03 Nov 2022
Ski news. Completion of the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing.
An 80-year-old vision is finally about to become a reality thanks to the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing, due to be completed in early 2023. Once open, the new Matterhorn Glacier Ride II will form the last section of the crossing, connecting Zermatt and the Italian resort of Cervinia, and will be operational year-round. The highest continuous Alpine cable car crossing, the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing's total journey time will be 13 minutes and the final section will descend from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to Snow Xperience Plateau Rosa in Italy in four minutes (7.5m/s).
Launch of the new Goldenpass Express.
The idea to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz dates to 1873, but on 11 December, the launch of the new GoldenPass Express will mark the first non-stop train route between Interlaken and Montreux. The new trains will combine metric and standard gauge, bridging the gap between mountain railways and high-speed trains, and will feature 2nd class, 1st class, and Prestige class, where there will be 18 rotating seats so passengers can enjoy 360° views. An onboard catering service will also provide cuisine showcasing local products.
Launch of the new Jungfrau Ski Region ski pass.
The Jungfrau Ski Region boasts two valleys, three mountain ranges, and 211km (131 miles) of perfect slopes, all against the beautiful backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Skiers and snowboarders have everything – gentle slopes, steep drops, snow parks, racetracks and more. This winter, the Jungfrau, Grindelwald-Wengen and Mürren-Schilthorn ski passes will be replaced by one ski pass, valid for the whole Jungfrau Ski Region. Also included in the pass is the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) with direct connections to the Grindelwald Terminal and Interlaken. The new pass will cost USD 76/day.
More information.
Glacier 3000 opens a new black slope.
This winter, Glacier 3000 will open a brand new, super steep 1.8 miles black slope, running from Cabane to Pillon in the Pierres Pointes sector. The run, with a steepest incline of 41° and an altitude difference of 0.6 miles, will open following a whole summer of work, including the new 869 feet tunnel built through the Rocher Jaune mountain, which has created a new connection between the summit of Scex Rouge and the Col du Pillon via Red Run, Martisberg and the new black slope.
Alternative winter activities. An alternative Christmas in Basel.
Every December, Basel's historic Old Town becomes home to over 100 rustic wooden chalets selling an assortment of festive treats.
However, less known to visitors is its smaller, alternative Christmas market in Kleinbasel, Adväntsgass im Glaibasel. Known locally as the Christmas food mile, this seasonal market on the Rheingasse is well worth a visit and will provide plenty of inspiration for gift ideas as well as a vast choice of places to enjoy local culinary specialties.
Noël festivities in Zurich.
During the Christmas period, Zurich offers a huge selection of festive experiences, including three major Christmas markets, daily outdoor concerts, light shows, pop-up restaurants, processions, chalet bars and exhibitions. What's more, between 26 November and 26 December, visitors to Zurich can book into the city's Hotel Noel, a special project where 10 artists design 10 rooms in 10 hotels across the city, just for the festive season.
Lilu Light Festival Lucerne.
On 12-22 January 2023, Lucerne will once again light up for the LiLu Light Festival Lucerne. For 11 days, the city's many streets, squares and landmarks will be illuminated every day from 6pm to 10pm by artists from all over the world, all exploring the diverse and fascinating facets of light. Take a stroll around the city to see them all and enjoy Lucerne as you've never seen it before!
Fondue gondola.
Ever enjoyed fondue in a candlelit gondola? Well, in Saas-Fee you can! Enjoy this most Swiss of dishes with a glass of local Valais wine on an evening trip up into the Saas mountains, all while enjoying the stunning scenery around you and the bright lights of Saas-Fee far below. The trip takes about one hour and can be enjoyed by couples and families alike, with toys ready in the family gondolas to keep kids entertained.
Husky sledding in Valais.
Experience the magic of winter away from the ski slopes, on a sled ride through the snowy flatlands, led by a team of huskies. Perfect for the whole family, this special winter adventure is a great way for non-skiers to still be able to enjoy Switzerland's beautiful snowscapes and fresh mountain air to their full potential. This memorable experience is sure to be one you remember in years to come!
Lunch aboard the cheesemaker's train.
Embark on a gastronomic journey from Morges to Bière aboard a historic train dating back to 1895. Passengers can enjoy an aperitif with views of Lake Geneva and its famous vineyards, before savoring a delicious fondue, topped off with a tasty double cream meringue, courtesy of Chef Stéphane Bioschi. The train runs on certain days between October and April, departing from Morges at 11:05am and returning at 2:49pm (by regular train).
