2 weeks in Switzerland

2 weeks in Switzerland

This was the trip that was the life changer for me and propelled me into making a decision to pursue my passion in the travel industry.

While 2 weeks was definitely not enough time for me to explore all of Switzerland, it gave me a flavor for this wonderful country and the fulfillment of visiting a place that had been on my bucket list for a while.

Please scroll all the way down for pictures.

Tips and Hints:

· Switzerland is NOT cheap, so be prepared. Currency is Swiss francs, it's close to the euro in exchange rate generally,

· The natural landscape is absolutely beautiful, and if you seek active trips this is definitely a place to visit (this was more of a sightseeing trip for me)

· Take boat cruises around the lakes wherever you can!

· Be realistic about how many places you want to visit, and how you would like to accomplish this since it can take ½ a day to get from place to place

· The railways are indeed superb, but not inexpensive and be aware that you have to lug around your luggage up and down stairs and switching trains, etc.

· Eat as much chocolate and cheese everywhere!!

· Drink as much Swiss wine as possible. It's probably the only place you will find it! Only 1% is exported, and mainly to Germany.

· Chicken is scarce, so don't expect to see too much of it in restaurants

· Try the local lake fish where possible

· Places I still want to see-Interlaken, Spiez, Lake Lugano, Zermatt, St Moritz

Days 1 &2

Zurich

Landed in Zurich. Generally, on the arriving day, I keep it low key and walk around, and have an early night to get acclimated to the time change.

Day 2

Exploring Zurich. Walk as much as possible. Take a cruise around the lake. Have every meal with a view!

Days 3 & 4

Lucerne

Day 3

Lucerne is absolutely gorgeous, and there’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular cities to visit in Switzerland. Similar to Zurich, walking around and enjoying the beauty and cruising around the lake is what it’s all about

Day 4

I took a day trip to Mt Pilatus. It towers over Lucerne and Central Switzerland. It has one of the steepest cogwheel trains and is best known for its mystical dragon legends and stories of Pontius Pilate’s soul. At the top there are hiking trails, and hotels and restaurants. Indulge yourself at the restaurant with a view from the top. Coming down the mountain via cable car is a different adventure and offers you the ability to stop and get off for some very pretty scenery and views, walks, and action such as ziplining if wanted.

Day 5

Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and one of the main reasons I included it in my itinerary. However, this was my least favorite place that I visited, and the one-night stopover was enough unless you want to spend time at museums.

Days 6 & 7

Grindelwald & Jungfrau

Day 6

Grindelwald is a small mountainous town and one of the most beautiful places. Pictures from here are what you will most likely see when you see pictures of Switzerland.

You can walk around Grindelwald and if you get a chance visit First Mountain. There is plenty to see and do on the First mountain, one of the most scenic areas in the Jungfrau region. Not to be missed is the new summit attraction – the Cliff Walk by Tissot – which consists of a suspension bridge jutting out from the side of the mountain, with an amazing 45m long observation platform. You will enjoy unparalleled views of the mountains.

There are plenty of outdoor activities here as well like hiking, gliding, and scooter bike adventures. I did do the cliff walk, but def not for you if you are afraid of heights! My fear has been slightly dissipating over the years as I partake in more fear-inducing height activities lol.

Day 7

Jungfrau (top of Switzerland) is a day trip from Grindelwald. Dress in layers as you are on a snowy mountain! Tickets need to be bought in advance and go as early as possible since it gets extremely crowded especially at peak times.

There are numerous sights such as the Eismeer station (a stop along the way), Ice Palace, observation deck, restaurants, and of course Lindt Chocolate heaven (not to be missed!). Make sure you visit the store for some one of a kind chocolate that you are not likely to find anywhere else!

