Nico and Noah on a culinary mission through Switzerland

Roadtrip, second stage

From Vitznau through the Gotthard Tunnel to Ticino. After reaching Bellinzona, turn right into the Magadino Plain. Following a detour into the Maggiatal, continue through the wild Centovalli via Domodossola and the Simplon Pass to Brig. From Brig, travel along the Rhône to Lake Geneva, arriving in Montreux.

Truffle hunting in Bonvillars

She previously managed hotels and worked as a chef. Now, truffles are her world. Isabelle Ravet creates exquisite dishes using these noble fungi, earning her the title of Madame Truffe Vaudoise in her homeland. She experiments with various techniques, cultivating truffles near the castle in Bonvillars. Today, however, she is out in a wooded area with Pierre-Yves Masson and his dog, Aston. In no time at all, Aston's keen nose finds the coveted treasure.

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

This establishment right by the train station stands for quality. The five-star hotel has been offering its guests luxurious accommodations since 1859. The terrace provides a unique view over the capital, the Federal Palace, and the Alps. And in Jack's Brasserie, you can enjoy excellent Wiener Schnitzel.

Restaurant Darling, Bern

At the restaurant Darling, seasonal dishes made from the finest local organic products are served. There are also carefully curated natural wines crafted with minimal human intervention. In the summer, the unique terrace is particularly inviting. Nico and Noah cooked their "Switzerland Unites" dish here. Definitely worth a visit.

Farm shop Schlattgut, Herrliberg

High above Lake Zurich, with a view of the Rigi, the Bernese Alps, and the Titlis. The chickens have been awake for a while, and the roosters are crowing competitively. From their free-range coop, they overlook Lake Zurich. Caroline Ledergerber and her team make exquisite ice cream from the hens’ eggs: apricot or rhubarb sorbet when in season, or a strawberry ice cream that lets you taste how long the berries have ripened in the sun.

Farm shop La Colombera, S. Antonino

The farm shop is located at the southern end of the Magadino Plain. Mario Tognetti and his family run the organic farm. The people here have internalized sustainable production. The beauty of the farm shines through the products and the hearts of its residents.

Grotto America, Ponte Brolla

Ponte Brolla. A mystical place. Maggiatal. The crystal-clear water and the washed stones artfully adorn the riverbed. Grotti, simply put, are storage caves that have become meeting places. And this grotto here is definitely one of those places. There’s a clattering from the kitchen. Pots are on the fire. The dish is called polenta.

Salt Mines, Bex

The salt supply center for all of Switzerland. Every year, 30,000 tons of salt are extracted here. Over the years, an impressive labyrinth of tunnels and shafts has developed, spanning more than 50 kilometers. Visitors can explore the facility via a small train known as the "Grubenzug." Hundreds of meters underground, one feels as if they are in a James Bond film. There is even a restaurant located in the belly of the mountain.

Hotel Masson, Montreux

There is a warmth that immediately embraces you. The hosts, Simona and Frank Laves, have truly internalized the essence of hospitality. You feel instantly at home, as if you’re in your own four walls. This well-maintained Swiss Historic Hotel offers a view of Lake Geneva and boasts a lovely garden, along with a dining experience that impresses. The exquisite cuisine, set in a historic ambiance, leaves nothing to be desired—regional dishes crafted with finesse. And all of this is just a stone’s throw away from Chillon Castle.

Domaine Dance, Aran

Dance. What a surname. And then this view from the vineyard in the heart of Lavaux. The terraced vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site. And the wines of the Domaine truly seem to dance on the palate. Tradition blends with the new.

Hotel Vitznauerhof, Vitznau

Directly on Lake Lucerne, with breathtaking views and the ambiance of this historic, magnificent Art Nouveau hotel. The water is omnipresent. It’s all about the location. But in this case, it’s not just that. There’s also the culinary experience: the three restaurants impress, with “Sens” standing out. Oh, and there’s the panoramic terrace, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the moment.

Alp Bleiki & Culinarium Alpinum, Zentralschweiz

Picturesque. Surrounded by lush, steep meadows. Here, 1,000 Alp Sbrinz are produced each year. In the charming Maria-Rickenbach, below Alp Bleiki, the welcoming pilgrim house invites you to linger.

In the former Capuchin monastery, the culinary heritage of the Alps has found a home. This Swiss Historic Hotel features a restaurant and a shop, making a visit well worth it!

Roadtrip, third stage

From Montreux to Bern. Following the lake through Lavaux to Avenches. Continuing via Lausanne towards Yverdon and then to Bonvillars by Lake Neuchâtel. Following the Grand Tour of Switzerland through Fribourg to Bern, where the journey concludes.

Roadtrip, first stage

From Herrliberg to Vitznau. Starting from Meilen, taking the ferry to Horgen, and continuing over the Hirzel to Lucerne. From Lucerne to Stans, then taking the ferry from Beckenried to Gersau.
The ferry from Beckenried to Gersau will not operate during the winter season until 18.04.2025.

Noah: “I wasn’t aware that this kind of ferry service exists in Switzerland. I find this mode of transportation a real asset.”