Visiting Switzerland brings you up close to a place where the air is fresh, the people are subdued, and the outdoor and cultural sights are plentiful. This landlocked country is known for the beauty of its Swiss Alps, the stunning azure waters of its pristine lakes, and its modern city centers of culture. Expect to hear a variety of languages in this melting pot of people with German, French, and Italian heritage. Here are 10 top attractions to visit during your tour of Switzerland.

Even the words European Christmas markets bring a smile to my face, and a head full of travel plans. I get dreamy, thinking of wandering the paths between rows of booths twinkling with lights, a mug of steaming hot yumminess in my hands, surrounded by the fresh scent of pine and roasted chestnuts, and the crisp night air nipping at my cheeks. 

Maggie Burr is a DPhil candidate in Classical Archaeology at Oxford, where she spends her time trying to understand what ancient farmers did, and why. She grew up in Lexington, MA, Austin, TX, and Beverly, MA. 

Spain is home to some of the best beaches in Europe, incredible architecture, and a passionate culture specializing in textiles and culinary arts. 

At 68° North, the Lofoten Archipelago in Norway is located just 2 degrees north of the Arctic Circle. And while it may seem like an extremely cold location, because of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten features less harsh winters than you expect. 

Provence. Idyllic, quiet, peaceful. Known for its incredible scenery, scenery which has inspired countless artists and poets over the past few centuries. Renowned for its comfortable tradition of home cooked food and fresh produce. Dipping its toes in the Mediterranean, it stretches all the way to the foothills of the towering French Alps. With art, culture, scenery, fine cuisine, and a host of tiny villages to explore, the Provençal region is without a doubt one of the greatest road trip destinations in Europe. 

You know those guidebooks that are so creative and full of genius that you immediately start planning a trip? I have one such book to share with you (you’ll love it!). 100 Tips for Traveling with Kids in Europe, written by our friends at Family on the Loose, E.

Considered by many to be the top driving tour in Europe, and perhaps even one of the top three in the world (next to Australia’s Great Ocean Road or California’s Highway 1), Germany’s Alpine Road stretches over 450 kilometres through the Alps. There’s no real reason to do this drive… it’s a drive for the hell of it, winding through the mountains, tiny German towns, and castles along the way. Why not?