A Complete Guide: LIFETIME TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
Author: Marian Bermudez
For years, I scrolled through Instagram travel destinations, and one place consistently stood out to me: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. This picturesque town, with its lush green hills and a majestic waterfall cascading between cliffs, captivated me every time. I knew I had to see it with my own eyes. I made it my mission to visit Lauterbrunnen, adding it to my vision board as a must-see destination. From that moment, my goal was set: Switzerland, summer of 2024. The journey began with in-depth research to plan my first visit to this stunning country. Narrowing down my itinerary was no easy task; Switzerland offers an abundance of iconic hikes, culinary delights, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences. Ultimately, I chose to explore Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Lucerne, and Zurich.
WHERE TO STAY
The adventure started with finding the perfect accommodations. Switzerland’s public transportation is world-class, making it easy and convenient to travel between towns. The Swiss even have an app that provides detailed directions to your destination — simplicity at your fingertips! Prioritizing proximity to transportation hubs was essential for a seamless journey. Next, I considered the type of scenery I wanted. As a Floridian accustomed to water views, I opted for a change: breathtaking valley views. Waking up to the mystical mountains and valleys while sipping my morning coffee was an experience I’ll never forget. If you visit Switzerland and don’t immerse yourself in these stunning views, you’re truly missing out. Since my trip lasted nine days, I treated myself to two different accommodations: one with valley views and another with lake views. While both were incredible, I’d wholeheartedly recommend the valley views for an authentic Swiss experience.
THINGS TO DO
Typically, I plan detailed itineraries for my trips, but for Switzerland, I decided to embrace spontaneity. This approach allowed me to explore freely without the pressure of reservations or rigid schedules. Despite this, I managed to enjoy incredible activities, including riding the Grindelwald Mountain Carts, trying cliff jumping, and hiking the Stoos Ridge.
A key tip: start your day early! Many attractions, like the mountain carts, sell out quickly. I stumbled upon tickets for the mountain carts during a morning stroll for breakfast and coffee, and it turned out to be a total blast. Being flexible and starting early opens the door to serendipitous adventures
WHAT TO EAT
Switzerland is a food lover’s paradise, offering some of the freshest ingredients, rivaling even Italy. The quality of the food is unmatched, though dining out can be expensive. Fondue, pizza, and the famous rosti are worth the splurge at least once. To balance costs, consider shopping at local markets and preparing a few meals at your accommodation. Cooking at home not only saves money but also lets you savor your meal alongside the spectacular views.
HIGHLIGHTS
If I had to sum it up, Switzerland is best enjoyed with a mindset for adventure. Be prepared to walk 10,000+ steps daily and tackle hills to reach your accommodations. Travel light; a backpack is your best friend, as luggage often needs to be stored in designated train compartments that may not be as accessible. Plan ahead by researching the transportation system and purchasing the right tickets for your stay. Swiss transit staff are incredibly helpful, but having a basic understanding of your route will make your journey smoother. Comfortable walking shoes are a must — trust me, you’ll thank me later! Lastly, bring your camera everywhere. The scenery is nothing short of magical, and while photos can’t fully capture its beauty, they’ll serve as cherished memories of this one-of-a-kind experience. Switzerland is truly a dream destination. Whether you’re soaking in the valley views, savoring fresh cuisine, or embarking on spontaneous adventures, this trip will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
If you are ready to experience all Switzerland has to offer let Marian help plan the trip of a lifetime!
