Nature — Switzerland

Pfannenstiel Aussichtsturm

Hinteregg

Pfannenstiel Aussichtsturm is a steel lookout tower on the Pfannenstiel ridge above Lake Zurich, in the municipality of Egg near Hinteregg (canton of Zurich). From its high platform you can take in the lake, the surrounding hills and the Swiss Alps. What is this tower, and where does it come from? The tower is roughly 35 metres tall and built of steel and cast iron, with the viewing platform at about 33 metres. It has been moved once: it first went up in 1893 on the Bachtel near Hinwil, was taken down in 1985, and after its parts were restored it was reassembled on the Pfannenstiel in 1992. It does not stand on the very top of the hill. Cantonal authorities favoured the highest point, but the municipality of Meilen objected because it lies in a protected forest area, so the site chosen is slightly lower, on Egg's territory. A renovation finished in February 2025 removed rust, renewed riveted and bolted joints and improved the structure's stability. What can you see from the top? Expect a panorama over Lake Zurich, the hills of the Zürcher Oberland and, in clear weather, the Alps. The climb is a long staircase, so allow time for a pause. How do you get to the tower? By car: park at the Hochwacht restaurant; the tower is about 250 m away on foot. By public transport: no service runs right to the tower, but the wider Pfannenstiel area is well connected by train, bus and boat, and most visitors finish the trip on foot. On foot: the Pfannenstiel Weg from Forch to Meilen follows the ridge. A short loop from the Hochwacht is about 6 km with around 60 m of ascent and takes roughly two hours, passing the Waldhütte Herrliberg with its lake view. A longer option goes through the Küsnachter Tobel gorge (about 11.5 km, around 3.5 hours); other routes lead from Erlenbach or to Uetikon am See. When should you visit, and what does it cost? The tower is open all year and free to climb. Pick a bright, clear day for the best Alpine views; spring and autumn also suit ridge walks. Frequently asked questions Is there an entrance fee? No. The tower is free and accessible year-round. How tall is it? About 35 m, with the platform at roughly 33 m. Can I reach it by public transport? Not directly. The area is well served, but the last stretch is on foot; from the Hochwacht car park it is about 250 m. Why is a tower from the Bachtel standing here? It was built on the Bachtel in 1893, dismantled in 1985 and rebuilt on the Pfannenstiel in 1992.

Bois de la Bâtie

Genewa

Bois de la Bâtie is a wooded hillside park in Geneva, above the Jonction where the Rhône and the Arve meet. Natural oak woodland, shaded paths, a free animal park and the city's biggest playground make it a favourite green escape for locals and families. What is there to see? The heart of the park is its oak forest, crossed by trails and lanes. A full renovation in 2020–2021 added three viewpoints, panoramic benches, picnic tables, a new refreshment kiosk and buildings devoted to nature education. Geneva's largest playground sits here too, so the park easily fills half a day with children. Is there a small zoo? Yes. The animal park covers roughly 2.5 hectares and costs nothing to enter. Nearly 300 native animals live there, among them peacock goats, mirror sheep and peacocks. The first two are endangered breeds, and the park takes part in conservation work with the ProSpecieRara foundation. It began in 1945, when a gardener named Maréchal started sheltering injured wildlife from the region in makeshift pens; the city made it official in 1982. Feeding the animals is forbidden, and dogs may not enter the animal area. Where does the name come from? The woodland was donated to the city in 1868 by the Turrettini brothers. The first public feature was a pond from the 1870s, paid for by a bequest from the Duke of Brunswick, and the park was laid out around 1874. The name goes back to the old Bastie-Mellié fort. The gift started a tradition of donated parks from wealthy Geneva families, which helped the city earn its nickname, the "city of parks". When should you go? The park itself is open around the clock. The animal park opens daily, 8:00–18:00 from November to March and 8:00–20:00 from April to October. Spring and summer bring the thickest greenery and long evenings for a picnic with a view; autumn colours the oak canopy. Planning your visit Start at the Jonction to see the two rivers merge, then climb into the woods. Bring a picnic or use the kiosk on site. Keep dogs on a lead on the paths. Check the city's notices before you go: in 2026 access from chemin Fief-de-Chapitre is occasionally closed while a footbridge over the Nant Manant stream is built. Frequently asked questions Is entry to Bois de la Bâtie free? Yes, both the park and the animal park are free. Can I bring my dog? In the woods, yes, on a lead. Dogs are not allowed in the animal park. Where can I picnic? There are picnic tables, benches and a kiosk, plus Geneva's biggest playground for children. Can I feed the animals? No, feeding is not allowed.

