Embark on an almost complete tour of Switzerland. Departing from Geneva, your journey leads north through spa towns, alongside lakes and vineyards, to cosmopolitan Zürich. The route then continues through Graubünden and epic Alpine landscapes before descending towards Ticino on the Italian border. Taking in mountains, glaciers and traditional hamlets, the adventure ends in the magnificent Valais region.
Hotel and restaurant in town. Discovering the beautiful sights of Geneva starts at the Hôtel de la Cigogne, a haven of peace and tranquility in the heart of Geneva’s business centre, only a few steps from the old city, the lake and the cultural district. On place Longemalle, the gilded swan overlooking the door sets the tone of a hotel in which all rooms are different and have been entirely redesigned in a young and dynamic spirit. In culinary terms, you can take a delicious break right in the city centre and sample gourmet treats, now also on the terrace.
... Learn moreless
Since 1994, when MAMCO (Musée d’art moderne et contemporain) was opened, the Les Bains quarter has gradually transformed into an incredible laboratory of contemporary art. Take a stroll past the windows of the many galleries which have opened in this now-trendy area. Three times a year, the Les Bains...
Read Moreless
On the route
Lake Geneva
Leave the motorway on the right and take the road which runs along the lake from Montreux to Geneva. The beauty of Lake Geneva is enhanced by the Alps, and this view is unique in the world.
The vineyards of Lavaux
This landscape is at once splendid and unexpected. Between Montreux and Lausanne, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux slope towards Lake Geneva, endowing the landscape with unique light and shading. After Vevey, take the vineyard road towards Chexbres. Stop off in this charming little village to visit the...
Hotel and restaurant in town. Located in a historic mansion built in 1862, the hotel Beau-Rivage is a haven of peace on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. An ideal starting point to discover the cultural riches of the millenial city and the enchanting scenery around Neuchâtel, the cradle of Swiss watchmaker know-how. Cuisine based on local produce can be savoured at the restaurant “O’Terroirs”, with a panorama view of the lake and the Alps. And do not miss our traditional absinthes. You are very close to the picturesque city of Neuchâtel, whose beautiful yellow sandstone buildings made Alexandre Dumas write that the “city was like a town carved in butter”.
... Learn moreless
In the Swiss capital of Art Nouveau, it has to be said La Chaux-de-Fonds hides its treasures out of sight. But curious travelers know to push open the doors to discover superb stairwells, colored stained glass windows, tiles and other curved ironwork made at the beginning of the last century. The tourist...
Read Moreless
Absinthe in Val-de-Travers
A dozen artisans in this small region continue to distil this famous plant, which is both bitter and highly scented. Banned from sale for almost a century (permission to distil it again was not granted until 2005), this drink has become an attraction once more. Tours including tastings are available,...
Hotel and restaurant on a lake. It is in the relaxing atmosphere of Switzerland’s Zurich where you will find Alex Lake Zürich, a splendid boutique hotel bordered by the calm waters of the lake and majestically overlooked by the Alps. In osmosis with its beautiful natural surroundings, this exceptional hotel offers 43 contemporary studios and suites harmoniously decorated and furnished with natural materials. Fitted with either terraces, balconies or French balconies, all are perfect for taking in the pure air and surrendering to the magnificent views over the verdant shores. With direct access to Lake Zürich, the private marina is ideal for a wide range of water sports. A haven of peace and relaxation, Alex Lake Zürich is the ideal place to enjoy a restorative stay that benefits the whole family. Last but not least, it is an exceptional address for the finest epicureans. Refined and simple, its restaurant Alex offers a creative and aromatic cuisine blending influences from across the world with hints of urbanity. Equally exquisite is the gourmet restaurant AQUA, which stands out for its discreet and exclusive character; it is indeed the ideal setting to enjoy an intimate dinner.
... Learn moreless
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Krone Regensberg is an impressive house, rich in history yet perfectly contemporary. In the village of Regensberg, it stands like a natural fortress perched on the sloping vineyards of the Jura Mountains. Solid wood floors and dry stone walls structure the spaces. In the nine suites, handcrafted materials, along with the pieces from the furniture collection, produce a comfortable and modern decor. The attention given by Pascal Gloser, the Maître de Maison, adds to Krone’s charm and intimacy. At the restaurant, the sophisticated menu is nourished by influences from around the world and made all the more delicious by the stunning views over the Swiss Alps.
... Learn moreless
From the medieval Schipfe district to the banks of the river, Zurich promises a cosmopolitan culture-rich city where life is good. Art lovers will appreciate the collection of modern art at the famed Kunsthaus Zürich. And fans of electronic music will be in heaven at the Street Parade, the world’s biggest...
Read Moreless
The Emma Kunz Grotto – or the art of recharging your batteries
The Emma Kunz Grotto sits in the Ancient Roman quarries of Würenlos and is where culture meets wellness. This is where artist and well-known healer Emma Kunz (1892-1963) discovered the healing stone AION A. Reputed to help heal all sorts of inflammation, people make pilgrimages to the rock to find calm...
Read Moreless
On the route
Swiss Museum of Transport
Opened in 1959, this surprising museum is devoted to transport in all its forms. Help yourself to a scooter to move around the various buildings, where you will discover the history of rail, road, air and sea transport in a fun and interactive way. A journey which takes in over 3000 objects, and about...
