Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is arguably one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its breathtaking mountains, lush meadows, pristine lakes and stunning valleys, there is never a dearth of natural beauty in this landlocked country. And given that spring is the most beautiful season of the year, it is indeed a wonderful idea to visit some of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks during this time. Verdant greenery, gorgeous blooms and warmer temperatures are just the icing on the cake.
Matterhorn peak: if you have eaten Toblerone, its signature yellow cover carrying the picture of a mountain must be familiar. Well, this is Matterhorn which is Switzerland’s most famous peak located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. At a towering height of 4478 meters, Matterhorn is a symbol of magnificence and intrigue. One of its most unique features is its jagged, pyramidal peak which is almost symmetrical. Located in the Monte Rosa area of the Pennine Alps, this one has been a happy hunting ground for mountaineers and adventure junkies alike. The Matterhorn peak has four faces and overlooks the picturesque town of Zermatt located in the canton of Valais. It has been a favourite with trekkers and tourists since the 18th century. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, you can catch a glimpse of the peak which is easily accessible for tourists via the Gornergrat railway as well as the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Jungfraujoch: often called the ‘Top of Europe’, Jungfraujoch is one of the top most attractions in Europe which is perched at a height of 3454 meters in the Bernese Alps. Easily accessible by the Jungfrau Railway, Jungfraujoch also has the highest railway station in Europe and is often considered as a must do in every Switzerland trip. It is significant to note that the attraction is open 365 days a year and is indeed a mesmerizing sight replete with glaciers and snow everywhere. While here you can enjoy numerous attractions like the Ice Palace which has a wonderful display of several artefacts carved in ice. You can take a walk through the historic Jungfrau Railway and even take a tour of one of the world’s highest observatories, the Sphinx Observatory.
Aare Gorge: A natural wonder that is as awe inspiring as breath taking, the Aare Gorge dates back thousands of years when it was formed by the Aare glacier. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in Bernese Oberland where visitors can walk through wooden walkways and tunnels witnessing the roaring waters of the Aare glacier at close quarters. Visiting this place is definitely something not to be missed when in Switzerland. The entire trail can be completed in an hour and there are information boards at regular intervals which describe how the gorge was formed. The natural limestone formations, gushing waters of the Aare which appear milky and even splash as you walk along make it a truly memorable experience.
Rhine Falls: this one is located just an hour away from Zurich and is Europe’s highest waterfall. An amazing spectacle put up by the river Rhine, this waterfall is truly fascinating mainly due to the sheer volume of the water. The falls are about 492 feet wide and 75 feet in height and the water discharged is a whopping 600 m3/s during spring and summer. The powerful waters splashing down and turning a pristine white as they descend is a sight to behold. There are several walking decks, boat rides and even walking trails which give visitors an immersive experience of the attraction. The Adventure Park is located on the north bank and is yet another popular option with visitors.
Blausee: arguably one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the country, Blausee is located amidst the Kandertal mountains. The placid lake itself is a striking turquoise blue and is crystal clear which makes the bottom clearly visible during spring and summer. Set amidst a lush nature park, the lake is surrounded by greenery which makes the setting all the more beautiful and mystical. While here you can either enjoy a slow boat ride on the lake or take a walk along the nature park or even enjoy your time camping with family and friends. The lake is believed to be over 15000 years old and the azure hue is due to the rich mineral content in the water. Apart from restaurants, there are options to even stay overnight in case you are looking for a rejuvenating break