Swiss National Park

Zernez

Swiss National Park (German: Schweizerischer Nationalpark, Romansh: Parc Naziunal Svizzer) lies in the Lower Engadine in the canton of Graubünden, with the village of Zernez as its gateway. It is Switzerland's only national park and the oldest in the Alps, founded on 1 August 1914. Nature protection comes before recreation here, so the rules are stricter than in most parks. What makes this park different? The IUCN ranks it in category I, a strict nature reserve, a level above ordinary national parks (category II). It borders Italy's Stelvio National Park. The Ofenpass road (Pass dal Fuorn) crosses the area and, apart from the hiking trails, is the only human use of the land. Everything else is left to develop on its own. What will you see? Wildlife you may meet includes ibex, chamois, red deer and marmots, plus many alpine bird species. The scenery mixes mountain pine forest, meadows and high scree slopes. There are 21 marked hiking routes and 18 rest areas, which suits both a short stroll and a full-day trek. Where do you start? Begin in Zernez at the National Park Centre, housed in a building that opened in 2008. It has an exhibition on wilderness, rotating special shows, binoculars to borrow, and an information desk for trail conditions and guided tours. The park administration sits in Wildenberg Castle in Zernez. Exhibition entry is CHF 9 for adults. From mid-May to the end of October the centre is open daily, 8.30 am to 6 pm; outside the season hours are shorter, so check nationalpark.ch before you travel. What are the rules? Stay on the marked paths and designated rest areas. Dogs are banned, even on a lead. No campfires, cycling or drones. Frequently asked questions Can I bring my dog? No. The ban covers all dogs, including those on a lead, and dogs are also not allowed in the exhibition rooms in Zernez. Can I leave the path for a photo? No. Leaving the marked paths and rest areas is strictly forbidden. Is there an entrance fee? The trails are free to walk. The exhibition at the Zernez centre costs CHF 9 for adults. Where do I get route information? At the centre in Zernez, by phone on +41 81 851 41 41, or at nationalpark.ch.

Münster platform

Berno

The Münsterplattform in Bern is a broad terrace beside the cathedral (Berner Münster) in the middle of the Old Town. It sits on a steep slope above the Aare, with views down over the lower quarters, and locals treat it as a shady place to sit and unwind. What kind of place is it? The square is roughly rectangular, about 66 to 70 m deep and 85 m wide. At its south-east corner the supporting wall stands around 31.5 m above the lane called Badgasse. The ground is man-made fill, so this is a raised public garden rather than a natural hilltop. How was the terrace built? Its foundation stone was laid in 1334 and the retaining walls were finished in 1514, with master builder Erhart Küng closely involved. The fill behind them was only completed after the Reformation of 1528. Until 1531 the site was a graveyard; afterwards it became a park. Lime trees grew here until the 18th century, when horse chestnuts replaced them. The cathedral tower beside it was completed in 1893. What can you see here? Chestnut-shaded paths and benches facing the Aare and the Matte district. A plaque on the south balustrade for student Theobald Weinzäpfli, who fell over the wall on horseback in 1654 and survived. Carlo E. Lischetti's artwork "Münster-Plattform", set into a lawn. The story of the 1986 excavations that uncovered the Berner Skulpturenfund, statues dumped as rubble after the Reformation. A monument to Berchtold V of Zähringen stood here from 1847 to 1961; it now stands at the Nydegghöfli. How do you get there? The terrace lies next to the cathedral in the pedestrian-friendly Old Town. To reach the Matte quarter by the Aare, ride the public Mattelift, an electric lift that opened in 1897. When should you visit? Pick a clear day, when the chestnuts give shade and the river view is sharp. Pair it with a climb up the cathedral tower: according to ADAC, it takes 254 steps to the first terrace and 344 to the second (open April to October). Frequently asked questions Is there an entry fee? No, it is an open public square. What was here before the park? A cemetery, until 1531. How do I get down to the Matte district? Take the Mattelift, which has linked the terrace to the riverside since 1897. Was the founder of Bern commemorated here? Yes, a Berchtold V of Zähringen monument stood on the terrace from 1847 to 1961 and is now at the Nydegghöfli.

