Follow Alana Switzerland

Alana launches into Switzerland in this first episode exploring the rural and rugged alpine beauty of Luzerne by mountain bike, taking to the scenic hiking trails leading to the near-7000 foot summit of the panoramic peak of Mt. Pilatus, descending by paraglide to the green valleys below. Not one to pass up a chance to trek and trailwalk, Alana also shows us the land where llamas roam – an ideal introduction to the iconic Swiss landscape.

Alana takes to Mt. Pilatus once again, except by way of world-class engineering: a mountain-climbing train. Hiking the Dragon Path to a high ropes course, she tip-toes among the alpine treetops, zip-lining back and forth, taking a 20 meter free-fall plunge to the ground. Retiring for the night in a spacious above-ground tree tent, she rides a speed toboggan and wraps up with the wind in her hair and adventure throughout.

There is no shortage of natural wonders in Switzerland, the most prominent being the magnificent Alps. Here Alana further explores the majestic beauty of this iconic mountain range, which even James Bond couldn’t resist as Alana takes us to Piz Gloria, the mountaintop on which the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was shot. Hang on as Alana suits up for a thrilling and never-seen-before challenge at the end, but not before dining in a 360 degree rotating summit-style restaurant.

Almost everyone in the world knows of Heidi, the Swiss orphan girl created by novelist Johanna Spyri. Here we follow Alana to Heidi’s hometown of Maienfeld, exploring the original cottage that inspired the novels, peeking in to her hometown and scrambling across mountain passes with a pack of lovable and tireless St. Bernards, the national dog of Switzerland.

Alana speaks with world-renown tennis player Roger Federer about his foundation, dedicated to helping children in Africa receive early education. Alana shares the similarities to the Children’s Hearing Foundation, which her family have long supported. Alana then introduces us to the stunning nightlife of Zurich, Switzerland’s biggest city. Here we encounter the rich history and exciting urban living of one of the West’s most beloved cities, dining at the first vegetarian restaurant in Europe and taking in the flora and fauna in a night excursion to a botanical garden museum.

The Rhône River is one of the most beautiful and historical rivers in Europe, serving as a critical lifeline for Western Civilization dating back to Greek and Roman periods. Accompanied by leading glaciologist Dr. David Volken, this exploration will take audiences from ancient past to the distant future, as Alana traces the river back to the source, from Geneva Lake to the glacier village of Glestsch.

The quaint town of Zermatt is located in the canton of Valais, where motor vehicles are not allowed. The once poor mountain city rose to fame because of the epic Matterhorn range, the dream peak of mountaineers across the globe. Alana launches up beginning at Zermatt, journeying all the way to Saint Moritz, a high alpine resort almost 6,000 feet above sea level.

In Switzerland, one of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to cross the Alps is by boarding the Bernina Express. In this episode, Alana boards the World Heritage railway linking a plethora of languages and cultures, crossing the region and arriving in the exotic city of Lugano, Switzerland.

For centuries, cheese has been one of the chief products and exports of Switzerland, playing a central role in Swiss diet and culture. Not only are they great at making it, but they also love eating it. In this episode, Alana shows us how the Swiss make their rich and delicious cheese from start to finish, sampling her way through the multiple varieties, then taking to the Sbrinz Route, an ancient trade path used for transporting cheese across Switzerland to Europe and to the world.

Founded in 1157, the breathtaking Medieval city of Fribourg is where Alana takes us next, exploring the Gothic cathedrals and surprisingly preserved architecture of this economic center nestled on the Swiss Plateau. Taking in it’s ancient beauty and history, shows us how its denizens preserve century-old traditions even still today.

Like cheese and chocolate, Switzerland is known around the world for its premium watchmaking. Here Alana visits two World Heritage listed cities, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle, where she not only learns the history of the Swiss watchmaking industry, but also gets to experience how these intricate devices are made. Alana also delves into the century-old art of wood-craft, which is alive and well in Brienz’s Wood Carving School, where artistry, tradition and the skill of woodcarving meet in a place of deep cultural heritage for the Swiss.

The Freiberger is a magnificent breed of draft and pack horse native to the Swiss state of Jura. Alana takes us here to experience these marvelous creatures, currently listed under Swiss conservation, bringing us to the annual local horse festival featuring the Freiberg breed and learning more about the foundation dedicated to caring for retired Freiberger horses.

On Swiss National Day, Alana visits Rütli, the city from which the country of Switzerland originated and joins the national holiday celebration by exploring the history, politics, and rich cultural cache of this one-of-a-kind country, witnessing the love and pride the Swiss share for their country.