Snowshoeing in the Aletsch Arena.
Hop on a gondola up to the Aletsch Arena, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Alps. Here, snowshoe enthusiasts can experience the soothing peace of snow-covered winter landscapes off the beaten trail, not to mention the unique mountain panorama of the Great Aletsch Glacier. Accompanied by a guide, this trek through pristine snow is a great way of exploring some of the most beautiful, unspoilt natural spots in the Aletsch Arena.
Winter sauna on the shores of Lake Geneva.
La Maladaire beach on Lake Geneva is welcoming a new sauna and lake swimming experience this winter! Steam on the Water was set up by locals as a place of relaxation during the colder months, and its sauna can accommodate up to 20 people, while visitors can also enjoy drinks and snacks in the heated seating area or enjoy lake views from the yurt. The sauna, beach, and yurt are open from October to April and entry costs 20 CHF for two hours.
Art, culture, and cities. Rediscovering the work of artist Luigi Pericle.
The artist Luigi Pericle Giovannetti (1916-2001) reached the peak of his career in the late 1950s and spent much of his life at his house in Ascona. When Andrea and Greta Biasca-Caroni purchased Pericle's former residence to turn it into the Hotel Ascona, they unearthed a treasure trove of art by the painter, including thousands of oil paintings and hundreds of China ink drawings, many of which visitors can now come and see on display at the hotel.
Innovative chewing gum art in Zurich.
Over the summer, British artist Ben Wilson, aka the Chewing Gum Man, was invited by the Musée Visionnaire to restore the popular chewing gum art he created across Zurich in 2019, as well as create some new art. What were previously just blobs of discarded chewing gum have now been transformed into ingenious miniature paintings, which can be discovered as part of a fun self-led walking tour of the city.
100 years of Hesse's 'Siddhartha'.
Some of author Hermann Hesse's best-known books were written in Ticino, including 'Siddhartha' (1922), which is considered one of the most successful books of the 20th century. The village of Montagnola, where the Nobel prize-winner lived for almost 43 years, is now home to the Museo Hermann Hesse Montagnola, which will be hosting a fascinating commemorative exhibition, 'Hermann Hesse's journey to Siddhartha' until 5 February 2023.
Basel.
Fondation Beyeler, 25 years of the Fondation Beyeler, until January, 2023.
For its 25th anniversary, the Fondation Beyeler is presenting the largest exhibition of its collection, about 400 works by major artists of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, among them Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh and others.
Basel.
Museum Tinguely, Territories of Waste -On the Return of the Repressed, until January 8, 2023.
The way in which the earth is turned into a vast garbage can is a focal point of artistic practices. The group exhibition Territories of Waste focuses on these manifestations of contemporary art.
Bern.
Zentrum Paul Klee, Isamu Noguchi, until January 8, 2023.
Isamu Noguchi is one of the experimental artists of the 20th century. He has created sculptures from the most diverse materials as stone, bronze, aluminium, plastic and ceramic. Located between art, architecture, and design, he has designed decors, lamps furniture and public spaces.
Zurich.
Kunsthaus, Niki de Saint Phalle: Retrospective, until January 8, 2023.
The retrospective presents a hundred creative works of Niki de Saint Phalle: assemblages, action art, graphics, the "Nanas", the "Garden of Tarots" and large sculptures.
Zurich.
Museum für Gestaltung Collectomania, until January 8, 2023.
Barbie dolls, chasubles water pistols or bird songs - nothing seems too banal or too curious not to arouse the interest of a collector. Collectomania presents the most diverse collections, a multitude of objects of design and culture.
Bern.
Kunstmuseum, Gurlitt Eine Bilanz, until January 15, 2023.
Since December 2021, almost 1,600 works of art from the estate of the art dealer Hildebrand Gurlitt (1895-1956) have joined the collection of the Kunstmuseum Bern. Gurlitt traded art during the National Socialism (1933-1945) The funds are therefore subject to checks to identify possible cases of Nazi-looted art. The exhibition offers an in-depth overview and a scientific presentation of the legacy, showing how the Kunstmuseum Bern has assumed its responsibility for the treatment of the works of art.
Zurich.
Kunsthaus, Aristide Maillol, until January 22, 2023.
The exhibition focuses on the rich creative period that preceded the First World War. More than 200 works of sculpture, paintings and decorative objects are exposed.