Bostg

Disentis/Mustér

Bostg, also known as Piz Plaun Grond, is a forested viewpoint summit above Disentis/Mustér in the Surselva region of Graubünden, Switzerland. The Romansh name means "forest", and the slopes live up to it: dense spruce woodland covers the mountain almost to the top. The summit sits just under 2,000 m, with sources quoting between 1,955 and 1,995 m. What can you see from Bostg? The ridge looks over the Vorderrhein valley, the Disentis and Sedrun area and the surrounding Alpine peaks. Around Caischavedra the trail crosses meadows known for their wildflowers. Lower down, lookout spots such as the one above the hamlet of Laus (about 1,590 m) give earlier glimpses of the valley. How do you hike up Bostg? The classic panoramic route is roughly 8.8 km and takes about 3.5 hours. It follows the Senda Pauli high trail to Caischavedra and continues to the summit. The regional tourist board rates it medium difficulty. A longer option starts at Disentis Monastery and climbs through forest to Caischavedra before the final push. You can descend via Mompé Tujetsch, or shorten the day with the cable car or rail. Is there a cable car? A cable car serves Caischavedra on a seasonal basis. One operator lists it as running from early July to mid-October. Check the current timetable before you go, as dates shift. Will you share the trail with bikes? Yes, in places. Bostg Trail and enduro routes from Disentis use the same hillside, so expect mountain bikers on some stretches and give way on bends. When should you visit? Summer and early autumn suit hikers best, when the lift runs and the paths are snow-free. In winter a signposted snowshoe trail starts from Segnas. FAQ Is Bostg the same as Piz Plaun Grond? Yes, both names describe the same viewpoint summit. How long is the panoramic hike? About 3.5 hours over roughly 8.8 km, with a high point near 1,995 m according to one hiking portal. Is it a difficult walk? Medium difficulty. You need reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear, but no climbing skills. Can you go up in winter? Yes, on snowshoes along the marked trail from Segnas.

Fulberg

Emmetten

Fulberg is a high ridge point above Emmetten in the canton of Nidwalden, central Switzerland. At roughly 1,777 m above sea level, it is one of the high spots on the Nidwaldner Höhenweg, a mountain trail that runs along the ridges overlooking Lake Lucerne and the Urnersee arm. Where is Fulberg? The summit sits in the range above Emmetten, between the Klewenalp and Seelisberg area and the peak of Niederbauen. On stage six of the Nidwaldner Höhenweg, hikers leave the Brisenhaus hut, pass Scheidegg, Klewenalp-Stafel, the Ronen hut and Wandeli, then climb to Fulberg (1,777 m). From there the path drops to the Berggasthaus Niederbauen inn at 1,570 m. How do you get there? Take the bus from Stans towards Seelisberg to reach Emmetten. The valley station of the Niederbauen cable car lies about five minutes on foot from the "Emmetten, Post" stop. A separate six-person gondola carries passengers from Emmetten up to the Stockhütte station. A popular day route follows the Wildbeobachtungspfad, a wildlife-watching trail: Niederbauen, Fulberg, Langhütte and Stockhütte. From Stockhütte you can walk down to Emmetten in about 1 h 15 min (4.2 km), or ride the gondola. How hard is the hike? Trail guides call the tour sporty. The descent from Fulberg uses a steep stepped path, partly secured with steel cables, so you need a steady foot. It is not recommended for children under 10. Swiss hiking authorities rate the Emmetter Alpen route T2: about 4 h 45 min, 12.9 km, 750 m of ascent and 1,040 m of descent. Höhenweg stage six alone takes around 4 hours over 12 km. When should you go? The trails are open from June to October. The inns on the route, Berggasthaus Niederbauen and Berggasthaus Stockhütte, serve hikers in the same season. Wear sturdy boots, since the steps can be slick after rain, and carry water and a warm layer because the ridge is windy. What else should you know? The area is protected and used for cattle grazing, so dogs must stay on a lead for the whole route. You can plan a loop or a one-way walk that ends with a cable car ride back to the valley, saving about a thousand metres of descent. Frequently asked questions How high is Fulberg? About 1,777 m above sea level. Do I need mountaineering experience? Fitness and a steady foot are enough. The route is graded T2, but the descent has steep steps with cables. How do I get back to Emmetten without walking down? Ride the cable car from Niederbauen, or the gondola from Stockhütte to Emmetten. Can I bring my dog? Yes, on a lead, because of nature protection and grazing cattle.

