Why Switzerland wants you back

If all you know about Switzerland is that they have some of the best snow around, think again.

Sure, the mountains are some of the best in the world, but that doesn’t mean Switzerland is only a winter destination – or that it doesn’t have some other killer features.

Enter the Lake Geneva Region – boasting postcard-worthy views, jaw-dropping scenery and loads of memorable things to do.

The list of things to do in the Vaud Lake Geneva Region is basically endless, but we’ve rounded up some of Lake Geneva Region Tourist Office’s top picks (you know, to add to your list of skiing and more skiing).

ArtLab: culture, art and science all under one roof

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the ArtLab project combines three spaces, creating a connection between arts, culture, science and technology.

The focus is on developing technologies that allow you to better understand swiss cultural heritage, while also being educated about the great scientific challenges of the century.

You can visit one of the various experimental exhibitions on throughout the year, or listen to the Montreux Jazz Festival archives, which is listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

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Montreux Jazz Festival

If the Jazz Festival archives aren’t enough for you, then how about the real deal? Created in 1967 by Claude Nobs, the Montreux Jazz Festival rapidly became a major international cultural event attracting 250,000 visitors annually – held from the 30 June to 15 July each year.

This years’ 51st edition showcased a variety of international artists, including Passenger and The Lumineers. Better get packing for next year, stat.

The terraced vineyards of Lavaux

These picturesque vineyards were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, making them worth visiting even more.

They can be explored on foot or by bike and, during the summer, on the Lavaux Express or Lavaux Panoramic: miniature tourist trains that wind their way through the vineyards.

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Glacier 3000

Yes, you can totally ski here (and take helicopter glacier trips), but don’t miss out on the Peak Walk. For decades, this famous aerial cableway has been transporting visitors to this idyllic region at a height of 3000m, with its eternal snows and stunning glacier.

The only suspension bridge in the world spanning two mountain peaks, the Peak Walk is a unique experience for any traveller wanting to catch stunning views of the highest mountains.

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Aquatis Aquarium- Vivarium

By the end of the European summer, Aquatis will be able to welcome its first visitors in Lausanne, and will be the largest freshwater aquarium in Europe. Around 50 individual aquariums, vivariums, and terrariums will accommodate close to 10,000 fish and reptile species.

And thanks to innovative, technological features, the animals can be observed in an interactive and immersive environment. The aquatic fauna and flora of five continents will span across two floors, and is not to be missed.

The Kuklos Restaurant

What would any holiday be without food? The Kuklos Restaurant in Leysin is a revolving restaurant 2000 meters high – and is powered by solar energy. It offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Geneva, the Matterhorn, Mont-Blanc, the Dents du Midi and the Alps.

Swiss food, wine, and killer views? Yes please.

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Lake Geneva Lake Geneva Region Tourism switzerland