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. Schlosshotel Chastè is brimming with character and set in particularly peaceful surroundings, at the foot of Tarasp Castle in the Engadin, a region renowned for its national parks and stunning mountain landscapes. This former farm turned into a modern and comfortable inn, managed by Daniela, Rudolf and Gian-Andrea Pazeller, embodies all that is gentle about Switzerland: the warmly welcoming living and guest rooms are panelled in Alpine pine in traditional fashion. The spa offers a variety of regenerating saunas. Its inventive cuisine is served with superb wines from the cellar in bright, friendly dining rooms.
... Learn moreless
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. Chasa Montana, in the heart of the village of Samnaun, has all the attractions of a beautiful mountain chalet. It boasts a wealth of delightful places to simply linger: under the shady parasols on the terrace, in the seclusion of a private balcony or in the superb spa overlooking the mountains. The hotel’s restaurants offer a variety of fare, from gourmet cuisine at La Miranda to delicious cheese raclette and fondue at La Grotta, which can be paired with any of the 1,000-plus vintages from around the world featured on the wine list. Maître de maison Daniel Eisner and the hotel’s sommeliers will be delighted to give you a private guided tour of the exceptional wine cellar where you can discover more than 20,000 bottles.
... Learn moreless
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, for more than 100 years, this little red train has been winding through the heart of a sublime setting where tunnels, bridges and suspended viaducts follow one another. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the railway showcases...
Read Moreless
Walk in the heart of the Swiss Tectonic Hotspot Sardona
No less than seven peaks over 9,800 feet – 3,000 metres – in altitude are listed here as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These spectacular natural wonders fascinate geologists, mountaineers and hikers alike – not least in the way old rock defies gravity to overlap younger ones – proof of plate tectonics....
Hotel and restaurant in town. Ticino, Switzerland, is blessed with a balmy climate, stunning scenery and the infinite pleasures of “la dolce vita”. It is a land of lakes and mountains, fabulous food, fine wines and endless leisure pursuits. The elegant Villa Principe Leopoldo is situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, with stunning views over Lake Lugano Bay and the mountains. The villa is characterised by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style, accommodating spacious rooms and suites. The gourmet temple Restaurant Principe Leopoldo offers a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting tradition and territory.
... Learn moreless
This property is annually closed. Reopening on 3/30/23
Hotel and restaurant on a lake. Castello del Sole, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is one of the largest hotel estates in Ticino. It is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of an expansive park and a bird reserve. The authentic architecture of a southern manor house, refined details like the seating in the park, the private beach on Lake Maggiore and the delightful inner courtyards all contribute to a sense of well-being. The two suite pavilions with the luxurious junior suites and suites are the stuff of which dreams are made. In the restaurant Locanda Barbarossa, the chef delights guests with his Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Total relaxation is guaranteed in the exclusive spa of 2 500 m².
... Learn moreless
Opt for route 560 which runs alongside the pretty Melezza river to reach the Simplon Pass from Locarno. You will go through the villages of Bernardo, Intragna and Malesco… in Italy, before returning to the Valais. Superb!
On the route
Simplon Pass
At an altitude of 2005 metres, the Simplon Pass is a biker’s dream. The location is splendid and the road is very fast. On 1 May every year, the pass is the setting for a blessing of motorcyclists. Several thousand bikers come together in a very festive atmosphere. And the priest is a biker too!
52 - lugano - Moosalp restaurant, Törbel
Set at a height of 2048 metres, this mountain restaurant is one of the favourite meeting places for Harley Davidson fans. This might be because there is a table dedicated to the famous American motorcycle brand. In the kitchen, the owner, Amadé, prepares incredible "biker steaks", rösti and macaroni...
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. With the Matterhorn towering overhead, there is no doubt that Chalet Hotel Schönegg in Zermatt is truly located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The hotel's design reinterprets traditional alpine style, giving a modern twist to natural materials such as wood and stone, and creating a feeling of harmony with the surrounding environment. From the panoramic terrace or guest-room balconies, the epic landscapes and colossal mountains make a spectacular backdrop. Surrounded by 250 miles (400 kilometres) of pine-lined paths and more than 180 miles (300 kilometres) of ski slopes, this is a paradise for hikers, bikers and skiers alike. After the day's exertions, discover the relaxed atmosphere of gourmet restaurant Saveurs, home to chef Reinhold Wrobel. His fine cuisine sensitively channels the local terroir, with dishes accompanied by wines from an impressive cellar of over 4000 bottles. Some wines have been produced in the local area for more than four generations by the Metry family, owners of the hotel.
... Learn moreless
From Leukerbad, the road goes down towards Inden, through the village of Rumeling, before turning to the west. At this point you ride along a spectacular precipice. This stretch of road is as memorable as it is short.
Zermatt and Matterhorn
Zermatt is known for its 360 km (220 miles) of year-round ski slopes and it’s home to one of the world’s most famous peaks, Matterhorn Mountain, rising to an elevation of 4,478 meters (14,692 ft). Shaped like a pyramid, it is Switzerland’s most iconic mountain and one of the most photographed!
Gornergrat Mountain and its cog railway train
At 3,089 m (10,285 ft) Gornergrat has a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains that opens before your eyes. A special treat in summer is seeing Matterhorn reflected in Riffelsee Lake. Get there on the Gornergrat Bahn, European highest cog railway train. Whether you’re there in the winter...
Read Moreless
On the route
Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny
More than just a foundation, this is a splendid space in the heart of the forest of Martigny which puts on very beautiful temporary exhibitions. You can discover works by Van Gogh, Manet, Degas, Modigliani, Gauguin, Picasso and many more. The permanent collections feature works by such varied artists...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2022, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments before December 31, 2022, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
Grand tour of Switzerland, from Geneva to the Matterhorn