As life starts becoming normal again, travel is more frequent. There is no denying seeing mountains is one of the popular destinations to visit amongst seniors with “30% of seniors agreed that it was their favorite type of holiday destination, which is perhaps also why most seniors picked Kashmir as their dream holiday destination in India, and Switzerland as their dream holiday destination outside India”(Samarth). Switzerland is a popular destination in the world regardless of age due to its scenic views and interesting culture. There are many well-known and touristy places in Switzerland that people can visit such as the Matterhorn or Mount Titlis where “Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge” was filmed, however, these places are always filled with tourists making it challenging to find places to eat, enjoy the views without it being extremely crowded, however, there are other places where you can spend a few days in Switzerland which can also give you the proper Swiss experience which isn’t as well known to tourists. Here are 7 places for seniors to visit for a few days when visiting Switzerland which isn’t very familiar to tourists.
- Lake Thun
Lake Thun is a stunning alpine lake located in Bernese Oberland and is 131.4 km away from Zurich which is a 2 hour train ride. It has many activities for all seniors. You have the option of taking a boat ride on the lake, allowing you to see the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the well-known peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch, which allows you to see a beautiful view of them without having to hike up a mountain. For those who would rather stay on land, you can take a leisurely walk on paths next to the lake which are mainly flat, and perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery. You are also able to go for short hikes or go fishing as there are many fishes in Lake Thun. This is a great spot for water and nature lovers, who don’t want to do anything very extreme. Near Lake Thun you can also visit nearby historic castles, such as Thun Castle which is 18 minutes away from the lake by car, which allows people to learn about the culture. Additionally, you can enjoy proper Swiss cuisine next to the lake indulging in the Swiss and local culture. This is a perfect place to spend a few days and relax away from a big city.
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- Appenzell town
Appenzell town is located in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden and is 95.7km away from Zurich which is a 1 hour train ride. The town offers a perfect blend of tranquillity and cultural exploration. You can take strolls through the streets which have a large amount of traditional wooden houses and flower-filled balconies. Visit the Appenzell Museum which provides an insight into the region’s rich history and local customs. Additionally, you can take a scenic train ride to the nearby mountains that offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. This is the best place to try Swiss cheeses specifically Appenzeller cheese as it originated from here. Swiss cuisine is very good in this part of Switzerland, the restaurant Sonne Appenzell is a good place to try raclette and fondue for the first time, however, if you don’t want Swiss food, other restaurants offer other cuisines such as Asian or Italian. With its serene ambiance and array of cultural experiences, Appenzell provides a welcoming and enjoyable destination for people looking to embrace the Swiss culture. This is a great place spend a fews days to embrace and learn about the Swiss culture.
- Basel
Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland, and is 88.2km away from Zurich which is 1 hour train ride. It has a lot of history and is a vibrant city, that has a wide range of activities for seniors. You can stroll through the charming Old Town, known for its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares. The streets are mainly flat with slight uphill sections. You are also able to explore museums like the Kunstmuseum Basel or Fondation Beyeler, which showcase a wide range of different types of art. You can take a leisurely boat ride called Rheinfähre on the Rhein, which is a small boat that allows you to experience the city’s riverfront and enjoy scenic views. Visit the Sankt Johanns-Tor which you can go to the top of and see a panoramic view of the whole of Basel. Additionally, you can visit the Basel paper mill museum where you can see the art of making paper, as well as create your paper. Ride the Panoramarundfahrten which is a tram that takes you all around Basel, providing a relaxing and comfortable way where you can see most of Basel. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of restaurants ranging from cuisines from all over the world. This is a great place to spend a day or two exploring the art and the city.
- Morges
Morges is 51.5km and a 30 minute train ride away from Geneva. It has a beautiful lake where you can sit peacefully and enjoy the fresh air or take a walk across the promenade which is right next to it. If there in summer you are also able to swim in the lake enjoying the nice, clean and cool water. Morges also offers a boat ride where you can see stunning views, as well as a boat ride to Evian which usually takes 30 mins where you can see the fresh water springs that water companies use. Every Sunday a street market takes place in the city center where you can buy fresh vegetables, and other goods, and try different cuisines. If you feel like shopping with a wide range of shops, you can take a 10-minute train from Morges to reach Lausanne however, these cities can be very crowded at times, especially in summer. Morges is a perfect place to relax, with everything being flat and within walking distance. It is also a perfect place as a base when trying to see different parts of Switzerland, due to everything not being too far away. This is a fun and relaxing place to spend a few days to enjoy the lake and activities that Morges has to offer.
- Aletsch glacier
Switzerland is known for its mountains and it wouldn’t be a proper Swiss trip without seeing some. Aletsch Glacier is located in the Bernese Alps, it is 151km away from Geneva resulting in a 3 hour train journey. It is the largest glacier in the Alps. Many people enjoy the glacier as it has a magnificent view, with Its ice mass being awe-inspiring, with towering ice cliffs and deep crevasses. The glacier is easily accessible for visitors who want to witness it and gives a variety of activities for seniors. There are several viewpoints that you can either hike to or take a cable car that allow you to see a close-up view of the glacier. If you take a cable car or hike to the viewpoint at Bettmerhorn you can see a panoramic view of the glacier as well as a view of the mountains surrounding the glacier. Furthermore, there is also a restaurant at the top where you can have traditional Swiss food and enjoy the views. You must have good hiking shoes with a good grip regardless if you hike or not due to the mountain being slippery at times. This is a good place to spend the full day when wanting to be surrounded by mountains.
- La Chaux-de-Fonds
La Chaux-de-Fonds is located at the south of the French border, is 149.3 km away from Geneva resulting in a 2 hour train journey. It is known as the watchmaking town and is known for its rich history and watchmaking heritage. This charming city presents numerous cultural attractions and leisurely pursuits. People can explore the fascinating International Watchmaking Museum, which showcases horological marvels and the city’s watchmaking heritage. You can stroll through the picturesque Old Town, with its well-preserved architecture, that offers a delightful glimpse into the city’s past, and it is relatively flat. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the scenic Chaumont panoramic tower will provide breathtaking views of the surrounding Jura Mountains. Additionally, people can eat at local restaurants and cafes, and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs and Swiss timepieces for family. With its serene ambiance and cultural offerings, La Chaux-de-Fonds provides a memorable and enriching experience for lots of seniors. Overall its a good place to spend a few days to go shopping and learn about the Swiss culture.
- Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, 128.9km and a 1 hour 36 minute train ride from Geneva. In Neuchâtel, seniors can enjoy a variety of unique and fun activities. You can do a stroll along the scenic shores of Lake Neuchâtel, taking in the breathtaking views and fresh air. Visit the Laténium Museum, which has a large and impressive collection of prehistoric artifacts and offers a fascinating glimpse into Switzerland’s ancient past. Next, you can head to Chaumont Mountain and take the funicular to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. You can unwind at the thermal baths of Les Bains d’Yverdon, known for their soothing waters and therapeutic properties. Neuchâtel offers seniors a delightful blend of history, nature, and relaxation, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience that few know about. This is a perfect place to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the Swiss countryside.
