Adventure, Zurich

Wonderful hiking routes, beautiful view of the Rhine Valley – including in the evening, when the sea of lights sparkles far below. The Karren is a popular meeting point in the region. For one thing, beautiful hiking routes have their starting point here; for another, life is easy at the panoramic restaurant at 976 metres above sea level. Whether you want to go for something to eat or simply want to enjoy some high-altitude air, the cable car brings you high above the city rooftops in five minutes, giving you a wonderful view: the entire border triangle by day, the sea of lights by night. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/planning-a-trip/trip-destinations/karren-dornbirn-cable-car/

The unique panoramic view of all of Lake Constance 240 alpine peaks of Austria, Germany and Switzerland make the Pfänder by Bregenz, Vorarlberg, one of the region’s most famous viewpoints. The Pfänder, the local mountain of the people of Bregenz, offers a variety of opportunities for both locals and guests to enjoy memorable outdoor experiences. One of the major advantages is that getting there is extremely convenient. The port as well as the port train station are only seven minutes away on foot. Once one has arrived at the valley station, 600 metres in height are overcome with the Pfänderbahn mountain railway in only six minutes. At the summit at 1,064 metres in altitude, with far-reaching views of the deep-blue Lake Constance, the towns and villages along its bank and of the Austrian and Swiss mountains, it is easy to take a deep breath. A trip to the Pfänder is simply always worth it. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/pfaender/

The Villages of Bönigen and Iseltwald are only a few minutes by car from Interlaken, nestling between two mountain ranges on the lower middle and end of Lake Brienz. Many oft he picturesque houses date backa s far as the 16th century. http://www.interlaken.ch/en/holiday-in-boenigen.html

A premier holiday destination and conference venue of international renown. Situated in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is the ideal starting point for any number of excursions. The town is famous for its delightful location and the sites of natural beauty that surround it. http://www.interlaken.ch/en/holiday-in-interlaken-matten-unterseen.html

Mulhouse zoo bring together 1200 animals and more than 3000 plants in a marvellous garden labelled since 1995. Among the 170 animal species, 90 are endangered in the wild. Mulhouse zoo takes part in around 100 international conservation programs. Since 30 years, it acts in the wild to protect the last wild lemurs, gibbons, old world monkeys, capuchins, tortoises and turtles, and so on. In Mulhouse zoo you can see polar bears swimming underwater. Asiatic lions, rarest and more endangered in the wild than African lions. Also a radiated tortoise from Madagascar - its shell looks like sun rays. You can see birds and turtles growing up in the hatchery. Beautiful and playful, the Mulhouse zoo is as instructive as fun. More than 400 000 visitors came in 2017 and the zoo is the most visited touristic site in the department and the third in Alsace… and certainly one of the more prestigious in France! http://www.zoo-mulhouse.com/en/

Follow The Cheese Road in the gently undulating Bregenzerwald for the perfect combination of natural beauty and unparallled taste. The Cheese Road is a unique Bregenzerwald attraction. It isn’t a street or a road in the usual sense, but rather a union of experts from various disciplines. Throughout the whole year, the members organise events, invite people to tasting sessions, and initiate guests into the secrets of cheese production. https://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/food-and-drink/cheese-road

With its attractive, traditional alpine setting, the Diemtigtal Nature Park offers an array of experiences. http://www.interlaken.ch/en/region-resorts-cities-area/diemtigtal-nature-park.html

Chasseral, observation deck of the Swiss Jura, has many faces. Vineyards, meadows and plateaus alternate with gorges and valleys. Its proud inhabitants are still leaders in the cutting-edge world-famous watch industry as well as cheese production. Reliable values, too. Here you can discover the true joy of life. Chasseral Nature Park is spread over a triangle between La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel and Bienne. It was named after the 1606.2 metre highest peak of the Bernese Jura. The top of the mountain is easily accessible, even with public transport. https://www.parks.swiss/en/the_swiss_parks/parkportraits/chasseral_nature_park.php

An oasis on the shores of Lake Maggiore for all those who love sport, fun and well-being associated with water. The lido is open all year round, whatever the weather. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-in/near/near-summer/excursions-summer/excursion-summer/health/public-baths-wellness/lido-locarno.html

It presents animals through a totally immersive and interactive scenography using innovative digital technologies. More than an aquarium or a vivarium, AQUATIS is an exceptional journey through our planet’s most fascinating freshwater environments. https://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/P23826/aquatis-aquarium-vivarium-lausanne

A walkway built on the right bank of the torrent laeds the visitor. He will see more closely, this tumultuous torrent that descends the slopes of the Aiguilles Rouges. In this place, you must evok the memory of the famous counterfeiter Joseph Samuel Farinet, who would have taken refuge in the nearby cave ... https://www.chamonix.com/cascade-de-berard,46-41388,en.html

