Surprising Switzerland: Memorable Experiences To Inspire Your Next Holiday

Switzerland offers far more than its iconic mountains and postcard-perfect lakes; it’s a country filled with small surprises that can transform an ordinary holiday into something genuinely memorable.

From meeting St Bernard dogs to indulging in chocolate workshops, from spotting hot air balloons to relaxing with a fondue backpack in a scenic spot, each experience adds a fresh layer to your holiday. These are the moments that often become the stories people share long after they return home. Enjoy this guide, highlighting some of the most uplifting and surprising ways to experience Switzerland, helping you discover the country from a new angle.

Long before Schnorbitz became a TV star, Barry – the legendary mountain rescue dog – was saving lives in the Swiss Alps. Living from 1800 to 1812 at the Great St Bernard Hospice, Barry is said to have rescued more than 40 people, becoming a lasting symbol of the St Bernard’s bravery and loyalty.

Today, his spirit lives on at Barryland in Martigny - the only park in the world dedicated entirely to Switzerland’s iconic St Bernard dogs. Run as a non-profit organisation, Barryland offers visitors the chance to:

• Meet and observe St Bernards up close
• Watch feeding times and play sessions
• Learn about the breed’s rescue heritage
• Enjoy fantastic photo opportunities

The park also features sheep, goats, hens, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles and even a dedicated bee area promoting biodiversity.

Located just 45 minutes from the shores of Lake Geneva, Barryland makes a heart-warming day trip for families and animal lovers.

Our recommendation: stay in Montreux.

If you’ve ever wondered where to eat fondue in Switzerland for maximum wow-factor, this is it. Imagine collecting a backpack filled with local Swiss cheese, crusty bread, wine and a portable fondue set in Interlaken, then heading off into one of the most dramatic valleys in the Alps.

From Interlaken, you hop on a train to Lauterbrunnen - a place so pretty it feels almost unreal. A gentle walk along the valley floor takes you past the towering spray of Staubbach Falls and onwards to the thundering glacier-fed Trümmelbach Falls. Along the way, cliffs rise dramatically on either side and cowbells echo across green pastures.

Then comes the best part. You find a peaceful patch of grass, light your little burner and watch the cheese melt into golden perfection. There is something deeply satisfying about dipping fresh bread into bubbling fondue while surrounded by crisp Alpine air and some of the most spectacular scenery in Switzerland.

This unforgettable fondue backpack experience isn’t limited to Interlaken. In Gstaad, you’ll find ‘Fondueland’ with oversized fondue pots dotted around the resort. In Wengen and Grindelwald, ride up Kleine Scheidegg or Männlichen for a hike before finding a peaceful spot to sit down for a scenic cheese feast.

Also available in historic town of St. Gallen and Rorschach, set beside Lake Constance.

It’s outdoor dining, Swiss-style - simple, social and spectacular.

Our recommendation: stay in choice of resorts Grindelwald, Gstaad, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen or Wengen.

Trauffer – Swiss Woodcraft Tradition Near Interlaken

A short journey from Interlaken brings you to the colourful world of Trauffer Erlebniswelt, located near the shimmering waters of Lake Brienz.

If you’ve ever spotted a bright wooden Swiss cow in a souvenir shop, chances are it was made by Trauffer. This family-run company has been crafting sustainable wooden toys and gifts for generations, and visiting their experience centre is one of the most charming things to do in the Bernese Oberland.

Inside, you can watch skilled artisans carving and painting by hand, learn about traditional Swiss woodcraft and even create your very own wooden cow to take home. It’s creative, interactive and surprisingly therapeutic. Add in a cosy café and an à la carte restaurant, and you’ve got the perfect relaxed afternoon with a distinctly Swiss twist.

Our recommendation: stay in Interlaken, Bönigen, Spiez.

For something totally different, how about a floating sauna on a Swiss lake? Lake swimming has long been part of Swiss culture, but in recent years, innovative sauna boats have taken the experience to a whole new level - and it’s quickly becoming one of the most unique wellness experiences in Switzerland.

Picture a small, motorised boat with a crackling wood-burning stove, drifting peacefully across the water as mountain peaks frame the horizon. Inside, the heat builds, muscles begin to loosen and everyday stress melts away. Then comes the brave bit - a plunge into the crisp, crystal-clear lake.

The contrast is exhilarating. The sauna helps relax muscles, improve circulation, reduce stress and promote better sleep. Meanwhile, that icy lake dip works wonders too - helping to reduce inflammation, boost mood through a rush of endorphins, and increase alertness and energy levels. It’s hot, cold and completely exhilarating.

You can experience these floating sauna boats on Lake Lucerne, Lake Zurich, Lake Thun, Lake Geneva and Lake Lugano. Whether you visit in golden autumn or the depths of winter, this is Swiss wellbeing at its boldest - a blend of nature, adventure and serious relaxation.

Our recommendation: stay in choice of resorts Lucerne, Lugano, St. Gallen, Thun or Vitznau.

The Swiss Army Knife is one of the world’s most famous icons of Swiss craftsmanship. Its story began in 1891, when the Swiss Army needed a reliable, multi-purpose tool for soldiers. Over a century later, the Swiss Army Knife is far more than a military essential - it’s a symbol of Swiss ingenuity and precision, carried by hikers, travellers, adventurers, and even passed down through generations. Chances are your granddad or dad might have had one tucked in his pocket!

