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Sandy beaches, cosmopolitan cities and culture: it’s great getting to know foreign countries, and important as a way of expanding your horizons. But it would probably do all of us good to spend a little less time in airplanes – not least because flights to the other end of the world are far from cheap. Anyway, since Switzerland is a dream destination for many people from all over the world, why not just stay here for once?

Looking to avoid families and school classes on your vacation? No problem. Situated at 982 meters above sea level, Lake Obersee in the canton of Glarus is an insider tip for tourists. The mountain hotel located directly beside the lake is the ideal place to enjoy a schnitzel and fries with your friends before collapsing into your comfy beds in the evening. And if you’re looking for a more affordable overnight stay, there’s also a great campsite near the lake.

Rather than scaring each other with ghost stories, you can now choose the grown-up option and visit a haunted castle with your siblings, instead. Val Sinestra, a side valley in the Lower Engadine, is home to the castle-like hotel of the same name. Once known for its curative springs, the former spa hotel is supposedly haunted. For a very reasonable price, you can spend the night here and enjoy the hotel’s Belle Époque flair and the eerily beautiful landscape – with a bit of luck, you might even meet the resident ghost!

Lovestruck in Vitznau

Newly in love? Then it’s time for a trip to Vitznau. This little town on Lake Lucerne is full of Mediterranean charm and even comes complete with palm trees. There are plenty of fun things to do here, too. Take the cable car up to Wisifluh and enjoy a hearty lunch at the restaurant, which is located directly next to the top station. And if you find the local cuisine too basic, during the summer you can try out the trendy pop-up restaurant down in Vitznau instead.

On group hikes, you’re forever having to wait for someone. One person’s laces have come undone, another can’t find their snack, a third has sunburn. So how about going on a hike with just your very best friend? Eastern Switzerland has an amazing 19,545 kilometers of hiking trails to explore. The Appenzeller Alpenweg is a great example. Though strenuous, this five-hour trail rewards hikers with a unique panorama of six (!) countries. Trips like this are the perfect way to create memories and strengthen friendships.

What was more enjoyable as a child than playing with your parents and your annoying siblings in the garden? It’s time for the family to make a comeback! For instance in the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cottage in the village of Epesses is the ideal place to spend a great weekend with the family. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a glass of wine in the village with its narrow streets and countless vines. And afterwards, dust off the good old board games and laugh together about the good times you’ve had in the past.