Switzerland often conjures up images of cows with bells, chocolate box cottages, green slopes and stunning lakes that stretch out for miles.

The journey from Zurich to the alpine town of Arosa offers all this and more.

Contrary to popular belief, Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland. Nevertheless, the city is a handy base from which to explore this beautiful European country.

With a short flight time of just an hour and a quarter from the UK, you can leave in the morning and be there for lunch. From Zurich, it’s an easy switch on to the train for the two-and-a-half hour ride to Arosa.

The train journey in itself is not to be missed. The views are tremendous. Be warned – in summer it is both hot and windy as the train crawls up the mountain. But the discomfort is worth it once you arrive.

Arosa is a gorgeous little town, nestled in the Alps about 2,200ft above sea level.

I was staying at Sporthotel Valsana, just minutes from the station and the town’s lake and shops.

Sporthotel Valsana, as the name suggests, offers a wide range of sports and hosts an annual international tennis tournament. Yet despite the activity going on all around, the atmosphere is relaxed.

The hotel has excellent tennis courts, which are very popular with guests. Private lessons of around an hour and a half can be organised with one of the hotel’s coaches.

We had a lesson with a real pro, who took my novice arms, which haven’t held a racket since 1995, and managed to get me hitting balls – not exactly on a par with Switzerland’s own Roger Federer, but close enough.

After the exertions of the lesson, I welcomed the opportunity to rest inside for a while. The free tea bar, which is open for a few hours every afternoon, provided the perfect excuse. I opted for refreshing peppermint but there were many other flavours available.

Residents can also pick up fresh fruit at reception – another of the pleasing little touches that make Sporthotel Valsana so welcoming and guests feel really cared for.

The hotel has a pool and sauna which are open from 7am if you can face an early morning dip. And for a small extra cost, you can head next door to one of the best spas in Europe.

The Tschuggen Grand Spa, in Sporthotel Valsana’s adjoining five-star hotel of the same name, is simply stunning.

In the summer there is an outside area for sunbathing, while in the winter the pool and inside area provides an oasis of calm and tranquillity.

The spa comes equipped with its own relaxation room – where visitors can sip tea and lie in the sun – faux waterfalls, a massive pool, steam room and sauna. A range of treatments are also available for an additional fee.

What makes a visit to Tschuggen Grand Spa so special is the chance to admire the impressive architecture – it is set into the mountains and has won prizes for its intricate and dramatic design.

We caught the free cable cars into the same mountains and started a hike at 2,500ft downwards towards Arosa.

Our stay at the hotel entitled us to a card which allowed access to the cable cars, activities on the nearby lake, such as hiring a pedalo, and a rope park, which we also visited.

Hiking through the mountains was wonderful. We saw herds of cows, beautiful – and some poisonous – flowers, wild mushrooms and glistening blue lakes. The trek was very steep at points, so make sure you bring suitable shoes. Suncream is also a must. The Alps may be best known as a winter destination, famed for its snowy pistes which attract hordes of skiers and snowboarders every year.

However, the hike proved that Switzerland is as much a summer hotspot as it is a winter destination.

The rope park we visited, just minutes from the hotel, was fantastic fun – although not for the faint-hearted.

Set among the trees of Waldfestwiese woods, there are six different rope courses covering a range of difficulties, so young children can play, while more experienced rope climbers can take on a tougher challenge. I was reminded of gym class in primary school and of swinging from the trees as a child.

The food at the hotel was delicious. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed the pasta dishes and ragout, but it was in the traditional Swiss meat dishes the hotel really excelled. One night they put on a meaty fondue, a Swiss speciality, which was a big hit. The local wine was also delicious, with the hotel-owner Daniel telling us it was something of a “secret”.

Switzerland is a great year-round holiday destination. The people are friendly and there is plenty to keep you occupied – just remember to bring your hiking boots.

The Facts

  • A double room at Sporthotel Valsana is available from 128 CHF (£85) per person, per night, based on two adults sharing. For bookings visit en.valsana.ch or call +41 8137 86363
  • Swiss International Air Lines have flights from London Heathrow/London City starting from £118 for a round-trip
  • The Swiss Travel System provides a dedicated range of travel passes and tickets exclusively for visitors from abroad. The Swiss Transfer Ticket covers a round-trip between the airport/Swiss border and your destination. Prices are £90 in second class and £145 in first class. Call Switzerland Travel Centre on 00800 10020030 or visit www.swisstravelsystem.co.uk