described as a medieval town possessing a distinctly modern flair, making it a highly recommended visit. Many individuals frequent the Interlaken area but neglect Thun, despite its medieval character, impressive castle, and charming historical center. Travelers sometimes pass through Thun en route to Interlaken without stopping, mistakenly perceiving it as an unremarkable town, which is contrary to its actual appeal.

The castle is a significant attraction open for visitation, offering fantastic elevated views over the small city and Lake Thun from its upper levels. This lake is geographically close to Lake Brienz, mentioned previously in connection with the Giessbach suggestion. Exploring the historic village allows visitors to admire the ancient buildings. Furthermore, opportunities exist to swim in the river nearby, although simply wandering through the charming central area is often enough to appreciate the city's inherent appeal.

The fifth location suggested is Swiss Miniatur, an attraction that allows visitors to see nearly the entire country condensed into a few hours. This site features over 120 miniature replicas of prominent Swiss tourist points, encompassing churches, castles, and mountains. Adding to the detail, there are more than 3 kilometers of model train tracks running through the exhibit. This attraction is situated in the Ticino region, known as one of the sunniest parts of Switzerland, making it a pleasant destination.

While Lugano is arguably the most visited city in Ticino, the region harbors more secluded wonders like the Verzasca Valley, often termed the Emerald Valley. This valley is a beautiful, less famous tourist point. A key feature here is the medieval stone bridge known as the Ponte dei Salti, a popular spot for photography and jumping into the water below, although the water temperature is noted as extremely cold.

The bungee jump at the dam costs 270 francs, which translates to roughly one franc per meter of the 270-meter jump.

Moving past the commonly known lakes like Thun and Brienz, the seventh suggestion focuses on Caumasee, often dubbed the Caribbean of Switzerland. This stunning lake is situated in the Flims area, which is generally recognized for its winter sports appeal. However, during the summer, Caumasee offers the possibility of swimming, a notable advantage over many other Swiss lakes. The water possesses a beautiful azure turquoise hue, inviting visitors to take a dip.

The lake is an excellent location for family outings and picnics. Unique amenities include a play structure situated in the middle of the water, allowing children to swim out to it. Beyond swimming, activities such as stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and a trail circles the entire perimeter of the lake. Furthermore, a nearby viewpoint provides spectacular vistas overlooking the Rhine Gorge, locally referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

The eighth option outside the ordinary is the Stanserhorn mountain, another destination fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass for the initial segment of the journey. Reaching the summit involves a fascinating blend of old and new transportation technology. The first stage utilizes a very old funicular, inaugurated back in 1893. The second stage employs a fully convertible, completely open-air cable car, known as the Cabrio, which is celebrated as the first of its kind globally.

Upon arrival at the peak, visitors are treated to views spanning over 100 kilometers of the Alps, with visibility extending to ten different lakes. This combination of historic infrastructure and cutting-edge Swiss engineering in the Cabrio system makes the contrast of the ascent particularly appealing. The entire experience showcases technological innovation alongside natural grandeur, justifying the visit for engineering enthusiasts and sightseers alike.

The ninth suggestion is the St. Beatus Caves, a complex situated near Interlaken, leaning closer to Thun. Many tourists explore Interlaken and Brienz without realizing the existence of this extensive cave system nearby. The cavern network is vast, though visitation is limited to a marked, secure path designed for visitor safety and ease of navigation. Due to the environment, the interior remains consistently cold and highly humid, necessitating warm clothing for comfort.

Within the caves, visitors learn the history of St. Beatus, who was an ascetic monk residing in the area. Legend credits him with expelling a dragon from the region, leading to his recognition as a local hero and saint. Exiting the caves provides immediate access to spectacular views across Lake Thun. Additionally, the surrounding area offers various trails leading to nearby waterfalls, making the excursion a distinctly different type of exploration.

The final, tenth suggestion is Lake Blausee, which might seem obvious to some but is considered less so by the presenters, as many visitors to the Interlaken area overlook it. This location is a private area, meaning an entrance fee is required for access. The lake is lauded for possessing exceptionally crystalline, blue waters, arguably the bluest lake the speakers have ever encountered. It is highly recommended as a place to visit when planning travel within Switzerland.

Several activities are available at this surreal location. Visitors can walk the trail encircling the lake, which is perfect for photography due to the intense turquoise color of the water. Boat tours featuring glass bottoms allow for underwater viewing. The site also incorporates a trout and salmon farm, a restaurant, and additional hiking paths. This spot is consistently favored by the speakers and is considered a must-see destination, especially suitable for bringing children.

This place is surreal. It is very beautiful. Great for taking children too.