From Hawaii wildfires to Beijing floods and tennis ball-sized hail in northern Italy, recent natural disasters around the world paint a grim image of climate change, which may make you rethink about travel. Rather than going to the extreme of zero travel, it’s time to adopt sustainable and greener travel.
Some destinations like Switzerland make it easier for visitors to travel responsibly, with extensive reliable public transport networks, energy-efficient hotels and eco-friendly experiences. In fact, did you know Switzerland has the world’s highest environmental performance?
Ever heard of Swisstainable? Read on for sustainable travel practices led by Switzerland Tourism and how you can enjoy a stress-free holiday amidst nature in its purest form – the eco-friendly way, of course!
| Did you know? Tiq Travel Insurance covers you up to 60 days before your trip! You also get flight check-in reminder(s) and an automated flight delay benefit so you’ll get paid upon a 3-hour flight delay, even without submitting a claim! |
Swisstainable: Sustainable travel in Switzerland
Sustainability is big in Switzerland! From the predominant use of hydroelectric power to being recycling champions, the Swiss have high environmental awareness and they have been advocating sustainable tourism, which leads to the name: Swisstainable. In fact, visitors are recommended to:
- Enjoy untouched nature up-close and first hand
- Experience local culture in an authentic way
- Consume regional products (support local!)
- Stay longer – think slow travel!
If you are an eco-conscious traveller or would like to start travelling more mindfully in Switzerland, look out for Swisstainable committed Service Providers that provide sustainable tourism offers, easily identified with the green label. Meanwhile, here are 8 amazing eco-friendly experiences in Switzerland to help you get the ball rolling.
8 Amazing Eco-Friendly Experiences in Switzerland
1. Witness pure wilderness in the Swiss national park
Established in 1914, the Swiss National Park is the largest protected area in Switzerland and the oldest national park in the Alps! Extending over 170 km2, family-friendly Swiss National Park is known for its great variety of alpine animals such as chamois, golden eagles and marmots.
Amidst the rich flora and fauna including rare alpine plants, there are designated trails (with varying degrees of difficulty) and areas for exploring. Imagine 80 km of hiking paths, nature trails and excursion destinations for children and families!
In the interests of nature conservation, bear in mind not to leave the hiking paths. If time permits, consider signing up for a guided excursion to learn more about biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable living. Perfect for edu-tainment!
2. Sledge on the SolarBob
Planning to visit Switzerland during summer? Don’t miss this solar-powered family-friendly outdoor activity in Langenbruck (just outside of Basel), reputed to combine ecology and fun! Instead of a ski-lift and snow sledding, you can expect to sit in the bob for a comfortable ascent via a solar powered lift. Then, get ready for 1 km of hair-raising slide or a peaceful roll down the run – you can control the speed by using a lever.
The SolarBob is the world’s first bobsled to be run in a carbon-neutral manner – making it worth bragging about and perfectly IG-worthy. While you are at it, please spread the word about travel sustainability.
3. Stargaze and sleep in an Emmental cheese
Credits: Emmental Tourism
Can’t get enough of cheese fondue? The Emmental’s Sleeping Cheese (Emmentaler Schlafkäse) named and modelled after the Alpine’s yellow semi-hard cheese offers an eco-friendly accommodation that spells creativity, nature and minimalism.
Located in a forest clearing at an altitude of 1,050 metres in Wasen (Bern region), the outdoor hotel room is made from wood and perspex with a glass roof that offers an unobstructed view of the starry night sky – a special feature of the Million Stars Hotel. Be it a couple’s getaway or family travel, you will fall in love with the fantastic views of the lovely Emmental hills through the holes in the Emmental cheese.
Temperatures in the Alps are nothing like Singapore though, and it could get cold, especially at night or during the winter season. Remember to bundle up so you don’t fall ill in the middle of your holiday. Having travel insurance helps too! With Tiq Travel Insurance, you can include COVID-19 add-on, to protect you before, during and after your trip.
4. Snowshoe hiking on the panorama trail (NR.142)
Snow-deprived Singaporeans looking at a winter holiday in Switzerland can consider snowshoe hiking (or snowshoeing) – a practical means of winter travel developed by the indigenous people that has evolved into a recreational outdoor activity.
