Spiez
- Spiez is a small village on Lake Thun in north-central Switzerland. On the edge of the village are the Niederhorn mountains that run all the way to the Bernese Alps; the village is also encircled by vineyards and boasts a large castle as the high point of its skyline. Visitors can visit the castle, which doubles as a church, or book a cruise on the lake. Those that prefer hiking can walk trails around the lake or in the nearby mountains. History or wine aficionados can visit Spiez's museum of viticulture and local history or simply enjoy a glass of wine in a lakeside restaurant.
Ringgenberg
- Ringgenberg is located in northeastern Switzerland, on Lake Brienz. Ringgenberg is a popular summer destination for Swiss vacationers looking to swim since the lake's summer water temperatures are quite warm. Building codes ensure that the buildings in this village retain their centuries-old veneer, giving the village a historic look. The village museum gives visitors a peek into the town's past; it stands alongside a cheese storage shed, a main house and an oven building. Nearby are the villages of Goldswil and Niederreid.
Appenzell
- Appenzell is located in northeastern Switzerland, in the Alpine region. The town is the capital of the area known as Appenzell Innerrhoden -- the region of Switzerland with the smallest population. Appenzell is recognized for ornamental houses, which makes it an ideal destination for those hoping to snap stunning photographs. Shoppers can find a large number of local products in the town's stores, which are perfect place to scoop up souvenirs or gifts for friends. In the summer, when the snow on the Alps is partially melted, large and majestic rock formations can be seen on the cliffs around Appenzell. Hiking trails in the hills are also open to hikers in this temperate weather. In the winter, however, there is an abundance of snow for cross-country and downhill skiers.
Sion
- Sion, also known as Sitten in German, is the capital of the Swiss region of Valais, a bilingual area speaking both French and German. The area around Sion is marked by vineyards and castles; the Valeria Fortress, for example, can be seen from a distance and is one of the defining features of the Sion landscape. Sion is also Switzerland's oldest town. The Valais area in which Sion resides is known as Switzerland's premiere winemaking area and some of its wines, such as Fendant, are known the world over. In and around Sion are the Saint-Leonard subterranean lake -- an underground lake big enough for boat cruises -- and the Derborence forest.
