Living Stories Switzerland

For this peaceful discovery, enter the old town without trying to follow a tight itinerary: slow down in the lanes, look up at the painted gables, then choose a terrace or continue for a few minutes towards the Aare. Aarau Info presents the largely traffic-calmed historic centre as a place made for strolling and notes that its richly painted gables gave Aarau the nickname ‘city of beautiful gables’. This is an editorial suggestion, not a marked route. Before leaving, check the weather, works, access, transport and opening times of the places you wish to visit with official sources. The photograph, taken on 4 November 2017, does not show current conditions.

Begin at the Grande Place, then enter the pedestrian lanes of the old town before continuing to Jardin Roussy and the quays. Montreux Riviera describes the historic centre as a maze of narrow streets dotted with fountains, statues, frescoes and colourful signs, and presents Vevey as a city well suited to a stroll between cobbled streets and the lakeside. This notebook is an editorial suggestion, not a marked route. Adjust the order and length of the walk to your time and mobility. Before leaving, check the weather, works, access, transport and opening times of the places you wish to visit with official sources. The photograph, taken on 7 September 2021, shows the old harbour and the Vevey-Marché landing stage; it does not show current conditions.

For this Saturday photo, look from the village for a composition that keeps a chalet or a few rooftops in the foreground, the rock wall in the centre and Staubbach Falls above. The Jungfrau Region’s official source presents this roughly 300-metre waterfall as Lauterbrunnen’s landmark and says it can be admired throughout the year. The gallery, separate from the view from the village, is advertised from May to October: do not assume it is open on the day of your visit. Before leaving, check the weather, visibility, access, path conditions and the gallery’s actual opening with official sources. The photograph, taken by Mark Peters before 23 July 2017, does not show the waterfall’s current flow or today’s conditions.

From 17 October to 21 November 2026, Rendez-vous Bundesplatz presents ‘NATUR PUR’ on the façade of the Federal Palace. According to the organiser, the show runs every day at 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm, lasts about 30 minutes and is free. This edition invites visitors to rediscover Switzerland’s roots by visually transforming the Federal Palace into a living ecosystem. Before travelling, check the times, access to the square, weather conditions and any changes directly with the official source. This publication is neither a ticket nor a reservation. The photograph was taken on 30 October 2015 during an earlier edition of Rendez-vous Bundesplatz; it does not depict ‘NATUR PUR’ in 2026 or current conditions.

For this weekend, spend the first day exploring the lanes and small squares of the historic centre before continuing to Castel Grande. The following day, carry on to Montebello and, if time and mobility allow, Sasso Corbaro. Bellinzona e Valli Turismo notes that Castel Grande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro, the wall and the ramparts form a complex inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. This two-day outline is an editorial suggestion, not a booked stay or a marked route. Before leaving, check opening times, tickets, access, weather, works, transport and the route’s suitability for your mobility with the official source. The photograph was taken on 1 August 2020 from Sasso Corbaro; it does not show current conditions.

From Baden station, head to Schlossbergplatz and the city tower, then cross the old town lanes towards the Halde quarter. Walk down to the covered wooden bridge over the Limmat: its beams and the neighbouring façades offer another perspective on the town. Switzerland Tourism describes this connection between the station, old town and bailiff’s castle across the bridge. Keep the outing short by ending on that bank and planning your return; the climb to the Stein ruins can wait for another discovery. This is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted route. Before setting out, check weather, construction work, access, elevation changes and suitability for your mobility with official sources. The photograph, taken on 10 September 2018, does not show today’s conditions.

In Hergiswil, glass tells a story of craftsmanship and more than two centuries of history. Glasi’s official timeline says that the Siegwart family built its glassworks on the shore of Lake Lucerne in 1817. In 1975, when the factory faced closure, the “Glasi-Lüüt”, the municipality of Hergiswil and Roberto Niederer helped save it. A designer and artistic director, Niederer left a distinctive signature that still shapes the house’s style. The photograph, taken on 29 April 2017, shows craftspeople at work; it does not guarantee current access to the workshop or viewing conditions. Before visiting, check opening times, access, available activities and safety rules with the official source. This is an editorial reference, not a partnership.

