For blissful trails sounded only by the dongs of cow bells and surrounded by imposing iconic mountains, head to Villars-sur-Ollon in the Vaud Alps. This typical Swiss town, a bustling ski resort during the winter, offers several stunning summer walking trails and a charming glass-roofed train through Gryon and Bex. At the top of the cable car, located in the town center, you can saunter 300km of signposted alpine paths, bustle through wooded mountainsides and gawp at the vast valleys. It’s worthwhile taking a good map to identify the Dents-Du-Midi and, of course, the Mont Blanc massif. The views can become even more spectacular with a paraglyding lesson, many of which are offered in the area and set off near the cable car station.

More Recommendations

Go iconic mountain spotting in the Vaud Alps

For blissful trails sounded only by the dongs of cow bells and surrounded by imposing iconic mountains, head to Villars-sur-Ollon in the Vaud Alps. This typical Swiss town, a bustling ski resort during the winter, offers several stunning summer walking trails and a charming glass-roofed train through Gryon and Bex. At the top of the cable car, located in the town center, you can saunter 300km of signposted alpine paths, bustle through wooded mountainsides and gawp at the vast valleys. It’s worthwhile taking a good map to identify the Dents-Du-Midi and, of course, the Mont Blanc massif. The views can become even more spectacular with a paraglyding lesson, many of which are offered in the area and set off near the cable car station.

Search Out Delicious Desserts

Drawing influence from its neighbors Italy, France and Germany, the Swiss have whipped up a diverse dessert scene. The layered cake, Zuger kirschtorte, originates from Zug and consists of sponge, nut-meringue, butter cream and cherry brandy, while Schokoladenpretzel (Chocolate pretzels) are popular bites in the Swiss-German area. Variations of meringue are found throughout the country, often combining subtle vanilla flavors with fresh fruits or frostings to produce a piquant dessert. Chocolate is hugely popular and many cafés create their own style of chocolate fondues using small meringues, strawberries and other fruits to delve into the warm, dark gooey contents. Etiquette tip—always cut soft desserts with a fork rather than a knife.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR