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10 awesome places in Switzerland for a corporate retreat
1. Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, the city of Interlaken is an ideal starting point for anyone exploring the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hiking, mountaineering, golfing, and skiing are popular here. Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy hang-gliding, skydiving, and whitewater rafting. Groups can take boat tours and explore lakeside castles.Venues and operators:The Seiler au Lac, Artos Interlaken, Hotel Beau-site, and Hotel Interlaken are highly-rated retreat venues with meeting spaces, spas, hot tubs, and other amenities. How to get there:Interlaken has two train stations: Ost and West. From Bern, you can reach the city by train in about one hour. Although several direct two-hour trains leave from Zurich and Basel every day, some journeys may require transfers.Best time to visit:Spring and autumn offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Summer comes with warmer temperatures and access to all mountain trains and cable cars. January, February, and March are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Average budget: ££-£££
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2. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is a charming village at the foot of the Bernese Alps. Hiking, cycling, and base jumping are popular, especially in summer. Visit the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier-fed waterfalls located inside a mountain, or take a scenic train journey to Jungfraujoch for spectacular views of the valley.Venues and operators:Lauterbrunnen and surrounding villages have an array of resorts with meeting spaces and staff that can organise group excursions. These include the Grand Hotel Belvedere and the Silberhorn.How to get there:The train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen takes 30 minutes. Trains also run from Bern and Zurich. Some of the higher villages are car-free and require additional travel from Lauterbrunnen via cable car or mountain train.Best time to visit:The summer is when the meadows are lush and vibrant, flowers bloom, and waterfalls are at their peak flow. Due to its altitude, Lauterbrunnen experiences year-round snow.Average budget: ££-££££
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3. Mürren
The highest village in Bern, Mürren sits at an altitude of 1,638 m (5,374 ft). Visitors can enjoy spectacular mountain views and access the Schilthorn peak by cable car. Activity options here include winter sports, or hiking, mountain biking, and rafting in warm weather. Adventurous groups can try tightrope walking, zip-lining, or paragliding. Venues and operators:Several elegant hotels have updated meeting spaces, including Hotel Blumental, Hotel Eiger, and Hotel Jungfrau.How to get there:Take a cable car or mountain train from Lauterbrunnen to access car-free Mürren. The train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen takes only about 30 minutes.Best time to visit:January to March are the best months for winter sports, while April to October are best for hiking and mountain biking. All mountain trains are open during warm-weather months.Average budget: ££-££££
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4. Maienfeld
Originally a fortified mediaeval town, travellers can visit a museum in a 15th-century fortress in Maienfeld. The area offers vineyard tours and wine tastings, thermal spas, golf courses, and other resort amenities to help teams relax after hiking, skiing, or cycling. Heididorf, a museum dedicated to the storybook character Heidi, gives craft workshops and wine tastings at group rates.Venues and operators:Many venues offer group rates and have updated meeting spaces. These include the Swiss Heidi Hotel and the Heidihof. The nearby Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers spa amenities.How to get there:Maienfeld is only a one-hour drive from Zurich. A direct train from Zurich to Maienfeld takes about 1.5 hours.Best time to visit:The best time to enjoy winter sports is from January to March. Spring provides clear views of lakes and wildflower-studded meadows. The best times for vineyard tours are July and August after the rainy season has passed, or in October after the harvest.Average budget: ££-££££
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5. St. Moritz
One of the best-known ski resort towns in the world, St. Moritz is a year-round destination for mineral hot springs, world-class dining, and luxury shopping. Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, there are tons of activities for winter sports enthusiasts here. Thrillseekers can even attempt the Olympia Bob Run with a professional bobsleigh driver or ice skate on the town’s outdoor Olympic ice rink.Venues and operators:St. Moritz is famous for its luxury hotels and spa resorts. It’s also a great place for team building events such as sailing, cooking classes, local tours, and mindfulness meditation. Popular retreat venues include Badrutt’s Palace, the Kulm Country Club, and the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, which offer state-of-the-art meeting rooms and presentation spaces. Best time to visit:Most hotels and venues are only open in summer and winter.How to get there: St. Moritz is a three-hour drive or a 5.5-hour train ride from Milan in Italy. From Zurich, the train is just over three hours, while the drive is 2.5 hours. The Glacier Express connects the resort towns of St. Moritz and Zermatt.Average budget: ££££
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6. Vitznau
