The Rawlings family explore the spectacular mountainscapes, tranquil lakes and charming towns of Switzerland. Their escapades included lake swimming, a cable car ride up a mountain, cycling through sunflower fields, Swiss market shopping, a zip-wire experience and a visit to a castle.
By John Rawlings | 3 December 2018
Our first stop was near Solothurn, in the north-west of the country and about 35 minutes’ drive from Bern. On the banks of the River Aare, this attractive settlement is known as the ‘ambassador’s town’ and certainly has an air of sophistication.
At Camping Solothurn - about 20 minutes’ walk out of town - we were able to bathe in the river that skirts the site, as well as in the superb outdoor swimming complex next door. We loved it here and could easily have stayed a whole day.
Cycle along the river
We wanted to take advantage of the plentiful opportunities for hiking and cycling in the area so picked a child-friendly, 24km, circular bike route following the River Aare along the valley to Grenchen and back. We passed glorious fields of sunflowers and pedalled through the curious village of Altreu, famous for its white storks, mostly on car-free paths or quiet back roads.
A walk in the mountains
The following day we caught a bus to the Weissenstein mountain. The gondola ride to the top was breathtaking and it was fun to watch paragliders launching themselves off the hillside before we hiked back down through the woods.
Another day out involved a drive to the Balmberg Rope Park, a treetop woodland adventure park offering 10 courses feturing zip-wires and nerve-wracking sections where you walk on steel tightropes.
Our second campsite was Camping Morges on the banks of Lake Geneva. Leaving the motorhome on site, we strolled along the waterside into Morges to potter through the market and sat by the lake to watch the boats and take in views across to France.
Lausanne and Geneva
Lausanne is just a 20-minute drive around the lake. Seemingly blending ancient and modern, this elegant city is home to the International Olympic Committee, and sports lovers should race to the Olympic Museum near the waterfront. Geneva is a 45-minute drive south-west of Morges where you can experience Switzerland's legendary chocolate by visiting a ‘confiserie’ (confectioners) as well as checking out the Patek Philippe Museum which is home to more than five centuries of watchmaking history.
Our two-stop Swiss adventure was sadly far too fleeting – like the chocolate, though, our sojourn in this magical country had left a very sweet taste in the mouth.
