Barcelona
Metropolis on the Mediterranean
Catalonia’s capital combines beach life, art and architecture. Gaudí’s works shape the cityscape – above all the monumental Sagrada Família, which is still under construction. Whether strolling along the Rambla, going on tapas tours or taking a trip to the beach, Barcelona delights with its Mediterranean flair and is ideal for a long weekend break. Thanks to daily direct flights with Swiss and Vueling, you can reach the city comfortably in under two hours.
Gaudí’s masterpieces
An absolute must-see is the Sagrada Família, whose filigree towers rise high above the city. In Park Güell, colourful mosaics, playful sculptures and panoramic views fascinate visitors. The Casa-Museu Gaudí, the architect’s home from 1906 to 1925, is also worth a visit. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two other iconic buildings, showcase Gaudí’s unmistakable signature style – our tip: an evening tour followed by a concert at Casa Milà.
Artistic Barcelona
Art lovers can marvel at over 4,200 works by the artist at the Picasso Museum – most of them from his formative years. On Montjuïc, known as the city’s “local mountain”, the Fundació Joan Miró attracts visitors with over 10,000 works of art, the Magic Fountain with its evening light, water and music show, and Montjuïc Castle. We recommend taking the cable car, which offers a unique panoramic view of the city. Equally impressive are the concert hall and UNESCO World Heritage Site Palau de la Música Catalana and the Gothic cathedral with its view over the Barri Gòtic.
Urban life
La Rambla invites you to stroll past street cafés, markets and street performers. Our tip: visit La Boqueria market hall, a paradise for foodies. Here you can not only shop, but also have lunch. The stalls offer a huge selection of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. If you need some exercise after feasting, take a bike ride or stroll through one of the parks, such as the Parc de la Ciutadella, which is also home to the city’s zoo. The four-kilometre-long sandy beach is also ideal for a walk or a siesta.
Football fans will be in their element
For football fans, Camp Nou is probably the biggest highlight: trophies, a museum and stadium tours offer exciting insights into the world of Barça. With almost 100,000 seats, it is the third largest football stadium in the world – after São Paulo and Mexico City. Those who are more interested in architecture should plan a detour to nearby Colònia Güell. There you will find Gaudí’s crypt, an unfinished church and a fascinating highlight of his work.
A treat for all the senses
Barcelona tempts visitors with tapas bars, street food and international cuisine. Classics such as escalivada (Spanish grilled vegetables), calçots with romesco sauce and crema catalana are a must. For an authentic feast, take a tapas walk through El Born, for example to El Xampanyet. For gourmets, we recommend Disfrutar, which was named the best restaurant in the world in 2024. COYA at the W Hotel offers Peruvian flair. Our favourites: guacamole, freshly prepared at the table, ceviche and arroz Nikkei with sea bass. In the evening, the Farola Cocktail Bar or the Speakeasy Paradiso invite you to enjoy unusual cocktails.
Hotels with style
The Mandarin Oriental is located on the luxurious shopping street Passeig de Gràcia, just a few minutes’ walk from Gaudí’s Casa Batlló buildings. Right on the beach, the iconic W Barcelona shines with its sail-shaped architecture. The Hotel Arts combines art and cuisine with its own collection and 2-star restaurant. The Gran Hotel Calderón and the Me Barcelona exude urban chic, while the charming La Pau Boutique Hotel, not far from the Rambla, combines comfort and design.
Lapland
Winter wonderland
Lapland in the far north of Finland is known as the home of Santa Claus and delights visitors with endless snowy landscapes and the Northern Lights. This is where the indigenous Sámi people live, who still maintain their traditions to this day. From December to March, the region shows itself at its most beautiful: snow as far as the eye can see, magical lights and impressive adventures make this trip unforgettable. During this period, Edelweiss flies directly to Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kittilä and Kuusamo. Our experts Hedi Block and Maria Wiesner will be happy to advise you.
Santa Camp; winter dreams
At Santa Claus Village, you can experience the magic of Christmas all year round – including meeting Santa Claus and his elves. Resorts such as Apukka and Vaattunki offer activities ranging from husky and reindeer safaris to snowmobile tours and snowshoe hikes. For a special experience, spend a night in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights.
Icy adventures
Lapland surprises with original activities: whether on fat bikes with wide tyres that roll safely over snow and ice, or Arctic river floating, where you float almost weightlessly through the icy water in a dry suit. From ice climbing and hiking to the frozen waterfalls in Korouoma Canyon to skiing in Ylläs or Ruka-Kuusamo with over 40 slopes, variety is guaranteed. Icebreaker excursions and snowmobile safaris are spectacular. Things are quieter when ice fishing on frozen lakes or snowshoeing in Oulanka National Park – with a break by the campfire and pancakes.
