“Behind the scenes” with 9 Swiss excursion tips

In September, we spent two weeks criss-crossing Switzerland as part of the book project for the Swiss Historic Hotels. The trip took us to some new, beautiful corners and back to well-known places. On the way, we not only took a lot of photos and research, but also found one or two great excursion tips. Since I promised you a look into the “workshop” from time to time, today – just in time for the autumn holidays – there are nine Swiss excursion tips for outdoor enthusiasts, gourmets and connoisseurs in addition to a look behind the scenes.

p.s. With two exceptions, I took all the pictures shown here with my smartphone.

«behind the scenes»

Food is the focus of our photo shoots and I’ve gotten used to staring at a delicately scented cake for two or three hours before I can taste a piece of it. Every shooting location is different. Sometimes we know within minutes where we are setting up the set and sometimes we get into a short-term state of overload because of all the great corners. Now it’s time to prepare the material before the next shootings.

Swiss excursion tips in the fresh air

It’s great that we not only learn a lot about culinary delights and look over the shoulders of different chefs on the shooting tours, but also discover new corners of Switzerland.

#1 Urnerboden

One such discovery for me was the trip from Glarus over the Klausen Pass to the Reuss Valley. When we arrived in the high valley of Urnerboden, we felt as if we had landed in the middle of a postcard. On Switzerland’s largest alpine pasture, the 1,200 cows enjoy the right of way. A beautiful hike leads from Linthtal in a good 6 hours via Braunwald to Urnerboden.

#2 Maderanertal

The Maderanertal is also beautifully wild. Even the narrow serpentines from Amsteg to Bristen up are an experience. From Bristen we took a short hike to the Golzernsee. Pure idyll.

#3 Binntal

The Binntal is one of the most rustic mountain valleys in Switzerland. As a secluded side valley of the Goms, nature has been largely preserved intact up here over the centuries and gentle tourism has always been promoted. For those who are not afraid of altitude, I recommend a hike from the hamlet of “Fäld” via the Lengenbach mineral mine 600 metres up to Lake Mässersee. A more leisurely alternative is the Roman road through the Twingi Gorge (a historic transport link) to Grengiols. Especially now in autumn, the landscape is an absolute dream.

#4 Grimselwelt

The Grimsel region, with its diverse hiking opportunities, is worth a trip for young and old. Unfortunately, we were not on the Gelmerbahn, as we visited the Handegg cheese dairy on the opposite side of the suspension bridge. Until 16 October, Europe’s steepest funicular railway transports hikers up to Lake Gelmersee – after which it’s winter break. A tip for all families: The Hotel Handeck offers interesting special offers in the low season.

#5 Grimentz

We have already reported on Grimentz here on the blog. The postcard village in the Val d’Anniviers was also able to inspire us on our second visit. Here you will not only find the most beautiful suntanned and flower-decorated granaries, but also the world’s best abricotine cake. Last year, the Salamin bakery received the award for the best confectionery product of 2015.

#6 Kiental

For me, the Kiental is one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in the Bernese Oberland. The eventful whitewater trail leads from Lake Tschingelsee along the roaring water up to Griesalp. Beautiful views and the foaming spray from the Pochtenfall included.

#7 Oeschinensee

A classic. In the meantime, word has gotten around that it is beautiful at Lake Oeschinen. Nevertheless, a nice destination for sunny autumn days.

For connoisseurs and gourmets

#8 Lucerne

We not only found outdoor tips along the way, but also scouted out exciting restaurants. We really liked the cocktail bar Karel Korner in Lucerne. The young team mixes exciting creations and is also happy to respond to individual wishes. A great address for all those who are out and about in Lucerne at the weekend.

#9 Vitznau

On our tour, we had luck with the weather throughout, with one exception. Only at Lake Lucerne did we first draw the rain and then the high fog pitch card. Well. At the third attempt, the light was right for the outdoor shots and we were finally able to capture the Mediterranean flair in the Hotel Terrasse am See. After the pictures were in the can, we rewarded ourselves with a spontaneous dinner in the Focus restaurant of the Parkhotel Vitznau, where Gault Millau Chef of the Year Nenad Mlinarevic is at the stove. We were interested in his cuisine because he relies on Swiss quality products throughout. We particularly liked the Albeli (an endemic fish species from Lake Lucerne) and the fantastic chocolate and herb dessert.

Conclusion: Recommended for a special evening, even if the menu did not knock our socks off (as expected) from A to Z.