Days 8-12

Montreux

Day 8

Montreux is an ideal hub if you want to take a few day trips. It is a beautiful traditional resort town on Lake Geneva. Nestled between steep hills and the lakeside, it’s known for its mild microclimate and the Montreux Jazz Festival, held in July. The town’s promenade is lined with flowers, sculptures, Mediterranean trees, grand Belle Époque buildings and live music. Make sure to take a cruise around Lake Geneva to get some magnificent views of the city and the medieval island castle, Château de Chillon, with ramparts, formal halls and a chapel with 14th-century murals. Visiting the castle is also a highlight if you are interested in doing that, though can be missed if you have visited the castles in Germany and Romania.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the statues, or you will miss Freddie Mercury. Freddie Mercury, the singer of the rock band Queen, settled in Montreux where the group had bought Mountain Recording Studio and where he learned to appreciate the peace and quiet. He recorded his last album, Queen – “Made in Heaven” at the Montreux studio. To commemorate his time in Montreux, a bronze statue of Freddie Mercury was placed by the waterfront in 1996. And what of today? Well, his fans still come and place flowers by his monument every day.

Day 9

½ day trip to Gruyere. If you have the time definitely take a trip to Gruyere. As an additional treat do the chocolate and cheese tour. It’s such an experience! After a beautiful ride on the chocolate train to Gruyere prepare to explore this beautiful town and the Gruyere cheese factory.

Afterward, you will get a chance to visit Maison Cailler Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand in the world still in existence! After the educational tour, the fun begins. You get to sample as many chocolates as you like from the extensive sample selection! Don’t make yourself sick 😊 Lastly, of course, you have the opportunity to buy Cailler chocolates in the gift store. I suggest you make note of any of the chocolates you might have particularly liked that you sampled so you can buy some in the store.

After getting back to Montreux, I enjoyed the rest of the day with some wine on the balcony, walking around and dinner. Side note: one of my favorite places was the Barrel Oak-reasonable, great burgers and tapas, and fantastic views with a window table (call in advance and book it if going at peak time)

Day 10

Day trip to Lausanne. One of my colleagues worked in Lausanne, and so a day trip with a lunch visit was on the agenda. Be prepared to walk uphill on cobblestones in quite a few places. While Lausanne is beautiful and has a bunch of cathedrals and museums, leave some time for Ouchy lake which is just a few stops by metro from Lausanne. Beautiful lakeside view restaurants and waterfront sculptures make for a relaxing and enjoyable time. If you wish, you can also visit the Olympic Museum which is located here. I stopped by at Creperie d'Ouchy for some savory and sweet crepes at lunchtime. (this was shared-no judging lol)

Evian, France is a ferry ride across the lake if you have the time and want to take a quick visit over there, or if you have time for a ½ day trip.

Day 11

At the recommendation of my colleague, I took a trip to Mont Blanc in France the next day. The town of Chamonix itself is very pretty, and you can spend a few hours exploring. To my disappointment, the cable car was undergoing maintenance before peak season, so I did not get an opportunity to go to the top. However, the train takes you ½ way up where you can get off and get some views. I personally did not think the ride up was worth it, but I enjoyed my trip to Chamonix. Keep in mind you will need euros there.

Days 12 & 13

Geneva

The last stop was Geneva. This city has the most amounts of expats in Switzerland, and natives joke that it's barely part of Switzerland anymore. Lodging is expensive in this city and does not have a large collection of hotels.

Definitely visit the flower clock and watch out for the water jet fountain! I also paid a visit to the United Nations which was quite interesting, but if short on time you can pass on it.

If you are a fan of the Big Bang Theory and a science nerd, the Cern is in Geneva. However, you have to make sure you book months in advance to book a tour there, so sadly I missed out.

Don't forget to make a stop at Martel chocolatier for some coffee and yummy desserts.

Day 14 the end ☹

Zurich

After getting in late the previous night from Geneva, I had a big breakfast, and my last ½ day walking around before getting to the airport. This was an amazing trip, and I look forward to visiting the places I missed on the next trip!