Territorially located between France and Switzerland, this needle is characterized by the presence of Saleina glacier on its northeast side, a 6 km glacier , and the glacier du Milieu, on its southwest side, a large ice extent between two high ridges. https://www.chamonix.com/aiguille-d-argentiere,47-53678,en.html

Departing from Chamonix, this famous rack and pinion railway brings you to the Montenvers site at 1913 m. An imposing panorama of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses. https://www.chamonix.com/montenvers-mer-de-glace,81,en.html

The mountain at the heart of Innsbruck. The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park, and can be reached directly from Innsbruck city centre in just a few minutes! The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting impression, with the capital of the Alps on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other. The Hungerburg funicular enables visitors to reach the Hungerburg in just 8 minutes. There are several stops along the way including the Alpine Zoo, which is a favorite among families. After reaching the Hungerburg station, a short walk across Hermann Buhl Square, named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, leads visitors to the cable car station. The Hafelekar Run is one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. With an incline of 70%, this ski run is reserved for extremely good riders. When the powder is at its best, it is more likely for some locals to be at the Hafelekar than at the workplace. The run for all those who like the extreme! The location of the Nordkette Single Trail in high-alpine terrain directly above the rooftops of Innsbruck, make it unique worldwide. Riders experience an interplay of steep curves, rock jumps and root passages integrated with northshores and drops. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the Seegrube Station to the Nordkette Climbing Arena. There are approximately 40 tours which are mainly single-rope routes at the UIAA difficulty levels 4 – 9, which means they are suitable for both beginner and advanced-level climbers. Also experience the Innsbruck Fixed Rope Climbing Route.The best of the best have climbed on these rocks including mountain legend Hermann Buhl and also Hannes Gasser, who this route is named after. Climb in the footsteps of these climbing greats and experience unique mountain adventure. https://nordkette.com/en/

From the city centre to the largest nature park in Austria in just 20 minutes! The breathtaking 360° views with Innsbruck on one side and the Karwendel Nature Park on the other are sure to leave a lasting impression. The modern Hungerburgbahn funicular takes you from the historic old town to the Hungerburg district, via the stop for the Alpine Zoo, in just eight minutes. From there, you cross Hermann-Buhl-Platz square, which is named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, and continue to the lift that runs up to the Seegrube. The Seegrube is located at an altitude of 1,905 metres above sea level and attracts daring mountaineers in summer and winter alike. Thanks to the direct connections to the city, everyone can also continue up to the Hafelekar – an absolute highlight at 2,300 metres above sea level with impressive panoramic views and natural alpine surroundings. Visitors can often catch a glimpse of the normally shy wildlife, but the real highlight is the unique panorama of city and mountains which leaves nothing to be desired. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/facilities/details/infrastruktur/innsbrucker-nordketten-cable-cars-innsbruck.html

Towering high above Innsbruck on the wooded Bergisel Hill, the brand-new Bergisel Ski Jump is a sight to behold. The Tower stands 47 meters tall and provides spectacular views. he new facilities now can hold 28,000 spectators. Each year, the refurbished Bergisel Stadium plays host to the annual Four Hills Tournament in January and to a Summer Grand Prix Jumping Event. All Bergisel Stadium facilities, including gondola, elevator, panoramic café, and vantage spot on the jumping platform are open to visitors. From the stylish Restaurant there are uninterrupted panoramic views of the lofty surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde and Serles. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/facilities/details/infrastruktur/bergisel-ski-jump-innsbruck.html

192 metres! Bungee jumping from the Europabrücke bridge is a truly thrilling and unforgettable experience. Since Rupert Hirner's first jump on 3 October 1993, this famous structure has been transformed into an ultimate highlight of the bungee-jumping world: thousands of daredevils have already taken the leap into the valley below and one of the world's most spectacular bungee jumps is now open to visitors on more than 60 days of the year! https://www.innsbruck.info/en/see-and-experience/special-experiences/special-activities-in-summer/detail/infrastruktur/192m-bungy-europabruecke-patsch.html

Known to Innsbruck residents as a “locals’ mountain” and a three-time Olympic venue, the Patscherkofel ski resort continues to draw wintersports enthusiasts of all kinds. With its pistes 1,400 metres above Innsbruck, fabulous views of the Inn Valley and rich sporting history, the Patscherkofel mountain and the ski resort it is home to are legendary within Tirol and beyond. This mighty mountain to the south of the regional capital hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976 as well as the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2012. Innsbruck locals appreciate the resort's proximity to the city, which is just a 15-minute drive away. One of the main highlights is without a doubt the large snowpark, where budding freestylers gather to dial in their tricks. The resort also has three children's areas at different altitudes, while from the top cable car station ski touring enthusiasts can climb all the way to the summit at 2,248m. Even those who don't fancy the extra few hundred vertical metres can still look forward to a 6km-long run down to the bottom of the resort along piste number 3. https://www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/sports/skiing/ski-resorts/a-patscherkofel-mountain-lifts