For this quiet discovery, begin at the Saint-Jean Népomucène bridge, let the Doubs set the pace, then enter the old town through the Saint-Jean gate. Jura Tourism presents Saint-Ursanne as a small medieval town on the banks of the Doubs, with heritage including the 12th- and 13th-century collegiate church and cloister, galleries, antique dealers and a medieval garden. Take time to notice the façades and return towards the water without trying to see everything. This is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted route. Before setting out, check the weather, access, construction work, opening times of the places visited and whether the walk suits your mobility with official sources. The photograph was taken on 24 August 2019 and does not show today’s conditions.

For this Sunday notebook, begin in the lanes of Biel/Bienne’s old town among façades, squares and fountains, then head down towards Faubourg du Lac before finishing by Lake Biel. Biel Seeland Tourism describes a preserved medieval quarter, places the New Museum Biel and Pasquart along Faubourg du Lac, and notes that Biel/Bienne is Switzerland’s largest bilingual city. This sequence is an editorial selection, not a signposted route. Before setting out, check the weather, construction work, access, opening times of the places visited and whether the route suits your mobility with official sources. The photograph was taken on 10 May 2024 from the tower of St Benedict’s City Church; it does not confirm current access to that tower and does not show today’s conditions.

For this Photo Saturday, walk up towards Rapperswil Castle and look for a three-layer composition: the old town rooftops, Lake Zurich, then the hills on the horizon. Switzerland Tourism presents the castle as a viewpoint over the lake and mountains and suggests continuing the discovery along the waterfront promenade. This is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted route or a guarantee of visibility. Before setting out, check the weather, access, opening of the areas visited and whether the route suits your mobility with official sources. The photograph was taken on 30 March 2025 and does not show today’s conditions.

For a weekend in Ascona, devote the first day to the Borgo: start at the church of San Pietro e Paolo, follow the old town’s lanes, then reach the lakeside promenade. Ascona-Locarno Tourism presents this historic quarter around the church and describes its lanes leading to the terrace cafés by the water. The next day, choose at your own pace between a cultural visit and a walk towards Monte Verità, which overlooks Ascona and preserves the memory of the alternative colony founded in the early 20th century. This is an editorial suggestion, not a booked stay. Before setting out, check the weather, transport, access, opening hours and any reservations with official sources. The photograph, taken on 26 May 2017, does not show today’s conditions.

From the station, walk through Schaffhausen’s old town, taking time to notice the medieval façades, winding lanes and some of its 171 oriel windows. Continue to Munot, the landmark fortress overlooking the city. Schaffhauserland Tourism says the walk from the station to Munot through the old town takes about 15–20 minutes, with some steps at the end. This short route is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted trail. Before setting out, check the weather, works, opening hours, access and accessibility with official sources. The photograph, taken on 25 July 2020, does not show today’s conditions.

In Neuchâtel, the Writer, the Musician and the Draughtsman tell a story of watchmaking joined with movement. The Musée d’art et d’histoire states that Pierre Jaquet-Droz, his son Henri-Louis and Jean-Frédéric Leschot made them in La Chaux-de-Fonds between 1768 and 1774, before they were donated to the City of Neuchâtel on 1 May 1909. The museum currently notes that the Writer remains on display but is not in working order; demonstrations of the Musician and the Draughtsman continue. Check opening hours, access and the current status of demonstrations on the official source before visiting. The photograph, taken in 2021, does not show today’s conditions.

Start at Rathausplatz, the historic heart of Thun, then continue to Obere Hauptgasse and its raised pavements. Next, climb towards Schlossberg to see the castle overlooking the old town, before descending to Mühleplatz, the lock bridges and the banks of the Aare. This notebook links places presented by Interlaken Tourism; it is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted route. If you wish to enter the castle, check opening hours, tickets and access conditions on its official website. Before setting out, also check the weather, works, transport and route accessibility. The photograph, taken on 18 July 2007, does not show today’s conditions.

For this Saturday photo, treat the Matterhorn as a subject in its own right. Zermatt Tourism presents it as a Swiss symbol and gives its elevation as 4,478 metres. In this photograph taken on 6 September 2025, a Gornergrat train crosses the foreground and creates a leading line towards the Matterhorn’s pyramid. Try a simple composition: keep the terrain and rails in the lower part of the frame, then leave space around the summit. This is an editorial photography tip, not a guaranteed viewpoint or route. Before setting out, check the weather, visibility, train operations, trail conditions and access restrictions with official sources. The photograph does not show today’s conditions.

