Wildlife holidays in Switzerland
Tell me about Switzerland …
Although Switzerland covers an area of only 41,000 square kilometres, it has a great wealth and diversity of landscapes and cultures.
Bordered to the north by Germany, the south by Italy, the east by Austria and the west by France, the Swiss countryside is home to the highest mountains in Europe, spectacular waterfalls and numerous lakes set within flower-filled Alpine meadows.
The Swiss people also display a character and way of life all of their own. Each of the surrounding four countries has, over time, influenced and shaped the adjacent Swiss population, creating the series of overlapping cultures which typify Switzerland. This is especially true in the heart of the Alps where the French, German, Italian and Romanish cultures meet.
Our Switzerland specialist recommends...
"Our ‘Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps’ tour is an 8-day appreciation of the wonderful alpine flora, birds and butterlies of the Bernese Oberland. We are based in the idyllic village of Wengen, in this spectacular landscape, throughout the holiday."
Kerrie Porteous
Operations Manager
What’s special about the wildlife?
Switzerland is home to a wonderful variety of alpine flora. It also has a rich butterfly and bird fauna.
Naturetrek tours to Switzerland
Naturetrek offers a selection of wildlife holidays in Switzerland, including alpine flora, birds and butterflies of the Bernese Oberland, and a summer tour focusing on the flowers and glorious scenery of the Upper Engadine Valley.
What might I see?
- High alpine pastures around the Mannlichen including species such as Alpenrose & Globeflower, plus an array of orchids, gentians, saxifrages & violets
- The legendary Schynige Platte where we search for St Bruno’s Lily, Black Vanilla Orchid & many other exciting species
- We’ll look for King of the Alps, sheets of Primula integrifolia & Soldanella pusilla among many other species on the wet turf beneath the glacier around Murtel
- A chance to see Alpine Marmots, Ibex & Red Squirrels as well as birds such as Crossbill
WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING ABOUT OUR Switzerland HOLIDAYS
The hotel was the best I have ever stayed in. The leadership of David Tattersfield was outstanding. Indeed, not only were the tour members photographing the flowers, but they were photographing David photographing the plants which is a tribute to the man and his leadership and stature in itself. The fact that he had a number of people who had previously travelled with him speaks for itself too. I regard him as a friend, not just a leader.
David our tour guide showed exceptional knowledge and experience, which was patiently and willingly shared.
Having now been on 11 Naturetrek trips we have always had excellent leaders, but David stands out as one of the best. His organisation was perfect, and he was patient and cheerful (with a wonderful sense of humour) throughout the week despite suffering considerably from a fall early in the week. The botany was inspiring and the views and walks the best I've ever had.