Most people on their first visit to Switzerland focus on the more popular destinations like Interlaken, Lucerne, Mt Titlis. Jungfrau etc. Nearly 90% of the travel agents atleast those in India also concentrate on these places but Switzerland has a lot more to offer. Every place that you go to in that country is so beautiful that it is difficult to come out with a list of must visit destinations. Since I have family staying there, I was lucky enough to explore some of the more offbeat ‘Swiss Treasures’ and I have put together a list of five such places in this post. Read on to know about them. I also have another travel post on Switzerland and that one is entirely on chocolate. Click this link to read 🙂
5 Offbeat Tourist Destinations in Switzerland
Stein am Rhein – I’ve left my heart in this charming and beautiful old town. Stein am Rhein is located in the canton of Schaffhausen and situated on the river Rhine. It is less than an hour’s drive from the Rhine Falls and about 55 kms from Zurich. Originally a small fishing village, Stein am Rhein developed in the 11th Century when Emperor Henry The II transferred the Benedictine St. George’s Abbey to the hamlet because of its strategic location. Soon, the small village grew to a prosperous commercial center.
Stein am Rhein is straight out of a Swiss fairy tale. You can take a stroll by the beautiful river promenade, eat a delicious meal at one of the many cafes lining up the promenade and once done, you must take a walk around the town and then go to the Rathausplatz – the square of the City Hall. The entire perimeter of Rathausplatz is lined by half-timbered houses with magnificent painted façades. Most of these houses are nearly 400 years old and you will be amazed at how well these medieval buildings have been preserved. There are quite a few cafes and shops inside the square as well and I will recommend you to try out La P’tite Creperie. I had a chocolate crepe there that was absolutely delicious and there was an Indian dal and spinach option too!