MAGICSWITZERLAND.COM - Key Persons
In August, the oldest mountain-bike event in Switzerland attracts thousands of bikers every year. This fact is astonishing, because the race of 131 km (81.4 miles) from Verbier to Grimentz is one of the hardest races in the bike scene: the ride goes through six valleys in the Wallis with 4700 m (15'420 ft) in altitude.
Juan Antonio Samaranch, the former president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was the initiator of this museum. It was founded in June 1993 and is the second most visited museum in Switzerland. Learn about main themes-the Olympic Games starting with ancient Greek up to the latest summer and winter games-during your next Lausanne, Switzerland vacation.
A visit to Monte Brè offers great views of Lake Lugano, the Melide reservoir, San Salvatore, Monte San Giorgio and Valais Alps at an altitude of 925 m/3035 ft. The summit can be reached by taking a city bus from Lugano to Cassarate and funicular rail towards Monte Brè. The summit's two restaurants both feature Ticino specialties and amazing sun terrace views. For hikers there is a steep path downhill to Gandria where you have access to bus and boat back to Lugano.
San Salvatore is Lugano's home mountain and pinnacle of enjoyment with its summit at an altitude of 912 m/2992 ft. The funicular rail departs from Lugano-Paradiso and brings visitors to an amazing 360° panoramic view of Monte Brè, Generoso, San Giorgio, Lema, Tamaro, Lake Lugano, and the Valais Alps. The summit features a restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, nature trails and even a museum.
Saas-Fee is a charming mountain resort, at a height of 5906 ft (1800 m) and in the middle of a gigantic mountain panorama. It is not as famous as its better known neighbor Zermatt, but just as charming. Carl Zuckmayer, a famous German author who made Saas-Fee his new home, once said: "You stand at the end of the world and at the same time at its beginning".
Visitors travel to Saas-Fee for various reasons. The car-free resort is a favorite place not only due to its mild climate. Hike along 217 miles (350 km) trails and you have not seen it all. Or take a look from above: reach the Felskinn (9843 ft/3000m) by cable car and then board the highest underground funicular railway, the Metro Alpin to get to the Allalin at 11483 ft (3500 m). Or take time for a break at the highest revolving restaurant of the world. Stay at least for an hour to get around once and then step into the ice pavilion. Many couples tied the knot in the Glacier Chapel and igloos and slides await the youngsters.
Saas-Fee kept its traditions and maintained its original character. The Saaser Museum, which was built in 1732, exhibits treasures from the history of the Saas Valley. Saas-Fee also looks after his younger guests: children will ask you to stop at a museum more to their gusto, the Bakery Museum: baking from past and present is shown and kids can participate in a baking session. Saas-Fee is truly a place for the whole family, in every season.
Saas-Fee offers a wide variety of summer sports. Next to hiking, biking, swimming, golf and climbing, Saas-Fee is also one of the resorts where summer skiing is possible. The best ski racers in the world are not the only ones who choose Saas-Fee as their training camp and ski on the glacier slopes in fall, ski fans from all over come to the snow guaranteed Saas-Fee to get in shape before winter starts. A toboggan/bob run is open in summer as well as in winter and is a favorite place for children and adults.
More than 87 miles (140 km) or slopes, various free-style parks and 37 miles (60 km) of winter paths invite young and old to enjoy winter sports. New winter sports such as snow-tubing, snow shoeing or air-boarding can be done as well as the traditional ones like ice-climbing, cross-country skiing or tobogganing. Speaking of tobogganing: every Tuesday and Thursday evening, from 6pm to 9pm, the sledging trail from Hannig to Saas-Fee (3.7 miles/6 km) is illuminated. Enjoy a typical dinner in the Hannig Restaurant and then round off the evening by a fun ride down to Saas-Fee.
One is for sure: fine cuisine is offered in Saas-Fee. Markus Neff, Cook of the year 2007 lives and cooks in Saas-Fee and guarantees a high quality. Wallis, the Napa Valley of Switzerland has a wide variety of wines to taste and Saas-Fee makes sure that you get the opportunity to do so in the many bars and pubs.
Stroll through car-free Saas-Fee and do not forget to bring home some specialties of the Wallis as the Walliserbrot (bread), wine or a special sausage of the Saas Valley made of beet root.
Saas-Fee is situated in the Saastal (Saas Valley) in the Canton of Wallis, 3 ¼ hours from Zurich Airport and 3 ½ hours from Geneva Airport. There is no railway station in Saas-Fee but a bus connection from Visp.
Not as famous as Zermatt, but also a very charming mountain resort which is always worth a visit. Skiers visit Saas-Fee in winter as in summer and hikers love the many opportunities offered.
Taking the Train de Vignes is an excellent way to enjoy Montreux's beautiful surroundings, specifically the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. The route stretches 8 km/5 mi beginning at Vevey Station and ending in Puidoux-Chexbres. Explore Lavaux as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by embarking on this leisurely train ride and exposing yourself to breathtaking views of the Savoy and Valais Alps.