It is often said that the happiest places on Earth people often think of visiting are the mountains or the hills. Apart from these, has anyone ever given islands of any country or city a thought? It is the peace and tranquility people often look for when it comes to planning a vacation somewhere.
Hence, when thinking about escaping to an island, landlocked in the soaring Alpine peaks, Switzerland is the first place that comes to mind. For most of us, holiday fever sets in as we are eager to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The untouched, undiscovered gems found across the lakes and outshined by the mountains, define the islands in Switzerland. The beauty and historical charm of the country is defined by its lush botanical gardens, picturesque castles, storied hotels and restaurants. What more can anyone want? Go ahead and have the best time of your lives.
Top 8 Islands in Switzerland: Lazing To History Filled Hideaways
Did you know Switzerland has some of the most stunning islands scattered all over? It is not something that everyone knows about. There is something about the Switzerland islands that everyone will fall in love with, right from a tropical retreat to lakeside spots created for lazing around to the wild wetlands. So, when it comes to planning a vacation, think of the islands. What else can you ask for when it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of the city life?
1. Brissago Islands
One of the most magical places, known to the world as a subtropical paradise, Brissago islands is accessible by boat. Facilitated by unique vegetation, tourists will enjoy mild climate on the island.
Nestled close to Ronco sopra Ascona and Brissago, the islands are groups of two islands nestled in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, which belong to Locarno, a district in Ticino. Known to its botanical garden, San Pancrazio is bigger and Isolino, is the smaller island. People can enjoy lunch on the island at an ideal restaurant with a terrace nestled in subtropical vegetation, with the view of the lake. The food served at the restaurant have a Mediterranean influence and people can even enjoy picnicking on the island, if they want to have a more private lunch. Kids on the other hand, can enjoy treasure hunting, which not something one gets to do on islands. What else can anyone ask for when it comes to having the best time of their lives on the best island in Switzerland? The ideal way to reach the island is by boat, which will take about 30- 60 minutes.
Location: Lake Maggiore, Switzerland
Famous For: Botanical Gardens
2. St Peter’s Island
What was once an island, now is a peninsula sticking out into Lake Biel, St Peter’s Island is only a couple minutes away from Bern. It is said to be home to a 12th century monastery, which is now a restaurant and hotel, loved by Rousseau. The island is ideal for walkers and cyclists as it is car- free. It has been the best culinary place for years and flaunts its lake fish, local wine and heirloom beef. As they roam the island, hikers are awe- struck by the local plant life. Heidenweg path is a place to be explored in fine weather.
Tourists are given a treat to some of the finest delicacies like fresh fish, wine and beef. Visiting the island gives people a feeling of visiting a whole new world. St Peter’s Island is not like any other island in Switzerland.
Location: Lake Biel
Famous For: Lake fish, local wine and heirloom beef
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3. Schwanau Island
Nestled at the canton of Schwyz in central Switzerland, Schwanau island is home to a ruined castle, the Burgruine Schwanau, a chapel and a restaurant. Owned by the canton of Schwyz, the island is nestled within the municipality of Lauerz. Bigger than the two islands in Lake Lauerz, people can reach the island by public passenger ferry from a nearby shore. Use of a custom designed boat and an inclined elevator to the terrace level where the castle, chapel and restaurant is located is possible.
All the history lovers can go on a historical tour and learn about the island’s past. The history of the island surrounds itself with a wealth of myths and legends. A protected nature reserve surrounds Lake Lauerz and Schwanau island. Several insects, reptiles, mammals and birds and all kinds of plant species are found on the island, definitely one of the places to travel in Europe.
Location: Lauerz, Switzerland
Famous For: Ruined castle, the Burgruine Schwanau, a chapel and a restaurant
4. Île d'Ogoz Island
Have you ever been to an island and found castles and churches? Interesting right? An island in the Lake of Gruyere, Île d'Ogoz is at a height of 688 meters above sea level and about 11 meters above lake level. Tourists will find a ruined castle and church on the island. The island once upon a time overlooked the Sarine valley and now one can see the Rossens Dam. After the valley was flooded, it become an island. It is said that Île d'Ogoz transforms into a 500-meter-long peninsula accessible to the locals when the lake levels are at its lowest.
With the stunning view of the scenic views that surround the island, the Swiss island is a one- stop destination for tourists from around the world.