At the Victorinox store in Brunnen, you can experience this legend for yourself by building your very own knife. Choose from three iconic models - Spartan, Climber, or Huntsman - and let expert guides take you step by step through the assembly process. From the first component to the final product, you’ll learn the secrets behind this Swiss masterpiece.

Once finished, your knife comes with a personalised engraving on the blade, and you can even add a custom message to the handle scales. It’s not just a souvenir - it’s a memory crafted by your own hands.

Not near Brunnen? Victorinox also offers workshops in Geneva, Lausanne and Andermatt, so you can create your keepsake wherever your Swiss adventures take you.

Our recommendation: stay in Brunnen.

If you thought Switzerland was all mountains and chocolate, think again -the southern canton of Ticino offers sunny vineyards, rolling hills, and some of the country’s finest wines. Just a short train and bus ride from Lugano, the charming village of Monte Carasso is home to Cantina Settemaggio, a winery dedicated to creating exceptional wines that celebrate the region’s rich heritage.

Merlot is the cornerstone of the vineyard, with around 7,000 bottles produced annually, complemented by other local varietals that showcase Ticino’s unique climate and terroir. The winery’s passionate team brings each bottle to life, from grape to glass.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences: relaxed tastings, evening events with live guitar, four-course dinners paired with wines, or even mindful vineyard walks alongside the winery’s horses. Seasonal events celebrate the harvest, local gastronomy, and Ticino’s centuries-old wine traditions. Surrounded by the scenic Alpine foothills, a visit to Cantina Settemaggio is an immersive, authentic taste of Swiss culture, hospitality, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re sipping Merlot in the golden evening sun or wandering the vines with a glass in hand, this is one of those unique things to do in Switzerland that stays with you long after your trip ends.

Whether you’re sipping Merlot in Ticino’s golden sunshine, strolling through Vaud's lakeside vineyards, or discovering Valais’ alpine reds, wine tasting in Switzerland is one of those unique things to do.

Our recommendation: stay in Lugano.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Switzerland, few experiences are as sweet as the Matterhörnli® chocolate-making workshop in Zermatt. Since 1965, the Fuchs bakery has been delighting locals and visitors alike with fresh bread, fine chocolate, and the iconic Matterhörnli® -handmade pralines shaped like the legendary Matterhorn.

The experience begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of the bakery, followed by a guided chocolate tasting featuring a variety of premium coatings. Then comes the hands-on fun: under the guidance of a professional chocolatier, guests craft their own box of Matterhörnli® pralines using only Swiss chocolate and carefully selected regional ingredients.

After the workshop, if you wish, you can head to the café and enjoy a steaming cup of the famous Chocolate Maison and homemade regional bakery specialties. It’s a delightful treat and a perfect way to savour Zermatt’s sweet traditions.

Not staying in Zermatt? Switzerland is full of chocolate delights, with workshops and tastings available in many resorts across the country, making this one of the most deliciously unique things to do in Switzerland.

Our recommendation: stay in Zermatt.

For one of the most magical and unique things to do in Switzerland, a hot air balloon ride in Château-d'Oex near Gstaad is unforgettable. Along the GoldenPass panoramic route, colourful balloons dot the sky - and now you can be among them, drifting above some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

From lift-off, the Alps reveal a perspective few see. Snow-capped peaks glisten, deep valleys stretch below, and crystal-clear lakes sparkle. Float over rolling meadows, forests, and charming alpine villages, soaking in the scale and beauty of the Bernese Oberland and Bernese Jura.

Château-d’Oex hosts the famous International Balloon Festival, attracting balloonists worldwide. Even outside the festival, flights drift over neighbouring Rougemont and further afield to picturesque Gruyère and Emmental, with historic villages and rolling hills at every turn.

If Château-d’Oex isn’t on your itinerary, hot air ballooning is available elsewhere in Switzerland, offering equally stunning views over alpine peaks, sparkling lakes, and sweeping valleys. Sunrise or sunset, floating above Switzerland is a serene, thrilling, and utterly breathtaking adventure.

Our recommendation: stay in Gstaad.

For anyone fascinated by precision, design, or history, a visit to the World of Omega in Biel/Bienne is one of the most intriguing and unique things to do in Switzerland. Housed in the modern Cité du Temps building, the museum tells the story of Omega SA, from its founding in 1848 to its cutting-edge innovations today.

As you explore, you’ll see legendary timepieces including the iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch, discover Omega’s role as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, and enjoy interactive exhibits that make the science of timekeeping come alive. The museum also highlights Omega’s influence on popular culture, including its connection to James Bond, and showcases the evolution of women’s watches in the engaging ‘Her Time’ exhibition.

After your visit, you can stroll around the vibrant city of Biel/Bienne, admire Swiss architecture, or visit nearby watchmaking workshops to see craftsmanship in action. It’s a perfect blend of culture, history, and horological wonder - and a must-see for watch enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

No matter where you are in Switzerland, the country’s watch heritage means there’s always a museum nearby, making this an accessible and fascinating addition to any itinerary of unique things to do in Switzerland.

Our recommendation: stay in Bern or Lausanne.