Recreation

Switzerland is popular not only for its breathtaking sceneries but also for its numerous recreational activities.

Cycling

A combination of easy-and-challenging trails invites the adventure lovers from all over the world. Switzerland offers around 3300 km of well-marked trails. Almost all hotels, railway stations and other locations give bicycles for rent. The bicycles that are hired from the stations can be returned to any of the stations after your journey ends. Bicycles can also be transported through trains.

Hiking

The 50,000 km well-marked walking trails along different kinds of terrains makes the place a hiker's paradise. Hiking can really be one of the most ideal ways to explore this beautiful land. The trails are graded according to difficulty levels and hiking times are marked on the signposts. The Swiss Hiking Federation supplies maps and guidebooks. The Federation also organizes guided walks.

Website: www.swisshiking.ch (German and French)

Email: info@swisshiking.ch (for English enquiries)

Skiing

Switzerland is supposed to be the best place for skiing in Europe. Berner Oberland, Valais and Graubunden are some of the best ski resorts of the country. In higher altitudes it is possible to ski in summer and on some of the glaciers even all through the year. However, the best season for skiing falls between mid-December and late March. All ski centers provide rental skiing equipments. Cross-country skiing is also very popular in Switzerland with the Jura Mountains near Saignelegier being one of the best areas. Private and group lessons are offered by ski schools found in almost all ski resorts.

Water Sports

With a number of lakes and rivers, Switzerland offers a perfect destination for various kinds of water sports. Some of the favorite water sports include wake boarding, canoeing, water-skiing, sailing and paddle boating on the Lake Geneva, Neuchatel and Lugano. Some of the alpine rivers such as the Saane and the Rhine can be ideal for rafting adventures. The Muota and the Doubs Rivers are especially considered for a great canoeing experience. Places such as Lausanne offer sailing schools for the youngsters. Also, rowing can be great fun in Lake Zurich.

Mountain Sports

Occupying around sixty percent of Switzerland's land portion, the mountains are home to a wide variety of sports and leisure activities. The major mountain sports in Switzerland include snow golf, glacier walking, ice climbing, heli skiing and dog sledding. A list of approved mountaineering centers are published by the Swiss Association of Mountain Guides including a list of the mountain guides, approved by the organization.

Website: www.4000plus.ch (German, French and English)

Aerial Activities

The mountains of Switzerland offer a lot of aerial activities such as hang-gliding and paragliding, possible anywhere in the mountains.

Nordic Walking

Nordic walking can be a very good exercise for all ages, which can be practiced anywhere. The exercise is known for stimulating blood circulation and is quite easy on the joints. Nordic walking has become quite established in Switzerland. A number of trails, parks and courses on Nordic Walking are found in Switzerland now.

Spa

Switzerland can be an ideal destination for spending a relaxing holiday and make the best of the spa towns in the country. Some of the best spa towns are Baden in Basel, Leukerbad in Valais, Rheinfelden and Yverdon-les-Bains in Vaud and Davos in Graubunden. Some of the renowned spas include the Therme Vals, Vals (+41 81 926 8080) and Engadin Spa, Scoul (+41 81 861 2000). These spas provide stress relieving body massage with a combination of body peels, therapies and baths.

Museum of Natural History

Location: 1, route de Malagnou, Geneva. Phone: +41 (0) 22 418 6300

The Museum of Natural History displays a collection of 88 species of mammals including 193 species of exotic wild animals and birds. It also has a wonderful section of minerals. A team of attendants is present in the museum to answer all the queries of the visitors. A café and a museum shop are also available here. The museum can definitely be an ideal place for families and children.

Vivarium Elapsoidea

Location: 32a, rue Cardinal-Journet, Geneva.

Website: www.elapsoidea.ch/

A great place for children and reptile lovers, the place has different types of reptiles such as lizards, tortoises, snakes and crocodiles from all across the globe. Study trips and exhibitions are also conducted by the Vivarium.

Suspension Rope Parks

A suspension rope park can be an exciting place for adventure lovers where individuals need to overcome various obstacles with various levels of difficulty. These tricky tasks can be completed either alone or along with a partner. A lot of concentration and courage is needed to successfully make it through the difficult surroundings and obstacles.

Some of the Suspension Rope Parks can be contacted at:

Parc Aventure S.A.

Forêt du Fahy

Case postale 12

1860 Aigle

Tel 024 466 30 30

www.parc-aventure.ch

Seilpark Bern-Dählhölzliwald

Wasserwerkstrasse 3

3000 Bern 13

Tel 031 351 09 11

www.ropetech.ch

Point Sud Aventure

Case postale 83

1873 Champoussin/Val-d'Illiez

Tel 024 477 33 30

Fax 024 477 51 30

www.pointsud.ch

Charme (y) Aventures

Route des Arses 30

1637 Charmey

Tel. 026 927 19 90

ww.charmeyaventures.ch

Vie ferrate

Vie ferrate in Switzerland refers to a very different type of mountain climbing where fixed ropes and wires are installed along the vertical walls of the rocks with artificial foot and hand holds. These routes can be accessed even by new or non-climbers. Visitors can choose from a number of routes made specifically for this sport.