Switzerland's Lake Geneva region is like heaven on earth

August 22, 2017 // By Joanne and Tony DiBona

By Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel Photography Experts August 22, 2017

Paradise found: Lake Geneva Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Paradise found: Lake Geneva

The Lake Geneva area of Switzerland, less than a two-hour train ride from Zurich, wows the senses with its scenic beauty. Your jaw will drop when you first round a bend and the azure blue waters of Lake Geneva, surrounding by charming towns and cragged Alpine peaks, come into view. It’s heaven on earth.

Step back into the 12th century at the Chillon Castle Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Step back into the 12th century at the Chillon Castle

There's a reason the Castle of Chillon, located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva, is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. The moment you enter its portals, you will be whisked back in time to the Middle Ages. The castle’s many chambers bring to life the colorful history contained within its walls. Costumed knaves and wenches stroll through the grounds, adding to the historical ambiance.

"Ferry" tales Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

"Ferry" tales

If you're planning a trip to Switzerland, check out the Swiss Travel Pass, which allows the bearer unlimited use of the Swiss trains, buses and excursion boats, as well as entry to select museums. Glide past some of Lake Geneva’s most picturesque cities, such as the fashionable city of Montreux, home of the renowned international jazz festival.

Raise a fork to a foodie town Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Raise a fork to a foodie town

It's difficult not to notice a massive stainless steel fork in the quaint town of Vevey, located on Lake Geneva’s shores. La Fourchette (The Fork), as it is lovingly known, is 26 ft. tall and was originally created in 1995 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Alimentarium. It's Vevey’s culinary museum that features interactive and historical exhibits surrounding everything about food.

Explore 1,000-year-old vineyards Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Explore 1,000-year-old vineyards

It’s hard to believe that the dizzyingly steep slopes of the Lavaux terraced vineyards and fortifying walls were planted nearly 1,000 years ago by ambitious monks, without the use of modern equipment. This entire region is a designated UNESCO world heritage site.

Lake-to-table cuisine Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Lake-to-table cuisine

Restaurants throughout the region take pride in serving the 30 species of fish that thrive in the pristine waters of Lake Geneva. A local favorite is the fresh perch, paired with a regional wine. You'll also want to try the dish for which Switzerland is famous, the glorious creamy cheese fondue.

Discover Charlie Chaplin's world Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Discover Charlie Chaplin's world

Charlie Chaplin, icon of Hollywood’s silent film era, was a man of multiple talents. You can immerse yourself in his life and countless artistic contributions with a visit to Chaplin’s World, a museum located high in the hills above Vevey, where he lived with his large family for 25 years. Human-like wax figures created by the Grevin wax museum in Paris bring his story to life, as do interactive displays and videos of his classic silent films.

A biker's dream route Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

A biker's dream route

Yes, you can walk for miles along the glorious Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO heritage site. But you can also bike along this amazing path that offers breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps along each bend. At the end of your trail, stop at one of the local wineries and raise a glass to commemorate your experience.

Pure drinking water at your fingertips Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Pure drinking water at your fingertips

Visitors to Switzerland may not realize that the entire country is filled with age-old fountains, in both the large cities and smaller towns, which are the source of the purest mountain water for all to enjoy. Sure, you can still buy bottled water, but feel free doing as the Swiss do and refill your water bottle at a local fountain.

Picnic on the top of the world Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Picnic on the top of the world

A mere 1-hour train ride takes you from Lake Geneva to the glorious Alpine region of Pays-d’Enhaut. A picnic featuring local artisanal products never tasted so good, especially with such an unforgettable view.

Edelweiss, prized Alpine flower Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Edelweiss, prized Alpine flower

You may remember the “Edelweiss” song from the film, The Sound of Music. It's the national flower of Switzerland and only grows in the highest regions of the Alps, blossoming from June to September. If you're lucky during your hike, you may spy one of these rare flowers along your path, usually nestled among the rocks. It's a protected species, so don’t pick – just memorialize the moment with your camera.

Historic chalets Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Historic chalets

The picturesque Swiss Alpine town of Rougemont is famous for the many centuries-old chalets that line the town's streets, the oldest of which dates back to the 1600s.

Visit a cheese farm high in the Alps Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Visit a cheese farm high in the Alps

Since cheese is a Swiss institution, tours of artisanal cheese farms in the Swiss Alpine regions are quite popular. You can opt for a unique tour that brings you to the top of a mountain to meet a family committed to carrying on the age-old cheese-making tradition. The contented cows feast on fresh grass throughout the summer season, giving their milk (and resulting cheese) a distinctive and sublime flavor.

Up, up and away Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Up, up and away

There are plenty of companies that will take you on the paragliding experience of a lifetime in the Pays-d’Enhaut region of Switzerland. If heights aren’t your thing, get a vicarious thrill from a mountaintop as you watch gliders sail off the peaks into the valleys below.

Lausanne, the best of old and new Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Lausanne, the best of old and new

Lausanne’s town center is a delightful combination of the trendy and the ancient (you can see the ruins of a Roman settlement on its shores). Discover bohemian cafes and original boutiques in the Quartier du Rôtillon, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Swan lake Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Swan lake

Everywhere you go in Switzerland, you'll be met by countless numbers of friendly swans and ducks that navigate the lakes and rivers. They love to interact with visitors, so if you have kids in tow, be prepared to spend some time on these encounters…and have your camera ready!

Medieval magnificence Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Medieval magnificence

The 12^th century Notre-Dame Cathedral in Lausanne is a must-see, as it's one of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings. The painted sculptures in the southern portal are a magnificent example of medieval art.

Shopper's delight Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Shopper's delight

Whether you're in the market for delectable chocolates or a designer Swiss watch – or anything else – you can find it in Lausanne. The Rue de Bourg in the city center is lined with luxury brand stores and a variety of boutiques. The Flon district, a revitalized neighborhood which formerly housed industrial warehouses, has become the trendy hot spot to enjoy unique restaurants, bars, clubs and non-stop entertainment.

Evening stroll along Lausanne's promenade Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Evening stroll along Lausanne's promenade

When the evening shadows fall, the views on Lausanne’s lakeside promenade are unforgettable. Take the convenient city metro to the end station at Ouchy and discover the magic.

Almost heaven Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Almost heaven

It’s almost heaven on the shores of Lake Geneva, when the sun drops behind the mountains and the lake is enveloped in the magical glow of twilight.

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About Joanne and Tony DiBona

Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers. Their articles have been featured on 10Best for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography website and travel blog. Have a question about travel? Contact them on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.

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