There are various Swisstainable committed tour operators offering guided snowshoeing tours between Rotenboden and Riffelberg on the panorama trail or explore on your own. This trail is expected to take 1.5 to 2 hours, with the highlight being the magnificent panorama with the Matterhorn, Obergabelhorn and Weisshorn. Just imagine a magical fairytale land that’s not too different from the scenes of the animation, Frozen. ❄️
5. Ski at Val Lumnezia (Valley of Light)
Stretching from Ilanz towards the south, Val Lumnezia also known as the Valley of Light is a natural vacation destination recognised to be the model of sustainability. Due to its location, it enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year (yes, during winter too!) that allow communities here to harness solar power for more efficient energy usage. Val Lumnezia is also the source of the famous Valser mineral water!
Comprising 8 villages, the scenic landscape offers culture, sports, relaxation, and more to visitors of all ages. If you happen to visit during winter, don’t miss skiing at Obersaxen Mundaun. Non-skiers can consider sledding runs or winter walks. Depending on the activities that you intend to partake in during your vacation, ensure that you have proper travel insurance coverage.
6. Enjoy alpine landscapes onboard the Bernina Express
A trip to Switzerland would be incomplete if you missed out on travelling on the scenic trains! Travelling from Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur, through wildly romantic gorges, up majestic glaciers to swaying palm trees in Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express’s panoramic cars offer first-class comfort with a gastronomy service, and even an open-air car in summer!
Here’s one more reason to hop on the scenic train: since 2013, the operators of Bernina Express have used 100% hydropower for their locomotives and properties. They are also constantly optimising energy usage on trains and railway stations.
Public transport such as the Bernina Express offers carefree travel across Switzerland and it is climate-friendly. Read this if you are wondering which scenic trains in Switzerland to choose for your upcoming trip. In fact, you may want to consider taking public transport entirely during your Swiss holiday, especially during the winter season.
While roads in Switzerland are well-maintained, those opting for self-drive would need winter tyres and snow chains – something that many Singaporeans are not familiar with. Conditions can also change quickly in the mountains so take extra caution. Tiq Travel Insurance covers all forms of transportation, and offers add-on Rental Car Excess Cover for those who need it. Remember to travel safely!
7. Ride on the world’s first battery-powered cableway
Outdoor lovers who are planning to take on the Saxer Lücke trail in Eastern Switzerland will appreciate riding on the world’s first battery-powered cableway. The Staubern cable car is just an 8-minutes ride but it reduces the hike to the spectacular Saxer Lücke viewpoint from 16 km hike to 3km! Even casual hikers and those with children can visit!
The Staubern, connecting Frümsen to Staubern is the first environmentally neutral mountain railway in the world with power supply generated by a solar energy system and rechargeable batteries. Expect a panoramic view at the top of the ridge, with some reputedly saying that you can see 4 countries on a clear day!
8. Cheese fondue party on a ferry in Basel
Can you imagine crossing a river through the force of the current alone? That’s something that you can do with any of the four Rhine ferries. Attached to a long wire cable, the ferries are driven purely by the current of the Rhine itself and offer a beautiful view of the city. The best part? You can hire the ferries for a cheese fondue party!
Travelling on a budget? There are the brunch ships and evening cruises that offer food as well. Though you may want to check to see the label to see if they are Swisstainable!
Travel eco-friendly in Switzerland and around the world
Travel sustainability is more than just a trend. As countries around the world such as Switzerland play their part in offering greener travel options, travellers can do our part with greater planning and by travelling more mindfully. That includes getting adequate travel insurance for all overseas trips – even if you are an eco-friendly traveller.
Eco-travellers tend to travel closer to home or opt for alternative transport options to lower their carbon footprint. Regardless of where you are going, consider being covered based on your travel destination, period of travel, activities type, etc.
Tiq Travel Insurance covers you for up to 60 days before your trip in case of trip cancellation or deposit loss. There’s also a COVID-19 add-on to ensure you are well protected as you’re enjoying yourself. Learn more about Tiq Travel Insurance here.
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Information is accurate as at 28 August 2023. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
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