In a natural, protected environment and of greenery, the beach of sand of Doussard gives you a marvellous corner of relaxation, allowing you to use entirely edges of the lake of Annecy. Bathings and at pleasure laughs! https://en.lac-annecy.com/equipment/1/128585-bout-du-lac-beach.html

The oldest of France’s national parks, the Parc national de la Vanoise was created in 1963 to protect the mountain goat. Situated in Savoy, between the Maurienne and Tarentaise Valleys, it contains almost a hundred peaks of over 3,000 metres. http://www.chambery-tourisme.com/en/the-city-and-its-environment/nature-parks/

Whoever has experienced the wide variety and idylls of Nuremberg Zoo will come back again. The elegant movements of the dolphins and sea lions in the dolphin lagoon, the tropical atmosphere in the manatee house and the feeding of the polar bears in the Aqua Park provide an unforgettable experience. Young visitors have time to stroke and feed the animals in the children's zoo and run around in the huge playground. 3295 animals of 292 different species can be seen at the Nuremberg Zoo! https://tourismus.nuernberg.de/en/discover/places-of-interest/nuremberg-zoo/

The Main Tower, designed by the architect's office Schweger und Partner and completed in 2000, invites the general public to visit its rooftop observation platform, where they are met by a spectacular panoramic view of Frankfurt and the surrounding region some 200 metres above the city streets. A highlight for every urban explorer! https://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/en/Discover-Experience/Best-of-Frankfurt2/MAIN-TOWER-incl.-Observation-Platform

Get a bird’s eye view of Grenoble and the surrounding valley with a ride up the cable car. The first urban cable car in France, it was inaugurated in 1934, before being transformed into “the bubbles” in 1976. These round gondola lifts with their clear sides take you up to the Bastille fort: 500 meters up in just 5 minutes! https://www.grenoble-tourisme.com/en/discover/essentials/bastille-fort/

The Parks of Nervi are an important historical/nature complex formed from the combination of several gardens that once belonged to private villas: Villa Gropallo, Villa Saluzzo Serra, and Villa Grimaldi Fassio. Today, these villas belong to the City of Genoa and have been transformed into museums. http://www.visitgenoa.it/en/parchi-di-nervi-gropallo-serra-grimaldi-and-luxoro-villas

The modern Untersberg cable car carries you in comfort to the top of Salzburg City’s most legendary local mountain. As you step out of the lift, you will be greeted by imposing views that stretch out to the far horizon. The ride in one of two roomy gondolas takes about ten minutes. When you step out at the top, an incredible view of Salzburg City, Berchtesgadener Land (in Germany) and the Rosittental deep below reveals itself before your eyes. In good visibility, you can even see all the way out to the Salzkammergut lakes as well as Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria. The surrounding Alpine world is also boundlessly fascinating: Panorama boards help you get your bearings so that you easily be able to make out the Dachstein Massif as well as the Hohe Tauern range, an awe-inspiring world of eternal ice. https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/cable-car-untersberg

The Gaisberg is a popular local mountain just a few kilometers from the city center of Salzburg itself. With an elevation of 1287 m above sea level, it is an absolute Eldorado for recreational sports, hiking and nature. Readily accessible year-round, for the most part it is also suitable for children, with all kinds of opportunities for outdoor exercise, games and a bite to eat. In summer, the Gaisberg is an inviting destination for road cycling, mountain biking and hiking. “High-flyers” love to launch themselves from the top of the Gaisberg by paraglider – while spectators still summoning the courage to emulate them look on admiringly and allow themselves to be inspired. Yet another summer highlight is the Gaisberg Race for vintage automobiles. In winter, the outdoor program includes ski touring and cross-country skiing: hiking paths and touring routes are kept nicely maintained, while the XC trails are freshly tracked almost every day. https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/gaisberg

The world’s biggest ice cave is the site of fascinating ice sculptures and is one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Salzburg! Werfen’s “World of Ice Giants” is actually the world’s biggest ice cave: The cave system extends more than 42 km deep into the mountain. The first section, about a kilometer in length, features imposing ice formations and is open to the public. Since it is a protected natural monument, development of the cave has been painstakingly cautious in order to preserve its unique natural beauty and ecosystem. Stepping through the imposing cave entrance, 20 meters wide and 18 high, you enter a mysterious world of ice. Aside from its enormous dimensions, the cave impresses with its ice palaces of crystalline beauty. Monumental formations glisten to amazing effect in the light of the traditional mine lamps which are issued to visitors. Winding passageways and galleries with evocative names such “Diamond Kingdom” lead you deeper and deeper into the mountain. https://www.salzburg.info/en/sights/excursions/ice-caves-in-werfen