Located on Lake Lucerne, Vitznau is the perfect summer destination for swimming, fishing, sailing, diving, and hiking. You can also take a steamboat cruise that stops at various lakeside cities. First-rate spas and restaurants with stunning views offer opportunities to relax after a day of team bonding.Venues and operators:Park Hotel Vitznau and Hotel Vitznauerhof can accommodate large groups in their conference rooms and meeting halls. Their teams can also arrange group yoga and hikes.Best time to visit:Spring and summer are the best times to enjoy hiking, climbing, and watersports.How to get there: The ferry from Lucerne to Vitznau takes less than an hour, while a car ride will take about 30 minutes. Visitors can get to Vitznau from Lucerne by local bus, but they’ll need to transfer at one of two stops along the way.Average budget: ££-£££
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7. Zermatt
This small but popular resort town lies just below the iconic Matterhorn peak. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, and curling all year round. Warmer weather is ideal for mountain biking, paragliding, and hiking up the nearby Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.Venues and operators: The Matterhorn Ski Paradise resort’s restaurant offers group discounts and has a seminar room on site, while its Test Centre’s conference room can host up to 450 people. Staff can arrange ski lessons and guided hikes. Alternatively, companies interested in hiking or mountaineering retreats can reserve a stay at a mountain hut. Retreat coordination providers like ZEMATTERS can handle arrangements for larger groups.Best time to visit: Zermatt’s higher-altitude resorts receive snow throughout the year, letting visitors enjoy winter sports anytime. The summer is best for hiking and biking, since many mountain trains and railways are open.How to get there:Visitors can reach car-free Zermatt by train, taxi, or helicopter. Direct trains reach the village in 3.5 hours from Zurich Airport and four hours from Geneva Airport. Taxis can leave visitors in Zermatt; however, those travelling in their own cars can park in a parking garage in Täsch and take a train to Zermatt. Average budget: £££-££££
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8. Ascona
Ascona is located on Lake Maggiore in the canton of Ticino. The lowest-lying town in Switzerland, it has a mild climate, perfectly suitable for water sports. The Old Town features Mediterranean architecture and a promenade with shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants. Groups can enjoy jumping off the Lido’s diving boards, golfing, boating, and wine tasting.Venues and operators:Collinetta has an on-site meeting space, while the Lakefront Boutique Hotel can organise corporate events at restaurant Al Pontile.The Monte Verità conference complex is located on the site of the former artist-philosopher colony of the same name. It features a hotel, conference halls, a restaurant, a park, museums, and free parking.Best time to visit:Summer is the best time to enjoy water sports and open-air music festivals. Late summer and early autumn are the best times to experience athletic events, including the Locarno Triathlon, Ascona-Locarno Run, and Ascona Polo Cup.How to get there: Lake Maggiore is accessible by train from all major Swiss cities. From Zurich Airport, the drive is 2.5 hours or a 3.5-hour train ride to Locarno with a bus connection to Ascona. Some trains may require a transfer at Bellinzona; from there, the journey to Ascona is 45 minutes. From Milano-Malpensa airport, the train takes four hours.Average budget: ££-££££
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9. Morges
Situated on Lake Geneva with a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, Morges is home to numerous museums, theatres, and a tulip festival in the spring. Visitors can enjoy hiking, skiing, and watersports or visit one of the four museums in the Morges Castle. Groups can go on a scavenger hunt around the town or visit a local vineyard.Venues and operators:The Hôtel Mont-Blanc au Lac and Hostellerie Le Petit Manoir are close to the lake and offer elegant, well-equipped meeting spaces and amenities for wellness retreats.Best time to visit:Spring is when the flowers are in full bloom. Summer is the best time to enjoy watersports on the lake. Winter provides opportunities to ski, skate, and snowshoe.How to get there:Morges is accessible from most areas of Switzerland. Direct trains from Zurich and Lucerne can take about 2.5 hours. The journey from Bern by train or car takes less than 1.5 hours. Morges is only 35 minutes from Geneva Airport by train, and less than 20 minutes from Lausanne by car or train.Average budget: ££-£££
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10. Grimentz
This village in the Pennine Alps is one of Europe’s most enchanting winter sports destinations. Visitors can ski, snowboard, ice skate, and sled. Teams can tackle obstacles on a mountaineering excursion or bond while hiking, biking, or playing tennis or mini golf. Foodies will discover a top-tier culinary scene amid the richly carved alpine chalets.Venues and operators:Hôtel Alpina and Hôtel Cristal have spas on-site and offer group discounts. Alpina’s conference room is perfect for delivering presentations before hitting the slopes. Cristal grants access to one of two coworking spaces in the village.Best time to visit:Summer and winter are the best times to appreciate Grimentz. Several resorts close during spring.How to get there:Driving from Geneva, Bern, and Interlaken takes less than 2.5 hours. The closest train station to Grimentz is Sierre, after which travellers must take a bus or a 25-minute taxi to Grimentz. Some buses may require travellers to transfer at Vissoie.Average budget: ££-£££
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