Green guide of Switzerland

Switzerland is among the first countries in the world in the field of sustainability and for this it’s the perfect destination for us eco-travelers. The waters of stunning lakes, the beautiful mountains to explore, the parks of nature, the endless kilometers of cycle paths and the livable and clean city of art and culture make Switzerland a paradise to visit unhurriedly in any season.

1. green travel

The best way to do that is through the SwitzerlandMobility,a route network for gentle mobility unique in the world. And so you can choose from the 9000km of trails to explore on foot, or between the many 9000km of cycle paths to which are added the 4500km of mountain bikes routes, but also among the 1100km of skating trails and 350km in canoe to explore enchanting rivers and idyllic lakes. And for those feeling less active, but always respecting the environment, you can choose to travel on the 5000km of a railway without equal. The network is virtually all electrified, so many trains moves with almost zero emissions reaching the best sights of the country.

2. Best things to do in Switzerland

We can’t tell you all of them: winter and summer activities to do and wonderful places to get lost are many. In the summer you can’t miss the beautiful lakes, pearls set in lovely scenery. From Lake Constance (we talked about in this beautiful itineary) to Lake Geneva, from Lake Thun (which we described in this route) to the lake of Lucerne, from Lake Bachalpsee to Lake Neuchatel, everyone, that is mountain or slope, small or large, has its own peculiarities and offers unique views.

In winter, head for the ski area Schatzalp where you can spend the winter holiday living the authentic mountain: here the snow is always natural, and the noise of mass tourism gives way to the silence of nature.

The major Swiss cities are predominantly German-speaking, as the ancient and fascinating capital of Bern (in this route a path to reach it) or Zurich, where you can enjoy an exciting cultural and artistic life.

In Geneva, the main city of French language, with its people-friendly size, there’s an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

3. Natura e itinerari lenti

One of the best ways to experience the Swiss territory is undoubtedly the Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train.

Sitting in the beautiful, modern and comfortable panorama coaches you can admire the mountain woods, the thunderous streams, the glaciers, the peaks of the most beautiful mountains, the Rhine Gorge, picturesque villages, the castles of the Domleschg.

In less than eight hours, from the Queen of the Alps St. Moritz to the famous traditional village Zermatt, from the Engadine to the Matterhorn, through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, you will experience an unforgettable journey discovering the true star of Switzerland: nature.

4. Tastes and local food

Swiss cuisine is the result of the many influences, a mosaic of aromas and flavors. In your journey in this beautiful country you will taste the dishes of cheese, like fondue with Gruyère or Vacherin, and Raclette, melted cheese with baked potatoes; stew from Zurich, the Rösti, a dish made with crispy potatoes, polenta with braised, dishes of sausage and, of course, chocolate.

5. Where to stay in Switzerland

Discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Switzerland, organic farms surrounded by nature and amazing chalets overlooking mountains.

Discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Svizzera

Cover image: Canton of Bern, photo by Tambako The Jaguar via Flickr

Author: Chiara Marras