Bire

Beatenberg

Bire is a rocky promontory above Beatenberg in the Bernese Oberland, at the eastern end of the village just over the hamlet of Waldegg. From its small stone platform you look down on Lake Thun and across to the high peaks of the Bernese Alps. The name comes from the local dialect word for "pear", and the cliff band under the summit is known as the Bireflue. Where is Bire? It lies in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district of the canton of Bern, at roughly 46.707 N, 7.803 E. Beatenberg sits on a sunny terrace high above the north shore of Lake Thun, around 1,150 m above sea level. The nearest big summit is the Niederhorn (1,963 m). How do you get to Bire? The simplest start is Beatenberg itself. The path runs through the Spirenwald forest, and near point 1325 you walk right beneath the huge rock bands of the Bireflue. The last stretch to the top is a steep staircase. The Beatenberg sun-terrace walk peaks at 1,352 m, and the operator lists it at about 10.7 km, though hikers who add a descent report closer to 15 km. The alternative is to come from above. Ride the lifts from Beatenbucht to the Niederhorn, follow the ridge to the Oberburgfeld pasture (about 1,830 m), pass Unterburgfeld and continue to Bire. That route covers around 9 km, about three hours of walking, with more than 1,000 m of total climbing according to the "Die unbekannte Bireflue" tour description. Buses back leave from the Beatenberg Wydi stop. By public transport, take the train to Thun, a bus to Beatenbucht, then the funicular and gondola up to the Niederhorn. Check operating dates with the lift company, since the gondola has recently been out of service. What will you see? A few benches sit on the small rock platform. The outlook takes in Lake Thun and the Bernese high Alps. On the way down from the Niederhorn you also get views into the Justistal valley, and in July and August the Oberburgfeld alp may serve food. Is the hike difficult? Some paths hug the rock wall, so you need sure footing and a head for heights. Pick a dry day, because wet rock and forest trails turn slippery. Wear proper hiking boots and carry water. When should you go? Aim for the snow-free months, late spring to autumn, with settled weather and good visibility. Mornings give the best chance of clear air over the lake. Frequently asked questions Is Bire a mountain summit? It is better described as a rock spur with a viewpoint above Beatenberg than a standalone alpine peak. How long is the walk from the Niederhorn? Around three hours over about 9 km. Is there a mountain hut? Not on the spur itself. In July and August you can eat at the Oberburgfeld alp along the route from the Niederhorn. Is it a beginner trail? Not entirely. Sections along the rock face need steady footing and tolerance of exposure.

Schwammegg

Eschenbach (SG)

Schwammegg is a hilltop viewpoint on the ridge above Eschenbach (SG) in the canton of St. Gallen, sitting at roughly 1,240 m above sea level. It is a stop along the Toggenburger Höhenweg, in a range of conglomerate (Nagelfluh) hills that links the Zürcher Oberland with the Lake Zurich region. Where is Schwammegg? The spot lies at 47.280 N, 9.018 E, in the hills above Eschenbach, close to the Atzmännig resort and to Tweralpspitz (1,332 m), the highest summit of the Nagelfluh chain in the Zürcher Oberland. It is a quiet local lookout, without the facilities of a big tourist attraction. What can you see from the top? Hikers rate Schwammegg as a very pleasant vantage point. The outlook takes in the Obersee, the upper basin of Lake Zurich, the flat March region and the line of the Alps. Clear days are best, especially in early autumn or spring when the air is crisp. How do you get to Schwammegg? The easiest option starts at the Atzmännig chairlift. A short climb leads up to Schwammegg, then the trail follows the ridge at a steady height past Tweralpspitz towards Chrüzegg. The whole stretch is about 7 km and takes around 3.5 hours. The Hulftegg–Chrüzegg–Atzmännig section is waymarked as Toggenburger Höhenweg No. 48, so navigation is straightforward. If you prefer to climb from the valley, a loop from Eschenbach (SG) via Atzmännig covers about 6.3 km with roughly 430 m of ascent and is graded moderate. When should you go? Late spring to autumn works best, when the ridge paths are free of snow. Pick a day with good visibility to see the Alps and the lake. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and a windproof layer, since it is noticeably cooler above 1,200 m than down by the water. What else is nearby? Combine Schwammegg with Tweralpspitz and the Chrüzegg mountain inn, reached by a loop of about 9.6 km with around 570 m of climbing. Down in the valley are Eschenbach and, beyond it, Rapperswil-Jona with its lakeside castle. Frequently asked questions Is Schwammegg a summit? It is a high point on a ridge, mainly known as a viewpoint. Trail users treat it first of all as a scenic balcony. Do I need mountain experience? No. The routes from Atzmännig and from Eschenbach are graded moderate. Basic fitness and hiking footwear are enough. What can you see from Schwammegg? The Obersee, the March plain and the Alps. How long does the walk take? From Atzmännig over Schwammegg and Tweralpspitz to Chrüzegg, allow about 3.5 hours for roughly 7 km.