Basel.
Museum Tinguely, Cinema before its time: Lavanchy-Clarke, Swiss pioneer, until January 29, 2023.
As early as 1896, the Vaudois François-Henri Lavanchy-Clarke (1848-1922) filmed images of Switzerland, which he projected in what was perhaps the world's first cinema: his extravagant pavilion at the National Exhibition in Geneva. The exhibition puts the spotlight on his films and his photographs, long forgotten.
Lugano.
MASI, A Collection of Modern Italian Art, until January 29, 2023.
MASI Lugano presents a selection of thirty masterpieces of Italian art created between the wars by some of the most important artists of the time.
Lausanne.
Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts, Lubiana Himid. So Many Dreams, from November 4 to February 5, 2023.
Consisting of colorful paintings, monumental installations and
sound environments, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover the extent and richness of this artist's work. An influential figure of contemporary art, from her central role in the Black Art movement in the 1980's to winning the prestigious Turner Prize in 2017, Lubaina Himid has never stopped exploring the possibilities of painting and to question the narratives it conveys, drawing attention both to aspects of history as well as to the extraordinary moments of life.
Lausanne.
Photo Elysée, Josef Koudelka, IKONAR. Constellations of archives, until January 29, 2023.
The exhibition IKONAR. Constellations of archives is the first exhibition devoted to the entire body of work of Josef Koudelka in Switzerland since 1977. Aiming to capture the essence of the world view of this photographer born in 1938 in the Czech Republic, this project is structured around key works from his most important series.
Geneva.
Musée d'art et d'histoire, La montagne en perspective, until February 12, 2023.
Long kept at a distance, the Alps have become, since the first expeditions at the end of the 18th century, a subject of study but also a pictorial subject. Surveyed in all directions, the mountains are shown from different perspectives.
Lausanne.
mudac, A Chair and You, from October 28 to February 15, 2023.
The mudac is hosting the Barbier-Mueller collection, one of the largest private collections of chairs by artists, designers and architects in the world. In order to give each chair its own specificity, the famous American director Robert Wilson was asked to imagine an immersive and exceptional scenography.
Basel.
Kunstmuseum, Castaway Modernism, until February 19, 2023.
In the summer of 1939, shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, the then director of the museum, Georg Schmidt, managed to acquire 21 masterpieces. As part of the National Socialist cultural policy, these had been labelled "degenerate art" and removed from German museums in 1937. The exhibition highlights all aspects of this moment in the history of the Basel collection.
Vevey.
Alimentarium, Food 2049, until March 20, 2023.
What will we eat in 2049? Science fiction and works of anticipation have always imagined how humans might eat in the future. The exhibition at the Alimentarium invites us to delve into the past to explore these imaginations forged by popular culture and to compare them with current scientific trends, innovations and projections.
St. Gallen.
Textile Museum, 8th European Quilt Triennial, until April 10, 2023.
The exhibition illustrates the diversity and artistic demands of the art of the contemporary quilt. An international jury selected fifty works that show that creativity, artistic inspiration and critical expression of an era are not limited to painting, sculpture, graphic design and photographic art. Politically motivated works evoke themes such as the global pandemic and its consequences, "Black Lives Matter" or the situation of women in Afghanistan.
Bern.
Zentrum Paul Klee, Paul Klee. From the infatuation with technology, until May 21, 2023.
Paul Klee lived in a time of great technological change. New discoveries challenged the way people perceived matter, space and time, a shift that is reflected in the artist's practice.
Bern.
Museum for Communication, Planetopia - Time for Global Change, November 13 to July 23, 2023.
The ecological crisis concerns us all. It is therefore high time to confront environmental problems and discuss them on a broad scale. What solutions can we develop? Planetopia a space on global change!
Martigny.
Gianadda Foundation
Turner, from February 26 to
June 11, 2023.
In collaboration with the Tate Gallery in London, the Foundation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny will present, an exhibition dedicated to the British painter William Turner.
Additional news. New record for the MICHELIN Guide Switzerland: 36 new Michelin-starred restaurants – including one new Three-star restaurant.
A total of 546 restaurants, including 138-starred restaurants, are recommended by MICHELIN inspectors in the new selection. These include one new Three-Star restaurant, five new Two-Star restaurants, 30 new One-Star restaurants and 34 new Bib Gourmand. The outstanding sustainability commitments of 11 new restaurants are also recognized with the MICHELIN Green Star.
