Grand Tour of Switzerland – 1600km to discover the country’s many facets
We are delighted to announce that Switzerland Tourism are one of the latest partners of Living in Luzern. It may only cover an area of about 40,000 km2, but the country offers an abundance of highlights for tourists – just one of the reasons why Switzerland is so popular among international visitors. To better reveal the country’s richness and diversity, a branch of the Swiss tourism industry is promoting the variety of ways to discover these experiences by launching the Grand Tour of Switzerland, a road itinerary spanning more than 1,600 kilometres. With the summer holidays quickly approaching there has never been a better reason to discover all that Switzerland has to offer. The route connects countless sights and attractive excursion opportunities, highlighting Switzerland’s beautiful countryside.
Little Switzerland offers a huge variety of experiences in a breath-taking natural setting: marvel at the unique Alpine panoramas revealing impressive peaks with unrestricted views of perennial snow reflected in turquoise lakes; admire the cities’ world-famous museums, fairs and buildings; follow in the footsteps of countless world record holders; discover the country’s most spectacular accommodation and transport facilities; experience the purity of Switzerland’s preserved nature, such as its natural parks that today cover more than 15% of the land; explore the secrets of Switzerland’s most famous traditions and cuisine – still alive today; feel yourself slipping back in time and appease your appetite for discovery while enjoying an eventful holiday.
Keep an eye out for all the photo spots along the routes as they are also the best viewing spots along the tour as well. Don’t forget your hashtags and tweets, and make sure Switzerland Tourism see your photo’s either on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – or through all three!
Visitors can select and combine the many pieces of the Swiss tourism mosaic by taking the Grand Tour of Switzerland – a round trip that includes twelve particularly delightful stretches of road, 44 highlights and even more tips for tourist excursions in Switzerland. The varied and spectacular route passes through all of the country’s tourist regions as well as its four language zones, leading over five Alpine passes, alongside 22 lakes, to eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and two biospheres. It takes visitors through towns and villages, passing by artistic and architectural sites and offering natural and historic experiences. The main route, more than 1,600 kilometres long, can be quickly accessed from the border towns of Basel, Geneva and Chiasso, where your adventures will begin.
Grand Tour Facts:
- Highlights: 44 top attractions, eleven of which UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites and two biospheres
- Lakes: 22 lakes larger than 0.5 square kilometres along the route
- Recommended travel period: summer (April to October)
- Length:
- Core route: 1643 km (1021 miles)
- Initial stretch Basel – Neuchâtel: 165 km
- Initial stretch Geneva – Saint-George: 53 km
- Initial stretch Chiasso – Bellinzona: 109 km
- Motorways on the Grand Tour are chiefly avoided and only taken when it makes traffic-sense.
- Highest point of the Grand Tour: Furka Pass, 2429 m above sea level
- Lowest point of the Grand Tour: Lake Maggiore, 193 m above sea level
To make sure you don’t miss any local gems when your out and about you can order your map of the Grand Tour two ways. Firstly you can order it online to be delivered straight to your door or you can download the map and all information related to the Grand Tour, right to your iPad.
(All photo’s are courtsey of Switzerland Tourism)
