Known the world over for its ability to produce coveted watches and divine chocolate, Switzerland also produces endless types of cheese. Furthermore, it is abundant in glass-like lakes, towering mountains and sophisticated cities and uniquely in Europe, it has four official languages – German, Italian, French and Romansh – which also helps add to its varied appeal.

From world-respected festivals to middle-of-nowhere hiking trails, Switzerland packs a lot into its relatively small borders.

Graubunden

While it may be home to the chic ski resorts of Davos and St Moritz - preferred winter playground of well-heeled bankers, celebrities and even royalty - there’s more to Graubunden than meets the eye. Forget catwalk glamour on the slopes, this region is actually a very down to earth place where it’s easy to escape the hype and find some peace and solitude in this vast and stunningly beautiful unexplored region. You’re just as likely to come across farmers tending to their crops, craggy mountain pathways, vistas that will take your breath away and pure mountain air to refresh and revive. This is also the area that inspired Swiss author Johanna Spyri to write Heidi, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time and perhaps Switzerland’s most famous piece of literature.

Lake Geneva

There’s no escaping Lake Geneva, the vast, crescent-shaped lake that covers an area of more than 580km. This area is known as the Swiss Riviera and there are many different towns to explore, each one of them with its own distinct character. Geneva itself is a pleasant stop off where you’ll find a cobble-stoned old town, lakeside restaurants, clutch of interesting museums and some grand architecture. Lausanne is a cool, vibrant city inhabited by a hip crowd and some incredible Gothic buildings; perhaps surprisingly, it is also reputedly the skate boarding capital of Europe. Montreux is also worth a visit, not least to experience its world-renowned annual jazz festival.

The Alps

Klosters and Verbier are the ski resorts of choice for the British royal family, while the Swedish royals have been known to head for the slopes of St Moritz. And it’s not hard to see why these resorts enjoy enduring popularity, with their traditional-style villages, extensive snow-sure ski areas, picture-perfect craggy peaks and excellent mountain restaurants. Gstaad is also up there with the best and offers one of the biggest ski regions in the Alps. Then there’s the mighty Matterhorn and possibly Switzerland’s most famous ski resort, Zermatt, one of the most expensive ski resorts in the region but also known for its unparalleled skiing conditions and Alpine chic.

Zurich

Expect art, culture and wealth to be on show in this vibrant city that has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years. The Kunsthaus is one of Europe’s great modern art museums and should be included on any itinerary. Then there’s regenerated Zurich-West, a former industrial district that is now home to contemporary art galleries, plethora of cool cafes and restaurants, design, fashion and cutting edge architecture. Zurich is also home to the spectacular FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich which will appeal to football fans of all ages. On top of that, mountains are within easy reach.

Jungfrau

Take a ride on Switzerland’s most breathtaking 19th century mountain railway – the Schynige Platte – to enjoy incredible alpine vistas, never ending pine forests, views of the famous peaks of Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau and wildflower gardens that will take your breath away. Or you may prefer to take a cable car ride on the Schilthorn, which offers stunning views of the Alps. If you’re looking for peace, solitude, excellent mountain hiking opportunities and huge, crystal clear mountain lakes, this area won’t disappoint.