The Melchsee-Frutt (OW) panoramic lift offers breathtaking views of the Melchsee, the high plateau, and all the way to the peaks of central Switzerland. Photo Filippo Biasca-Caroni, Swiss Heritage.
SWISS HERITAGE is back at it again, having just published another pocket-sized guidebook in its extremely popular “Most Beautiful” series, focusing this time on Switzerland’s top 50 panoramas.
Previous bestsellers have looked at the country’s most beautiful buildings; islands; cafés and tea rooms; hotels; museums, parks and gardens, and more (check out my quick overviews).
Now, with “The Most Beautiful Views”, the Society entices heritage lovers with an urge to explore to get out and discover off-the-tourist-trail landscapes in both country and urban settings. And this time it’s from a bird’s eye perspective.
Unwavering selection criteria
How is it possible to select only 50 views from across this almost picture-perfect country? In this case by focusing on three elements: a site’s architectural quality; its accessibility to the public; and whether it falls into a balanced representation of different regions and construction timelines.
The Society also acknowledges that their opinion of what is ‘most beautiful’ has changed and will continue to do so over time. It values having a fresh perspective and the ability to open up to new things by questioning the past.
So sometimes it’s the view itself that matters, but at other times it might be the bridge, the tower, the building, or the monument.
Preserving Switzerland’s heritage
Specially commissioned photographs, accompanying text and original anecdotes place each view in its cultural and historical context while practical information helps would-be explorers plan their itineraries.
In the end, it’s good to know that purchasing one of these pocket-sized booklets will literally set you on the road to appreciating the beauty, history and culture of this country you call home and it will also help Swiss Heritage preserve them for future generations.
Pocket-sized format for easy carrying
Swiss Heritage booklets are available only in German or French, but with the help of a good pocket translator there’s no reason why you can’t readily benefit from the info inside.
They come in an A6 format with 120 illustrated, info-rich pages and cost CHF 10.– for Swiss Heritage members and CHF 18.– for non members.
So strap on your boots and get exploring…and let us know what you find in the Comments section below!
Available to order on the Swiss Heritage site:
The Most Beautiful Points of View / Les plus beaux points de vue
The Most Beautiful Collection / Les plus beaux
Destination Heritage Collection / Destination Patrimoine
Creative Living Geneva 