Hopping through some smaller cities in Switzerland.

Obviously (and understandably) the Alps get most of the attention, but there are lots of lovely little old towns in the rolling hills of the Swiss plateau.

I am not saying these are must visits. You would be mad to forgo Gornergrat for a day in Aarberg. But just highlighting some of the other less well known options that are out there and show a very different side of Switzerland to the classic jagged glaciated peaks. These might not be a bad idea if you want a break from the mountains (or the weather is bad).

This was actually done in a single day by bike in April. Taking the train to Thun and then riding to Fribourg and then home. I doubt many people would want to do that (especially only stopping for a few minutes in each place), however it is easy to visit one or more of these or the endless other nice small towns by train/bus.

The photos are from a mix of days over early to late spring. I had been everywhere before already so didn't need to re-take every scene on the day.

1) Fribourg. Basically the (mostly) French speaking twin of Bern. The area around the base of the old town is especially lovely (but the climb back up is steep). This should be the 3rd stop, but it makes a more interesting thumbnail than the well known Thun.

2) Thun. Fairly well known and an increasingly popular choice of somewhere to stay with easy access to the Oberland region thanks to the well connected station. It isn't very big, but it is always nice to have a little look around.

3) Possibly the most panoramic bus stop in Switzerland ('Rüeggisberg, Tromwil'). From Thun I cut across the hilly area around Schwarzenburg. Topping out at about 1000m it isn't alpine, but you know you have climbed something. A really beauiful area of little valleys with some fantastic views of the Alps - especially in late April when it is low enough for the spring bloom to be in full flow.

At some point just before entering Fribourg the language changed from German to French (the river Saane in Fribourg is often shown to be the border).

4) Avenches. A small town built around the ruins of Aventicum - the largest roman town in Switzerland. Most of the ruins are free to see and wander around (don't miss the old gates off on the hillside) and there is a proper museum.

Hopping back across the language border

5) Murten/Morat with the lake of the same name behind it. The city has what must be the most complete city walls of anywhere in Switzerland (including visible damage from the battle there in 1476). It pairs well with Avenches (being a quick train ride apart) and you can take a boat over the lake, through a canal, and then onto Neuchatel (which has yet another old town and intercity train connections).

6) On the walls in Murten. A chunk of the walls and some towers are free to access.

7) The covered wooden bridge leading into Aarberg old town. Sadly one of many in Switzerland which is used by cars which rather takes away from the experience when you are crammed against the walls.

8) Market day in Aarberg. The old town is a big square surrounded by houses, which sadly like the bridge is usually mostly car parking if it isn't market day.

9) Büren an der Aare.

10) The old town in Büren an der Aare. Basically a mini version of Bern.