Here is the first blog I professionally wrote for Inghams.co.uk –
Saas Fee, Switzerland – A gem of a place to visit
Switzerland is a great country to visit any time of the year – fresh air, snow-capped mountainous peaks, luscious lakes and great scenery all round! Think of Switzerland, think of fresh breads, cheese and tasty chocolate. That’s why it was high up (excuse the pun) on my list of places I always wanted to go.
Our journey started with a hassle-free short flight and all too soon we stepped into Switzerland’s veritable beauty. We were greeted by Inghams’ helpful Reps who informed us where to go for the efficient Swiss transport network to Visp, through Montreux and Lake Lucerne and it’s amazing lake and views! …Then we boarded a coach to journey to the much anticipated Saas Fee.
I knew nothing about Saas Fee, however, I had heard that it was very green and a great base to experience lots of activities and of course lots and lots of walking. It is known as “Die Perle der Alpen” translated as “The Pearl of the Alps” a traffic-free mountain village environment, great for families. The resort also had the added bonus of free use of lifts in the summer.
Exploring Saas Fee
Our holiday started with a wonderful and informative welcome meeting. Our Rep was very helpful and an all-round nice, smiley guy. The main highlight was a visit or should I say dip in the Kneipp hydrotherapy area (pioneered by Sebastian Kneipp). Well known for reviving your senses, we partook in a few key steps. Firstly we removed our footwear and socks. Then we went around a cobbled trail barefoot, before dipping our legs in a cold water bath, which refreshed the body as well as the mind. Wonderful. On the way back we couldn’t resist leaving the party and going straight on a cable lift to Plattjen, and Langfluh for Spielboden. We hoped to feed the Marmots, but unfortunately we didn’t spot any, although my son, Ayaan did have extreme fun exploring and playing in a mini sand-pit. We paused there for some delicious coffee and home-made ice cream at the Spielboden mountain restaurant (with outdoor cosy/fleecy rugs to keep you warm while sitting outside).
Luckily we did spot some Marmots while visiting Hannig. The lift is a short walk up-hill, but once at the top, it was well worth it. There was a play area for my son where he was happily climbing and sliding about. This is also a good walking area where if you are lucky, apart from the stunning views, you can spot an Ibex or two. Ayaan also had great fun playing with some friendly local goats.
While in Saas Fee, the Feeblitz toboggan is a must-do, thrilling, experience and fun for all ages. Nearby high above the trees also lies the Abenteuerwald, an adventure forest, which is a great fun day out.
We took a trip via the Felskinn cable car and Metro Alpin (the highest underground funicular railway) where you can summer ski, take a rest and enjoy the views while sipping coffee at the highest revolving restaurant in the world at 3,500m. We also visited the ice pavilion, which was fun, although not for the faint-hearted as there are a few steep steps to come down and climb up after a visit.
Everyone loves Marmots
The free use of lifts in Saas Fee covers not just Saas Fee but also the nearby resorts of Saas Grund, Saas Balen and Saas Allmagell which can accessed via an easy bus ride. We especially loved going to Kreuzboden in Saas Grund and The Hohsi Land, where Ayaan enjoyed pulling himself along the lake on a raft. There was lots to do here; tyre swinging, go karting, a water park and secret tunnels. You can even hire a mini motorbike for the day to explore and take yourselves down the mountain. We also enjoyed the mini zoo where you can pet the goats. And if nothing else ,you cannot fail to enjoy the stunning Kreuzboden lake where you can relax for a while and eat the lunch kindly packed for you by the Chalet Hotel Ambassador’s staff.
The Mattmark, a dam in Saas Almagell also makes for a good trip. We took an excursion to see the magnificent Matterhorn via the Gornergrat rack railway which was built over 100 years ago. We stopped at the various stops, took in the glacial views (where you can see a reflection of the Matterhorn in the crystal clear lake) had a mini train ride and enjoyed the local flora. At the top we took in the stunning panoramic views.
Saas Fee is a great must-visit place, for adults and children alike. It’s a perfect location for scenic walks, viewing beautiful glacial lakes and offers oodles of choice for exploring and fun!
See the blog here:
I’ll leave you with an interesting fact you may not know! Saas-Fee was one location where the video for Wham!’s (anyone remember it??) hit single “Last Christmas” was filmed in 1984.