Culture and relaxation
Inari is the cultural heart of the Sámi: in the Siida Museum, you can immerse yourself in the history, way of life and traditions of the indigenous people. In Tankavaara, the International Gold Museum tells the story of the gold rush, with exhibitions from all over the world and the opportunity to pan for gold yourself. Lapland’s diverse wellness culture provides relaxation: in Ruka-Kuusamo, you can enjoy classic saunas, ice saunas or even sauna yoga. Relaxation in typical Finnish style!
Animal experiences
Lapland can also be discovered in an animalistic way: on a husky safari through snow-covered forests, a reindeer sleigh ride or even a tour on a Finnish horse. If you want to delve deeper, visit a reindeer farm and learn all about herd management. Particularly charming: overnight stays in lodges such as Bearhill Husky or log cabin-style resorts, where the proximity to nature and encounters with animals make your stay unforgettable.
Nordic culinary delights
Lapland’s cuisine is wild, down-to-earth and authentic: elk meat, reindeer goulash, fresh fish from frozen lakes and sweet wild berries characterise the menu. At the Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi in Santa Claus Village, you can enjoy regional classics, while Ravintola Roka Street Bistro and Monte Rosa entice guests with their cosy atmosphere. Fine dining awaits guests at Jávri Lodge, where the kitchen team creates a daily seasonal menu using ingredients from local fishermen, hunters and gatherers.
Nights with natural spectacle
In Lapland, night-time becomes an experience: at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or the Northern Lights Villages, you can sleep in a glass igloo with an unobstructed view of the aurora borealis, which is best seen from September to March. We recommend the Apukka Resort for families and the Syöte Igloos for skiing enthusiasts. For a stylish stay, check into the boutique Hotel Jávri, while log cabin resorts exude rustic charm in the heart of nature. Perfect for those seeking tradition and cosiness.
Marrakesh
The magic of 1001 Nights
A 3.5-hour flight with Edelweiss separates Zurich from Marrakesh, where mosques, palaces and gardens transport you to a world from 1001 Nights. In the medina, winding alleys, colourful souks full of spices and handicrafts beckon. Towering above it all is the city’s landmark: the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. Friendly people, oriental scents and views of the Atlas Mountains make Marrakesh an unforgettable experience. Our experts Maria Wiesner and Olivier Lorenzo are happy to assist you.
Magnificent palaces & splendid buildings
The Bahia Palace is considered one of the most beautiful sights in Marrakesh. Covering over 8,000 m² and comprising 160 rooms, it showcases Andalusian and Moorish architecture with stucco, mosaics and intricately carved ceilings. The ruins of the El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs with their colourful tiles and filigree decorations are also impressive. The Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century Koranic school, inspires with its Islamic architecture. A highlight for art and fashion fans: the Jardin Majorelle and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent.
Souks and city life
The heart of the city beats on Jemaa el-Fnaa – the famous square with food stalls, a market and a multitude of street performers. Traders, jugglers and musicians create a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Bargaining is the order of the day in the souks – from colourful fabrics and ceramics to fine spices and Moroccan lamps, you can find beautiful souvenirs here. Tip: venture into the narrow alleys to discover the most beautiful treasures and genuine craftsmanship.
Between olive groves and starry skies
Just three kilometres from the centre of Marrakesh lie the Menara Gardens, a green oasis with 12th-century olive groves and picture-postcard views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. From here, you can take trips to the Ourika Valley with its saffron fields, olive groves and waterfalls, or enjoy a round of golf on courses near the city. Our tips: PalmGolf Marrakesh and the Assoufid Golf Club. Adventurous types can choose a balloon ride at sunrise, a quad bike tour through palm groves or a camel ride in the dunes. An overnight stay in a luxurious desert camp under the starry sky is an unforgettable experience.
Gardens & oases of tranquillity
Marrakesh surprises with oases of tranquillity. The Jardin Secret, with its palaces and Islamic gardens, is a green retreat in the middle of the old town. The palm groves around the city are also ideal for walks or horse riding. After the hustle and bustle of the souks, you can relax with a traditional hammam ceremony.
Spicy cuisine
Moroccan cuisine delights with its spicy and diverse flavours: tagine, couscous, harira and mechoui are among the classics. Preparing the dishes yourself in a cooking class and then tasting them is a special experience. Street food is best sampled directly on Jemaa el-Fnaa. For trendy, local cuisine with a view, we recommend rooftop restaurants such as Nomad, Atay Café or Dardar. Lovers of modern interpretations will enjoy Les Jardins Du Lotus, while Le Salama serves authentic Moroccan soul food. La Trattoria offers romance with Italian flair.
Iconic hotels & riads
Marrakesh offers a wide variety of accommodation, from charming riads such as Dar Mo’da or Riad À L’Ombre Des Orangers to legendary luxury hotels such as La Mamounia, Four Seasons, Royal Mansour and Amanjena. The Mandarin Oriental is particularly outstanding: nestled in 20 hectares of gardens with views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, it is only 10 minutes from the medina. The 58 private villas and 7 suites offer private pools, spacious terraces and garden areas. Every detail combines modern comfort with Berber design, from the award-winning spa to the first-class restaurants.
