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We love hiking! In Switzerland, mountain walks and outdoor activities are a big part of people's social lives, and the large and well-maintained hiking network offers opportunities for all levels of fitness. But if you really don’t like to walk, don't worry! There are many ways to experience the Swiss mountains without (almost) any effort! Here we suggest you five way to live the swiss mountains with (almost) no effort!
Surely you already know, we love hiking! Here in Switzerland, hiking is like a national sport, and being or not being a hiker can greatly influence people’s personal and social lives. The extensive and well-maintained hiking network offers opportunities truly for all levels of fitness. Also, you really can’t say you’ve been to Switzerland without enjoying the view from one of its peaks or walking around an alpine lake. However, if hiking really isn’t your sport and walking isn’t your thing, there are many ways to experience the Swiss mountains without (almost) any effort! Here are five of them!
Idea n° 1: take a panoramic train!
Switzerland is famous around the world for its perfect and efficient public transportation network. The combination of trains, buses and boats, always on time, really allows you to get anywhere without stress.
However, only few people know that it is possible to enjoy the magnificence of the Swiss mountain from the comfort of a special glass panoramic train, maybe drinking a glass of champagne, crossing breathtaking alpine landscapes, crystal clear lakes and glaciers. So if you really don’t want to take a single step to enjoy the magnificence of the Swiss landscape, then this is the solution for you!
Glacier Express: The journey on the world’s slowest fast train takes about eight hours and runs through many tunnels and bridges from the Engadin to the Matterhorn. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, you can choose the Excellence Class luxury service.
Bernina Express: this scenic journey, one of the most spectacular, takes about four hours and connects Chur to Tirano, passing over the famous 65-meter-high Landwasser viaduct.
Luzern-Interlaken Express: this journey connects two popular tourist destinations in Switzerland, and the brevity of the route, which takes just two hours, makes it one of the best options even for a short vacation.
Gotthard Panorama Express: from south to north through the Alps and the Gotthard tunnel. To really enjoy the experience, SBB recommends taking the train from Lugano to Flüelen and then taking the boat on Lake Lucerne from Flüelen to Lucerne. And we absolutely agree!
GoldenPass Panoramic: from German-speaking Switzerland to French-speaking Switzerland in just over two hours from Zweisimmen to Montreux.
All information about panorama trains, available offers and how to book them can be found here.
Idea n° 2: use cable cars and mountain trains!
Don’t have any desire to walk in the mountains but are willing to take the few steps from a cable car station to the nearest viewing platform? Then you’re on the right way! In Switzerland, many mountain areas, even at high altitudes, are easily accessible by cable cars, gondolas or trains. Some routes are also very old and offer historic train rides! By choosing this option you will not only have the chance to admire the view from above, but you will also be able to enjoy some of the most unique travel experiences in Switzerland.
Pilatus, 2128 meters above sea level: the top of Lucerne’s most popular mountain can be easily reached from the city all year round via a multi-stage cable car from Kriens. Alternatively, in summer the world’s steepest cogwheel train takes about 30 minutes from Alpnachstad to the summit, from where you can admire the magnificent panorama of Lake Lucerne and much of central Switzerland. Informations and booking here.
Rigi, 1797 meters above sea level: the queen of mountains, as she is affectionately called by the locals, is a perfect hiking destination for lazy people! The summit is easily reached via two scenic train lines from Viznau on the Vierwaldstättersee and Arth on the Zugersee. Informations and booking here.
Stoos, 1300 meters above sea level: the mountain village of Stoos is easily accessible via the world’s steepest funicular railway. If you are not completely satisfied with the altitude, you can continue on to the Fronalpstock at 1,922 meters by cable car or chairlift. Informations and booking here.
Titlis, 3062 meters above sea level: To get there, take the TITLIS Xpress gondola to the middle station and then continue to the summit with the TITLIS Rotair. At the top, however, you will have the chance to experience one of the most interesting mountain experiences in Switzerland and enter the heart of the ice field through an artificial cave of over 150 meters. Cover yourself well! Informations and booking here.
Stanserhorn, 1,898 meters above sea level: have you ever taken an open-air cable car? Here you can! Just drive up to Stans and from there take the CabriO Stanserhorn cable car and enjoy the view without any annoying steel ropes overhead! Informations and booking here.
Idea n° 3: Have a lunch in a mountain restaurant!
Really want to challenge your laziness and take a few extra steps? Then get off the cable car or cogwheel train and take advantage of the wide range of dining options in the Swiss mountains! There is at least one restaurant next to every major mountain station, many of which have large panoramic terraces where you can dine in the sun while admiring the view. The cuisine is typically Swiss: cheese, pasta, sausages and fried potatoes! I, Alessandro, am a fan of Bratwürst. Michele, on the other hand, would kill for a plate of Alplermagronen, a pasta dish with cheese and apple puree.
And if you make it to the afternoon? No worries! You’re sure to find coffee and a good slice of homemade cake!
Idea n° 4: Bring your picnic essentials and relax!
We know, you might not have to walk that far but you’ll certainly have to weigh down your backpack with all the necessities. And if that’s not too scary for you, choose this option without hesitation. You won’t regret it! An outdoor picnic is certainly one of the best ways to experience a sunny day in the mountains! Take a walk to avoid the crowds, choose a quiet and flat place, maybe with a nice view of the valley, and lay out your tablecloth! Bring along light and varied foods that you can eat slowly and accompany with a beer or glass of wine. And don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburn with a good sunscreen! In the mountains the sun beats down!
Idea No. 5: light a fire and have a barbecue!
If you’ve made it this far, maybe you’re really not as lazy as you think. Of course you’ll have to take a few extra steps compared to the previous options, carry a heavy backpack and light and maintain a nice fire … but it will certainly be worth it!
The Swiss mountains and forests offer plenty of barbecue spots and almost all of them are equipped with equipment and wood. You’ll only have to worry about bringing what you need to access the flame and all the food you think you can cook!
Here you will find a map of the main locations. And if you find them already occupied? Don’t worry! Ask those who arrived before you to share the grill! Usually the Swiss don’t make a problem of it and it will also be a good way to make friends!
So, have you chosen your way to experience the Swiss mountains in…laziness? If so, let us know by leaving a comment below!
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