It's probably the most famous island of the venetian Lagoon, it's composed by seven minor islands. It is well known worldwide for the art of blowing glass. All glass factories were moved to the island of Murano in 1295 to preserve the city from fires that often were caused by factories themselves. Murano was at first inhabited by refugees coming from Altino right after the barbarian invasion. Today it is completely urbanized and counts on 5500 inhabitant. Until 1171, when it was annexed to the Santa Croce district, the island was autonomous. In the year 1275 part of the autonomy was returned to the island's government, so they could promulgate laws and even coin their own money (the Osella). The autonomy of Murano was maintained also during the Austrian domination, that made of it a municipality. During the Austrian occupancy many churches and monasteries were sacked and destroyed so that only three now are left. The Murano municipality (that includes San’t Erasmo and Vignole islands) was suppressed in 1923 and the territory unified with the Municipality of Venice. http://venice-tourism.com/en/luoghi/island-lagoon/murano-island

Burano is amongst the main islands of the Venetian lagoon. At the moment about 3000 people live there and it is part of the municipality of Venice. It is linked to the smaller island of Mazzorbo by a small bridge. Just like Venice, it is divided into “Sestieri” (districts): San Martino Sinistro, San Martino Destro, San Mauro, Terranova and Giudecca (not to be confused with the homonymous island). The isle of Burano is famous for the lace working art, (a tradition since the XVI century), its bright multicoloured houses and for the culinary traditions. http://venice-tourism.com/en/places/island-lagoon/burano-island

Woods, water, wilderness - the only National Park in North Rhine-Westfalia is worth exploring with a ranger. The Eifel National Park extends over an area of approx. 110 square kilometres in the middle of the Hohes Venn Eifel nature park. The large protected area offers almost entirely undisturbed living space for wild cats and black storks, among other animals. In the early summer, the yellow broom flowers turn the Eifel National Park golden. https://www.eifel.info/en/nature/the-eifel-national-park

The High Fens-Eifel Nature Park in eastern Belgium is doubtless one of the most beautiful regions in the country. At 72,000 hectares it is also one of the largest and most emblematic nature parks in Wallonia. With its moorlands and peat bogs, forests and streams, man-made reservoirs, and picturesque villages, the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park offers an amazing palette of landscapes worthy of the most beautiful picture postcards less than an hour from Liège. http://www.parcsnaturelsdewallonie.be/en/parcs/hautes-fagnes-eifel/

If you like it tranquil, treat yourself and your family to a boat trip over one or more lakes in the Eifel Lake District and enjoy the beautiful landscape from the water. Four passenger ships with their crews provide the framework for a few pleasant hours in the Eifel. With the RURSEE-BAHN you can take a one-hour tour to the nearby spa town of Heimbach. During this romantic drive over Hasenfeld, through the town of Heimbach, along the castle, the small reservoir, the art nouveau power plant and adjacent national park, you will learn about these sights. https://www.rurseeschifffahrt.de/index.php?willkommen-an-bord-2

Spread over an area of approximately 15,000 m2, the Exotic Garden is home to a thousand cacti and other succulent plants with stems or hypertrophic leaves which store water. Originally from the planet’s main semi-arid regions, these plants still produce plenty of flowers. The principal flowering seasons are winter (January–February) for South African succulents such as Aloe and Crassula, and spring and summer for cacti, a family native to the American continent. The enormous trees which line the paths of the Exotic Garden illustrate the age of the collection which served as the basis for the creation of the garden at the instigation of Prince Albert I. Opened to the public in February 1933, and supplemented in the 1960s by a botanical centre and specialist tree nursery, the garden is one of the Principalities most visited tourist attractions. At the base of the cliff on which the Exotic Garden is situated (called “the observatory” due to the long-standing presence of a small astronomical observatory), at an altitude of 100 metres, there is a subterranean chamber equipped to receive visitors. The limestone rock, carved out by water containing carbon dioxide, is studded with caverns adorned with geological formations bearing evocative names: stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, columns, soda straws... Expert guided tours of the cave are included in the entry ticket for the Exotic Garden. The tour travels from a depth of 98 metres to a depth of 40 metres (around 300 steps). The chamber plunges down almost to sea level and is regularly explored by local cavers. The presence of prehistoric humans in the region of the cave is confirmed by the bones of the animals that they ate. These remains also illustrate the climate variations that have taken place over the last 250,000 years. http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/Gardens/The-Exotic-Gardens-and-the-Observation-Cave