Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra packed a lot of sporting activities into his trip to Switzerland. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia charts his itinerary to give you inspiration for your next alpine trip to the European beauty.
Neeraj Chopra is inspiring an entire generation — be it with his many global sports wins or countless adventures around the world. Among his many travels are his frequent trips to Switzerland, an Alpine country which doubles as his preferred international holiday spot. Taking note of this admiration, the track and field athlete has been chosen as the country’s Friendship Ambassador to promote adventurous and sporting vacations in the European nation.
Neeraj Chopra’s Recommendations for Switzerland
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or hope to soak in the beautiful surroundings of Switzerland’s car-free municipality, Zermatt, there’s something for everyone! Switzerland’s Friendship Ambassador, Neeraj Chopra, gives his recommendations for hiking, biking, snow activities, and extreme adventure.
Interlaken
Skydiving
Skydiving over the Swiss Alps is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The friendly staff at Skydive Switzerland guarantees visitors a mind-blowing experience. You can choose to jump out of a helicopter or an aeroplane and enjoy the world’s most scenic views from the Swiss Alps. Chopra says, “It [is assuring] knowing that Switzerland is the safest place for all kinds of adventure sports!”
Jetboating
The azure blue waters of Lake Brienz in Interlaken are a welcoming canvas for any adventurous traveller. Jet boating is a combination of fast rides, turns and 360-degree spins. In the Switzerland chapter, this adventure takes place amidst breathtaking natural scenery. What’s more–it’s a great experience for people of all ages!
Canyon swinging
Experience a 90-meter freefall in the glacial gorge if you’re seeking pure adventure. Jumpers can also swing across the glacial gorge at speeds of 120 kilometres per hour. Pure adrenaline!
Zermatt
Paragliding
Fly like a bird and experience Zermatt’s landscape from a new perspective. Licensed pilots fly you close to the Matterhorn, from where you can gaze at the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Adventure seekers can then plunge from a height of nearly 4,000 meters and glide across Switzerland’s 38 mountain peaks and 14 glaciers beneath. Sounds surreal, doesn’t it?
Helicopter ride
A helicopter ride is another option in Zermatt if you want to enjoy a bird’s eye view. When onboard, you can take a closer look at the mountains. Think of the 4,000-metre-high mountain peaks in the Valais Alps, all the way to the iconic Matterhorn. PS: Taking a helicopter ride across Zermatt ranks high on Neeraj Chopra’s recommendations for Switzerland.
Monster biking at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
Zermatt is a car-free village, making monster biking the next best bet! Choose to go monster biking at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a year-round ski resort; or ski through this icy paradise. An ideal place for children and beginners to learn mountain biking, the combination of adventure and picturesque Alpine sceneries promises an unforgettable mountain experience.
Geneva
River rafting
This unique, three-hour rafting excursion travels eight kilometres and features six waterfalls, offering a unique opportunity to explore Geneva’s surroundings in a completely different way. River rafting to the iconic Lake Geneva, a crescent-shaped lake that divides France and Switzerland, is another must-do on your alpine holiday.
Related: Want To Travel Seamlessly And Stress-Free In Switzerland? Cop The Swiss Travel Pass!
