If you had Switzerland pegged as a place to eat chocolate, yodel in Leiderhosen and buy expensive watches, think again. While you can certainly do these activities – of the three, eating chocolate is especially recommended – there are also internationally-acclaimed music festivals, enough spa hotels to challenge Dubai’s spa industry, and, most importantly when you are booking a family holiday, a selection of activities and adrenaline-junkie pursuits that will have siblings squabbling over the itinerary.
Switzerland’s landscape offers up 4,478m of Toblerone-shaped Matterhorn, no less than 21 lakes, more than 3,000 quare kilometres of glaciers, and more than 500 million trees – meaning, practically any activity is possible. Even more convenient is the fact that many of these diverse environments are found in close proximity to each other. So, no need for packing up shop and travelling between activity sites – choose your adventures, pick a location that supports them, and your holiday is arranged.
Les Diablerets
High up in the Bernese Alps, 1,200m above sea level and close to Lake Geneva, lies the pretty little village of Les Diablerets.
Don’t be fooled by its size, this sleepy looking town is a living, breathing adventure hub. Although it offers excitement to thrill-seeking tourists all year round, in the winter season, tourism in Les Diablerets explodes and the population swells from 1,300 to 8,000. Les Diablerets is home to the ParAdventure Centre, which offers a wide range of activities and three ski regions totalling more than 125km of pistes. If there isn’t enough adventure in the village itself, hop on the cable car up to Glacier 3,000 at the top of the mountain range, where there are even more activity options, restaurants and stunning views of the Toblerone-famous Matterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau and Mont Blanc. Visit www. swissaventure.ch and www. glacier3000.ch.
Canyoning
Book yourself a spot on a canyoning excursion, which will see you attached to ropes and scaling down waterfalls, abseiling down rock-faces and more.
Arapaho
This strange scooter with mountain bike wheels is the perfect contraption to cruise down the mountain on, over grass, rocks, mud and pretty much any other terrain in between. Great fun and the perfect activity for a family with older children to do together. Opt for either a 7km route or the 20km route, available all year round.
Paragliding
Available all year round, and from either 1,800m or 3,000m, paragliding is the perfect way to take in the unbeatable view of the Swiss Alps.
Alpine coaster
The rollercoaster at Glacier 3,000 is the highest in the world and involves a kilometre of twists, turns and waves before bringing you back up to the start. Open from May to September.
Skiing and snowboarding
Although there is a 7km long run which is maintained year round with man-made snow, winter is obviously the best time of the year for snow sports enthusiasts, as there is approximately 125km of slope to race down. For tricksters, the Snow Park at Glacier 3,000 has routes of half-pipes and jumps to go crazy on. Ski season starts in November and lasts through to May, while the 3.5km cross-country ski trail is open from July to December.
Hiking
During the summer, the plains at the top of the mountain make for idyllic hikes and nature trails, with the views as a permanent backdrop. During the winter, an hour-long hiking trail with snow shoes and poles allows those who aren’t so keen on blazing down a ski run to get out and enjoy the snow.
Dog-sledding
Live out your Arctic fantasies with a 4km dog-sled ride across the plateau at Glacier 3,000, in a sled being pulled by up to 12 huskies.
Fixed rope route
For the serious adventure types, rock climbing routes allow you to stretch your legs and get close to the mountain.
Snow bus
For younger children, Glacier 3,000’s purpose-built snow bus, with its tank-like revolving treads, makes for a fun excursion across the ice. The snow bus is available all day, every day during the summer, but only on request during the winter.
Where to stay
Chalet Les Nives
Self-catering chalets are a popular option for families, as you can spread out, feed yourselves and feel at home. Chalet Les Nives has a fireplace, garden, sleeps up to eight people in four bedrooms and is a stone’s throw from the village and the slopes. Prices start at 1,400 Swiss francs (Dh5,150) per week, visit www.lesnives.co.uk.
