Great days out in Switzerland
1. Harder Klum
A bird's-eye view of the Jungfrau region. There is a marvellous panoramic view of the whole Jungfrau region from the top of the Harder Klum. Far below, the world famous spa of Interlaken nestles between the lakes of Thun and Breinz. Popular attractions for children are the bright red funicular train and the Alpine wildlife park with its astoundingly agile ibex.
2. Jungfrau Hoch
The highlight to every visit to Switzerland - a trip to the Jungfrau Hoch, at the top of Europe! This unique vantage point in the heart of the Alps offers a spectacular view stretching as far as the snow-capped summits of Germany and France. You will also see the unmissable Aletesch Glacier - at 14 miles long it is the longest in the Alps.
3. Schynige Platte
The Schynige Platte is considered by excursion 'insiders' to be the classic vantage point in the Bernes Oberland. An outstanding attraction is the Alpine Garden, where many of the 500 different species of plants have been saved from extinction. The region is also ideal for picnicking, a barbecue or simply hiking through the majestic mountain landscape with its superb panoramic views.
4. Open Air Museum (Ballenberg)
On a magnificent natural site of 60 hectares, there are more than 70 historical buildings from nearly every corner of Switzerland preserved in their original settings. Ballenberg offers a fascinating insight into rural lifestyles of the past. There is a restaurant at each entrance, picnic spots on site and guided tours for groups are available.
www.ballenberg.ch5. Museum of timepieces and mechanical musical instruments
More than 2000 exhibits covering seven centuries: clocks, pocket and pendant watches, wrist watches, specialities, accessories, workshop tools and instruments, and last but not least, an important library. You can also admire the barrel organs, reed and pipe organs, musical boxes, musical clocks, merry-go-round organs and electrical and mechanical pianos.
6. Zoo - Piscine des Marécottes
This zoo and swimming pool complex is a great way to spend a day. Take your time wandering around the Alpine zoo - it is at an altitude of 1100 metres! There are many animals which are found mainly in alpine environment, the snowy owl, brown bear, snow lynx and many others. After you have looked around the zoo why not jump in the unusual alpine swimming pool which has been carved out of rocks and is 70 metres long and heated.
7. Aqua Park (Le Bouveret)
This huge themed water park is great fun! There are three different 'worlds' to explore; Paradise Land, Captain Kid's Land and Jungle Land. There are so many different slides, rides, pools and activities that you can easily spend a day here and constantly try new things! Kids will love this open air, heated pool complex.
8. Fun Planet (Villeneuve)
This unique park has every ingredient for an entertaining afternoon. You can go bowling, go-karting and even rock climbing! There is also a games room full of electronic games, a children's play area, snooker and pool tables, a disco and also restaurants and bars.
www.funplanet.ch9. Saillon (Valais)
Saillon is a beautiful Swiss town famous for its Roman ruins, its landscape, its wine, its caves and its thermal baths. When you visit this magnificent town don't miss the chapel, the counterfeit money museum and the vineyard at Farinet. This area really is perfect for walking or cycling, remember to bring your swimming costume for the thermal baths.
www.saillon.ch