For a weekend in Basel, devote the first day to the old town: begin at Marktplatz, look at the Town Hall, then make your way to Münsterplatz and the Pfalz above the Rhine. Next, cross the Mittlere Brücke and follow the riverbank at your own pace. Basel Tourism places the old town between the cathedral, market square and the banks of the Rhine. On the following day, choose a museum according to your interests and confirm its current programme directly. This is an editorial suggestion, not a booked stay. Before setting out, check the weather, transport, access, opening hours and any reservations with the official sources. The photograph was taken on 14 May 2022 and does not show the day’s current conditions.

Begin on the steps of St Ursus Cathedral, Solothurn’s landmark, then follow Hauptgasse to the Clock Tower. Take time to notice the façades, old cobbles and details of the old town before making your way, at your own pace, to the Aare quays. Solothurn Tourism presents the old town through its romantic lanes, ancient cobbles and cathedral, and places the Clock Tower at the heart of Hauptgasse. This short route is an editorial suggestion, not a signposted itinerary. Before setting out, check the weather, works, access and any opening arrangements with the official sources. The photograph was taken on 15 February 2023 and does not show the day’s current conditions.

In St. Gallen, embroidery can be discovered as an object of history. The Textile Museum states that from 1863 the Commercial Directorate acquired fabric samples from France to serve as models and sources of inspiration for the regional textile industry. Its collections preserve, among other items, handmade white embroidery and machine-embroidered pieces documenting Eastern Switzerland’s industry in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. For an attentive visit, choose one motif and observe the thread, repetition and craftsmanship rather than trying to see everything. Check opening hours, access and current exhibitions on the official website before setting out. The photograph shows the museum façade on 21 May 2023, with a poster for a past exhibition; it does not represent the current programme.

For a quiet discovery, enter Hauptgasse without a busy schedule: observe the colourful houses, the «Tafeen» signs and the painted details of Löwen pharmacy, then make your way at your own pace to Landsgemeindeplatz and the Town Hall. Appenzellerland Tourism presents Hauptgasse as one of the village’s attractions and describes the historic square where the Landsgemeinde is held. This suggestion is primarily an invitation to look at façades and decorative craftsmanship; it is not a booked guided tour. Before setting out, check the weather, access and any opening arrangements with the official source. The photograph, taken in 2006, does not show the day’s current conditions.

For this Sunday carnet, begin near St Nicholas Cathedral, then descend at your own pace towards the Lower Town, among lanes, Gothic façades, steps and bridges over the Sarine. Fribourg Tourism presents the old town as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval ensembles, with more than 200 Gothic façades. Practical information checked on 27 September: the funicular is closed from 27 August to 4 December 2026; the tourist office identifies bus no. 4 as an alternative. Plan your return according to your mobility and check access, works, transport, weather and opening hours before setting out. The photograph, taken on 31 March 2019, does not show the day’s current conditions.

For a photography outing, begin by looking for a viewpoint that brings together Sion’s two emblematic hills: Valère and Tourbillon. Sion Tourisme presents Valère as a fortified settlement surrounding its basilica, while Tourbillon Castle, standing on the opposite hill, was built around 1300. First compose a wide image containing both sites, then choose a detail of stone, wall or landscape. Adapt the walk to your mobility and check the weather, access, opening hours and any closures with official sources before setting out. The photograph was taken on 9 May 2022 and does not show the day’s current conditions.

For a weekend in Ticino, spend the first day in Lugano’s historic centre, at Piazza della Riforma, Parco Ciani and along the lakeshore. The next day, choose Gandria: Switzerland Tourism presents this car-free village directly by the lake, with narrow lanes and colourful houses. This suggestion connects two nearby atmospheres without prescribing a programme or means of transport. Before setting out, check the weather, connections on foot, by bus or boat, access and any opening arrangements with official sources. The photograph shows Gandria on 25 August 2013 and does not represent the day’s current conditions.

Start in front of the Zytglogge, then continue along Kramgasse, alternating between the street and the passages beneath the arcades. UNESCO describes Bern’s Old City as a place founded in the twelfth century and distinguished in particular by fifteenth-century arcades and sixteenth-century fountains. For this short route, choose a fountain as a pause point, look at the façades and return at your own pace: this is an editorial suggestion, not a waymarked route. Before setting out, check the weather, roadworks, access and transport with official sources. The photograph was taken on 1 August 2014 and does not show the day’s current conditions.

