by Chloe Hay
- Nightime is the perfect time to explore Geneva on foot as crowds gather by the Jet d’Eau socialising in the summer evenings
The route: Geneva – Bern – Interlaken – Grindelwald – Luzern – Zurich – Rhine Falls
Duration: 8 days
- This gigantic chair outside the United Nations headquarters always draws hoards of crowds wanting their picture taken next to it to demonstrate its monstrous size
Day 1 – Arrive at Geneva and run through the Jet d’Eau – Switzerland’s iconic fountain that shoots five hundred litres of water a second to a hypnotic height of 140 metres! Go on a photography tour of this youthful, ever-energized city and get snap-happy next to the Big Chair, the United Nations and the flower clock.
Day 2 – Spend the morning exploring the all too often overlooked true capital city of Switzerland: Bern. This quaint riverside town is home to its mascot bear family, a performing clock and a beautiful cathedral boasting awe-inspiring views. In the afternoon relax for free at the outdoor pool or get your adrenalin pumping bombing down the rapid-flowing river in a rubber ring (not advisable for weak swimmers). By night pitch up
- Luzern’s Lion Monument: the detail of the pain on this lion’s face leaves all of its admirers teary-eyed
at Camping Eichholz. Situated right on the river bank and with its own night time entertainment the vibe here is incredible. Be sure to try a currywurst before you leave!
Day 3 – Upon arrival in Interlaken, be prepared to be completely blown away by the beauty of this overwhelming tiny little town. Buy yourself an intricately designed handmade cuckoo clock from one of dozens of speciality shops, hold your breath and dive into a near ice cold lake, picnic in the Japanese gardens or become at one with the birds on a paragliding flight. If you choose to spend your day, make sure you spend your night at TCS Campsite Interlaken wedged between sky-high mountains and crystal clear lakes.
- With a view like this and dozens of barbeques at your disposal, there really is no need to leave Camping Zurich
Day 4 – A short day trip from Interlaken on a picturesque panoramic train will bring you to another stunning Swiss mountain village: Grindelwald. The top attraction here is the First Flyer, an 800 metres long zip line that enables you to fly through the mountainous valley at speeds of up to 80km/hour for unbeatable views and matchless thrills.
- The rapid white waters of the Rhine Falls is challenging you to take a ride on its waters without getting drenched
Day 5 – On your way to Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, stop off for a few hours at the charming Luzern. Rent a pedal boat for a fun way of exploring this lakeside town or picnic on the steps to share your lunch with the ducks. Take a few minutes to admire Thorvaldsen’s incredible lion monument before boarding the train.
Day 6&7 – Pitch up at Camping Zurich to enjoy fabulous sunset views over the manmade metropolis. If you’ve got the cash to flash then with its casinos, designer shops and flashy restaurants, this is the city to do it in.
Day 8 – On your final day in Switzerland visit the Rhine Falls. As the largest plain waterfall in Europe it is well worth a visit, even if you just go to take a boat ride through it!
By the end of the eight days you will have stayed in some of Europe’s most mesmerizing campsites, had some fantastic adventures, explored Switzerland’s most beautiful villages and most vibrant cities and then it will be time to get back on the train to head to your next destination: Austria.
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