Fondue Finder: the new tool to find the best fondue experiences in Switzerland this winter.
Everybody knows that Switzerland is the best place to eat fondue. But did you know that they are not limited to restaurants? Thanks to our new page Fondue Finder available from November 20, discover the most incredible experiences in unique settings. Enjoy a fondue on a rooftop, in a stable, on a gondola, or in any other extraordinary location.
Grand Tour of Switzerland: New App with virtual objects NFT to collect.
Since this spring, Switzerland Tourism has been offering, for the first time, a travel planning and assistance application for the Grand Tour of Switzerland. In addition to the practical aspects of organizing an itinerary, it is a real virtual companion during the trip. It is now complemented by NFT technology, which allows the virtual collection of available photo spots along the Grand Tour.
Hotel openings. Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern.
Following a meticulous renovation, Lucerne's iconic Belle Époque landmark re-opened as the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern on 24 September 2022. Situated on Lake Lucerne near the beautiful Old Town, the hotel offers four restaurants headed up by award-winning executive chef Gilad Peled, plus a state-of-the-art spa and gym. Most of its 136 rooms boast private balconies or terraces with stunning lake or mountain views.
Hôtel des Horlogers in the Vallée de Joux.
This new hotel in Switzerland's watchmaking country offers 50 rooms and suites, all of which meet the highest standards of eco-responsible tourism. Guests can enjoy breath-taking views of the valley and Risoud Forest, delicious food courtesy of three Michelin-starred resident chef Emmanuel Renaut, and a spot of wellness at Le Spa by Alpeor.
Stoos Lodge in Central Switzerland.
Opening this winter in the car-free mountain village of Stoos, next to the steepest funicular in the world, the new Stoos Lodge will have 100 rooms and apartments. Everything is spacious and uncomplicated here - guests can book room cleaning, breakfast and childcare, all online. Great for business trips, family breaks, couples' getaways or holidays with friends, at the Stoos Lodge, guests only pay for what they really need.
FIVE Zurich.
Hailed the hottest new destination in Zurich, the highly anticipated FIVE Zurich has finally opened and combines a venue for local music, art, fashion and culinary experiences with a five-star hotel. Guests can choose from 87 luxurious suites or 62 contemporary rooms and dine or party the night away at one of the seven dining and nightlife venues. There are also outdoor and indoor pools and a spa.
The Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne.
The historic wing of the Beau-Rivage Palace, known as the Beau-Rivage wing, has reopened less than a year ago following extensive renovations.
All rooms and suites have been gutted, rebuilt and equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity and smart automation systems. What's more, the modular design of these new rooms makes it possible to create ad hoc suites up to 2,712 sq ft in size out of several rooms.
Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia.
A new collection of lifestyle resorts in the Swiss Alps will launch in December 2022 with two hotels – Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia. Taking its name from the German Feiern – meaning “to celebrate” – as well as the English fern, the brand seeks to create joyful fellowship and togetherness through design, service and experiences.
Grace La Margna St. Moritz.
The iconic St. Moritz hotel La Margna, dating from 1906, will re-open its doors in winter 2022/23 under its new name, Grace La Margna St. Moritz. As a symbol of local tourism and of the surrounding townscape, the hotel sits majestically above the local railway station, with a panoramic view over Lake St. Moritz. The rebirth of the property includes a new, modern extension with new rooms and an extensive spa area, next to the original historic Art Nouveau building. Enjoy a brand-new experience in the 74 rooms and suites of this hotel opening this winter.
Six Senses Crans-Montana.
Enjoy direct ski-in and ski-out access to a natural high-altitude playground. Restore tired legs in Six Senses Spa, which blends high-tech biohacking with high-touch therapies. At the end of each day, return under a blanket of stars to cozy up at the open-air cinema or relive the day's adventures by the crackling fire in the bar. Six Senses Crans-Montana hotel welcomes you from early 2023, where vitality meets serenity.
Group media trips 2023. Spots are limited to one or two people maximum for each trip. Switzerland Tourism North America media team will select the participants depending on the media outlet outreach and quality.
The magic of beautiful places.
Discover small towns and hidden gems in different regions of Switzerland.
Where: Thurgau, Appenzell and Wallis
When: April / May
Highlights:
- Small, hidden gems in Switzerland
- Local stories
- Apple-blossoms in Thurgau
Swiss Travel Systems: Swissness & Swiss history.
Enjoy Switzerland through incredible train experiences.