Grand Hotel du Lac, Vevey
This gorgeous, ornately-decorated family-owned hotel looks directly on to Lake Geneva and is within walking distance of everything you might need in Vevey. Take a stroll along the promenade, and discover a statue of Charlie Chaplin, children’s playgrounds, statues of mermaids, an antiquated merry-go-round complete with gold-licked horses, park benches and much more.
Opt for a lake-facing room with a balcony where you can enjoy an aperitif or a pre-breakfast coffee and enjoy the tranquil view. Their casual dining restaurant Le
Veranda serves up some of the tastiest food in the area, while the ornate Les Saisons caters to fine dining appetites. Don’t miss their cosy spa, offering a gym, Turkish bath, sauna and luxurious treatments. It is approximately a one hour car journey, or 90-minute scenic journey on the panoramic train, from Vevey to Les Diablerets. Prices start at 335 Swiss francs (Dh1,250) for a single room in low season. Visit www.hoteldulac-vevey.ch.
Where to eat
If you are missing out on Middle Eastern fare, the Oriental Palace in Montreux is beautifully decked out in Iranian and Syrian-style tiles and architecture. The food is exquisite and the atmosphere colourful – well worth a visit one evening. Visit www.palaisoriental.ch.
Other things to do
Get a photo with Freddie Mercury: The Queen star used to live in Montreux, so there is a huge statue on the waterfront in his memory.
Catch a festival: No matter what time of year you visit, there is bound to be something going on nearby. Particularly popular events include the internationally-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in July, the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in January and the December Christmas markets.
Wander the vineyards: The Lavaux vineyards spanning from Vevey to Montreux are Unesco World Heritage Sites and make you feel like you have fallen backwards through time. Take your camera for a walk through the vineyards, stopping at the old, preserved villages along the way and perhaps even stopping for a wine-tasting session.
For details on these and other things to do in the Montreux, Vevey, Lavaux area, visit montreuxriviera.com.
Where to stay
Chalet Bertha
A one-bedroom, self-catering apartment in a traditional wooden chalet directly on the lake. The apartment sleeps four people in cosy surroundings, with great views and quick access to town. Dh320 per night. Visit www.iha.ie.
Metropole Hotel, Interlaken
The hotel is conveniently located about a ten-minute gentle stroll from the train station and is bang in the centre of town, right opposite the park. In the hotel complex there is a gift shop, a bank and other useful facilities. The Top’O’Met casual dining restaurant offers panoramic views of the mountains and the lakes, while The Bellini is for more formal dining. When you are not engaged in dramatic action and adventures, chill out in the hotel’s indoor pool – complete with the standard fabulous views – or in the sauna. Prices start at 74 Swiss francs (Dh272) for a single room. Visit www.metropole-interlaken.ch.
Where to eat
Benacus
Tucked away in the old part of town, this celebrity-owned restaurant is well-known among the Swiss as it has been featured on a foodie TV programme called The Funky Kitchen Club. Although the staff can be a little austere, the food is sensational – a curious blend of traditional Swiss flavours with contemporary preparation and presentation. Book in advance and reserve the kitchen table, where you can watch the chefs in action among shelves of pastas, sauces, wines and recipe books, which makes you feel as if you are at a friend’s house for supper. This restaurant is well worth a visit. Visit www.benacus.ch.
Other things to do
Sweeten up at a chocolate show: Book a spot on the daily chocolate show at the Grand Restaurant Schuh, over the road from the Metropole Hotel, and try your hand at spinning chocolate shapes, and dipping and decorating your own truffles. Participants are also invited to gorge on freshly-made chocolates stuffed with unique fillings, such as ginger and chilli. Visit www.schuh-interlaken.ch.
Book a lap in a horse and trap: As if left over from an old painting, Interlaken is still serviced by horse-drawn carriages. Although you may turn your nose up at this very touristy thing to do, facing a long walk back to your hotel after a heavy meal of fondue, you may just change your mind.
Halal BBQ Cruise: From mid-way through June until the end of July, book your family on an evening cruise around Lake Brienz and feast on traditional Arabic delights. Visit www.interlaken.ch.