Location: Pont-en-Ogoz, Switzerland
Famous: Ruined castle and church
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5. Lützelau island
Derived from the old high German name “small island”, Lützelau island is perfect for a small retreat into nature’s lap. Tourists visiting the island can enjoy activities like swimming and camping. There is a lot one can do apart from these activities like for instance take advantage of the amenities like eat at a restaurant. People can satisfy their cravings for something different. When it comes to looking for some peace and quiet, the island is the best place to visit in Switzerland.
The island is a nature reserve ideal for a campground, three spots for a camp fire and small restaurant. The restaurant on the island is known for its barbecue and "Fischknusperli". What else can anyone want when it comes to visiting the island? It is a perfect vacation away from home.
Location: Neighboring island of Ufenau, in Lake Zürich in Switzerland
Famous: Swimming and Camping
6. Chaviolas Island
Nestled in the canton of Graubunden, Chaviolas is a large island in Lake Sils, second biggest nestled a couple of meters west. Maximum length of 120 meters and width of 55 meter, the island includes a 40-meter triangular bay on its northern side, the island is known to be the highest in Switzerland and in the Alps. With a wooden surface, the island is the ideal place to visit in November in the world.
It is by far one of the most stunning islands to visit when on vacation as it is not a place you will see anywhere else. It is true when they say islands are the best holiday destinations in the world.
Location: Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland
Famous: Wooden surface
Suggested Read: Places To Travel In Switzerland For Discovering The Swiss Splendors
7. Île Rousseau Island
The French Island, Île Rousseau is nestled the middle of the Rhone River, linked by Pont des Bergues, a bridge. Named after Jean Jacques Rousseau, it is said the philosopher and writer spend most of life in Geneva. Tourists will get to see his statue on the island. To take a break from sightseeing, the island is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the rivers, lake and fountains, stunning with night lights that are seen from the water surface.
The island is home to swan and ducks, kids can feed them breadcrumbs and enjoy the beauty. For safety purposes, there is no direct access to the river. One of the most fascinating things about the island is that it is covered by gravel and not grass.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Famous: Rivers, lake and fountains, swans and ducks
8. Werdinsel
Nestled beyond Zurich, the lake and river, Werdinsel is an island in the city surrounded by water from all sides. Appealing to different people and tastes, Werdinsel island is a must visit during the summers. People can enjoy bathing in the river under supervision, of course. The natural shade of the trees, the pool and playground for the offspring are some of the things people will enjoy on the island. A tiny part of the island, open to the public is separated by shallow water canals.
People can walk, jog and cycle on the island, especially during autumn. Tourists can enjoy the melancholy of the fallen leaves ideal for a perfect conversation. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to spending time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Location: Limmat
Famous: Trees, pool and playground
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Switzerland is a one stop holiday destination that attracts tourists from around the world. It has something for everyone to explore and discover, especially the islands in Switzerland, a home away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The islands have a certain kind of aura about them that people can’t resist. So, when it comes to getting away from the city life, people can think of the islands. What you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit the islands right away.
FAQs
People have never associated the landlocked country with islands, but it does have over 300 islands.
Lake Zurich has 2 islands, close to Rapperswil- Jona. Lutzelau island is a smaller island, name derived from the Old high German term, small island.
The French Island, Île Rousseau is nestled the middle of the Rhone River, linked by Pont des Bergues, a bridge. Named after Jean Jacques Rousseau, it is said the philosopher and writer spend most of life in Geneva. The island is home to swan and ducks, kids can feed them breadcrumbs and enjoy the beauty.
Derived from the old high German name “small island”, Lützelau island is perfect for a small retreat into nature’s lap. The island is a nature reserve ideal for a campground, three spots for a camp fire and small restaurant. The restaurant on the island is known for its barbecue and "Fischknusperli".
Nestled beyond Zurich, the lake and river, Werdinsel is an island in the city surrounded by water from all sides. People can enjoy bathing in the river under supervision, of course. The natural shade of the trees, the pool and playground for the offspring are some of the things people will enjoy on the island.
Nestled at the canton of Schwyz in central Switzerland, Schwanau island is home to a ruined castle, the Burgruine Schwanau, a chapel and a restaurant. Owned by the canton of Schwyz, the island is nestled within the municipality of Lauerz.
What was once an island, now is a peninsula sticking out into Lake Biel, St Peter’s Island is only a couple minutes away from Bern. It is said to be home to a 12th century monastery, which is now a restaurant and hotel, loved by Rousseau. It has been the best culinary place for years and flaunts its lake fish, local wine and heirloom beef.
The best time to visit Switzerland is April and October, though all the sports enthusiasts would enjoy the winter sports in December.
