The Italian-speaking town of Bellinzona is an oasis of medieval history nestling in the Ticino River valley and overlooked by the Alps on either side. Home to three medieval fortresses (the most formidable of which is the Castelgrande), a swathe of Renaissance churches, and a bustling café scene, Bellinzona promises a refreshingly unique Swiss experience.

This vast lake sits on the western side of Interlaken, and is framed by spectacular mountain scenery. In the summer months, the waters are a vivid turquoise blue, and the ideal place for a refreshing dip. If you’d rather stay dry you can enjoy a fantastic boat trip across the lake, passing medieval castles, quaint waterside villages, and snowy peaks.

The only national park in Switzerland can be found in the Eastern Alps at the Italian border. A European hotspot for keen hikers, this large park boasts 21 different trails of varying lengths and difficulties. As an alpine region, the park boasts mountain peaks and glaciers, as well as meadows, waterfalls, lakes and woods – a true hiker’s paradise.

At a height of 4,478 metres, the Matterhorn is one of the tallest mountains in Europe. Known for its distinctive pyramid shape, this astonishing peak overlooks the picturesque resort of Zermatt – a major ski hub on the Italian border. Whether you come to climb its challenging slopes, ski nearby, or simply marvel from a distance, the Matterhorn is unmissable.

This glacier saddle connects the two vast peaks of Jungfrau and Monch. Home to the highest railway station in Europe (which lies at an elevation of almost 3,500 metres), it’s an astonishing place for a day trip that boasts out-of-this-world panoramas of the surrounding mountains. You can get here on the Jungfrau Line, which runs from Interlaken and Kleine Scheidegg.