The Best Outdoor Things to Do in Switzerland 

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Switzerland is a beautiful country with many outdoor activities, no matter which season you choose to travel. Read on for must-do activities when you visit Switzerland.
Switzerland is famous for its world-class ski resorts, with the majestic snow-capped Alps in the backdrop. But aside from conquering its slopes on skis, you’ll find many other outdoor activities in the country. Sure, skiing in the Swiss Alps is high on the bucket list of every outdoor enthusiast, but the country is also home to scenic hiking trails and crystal-clear lakes that are the perfect setting for fun adventures.
Below, check out some of the best outdoor things to do in Switzerland.
Cycling Around Lake Lucerne
Thanks to its stunning landscapes, Switzerland is one of Europe’s most popular cycling destinations. The country has plenty of cycling trails, but the most scenic ones are those by the lake. So, if you want a nice bicycle ride along the lake, look no further than Lake Lucerne .
Along the south coast of Lake Lucerne , you can tackle the first stage of the three national North-South routes or the Basel to Chiasso route. The first section winds its way towards the lake via Hergiswil and Stansstad before reaching the picturesque medieval town of Stans. If you’re keen on exploring the town, you can make stops before continuing your journey. Should you decide to stop, check out the magnificent 18th-century Rosenburg Residence and the fortress of Fürigen, used by the Swiss Army during World War II.
You can go biking along Lake Lucerne. Photo by Markus Thoenen via iStock by Getty Images
The route continues towards Beckenried. If you wish to explore the lake, you can stop here and go boating towards Gersau, close to Vitznau, where you’ll find another fortress used during the war. The route officially ends in Flüelen. However, the last stretch is a busy and narrow road, so it may be best to conclude your cycling adventure in Brunnen.
Skiing in St Moritz
Skiing tops the list of the best outdoor things to do in Switzerland. After all, it’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious ski resorts, many of which are in St Moritz, a picturesque resort town in the Alps. To make the most of your skiing adventure, consider contacting ski holiday experts, such as SNO , and looking into an all-inclusive ski holiday in St Moritz that includes the accommodation and everything else you need for a fun-filled skiing adventure.
Skiing in St. Moritz, Switzerland is a skier’s dream. Photo by Sepp Rutz on Unsplash
St. Moritz has two ski areas, and each is three kilometers (less than 2 miles) apart from each other. Spread across three main sectors, St. Moritz has a total ski area of almost 218 miles (350 kilometers). The only area you can reach directly from St. Moritz is Corviglia, which you can access via four points in the valley. As the most popular ski area in St. Moritz, Corviglia is often busy, with south-facing slopes reaching just over 10,000 feet (3,057 meters) at Piz Nair.
St. Moritz caters to skiers of all levels. It offers plenty of opportunities for beginners to learn and is home to some of the world’s best ski schools. You’ll find beginner slopes across the mountain at Celerina, Salastrains, and Corviglia.
Experts will find several challenging slopes around every sector, such as the World Cup downhill slope in Corviglia. Seasoned and professional skiers will also find plenty of excellent off-piste adventures.
Kayaking Lake Brienz
The Jungfrau region is one of Switzerland’s best places for outdoor adventures . It’s also home to the beautiful Lake Brienz, a popular spot for kayaking and other water sports. With majestic mountains towering around the lake, you’ll love the experience of paddling along the crystal turquoise waters, passing along little villages around the lakeside.
Enjoy the idyllic nature of Lake Brienz. Photo by oatawa via iStock by Getty Images
Consider booking a guided kayaking tour in Lake Brienz, where they provide you with kayaks, and you’ll be with an expert guide as you explore the lake. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak from the various shops around the lake and paddle wherever you like. But this option will only work best for experienced kayakers .
If you have less experience in kayaking, a guided kayaking tour is the way to go. Families with kids can opt for two-seater kayaks, allowing a parent to ride with a child. You will also have the opportunity to jump into the lake, although the water can be chilly, depending on the time of the year. Kayaking is a fun way to explore Lake Brienz, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque lakes.
Summer Activity Camps in the Alps
Families planning a holiday to Switzerland should consider sending their kids to a summer camp. Switzerland is home to some of the best summer camps in Europe for kids and teenagers. A summer camp offers plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the great outdoors, meet new friends, and bond over fun activities.
Many quality international summer camps in Switzerland are set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. These camps are in a safe and clean environment, and you can guarantee that your kids will have a great time. Depending on the summer camp, your kids will also have a chance to learn a new language. The highlight would be the exciting activities and excursions that can teach your kids some skills and leave memories they can treasure for the rest of their lives.
Going to summer camp in Switzerland offers kids unique opportunities. Photo by tatyana_tomsickova via iStock by Getty Images
Some of the activities include hiking or cycling along scenic trails. They can also explore beautiful lakes on a kayak. A professional instructor will guide them to ensure their safety.
Paddleboard Lake Geneva
The crystal-clear, shimmering waters of Lake Geneva offer the perfect setting for enjoying water sports like paddleboarding. As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva straddles between Switzerland and France, surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, paddle boarding in Lake Geneva is a fantastic experience. You’ll embark on a thrilling paddle-boarding adventure on the serene waters of the lake amidst the spectacular surroundings. Ideal for adults and kids, paddle boarding is a fun activity to do with friends or family.
Lake Geneva is ideal for paddleboarding and other water sports. Photo by Byjeng via iStock by Getty Images
Since paddle boarding is a popular activity on Lake Geneva, you’ll find plenty of shops to rent a standup paddle board and bask in the lake’s tranquillity. You are free to decide on the direction – you can paddle towards the medieval Chillon Castle or head in the opposite direction, admiring the stunning sights of Vevey and the scenic vineyards of Lavaux.
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Exploring Outdoor Things to Do in Switzerland
Switzerland is a beautiful country with many outdoor activities, no matter which season you choose to travel. We hope this article has inspired you to plan your escape to Switzerland. We invite you to check out Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite things to see when you visit Switzerland .
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The Best Outdoor Things to Do in Switzerland
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