In La Chaux-de-Fonds, watchmaking is not only read on a dial: it can be recognised in the city itself. UNESCO explains that after major fires, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle were planned in the early nineteenth century as parallel strips, with homes and workshops interwoven to support the rational organisation of watch production. Look at this photograph as an object of craft knowledge on an urban scale: streets, buildings and workshops tell the story of the transition from home working to manufacturing. For a visit, plan a short route and check weather, access and any openings with official sources. The aerial photograph dates from 4 May 2020 and does not show the day’s current conditions.

Start the week without rushing by choosing a short walk between Parc de l’Indépendance and the Morges waterfront. Morges Région Tourisme presents this park, close to the castle and Lake Geneva, as a suitable place for a peaceful stroll. Keep the idea simple: a few steps, a bench if you find one free, and time to look across the lake. Adapt the outing to your mobility and check the weather, access and any restrictions with official sources before setting out. The photograph was taken in Morges in June 2013; it does not show the day’s conditions or current flowers.

Begin with a few landmarks in Nyon’s historic centre, then continue to Prangins to discover its old village centre and Château de Prangins — Swiss National Museum. The Municipality of Prangins presents the lakeside village, its built and landscape heritage, and its discovery paths. This suggestion connects two cultural stops without imposing a route: choose your journey according to your mobility, the weather and confirmed access. Before setting out, check transport, opening times, exhibitions and any reservations with official sources. The photograph shows Nyon Castle; it does not depict Prangins or the day’s current conditions.

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For a photography outing, enter the pedestrian town without trying to capture everything. Compose a first image with the cobbles and fountain, then a second from an open viewpoint that reveals the Prealps. La Gruyère Tourisme presents Gruyères as a pedestrian medieval town at the foot of the Prealps, overlooked by its castle. Respect people, property and signs, then check weather, access and openings with official sources before setting out. The photograph shows the medieval town and does not depict the day’s current conditions.

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For a flexible weekend break, devote the first day to Chapel Bridge, the old town squares and the waterfront. On the following day, choose between a lakeside walk and a cultural visit according to the weather, your mobility and confirmed opening times. Switzerland Tourism presents Lucerne as a city between lake and mountains, with Chapel Bridge, the old town, Musegg Wall and several museums among its landmarks. Before setting out, check opening times, access, transport and conditions with official sources. This is an editorial suggestion, not a booking or guaranteed itinerary. The photograph does not show the day’s current conditions.

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Before becoming the icon of Geneva’s harbour, the Jet d’Eau began in 1886 as a pressure-release outlet for a hydraulic plant that supplied power to the city’s artisans and watchmakers. It was moved to its current location in 1891. For this discovery, view it as both an engineering object and part of the landscape, then read its official history before visiting. Operation can vary with conditions, so check the day’s information with the official source. The photograph places a carousel horse in the foreground and does not depict current conditions.

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Start the week without rushing by heading to Ouchy and choosing a short stretch beside Lake Geneva. The lakeside and gardens make a simple pause that you should extend only according to your available time, the weather and your mobility. This suggestion is not a fixed itinerary: check transport, access and any visits with official sources before setting out. The photograph shows Lausanne at dusk and does not depict today’s conditions.

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For a one-day journal, start near the station and walk down to the lakeside, among the lake, flowers and Belle Époque architecture. Then keep two options open: continue gently along the water or climb towards the old town and its cobbled streets. Chillon Castle can be a separate stop, planned according to your available time and mobility. Before leaving, check the weather, transport, access and opening times with official sources; this editorial suggestion is neither a guided tour nor a booking.

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Connect several sides of Nyon: the Nyon Région Tourisme walk includes the castle, Rive and Roman columns on the Esplanade des Marronniers. Choose stops on the official map and a lakeside pause to see the city from the quays. Adapt the outing to your mobility without completing the whole circuit. Check the route, access, weather and museum times before leaving. The photo illustrates Nyon, not today's conditions.

Start a photo outing in the pedestrian town: cobbles, fountain and castle offer subjects at your pace. Choose an architectural detail, then a wider view, without blocking the way. For a museum visit, check opening times and conditions on its official website before leaving. Plan arrival and return too.

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Choose a short section around Saint-Saphorin and take time to enjoy the lake. Plan the route and return before leaving; the full hike needs different preparation.

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The Chapel Bridge and old-town façades guide this city discovery. Adapt it to your time and mobility, extending the walk along the lakeshore.

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