Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit German-Speaking Switzerland

Looking for a thrill? Discover four activities offered in Grindelwald. The First Glider propels its four passengers at 72 km/h over the mountains, while the First Flyer offers unforgettable sensations during an 800 m crossing between the First and Schreckfeld at a maximum speed of 84 km/h. Other activities are possible on site such as the mountain cart, a cross between a go-kart and a sledge which allows you to race down the unpaved road linking Schreckfeld to Bort over 3 km. To be tried with the family!

In the heart of the city of Zurich, in a small covered alleyway, the remains of a Roman thermal bath discovered in 1983 are on display. They have been left in situ and can be viewed as they are. Archaeologists estimate that the baths date from 160 AD and must have covered an area of 500 m². They were even enlarged at the beginning of the 3rd century. The baths were of great importance in the social life of the Romans and it is not surprising to have discovered them in the heart of the city. The visit is free and well worth the detour.

On the banks of the Rhine, and thus on the Swiss-German border, there's a turn-off for Augusta Raurica, a major archaeological site in the region, which corresponds to the first existence of the city of Basel in Roman times. The site has been occupied since 15 BC, as an extension of Colonia Raurica, the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine, with up to 15,000 inhabitants during its golden age in the ^2nd century. The town was then a prosperous center, both economically and culturally. It was the barbaric Alamanni who, a century later, brought the city to its knees. The town was reborn in the military form of a castrum, a little further on at Kaiseraugst.

The archaeological site. Today, the site is rich enough to delight all lovers of Roman antiquity: an imposing theater, the remains of the temple on the Schönbühl hill from which you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, and the mosaic exhibition in the basement. The area is dotted with maps and signposts to help you find your way around.

The museum. Numerous objects from the excavations are on display in the museum, notably in the "Roman house", a reconstruction of a house to give you an idea of how life was organized in those days. This is also where the magnificent treasure trove of silverware unearthed at Kaiseraugst rests: over 270 dishes, bowls, tableware and coins in 58 kg of pure silver.

Swiss-German author Johanna Spyri's little mountain girl Heidi reminds us of our childhood. This lively, mischievous little girl embodies freedom, nature, family values and friendship. At the top of the village of Maienfield in the pastures, you'll wander through Heidi's grandfather's cottage, the school and the farm. Cheese-making and herbal discovery workshops punctuate the visit in summer.

The Urania Observatory built in 1907 is open to the public. Everyone can therefore have the chance to observe the stars and planets thanks to the telescope that grows 600 times. Seeing this beautiful object is already worth the trip, but the evening becomes truly magical evenings without clouds. For those who want to have the head in the stars, for real!

The Reichenbach Falls can be visited from early May to early October. They owe part of their fame to the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his mythical character Sherlock Holmes. It was here that the famous detective staged his own death by jumping from the 120 m high waterfall. To get up there, a historic train rises to the top and leads to a platform. From this upper station, which is also accessible on foot, you have a spectacular view of the waterfall and the Hasli Valley.

The Trümmelbach Falls are a complex of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, equipped with a tunnel lift and lighting. They are the only waterfalls to come out of the glacier walls of the three mountains of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The result is a unique spectacle in Europe! These huge waterfalls are absolutely impressive, with a flow rate of up to 20,000 litres per second in spring. Indeed, it is during the period of glacier melt that the picture is most extraordinary.

How about a trip to the land of the edelweiss after a short train ride from Wilderswil to experience all the Swiss traditions? Once you've reached the Schynige Platte, take a stroll through the alpine garden to admire the richness of the alpine flora such as azaleas and narrow-leaved gentian, or enjoy a hike on the ridges to admire the surrounding peaks. The trails offer breathtaking views! A favourite place where nature pierces us with its beauty.

Pioneers made it possible to reach the Stanserhorn by building a railroad, which was inaugurated on August 23, 1893. The first Kälti aerial tramway was opened in May 1975. Since then, the lift has been constantly upgraded, with the sole aim of enabling enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the mountain (views of ten lakes and no less than 100 km of Alpine chain). To reach the summit, you can try the old-fashioned funicular or the Cabrio gondola. Lunch at the Rondorama revolving restaurant.