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Andermatt
This quiet resort in Central Switzerland caters to serious skiers, has a long snow season, and is only two hours from Zürich by train. (It's also a training base for Swiss alpine troops.)
A Winter Resort Report.
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Appenzell
This traditional town in Eastern Switzerland is loaded with charm, and the
surrounding hills are a great hiking area for those who prefer grassy slopes to icy
glaciers.
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Beatenberg
On a mountainside just minutes from Interlaken, you'll find an unspoiled paradise
for hikers and skiers.
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Biel/Bienne
A 16th Century old town and a bilingual culture enliven a city of watchmakers.
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Brienz
This town near Interlaken has woodcarvers, a steam cogwheel railway, and the
Swiss Open-Air Museum.
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Erlenbach im Simmental: Stockhornbahn
Ride a cable car, hike a nature path, or try a 100m bungee on mountain slopes
above Lake Thun.
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Gimmelwald
Is this bucolic village really off the beaten path?
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Grande Dixence Dam
The world's highest concrete dam is also a high-altitude tourist attraction,
with a cablecar and a hotel beneath the dam's face. It's located in the Dix
Valley, above the Val d'Hérens and the historic
Valais town of Sion.
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Grindelwald: Firstbahnen
Europe's longest gondola lift serves tourists, hikers, and skiers. The upper
station offers spectacular mountain views.
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Interlaken
The premier resort of the Bernese Oberland is also the gateway to nearby
mountains and Alpine villages.
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Interlaken:
Harder Kulm
The Harder Kulm viewing platform and restaurant offer great views of
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Massif. Best of all, you can get there easily (and
inexpensively) by funicular from the outskirts of Interlaken.
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Interlaken: White-Water Rafting
Even a weekend adventurer can enjoy a white-knuckle experience on white water.
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Jungfraujoch: Ice Palace
Explore a tourist attraction carved inside Europe's longest glacier, which is
near Grindelwald and Wengen. (It's free to passengers
of the Jungfraujoch Railway.)
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Lavaux Vineyards
Tour one of Switzerland's most celebrated and scenic wine districts by rail,
car, bicycle, or on foot. Also see our article on
Maison de la Crausaz,
a winegrower's caveau overlooking Lac Léman.
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Lauterbrunnen
The valley setting is beautiful, and there are 72 waterfalls--including the
Trümmelbach Falls, which you view by descending deep into a mountain gorge by
funicular.
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Montreux
This sunny resort on Lac Léman has classic resort
hotels, a lakefront promenade, a casino, and other attractions that have drawn
royals and celebrity-watchers since the days of the Tsars.
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Mülenen: Niesenbahn
This 90-year-old funicular leads to spectacular views, hikes, and a mountain inn
overlooking Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland.
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Mürren
There are no cars here--just plenty of great skiing near Interlaken and the Jungfrau,
including the world's longest downhill race for amateur skiers. A Winter
Resort Report.
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Ringgenberg
Interlaken's lakeside neighbor is just minutes away by train, bus, car,
footpath, or lake steamer.
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St. Moritz
You don't need a fortune or a title to enjoy Switzerland's oldest ski resort; a
platinum card will do. A Winter Resort Report.
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Vevey
Henri Nestlé and Charlie Chaplin are among the
residents and visitors who have found happiness in this cosmopolitan lakeside
resort, which is also the gateway to the Lavaux
winegrowing district.
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Verbier
This resort in French Switzerland offers 400 km of slopes, 100
lifts, and plenty of thrills (or spills) for advanced skiers. A Winter
Resort Report.
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Wengen
You won't find any cars at this Bernese Oberland resort, but you will find the
Jungfrau, the Eiger, and some of the best hiking in the Swiss Alps.
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Zermatt
Zermatt's lifts include a cogwheel railroad, a subway inside an Alp, and the highest
aerial cablecar in Europe--yet the resort manages to retain a village atmosphere.
A Winter Resort Report.
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Zermatt: Gornergrat Bahn
Zermatt's GGB takes you to Matterhorn views and mountain hotels.
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Zermatt: Matterhorn
If you suffer from acrophobia or can't afford the SF700+ guide fee, enjoy a view of
Zermatt's mountain icon from the nearby Gornergrat. (You can reach the latter by cogwheel
railroad.)