Where: Chur– Andermatt – Altdorf – Luzern – Interlaken – Montreux
When: June
Highlights:
- Glacier Express
- Culinary offers in trains
- William Tell story places
- Belle Epoque train
Swiss Travel Systems: Travelling on the water.
Discover Switzerland from the water during cruises on lakes and rivers.
Where: St. Gallen – Schaffhausen – Luzern – Interlaken
When: end of August / September
Highlights:
- Boat rides on lakes / rivers
- Rhine falls
- Alternative public transportation
- Energy produced by water
- 5 lake train ride
Swiss Historic Hotels along the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.
Discover the Grand Tour of Switzerland by train and stay in Swiss historic hotels.
Where: Chur – Bergün – Poschiavo – Lugano
When: September
Highlights:
- Historical hotels
- Engadin in autumn
- Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
Swissinfo and Unesco: International Geneva and history of watchmaking.
Learn about Geneva and its international role through Swissinfo and UNESCO. On this trip, you will also discover the Swiss tradition of watchmaking in the Jura region.
Where: Geneva – La Chaux-de-Fonds
When: October
Highlights: Meet with representatives and learn about the following organizations
- WTO / World Trade Organisation
- ICRC / red cross
- UN Refugee Agency
- Human rights office
- UNESCO: Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning
Winter magic and advent markets.
Stroll around Swiss cities during Christmas time and discover their advent markets and decoration.
Where: Basel – Bern – Biel – Montreux
When: beginning of December
Highlights:
- Advent markets
- Advent decoration in cities
- Christmas shopping
Transport news. Launch of the new GoldenPass Express.
The idea to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz dates to 1873, but on 11 December, the launch of the new GoldenPass Express will mark the first non-stop train route between Interlaken and Montreux. The new trains will combine metric and standard gauge, bridging the gap between mountain railways and high-speed trains, and will feature 2nd class, 1st class, and Prestige class, where there will be 18 rotating seats so passengers can enjoy 360° views.
The onboard catering will showcase local products.
Swiss Travel System.
Using public transport within Switzerland is not just easy but also eco-friendly. Great examples of sustainable Swiss transport modes are the climate-friendly regular-service boat MS Diamant on Lake Lucerne, which is powered by hybrid propulsion, the funicular in Fribourg which has been running since 1899 on wastewater, and the ePostBus in Interlaken, which runs on renewable energy that doesn't harm the environment.
Swiss Federal Railways.
90% of all the electricity used to run Swiss trains is generated from hydropower. The mission of the Swiss Federal Railways is that by 2025, all required electricity will be generated from renewable sources to contribute substantially to sustainable mobility in Switzerland. The Rhaetian railway, known for its panoramic trains such as the Glacier Express, already operates on 100% hydroelectric power, third only to cycling and walking as the most sustainable way to explore Switzerland.
Après ski feeling in two remodelled train cars.
The legendary après ski train will resume service between Disentis and Andermatt during the ski season, four times daily. It's the perfect start or end to an exciting day in the mountains. Guests can unwind in two modified “Glacier Express” train cars. There's also a lounge area, where guests can enjoy refreshing beverages and local specialties. On weekends, a DJ will be there to entertain and get the party going. Best of all? The journey onboard the legendary après ski train is included in the standard ticket price (excluding food and beverages). Swiss Travel Pass holders can just hop on and don't need to worry about anything else.
Gornergrat Railway turns 125.
2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Gornergrat Railway. Constructed in 1898, it further contributed to the boom of alpine tourism and continues to be a magnet for natives and tourists alike. The ride is just as spectacular as it was more than a century ago. Visitors are treated to constant views of one of Switzerland's most iconic mountains: the Matterhorn. Shortly, new Polaris trains from Stadler Rail will be used. And with a Swiss Travel Pass, travelers enjoy 50% off.
SWISS.
In partnership with the Swiss climate protection organisation 'myclimate', Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) offers its customers the option of offsetting their flight CO2 emissions by donating to climate protection projects and purchasing alternative fuels. It enables every customer to take responsibility for their actions and contributes to a more sustainable aviation industry.
On October 14, 2022, SWISS became the first airline in the world to deploy the innovative AeroSHARK technology on its passenger services. The transparent AeroSHARK film, which has been applied to its aircraft's fuselage and engine nacelles, replicates the hydrodynamic skin of a shark to reduce aerodynamic drag and, as a result, lower both inflight fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
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