From the mountains to the lake - Grand Tour of Switzerland

Today we will go on a route stretching over a distance of less than 250 km. We will travel the distance from point A, i.e. the majestic four-thousanders, to point B, ending the journey on the shores of the lake. This is a hike along the Grand Tour of Switzerland. We invite you for a trip!

Vineyards of the Canton of Valais

We set off from Zermatt to reach Leuk after a relatively short time. You are not threatened with vitamin D3 deficiency here. The town is located almost in the heart of Wallis, in a region of unbelievably sunny weather (average number of hours when the sun shines - 3,500). If you dream about recharging your battery, you are exhausted or depressed, make a stop here. By the way, go to nearby Leukerbad, where, apart from the sun, you can enjoy the warmth of the thermal waters. The largest thermal bath in the Alps awaits its guests.

The sun's rays are beneficial for the human body as well as for crops. The area is overgrown with numerous - including rare - species of flora, and it is also inhabited by over 130 species of birds. The wine growing conditions are excellent, so it is no surprise that this is an area famous for its vineyards. Wine lovers will surely be interested in the beautiful 8 km long trail. It stretches among the vineyards between Ardon and Saillon, on the stretch connecting the capital of the Canton of Wallis, Sion, with Martigny.

Martigny Dog Museum

In front of the aforementioned Sion, there is a small town called Saint-Léonard. You can see there an important tourist attraction of the region - the largest underground lake in Europe. In turn, two castles proudly dominate the capital itself. One is lined with imposing ruins, and the other holds a real treasure. It is the oldest organ in the world. They come from the 14th century and are still playing!

You can talk about Sion for a long time, but there are more places in the queue, including Martigny. It is known for several curiosities, including bloodless cow fights. Be sure to visit them if you love large dogs - with particular emphasis on gasoline. There is a small museum in the town called Barryland, devoted to the breeding of Bernardines by monks at St. Bernard. The name refers to the Great Saint Bernard Pass. In the 11th century a shelter was established, which today is considered the home of friendly molossers. The most famous of them, Barry, reportedly saved 40 people. Do you remember the big dog from the fairy tale, wearing a barrel around his neck and saving people from avalanches? Exactly, it's a Saint Bernard for a reason.

Montreaux - the city of Freddy Mercury

Let's leave the dogs and move on to Montreaux. This is the last city in the life of the idol of millions, the lead singer of the Queen group. Today you will see the artist's monument in it, and you will also visit the museum dedicated to the ensemble. Worth seeing, even if by some miracle you only know "We are the champions".

Montreaux is a luxury resort full of hotels with out-of-the-shoes prices, a casino and a promenade reminiscent of southern European cities. It stretches along Lake Geneva, the largest lake in the Alps and Western Europe. You can admire them from above, specifically from the top of Rochers de Naye. Every hour, a rack railway runs to it from the station.

Lavaux wine terraces

Together with the second resort, Vevey, Montreaux forms the Riviera. Many famous personalities like it at one time. It is enough to mention such names as Audrey Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin or our compatriot, Henryk Sienkiewicz. Between Vevey and Lausanne there is an area where almost exclusively white wines are produced. The Lavaux wine terraces are the work of human hands, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. There are practically no machines used for harvesting - most of the activities are done by people themselves.

If you would like to try the local wine, you will have plenty of opportunities. You can buy them at the vineyard or ... on a special train. Go on a tasting course by iron or tourist train on wheels.

Historic Lausanne

The second largest city on Lake Geneva, Lausanne will delight you with its architecture. The history of the historic center dates back to ancient times. Undoubtedly, the greatest treasure and pride of the resort is the monumental Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is one of the most important medieval buildings in Switzerland.

This exceptionally beautiful city is called the Olympic Capital because it was chosen as the seat of the Olympic Committee. You will also see the Museum of the Olympic Games and the world's largest information center. Most of all, however, it is a town located on a lake and from it you can beautifully see the French Alps located on the other side. Lausanne has its own unique atmosphere that tourists love immensely.

Geneva - a cosmopolitan tourist pearl

The last station of today's trip is beautiful, incredibly diverse Geneva. When we talk about diversity, we mean everything from location to tourist attractions. It is a Swiss city where you will hear French everywhere you go. It is the seat of the International Red Cross and the United Nations. It attracts visitors with wonderful views - you can admire the Alpine peaks and enjoy the beauty of Lake Geneva. Take the opportunity to take a cruise on the reservoir. If you have the option, go to the other side, be it in an atmospheric sidewheel or a modern cruise ship. The landscapes are worth it!

Geneva is located on the shore of the lake, at the point from which the Rhône River flows out towards France. You will surely be delighted by the tallest fountain in Europe - Jet d'Eau. Today it is one of the symbols of Geneva, and it was created for a very prosaic reason. Its task was to regulate the water pressure in the municipal water supply. Take a walk to the old part of the city, cut by narrow streets with elegant tenement houses. The Cathedral of St. Peter, one of the oldest buildings in Geneva. Other places of interest are museums, including one dedicated to watches. Plant lovers should visit the English Garden, which has a wonderful flower clock.

Campsite in the vicinity of Geneva

The last item on our list, Geneva, is the focus of many leisure facilities. You have quite a choice if you are interested in camping. You can stop in the near or farther vicinity of the city, as well as near the highway. For example, Geneva City Camping is close enough to the city, yet quiet, on grassy lots. However, if you prefer much more greenery, choose Cantonal Camping Val de Allondon instead . It is situated on the river bearing the same name, but that is not its only advantage. The property is an excellent base for exploring the area. And believe me, there is a lot to see - the Allondon Valley is a dream destination for fans of recreational activities, from barbecuing to swimming. In the past (1990s), tourists almost trampled it, making it a nature reserve today. It is crossed by several routes that will lead you to picturesque places.

And so we ended our trip. We have not described all the noteworthy places, we have barely picked up the topic. But it could not be otherwise with such an attractive route, running through such charming areas. We will come back here, and for now, we strongly encourage you to come.

The article was written in cooperation with www.MojaSzwajcaria.pl