You may think Switzerland is synonymous with peacekeeping, hole-y cheese, and creamy chocolate, and while you may be correct on all counts, the country’s charm spans far beyond its decadent dairy and lavish landscapes. Affectionately coined Europe’s playground thanks to its plethora of outdoor adventure, this spirited little country should climb to the top of your travel bucket list.
As a self-proclaimed Swiss expert, I’m sharing all my advice to help you make this once-in-a-lifetime vacation a reality.
Need to Know
Before we dive in, there are a few general pieces of advice every traveler should know. First and foremost, the Swiss are excellent timekeepers (hence, Swiss watches), so every posted timetable, reservation, or appointment will commence exactly on time. In fact, the trains even speed up, slow down, and skip stops in the event they get slightly off schedule. Don’t be late!
Speaking of trains, Switzerland’s rail system is spectacular. This makes getting around the country – both within a destination and between cities big and small – an absolute breeze. And considering the entire country could fit inside Tennessee more than two-and-a-half times, you can explore a good chunk of it in one visit. One of the most scenic routes to consider is the Glacier Express, which whisks travelers between Zermatt and St. Mortiz.
Lastly and most importantly, there are two things you must experience during your visit: raclette and Ragusa. Akin to fondue, raclette is a cheesy delicacy served in most Swiss restaurants. A half-wheel of cheese is heated under a lamp, then scraped onto a plate once bubbling and served with pickles, pearl onions, bread, and charcuterie (trust me on this one). Ragusa is the best of the best when it comes to Swiss chocolate–it’s a hazelnut-stuffed, grocery store chocolate bar that isn’t exported and is only available to purchase within the country.
Getting There & Around
While there are no direct flights into Switzerland from Nashville, major cities like Zurich and Geneva are often accessible with a layover in cities like Newark, Atlanta, and London (because BNA has a nonstop to Heathrow, y’all!). Expect overseas flights to range from eight to 10 hours gate to gate.
As mentioned, Switzerland’s train system makes navigating the country a breeze. Major airports in Switzerland have a train station right onsite, so you can opt to hop right on and make your way to your preferred city after you land. The Swiss Travel Pass is an excellent option, because passholders aren’t bound to specific trains, destinations, or departure times. Purchase a pass for the duration of your trip and hop aboard whenever and wherever you’d like.
City Spotlights
With such an accessible public transportation system, planning the perfect Swiss itinerary can be a daunting task. Fear not, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any city, because each one is filled with its own unique charm. My go-to recommendation for first-timers would be to consider the destinations below, prioritizing the routes that match your personal interests. Plan to spend at least two nights (but more if you can swing it) in each chosen city.
Lucerne
With a spectacular alpine lake at its center, Lucerne is a popular destination just two hours from Zurich by train. Cross a 14th-century wooden bridge, see the lake via steamboat, and stop in for a bite along the old town boulevard.
Interlaken
This district is home to the Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valleys, and houses the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch. It’s an ultra-adventurous destination with skiing, skydiving, and river rafting, depending on which season you visit.
Gstaad
Luxury travelers, this is the spot for you. Gstaad has an excellent ski area in the winter, and premium retail options all year long. It’s near Glacier 3000, which is famous for its footbridge that connects two Alp peaks.
Montreux
Located in the Swiss Riviera, this region is a destination for wine lovers. Its scenery includes the sparkling Lake Geneva and steep terraced vineyards scaling the surrounding mountainsides.
Zermatt
Zermatt is watched over by the Matterhorn, the most photographed mountain in the world. It’s a car-less village perfect for luxury, leisure, and adventure travelers alike, and is known to have some of the best skiing in the entire country (beginners need not apply).
St. Moritz
Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, St. Moritz is a snowglobe city that’s been a pinnacle for winter tourism since the 1860s. At nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, it’s the highest city in the country.
MySwitzerland.com
"Switzerland’s rail system is spectacular. This makes getting around the country ... an absolute breeze."
" two things you must experience during your visit: raclette and Ragusa."