Tanzboden

Ebnat-Kappel

Tanzboden above Ebnat-Kappel is a hilltop in the Toggenburg region of the canton of St. Gallen, rising to roughly 1,443 m. It is one of the valley's best-loved lookout points, with a sweep from the Churfirsten range to the Säntis massif and across the whole Toggenburg toward the Alpine foreland. The name occurs in several places in Switzerland; this one sits on the ridge over Ebnat-Kappel, close to the Speer massif. What can you see from Tanzboden? The summit opens onto a broad panorama. The Churfirsten teeth line the south, the Zürichsee area lies toward the west, and the Säntis massif closes the view to the east. Below, the wide Toggenburg valley is dotted with farms. The ridge is grassy and open, so the views stay with you for most of the walk. A small mountain inn (Bergbeiz) stands at the top. Check that it is open before you go: hikers' reports describe it as closed on some visits, especially off-season and on weekdays. How do you get to Tanzboden? Most walkers start at Ebnat-Kappel railway station. The popular loop covers about 14.5 km with around 770 m of ascent. It climbs via Büchel and Nestenberg to the hamlet of Nestel, then follows a natural path to the summit. The return goes through Oberbächen and Unterbächen. About 570 m of the climb comes right at the start, so pace yourself. Tanzboden also lies on the Toggenburger Höhenweg, a high-level trail whose stage runs from Oberchäseren around Speer. From Tanzboden you can continue along the ridge toward Speer (1,950 m, the highest conglomerate summit in Europe) and descend toward Kaltbrunn or Stein. What else can you do here? Mountain bikers use the slopes: one route drops from Tanzboden to Ebnat-Kappel, partly on singletrack. In winter the area suits snowshoeing; a described tour tops out at about 1,435 m. Tanzboden used to be a ski area, and today only a few small lifts remain. When should you go? Hiking works best from late spring to autumn on a clear day, when the Alps are visible. In winter the route suits snowshoes if you want quiet and good visibility. Weather in the Toggenburg hills changes quickly, and one trip report from the Speer ridge describes a thunderstorm on the descent, so set off early. Frequently asked questions Where is Tanzboden? In the Toggenburg, canton of St. Gallen, above Ebnat-Kappel, on a ridge near the Speer massif. How long is the hike from Ebnat-Kappel? The loop from the station is about 14.5 km with roughly 770 m of ascent, which fills most of a day with stops. Is there food at the top? Yes, a small mountain inn operates there. Opening times vary with the season, so bring your own provisions as a backup. Can you cycle here? Yes, a mountain-bike route leads from Tanzboden down to Ebnat-Kappel, partly on singletrack.

Tour de Pierre

Boudry

Tour de Pierre in Boudry is a small lookout tower set among vineyards in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. It looks like a piece of a medieval stronghold, yet it was built in the 19th century as a decorative pavilion on a wine estate. Today it houses a tasting cellar for local wines. What is the Tour de Pierre? The tower dates from 1876 and was commissioned by Louis-Philippe de Pierre, owner of the Trois-Rods estate. Its neo-medieval design includes battlements, a turret and a small corbelled watch turret. Among the many Gothic-revival garden follies of that era, it stands out because it incorporates genuine medieval elements. The name comes from its founder's surname, not from the building material. What will you see there? The tower rises between rows of vines, so reaching it is also a walk through wine country. The building itself is compact, so the main appeal is its silhouette against the slopes and the view over the surrounding landscape. Inside, a tasting cellar serves wines from producers of the Boudry area. What else is there to visit in Boudry? Boudry lies in the canton of Neuchâtel, in the wine-growing zone on Lake Neuchâtel. In town, visit the castle built by the counts of Neuchâtel in the 13th century. Since 1957 it has housed the Vine and Wine Museum, and after a major restoration in 1955 to 1958 it also works as a showcase for the canton's wines. Together, the tower and the castle make an easy wine-themed outing. When should you go? The tower looks best in the growing season, when the vineyards are green, and in autumn, when the harvest turns the slopes to gold and red. Check opening hours for the tasting cellar with the local tourist office before you travel, as they can vary by season. Frequently asked questions Who built the Tour de Pierre? It was built in 1876 for Louis-Philippe de Pierre, owner of the Trois-Rods estate. Is it a genuine medieval tower? Not entirely. It is a 19th-century neo-medieval pavilion that reuses authentic medieval elements. Can you taste wine there? Yes. A tasting cellar inside offers wines from producers around Boudry. Is the Tour de Pierre the same as Boudry Castle? No. Boudry Castle is a separate and much older building in the town centre, home to the wine museum. The Tour de Pierre stands among the vineyards.

Nature in Switzerland