5 insider tips for a trip in Switzerland
Experience Switzerland at its best, off the beaten path.
Die Luftaufnahme des grossen, weissen Gebäudes mit futuristischer, organischer Dachlinie inmitten weiter Felder und Bäume steht im Magazin AMEXperience für inspirierende Reiseideen abseits des Gewöhnlichen. Das Bild vermittelt modernen Luxus, architektonische Raffinesse und die Ruhe eines exklusiven Ausflugsziels, das neugierige Leserinnen und Leser anspricht. Im redaktionellen Kontext von American Express erzählt es von besonderen Entdeckungen, stilvollem Reisen und den smarten Möglichkeiten, aussergewöhnliche Erlebnisse mit der passenden Karte komfortabel zu planen und zu geniessen.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Switzerland has far more to offer than just the Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn: off-the-beaten-path excursions lead away from the crowds to unique natural, cultural, and leisure destinations. Options include night swimming at the Vals Thermal Baths, private art experiences in Montreux, or a relaxing evening on the Brissago Islands.
The “Fondation Jan Michalski” literary foundation – a great destination even in bad weather – and the colorful vineyards of the “Bündner Herrschaft” in the fall are also exceptional destinations. This turns a trip in Switzerland into an exclusive getaway far off the beaten path.
Adult getaway with overnight stay: the perfect Sunday in Vals
Vals, in the canton of Graubünden, is famous for its architecture. The centerpiece of the town is Peter Zumthor’s thermal baths. The building, constructed from 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite and designated a historic landmark shortly after its opening, is not exactly a hidden gem. But while most guests relax in the warm water during the day, the nighttime bathing experience is less well known.
The best place to stay during your trip to Vals is the “7132 Hotel,” one of Switzerland’s most beautiful wellness hotels. There, you’ll begin your stay with lunch at the “Silver” restaurant. Head Chef Marcel Koolen and his team celebrate the slow pace of Sunday afternoon with this surprise menu. The kitchen has been awarded two Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points.
After a hearty meal, you can take a stroll through Vals or book a guided tour focusing on architecture. And then comes the real highlight of the night: Late in the evening, the thermal baths reopen exclusively for hotel guests. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, you’ll have the privilege of swimming from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The secrets of Montreux for insiders
The beautiful city of Montreux has a lot to offer beyond the lakeside promenade and the Freddie Mercury monument. The tagline for the artistic, guided tour “Montreux Secrets” is: “This is not a guided tour.” And indeed, the tour feels more like a journey of discovery or an art performance than a traditional city tour.
A local artist and musician designed this unique format, drawing on his network of cultural professionals. The route takes you through private spaces that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. You’ll step into studios, meet local artists, and feel the creative pulse of the city.
This insider’s tip for a trip in Switzerland includes, among other things, a visit to the “Taulan Art Factory” and, to round off the experience, a private piano concert with an aperitif.
Interesting fact: The Taulan Power Plant was the first of its kind in Switzerland and once supplied electricity to Europe’s electric tram line. Today, it houses, among other things, Pascal Bettex’s kinetic studio.
Insider tip for night owls: a trip to the Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands are considered a landmark of Ticino and are popular with tourists. But in the early evening hours, a trip to Isola Grande becomes an exclusive experience. The last ferries to the mainland depart around 5:30 p.m. With that, most of the day-trippers leave, and tranquility returns to the island.
Take advantage of these magical evening hours for a stroll through the Botanical Gardens on the Brissago Islands before stopping for dinner at “Villa Emden.” The restaurant boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic terraces in Ticino and serves Mediterranean cuisine that tastes even better on a balmy summer evening. GaultMillau has awarded Chef Joao Antunes’ creations 14 toques.
Indoor day trip with kids: the “Fondation Jan Michalski” in Montricher
At the foot of the Jura Mountains, in the town of Montricher, stands a building that looks like a village floating in the air. Individual modules hang like treehouses beneath a curved concrete roof. The main building is a huge library that spans five levels, is open to the public, and houses around 80,000 multilingual books.
The freestanding modules house seven art studios. Here, authors can live and work undisturbed for several weeks. The grounds host exhibitions and events centered around literature. Everything here is dedicated to a love of the written word.
The Bücherdorf is also a hidden gem for a day trip with children on rainy days. The ground floor of the library features a children’s area, and workshops are held regularly on the grounds; many exhibitions also offer special guided tours for young visitors.
After a thorough exploration of the village, a café with an attached bookstore invites you to linger. There, you can browse through the works of the resident authors or the exhibition catalogs. Coffee, wine, and light snacks are also available.
Insider tip for a fall getaway: Switzerland at its most colorful
Just over an hour’s drive from Zurich lies a little-known corner of Switzerland: the “Bündner Herrschaft” surrounding the wine-growing villages of Maienfeld, Jenins, Malans, and Fläsch – affectionately known as the “Burgundy of Switzerland.” The region has already won six world championship titles with its Pinot Noir.
The best way to experience the region is on a guided wine tour through the vineyards. You’ll typically be driven to select wineries, where you’ll learn more about winemaking, terroir, and the region’s historic origins during a tasting of five to seven wines.
The tour culminates with a meal at the “Alten Torkel” in Jenins. This lovingly restored stone house, nestled in the middle of the vineyards, offers regional, seasonal cuisine under the motto “Fine Wine-ing.” Here, every course is paired with the wine – not the other way around.
Day trips in Switzerland can be so diverse
Switzerland offers some beautiful destinations that are considered hidden gems. Here, you can soak up nature, immerse yourself in art and culture, and experience culinary delights. And with an American Express credit card, you’ll enjoy many benefits, such as credit at select GaultMillau restaurants or car rental perks.
As a Platinum Cardholder, you can also take advantage of the Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service. This service can assist you with planning trips, reserving tables at sought-after restaurants, or booking tickets for you.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Particularly unique experiences include night swimming at the Vals Thermal Baths, the creative discovery tour “Montreux Secrets,” and an evening on the Brissago Islands in Ticino.
The “Fondation Jan Michalski” in Montricher is ideal for a trip with children, even in bad weather: it features a public library, exhibitions, a children’s area, and regular workshops.
The “Bündner Herrschaft” region around Maienfeld, Jenins, Malans, and Fläsch is a delight in the fall with its golden vineyards, wine tastings, and regional cuisine.
