It may be landlocked, but the gorgeous country of Switzerland has plenty of shoreline, and a brand-new watery component thanks to the opening of Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium, the Aquatis. Located in Lausanne, open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m., the space, spread throughout three main buildings, recreates 20 ecosystems from five continents and has an educational and preservation component. Home to 10,000 fish, 100 reptiles and amphibians and 300 plant species, displays utilize a combination of immersive and interactive scenography with the latest digital technologies.

Switch to the other end of the geographic spectrum and go high above sea level with a stay at a historic mountain hut. Perfect as a base for trekking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing or mountain climbing, the Huberhaus is located in the village of Bellwald in the Valais region. Built from logs and more than 500 years old, the renovated hut accommodates up to five people (and a small- or medium-sized pet) in two bedrooms. There’s a fully outfitted kitchen, one bathroom with a shower and wood and coal heating.