Best Swiss Paragliding Resorts

The clue’s in the name with Interlaken: it’s situated between two fabulous lakes, the Thun and the Brienz. As well as being easy on the eye, the waters open up a multitude of activities like windsurfing, water-skiing and fishing. Looming overhead you can’t miss the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks – home to some wonderful hiking routes. The famous ‘Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe’ train is a brilliant way to see over the Alps and inside the glacier. Back at base the vibe is chilled out and cheerful – party with the backpackers or explore the restaurants around town.

Freddie Mercury got it in one: “If you want peace of mind, come to Montreux”. The Jazz Festival put this town on the map - bringing Freddie and other big names like Pink Floyd and Miles Davis to Lake Geneva’s Swiss shores. There’s plenty more on the menu, from the restaurants (with 20 listed in the Michelin and Gault Millau guides) to the clubs (which make up some of the best nightlife in Switzerland). Fill your days touring the local vineyards, relaxing in the spas, or simply strolling along the promenade.

Famously the highest town in the Alps as well as one of the ‘classic’ mountain destinations, Davos is the bigger and livelier of the Graubünden resorts. The area is a sight to see in the summer; all sun-drenched gorges, flowering valleys and towering peaks. Hiking is huge here (there are 700km of footpaths in the surrounding area) and you can also enjoy the views by cycling, paragliding or just doing backstroke - there’s nothing like a swim in the Davos Lake. For something different but well worth doing, take a tour around Monstein, the highest brewery in Europe.

Klosters is the smaller and prettier of the two Graubünden villages - and it’s near enough to Davos that you can still make the most of the larger town’s spas and bars. The village has a definite air of ‘country chic’ and its surrounding hills have hundreds of kilometres for walking, cycling and pony trekking (or scooter descents if you’re after something a bit unconventional...). Visit the Madrisa adventure park if you’re here with the clan – it’s the largest of its kind in Switzerland.

Overlooked by the north side of the Eiger, Grindelwald’s the life and soul of the Jungfrau towns. It’s a mix of vintage Swiss and newly built architecture, topped off with sights of the big three – the Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger. If you can drag your eyes away from the mountains, there’s plenty to do, from walking and golf to bungee jumping and Via Ferrata. Kick back and watch the world go by in the evenings (best accompanied by a glass of chilled Valais wine).

Peering over the Lauterbrunnen valley and with the Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger in its sightline, the views from Mürren might just be some of the best on earth. You can’t come here without taking the cable car to the top of the Schilthorn – of James Bond fame – for a staggering 360° panorama. The car-free village is a quiet spot for a proper getaway and there’s seemingly no end to the hiking and mountain bike trails... as well as loads of opportunity to sample some more obscure sports like ‘trotti-biking’ (riding big-wheeled scooters).

Lucerne is one of the cultural hubs of central Switzerland. Picture a fairy-tale town and this is probably what you’d come up with; the Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lakeside setting and mountainous surroundings make this one of the prettiest towns in the land. To really appreciate the setting, take the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of the Pilatus for a panoramic view of 73 alpine peaks or look over the water from the medieval Kapellbrucke or the water tower. There’s a lot going on here in the summer – including the annual festival of classical and contemporary music which usually features big names from around the globe.

On the top edge of Lake Lugano and 8km from the Italian border, Lugano is often called the ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland’ which gives you a taste of the town. The San Salvatore and Sighignola mountains provide plenty of scope for hiking and the area also has some of Switzerland’s best MTB thanks to the bike park at Tomaro. Zip-lining is also super fun if you have a need for speed... The pace isn’t always set at full throttle – wander down the promenade or around the Piazza Bernardino Luini. The Renaissance fresco at the Madonna degli Angioli church is probably the best known of its kind in Switzerland.

With the warmest weather in Switzerland, Locarno is a brilliant blend of Italian and Swiss on the tip of the legendary Lago Maggiore. If you’re not too caught up indulging in La Dolce Vita, have a go at sailing or set off on one of the fantastic local walks. The town hosts its international film festival every summer (famed for the outdoor viewing experience in the Piazza Grande) and it’s always worth visiting the church of Madonna del Sasso up in Orselina – if only for the sights of the lake and town.