In each of its many forms, water is undoubtedly the heart of
Switzerland
It’s easy to regard Switzerland as a land of mountains but,
with countless lakes, rivers, creeks, waterfalls and glaciers, it is equally a
land of water, despite being landlocked. The source of the Rhine and Rhône,
Switzerland is also home to the unique Piz Lunghin watershed, from where water
flows into the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Black Sea.
“Bisse du Milieu”
from the centre of Nendaz, along a pleasant footpath through the valley to
Planchouet and Lavantier, Lake Maggiore and the Brissago Islands
The Swiss have always
embraced water, founding their cities on the shores of valley lakes, which
formerly provided protection and are now endless sources of entertainment;
grazing their animals on the fertile pastures that surround Alpine lakes;
creating elaborate irrigation channels (“bisses”) to bring mountain-stream
water to steeply terraced vineyards and fruit groves; and, more recently,
harnessing the power of water to generate electricity for millions of
households.
Hiking along Lake Oeschinen, 1,578m above Kandersteg in
the Bernese Oberland
Despite its diminutive size, Switzerland offers visitors a
medley of watery offerings, from indulgent thermal spas overlooking the Alps
and romantic dinners served onboard Belle Epoque paddle steamers, to canyoning
excursions down deep gorges and a walk across the Trift glacier on the longest,
highest pedestrian suspension bridge in the Alps.
In Switzerland, there truly is a lake for everyone. Nature
lovers will love Lake Oeschinen, dwarfed by the towering Bluemlisalp, fed by
glacial mountain streams and fringed by a lush carpet of mountain orchids,
gentian and edelweiss. Horticulturalists will thrive by the balmy Lake
Maggiore, with its lush, subtropical botanical gardens on Isola Grande, while
thrillseekers flock to the mythical Black Lake to hike, bike or climb on the
mountains above it and explore the rugged Brecca Gorge.
Derborence Lake in
Canton Valais, a protected area and a paradise for walkers
Historians can follow the gentle walking trails alongside
the ancient “bisses” above Nendaz, stopping for refreshments at
geranium-festooned mountain huts along the way. Budding geologists will fall
for the striking landscape of Derborence Lake, created by two massive
landslides in the 18th century, considered to be the work of the
devil – the mountains above the newly-formed lake were renamed Les Diablerets,
the Devil’s Mountains.
Whether you’re looking for romance in the luxurious Hotel
Grischa on Lake Sils, which has a fleet of rowing boats for sunset outings, or
an affordable pad perched above the Rhine Falls, such as the Dachsen Youth
Hostel, you’ll find a selection of over 100 places to stay in MySwitzerland’s
dedicated “Accommodation on Water” collection.
Lake Sils
Finally, keep abreast of all the latest Swiss news with an
impressive range of online mediums and innovative iPhone and iPad apps.
Research and book your Swiss holiday at MySwitzerland.com and, while you’re
there, keep informed about local events and news with Twitter
(@MySwitzerland_e) and Facebook (facebook.com/ MySwitzerland); check the
weather and water temperature in 250 locations with the Swimming Weather app
and download over 30 detailed hiking guides with the Swiss Hike app and eight
practical city guides with the Swiss City app.
Call free on 00 800 100 200 30, or visit
MySwitzerland/summer. For brochures, visit MySwitzerland.com/brochures.
Win! Visit cntraveller.com/promotions/ myswitzerland for
further inspiration and for your chance to win three nights for two people at
the wonderful four-star Grimsel Hospiz Hotel in the Bernese Oberland region.
