Active holidays in Switzerland

Like neighbouring Austria and France, Switzerland's Alpine ski resorts become top cycling and walking holiday destinations in the summer.

However, Switzerland comes into its own in terms of being easy to get around without a car. There are passes that give access to virtually the whole country's transport system - making a car-free active holiday considerably easier.

Walking and cycling routes are widespread in Switzerland, with lakes, waterfalls, cliffs and forests to explore, as well the mountains, meadows, and glaciers the country is famous for.

As well as the active holiday mainstays of walking and cycling, Switzerland offers more unusual activities too.

Nordic walking, a way of fast walking using two specially-designed walking poles, is becoming more popular in Switzerland - and there are specific trails and centres to try out the activity with qualified trainers, such as Appenzell in the east and Aegerital in central Switzerland.

Another uniquely Swiss family active holiday experience is tin tobogganing - bobsleighing on either tin slides or rails down hillsides.

There are around ten tin tobogganing rides scattered across Switzerland, with Pradaschier in south-eastern canton of Graubünden the longest.

For more information see the Switzerland tourist board website or the travelbite Switzerland country guide.