Last fall, I stood on a swaying suspension bridge 494 meters long, watching the Matterhorn pierce through the clouds, and I remember thinking: “How is this even real?”
Switzerland does that to you.
It grabs you by the shoulders and makes you question if you’ve been living life properly up until that moment.
I’ve traveled a fair bit, but Switzerland hit different.
The mountains aren’t just big—they’re humbling.
The trains aren’t just on time—they’re an experience.
And the chocolate?
Well, let’s just say I needed to buy an extra suitage.
If you’re heading to Switzerland and wondering what actually matters, what you’d genuinely regret missing—this is for me sharing what I’d do all over again in a heartbeat.
Stand Face-to-Face with the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is that 4,478-meter high, tooth-shaped mountain that absolutely dominates the skyline.
And honestly, no photo does it justice.
I arrived in Zermatt on a drizzly afternoon, clouds hanging low, couldn’t see a thing.
Woke up the next morning, pulled back the curtain, and there it was—this iconic peak just emerging from a sea of fog.
I literally stood there in my boxers for like ten minutes.
You don’t climb it unless you’re a serious mountaineer (and kindda crazy, if I’m being honest).
But you can take the Gornegrat Bahn cog railway to the summit of Gornergrat mountain for stunning Matterhorn views—Europe’s highest open-air cog railway.
The ride itself?
Unreal.
Crossing dramatic bridges, passing turquoise mountain lakes, clinging to the side of the mountain with views that make your stomach drop.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning when the light hits the peak just right.
You’ll thank me.
Ride the Trains (Yes, Really)
I know, I know—trains don’t sound sexy.
But Swiss trains are different, man.
Swiss trains are world-famous for running like clockwork, combining awe-inspiring scenery and meticulous timekeeping.
I took the Bernina Express from Chur down to Italy, and it was one of those experiences where I forgot to check my phone for like three hours.
You meander through valleys and around picturesque peaks, traveling along the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway which features 84 tunnels.
The Glacier Express is another must.
You’re literally gliding through the Alps, watching the scenery change from vineyards to glaciers.
Grab a window seat, order a coffee, and just soak it in.
If I had to pick just one train ride, it’d be Jungfraujoch—the “Top of Europe.”
Jungfraujoch is probably the most famous mountain trip, and though expensive, it’s still an awesome trip.
Worth every franc.
Explore Zermatt’s Car-Free Magic
Zermatt has car-free streets lined with charming wooden chalets, with the Matterhorn dominating the skyline.
It’s this perfect blend of rustic and bougie.
You’ve got cozy bars, gourmet restaurants, and this infectious energy that somehow feels both relaxed and exciting.
I loved just wandering the streets at dusk, when the mountain turns pink and the village lights start twinkling.
In winter, it’s a skier’s paradise.
Zermatt transforms into a skier’s paradise in winter, boasting over 360 kilometers of pristine slopes.
In summer, the hiking is next-level.
But honestly?
Zermatt works any time of year.
Just being there, breathing that crisp mountain air, watching the Matterhorn do its thing—that’s enough.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Take a Lake Cruise (Trust Me on This)
Switzerland has over 7,000 lakes.
Yeah, you read that right.
And cruising on them is one of those low-key perfect travel moments.
Lake Brienz cruises have many fun stops along the way, and Lake Thun cruises are worth planning a full day for.
I did Lake Lucerne on a sunny afternoon, and it was one of those “pinch me” moments.
The water is this insane shade of blue-green, surrounded by mountains that just drop straight into the lake.
You can hop off at little villages, grab lunch, explore a castle, then catch the next boat.
Lake Geneva is awesome with little first class lounges perfect for a nap, and you can hop off in Nyon and Montreux.
Pro hack: Most boat tours are free with your Swiss Travel Pass.
Seriously, get that pass.
Hike (Even If You Think You Don’t Like Hiking)
I used to think hiking was just… walking, but harder.
Then I hiked in Switzerland.
If you want to do something locals do, you must hike in Switzerland—home of some of the best hiking in the world.
The trails are insanely well-maintained, the views are ridiculous, and there’s something for every level.
Tolkien’s hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley served as inspiration for Rivendell, with the idyllic valley very similar to Elrond’s home.
Yeah, THE Tolkien.
That’s how magical it is.
I did a moderate hike from Grindelwald, and every turn was like a postcard come to life.
Wildflowers, waterfalls, cowbells ringing in the distance.
If you’re a beginner, Flims is the perfect place for beginners to hike.
Don’t skip this.
Seriously.
Get Your Adrenaline Fix
If you’re into thrills, Switzerland delivers.
You can jump off the Verzasca Dam—all 220 meters of it—known as the GoldenEye Bungee Jump.
That’s the dam from the James Bond movie.
I didn’t have the guts for it, but watching other people do it was insane.
There’s also tandem paragliding in Interlaken, where you soar above the stunning Jungfrau region with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes.
I did this one.
My pilot was super chill, and once you’re up there, all the nerves just melt away.
You’re floating over the Alps like a damn eagle.
It’s surreal.
If swinging bridges are your thing, the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at 494 meters.
Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable.
Explore Lucerne’s Old Town
Picturesque Lucerne sits on Lake Lucerne framed by snowcapped mountains, with an old town full of historic attractions and boutique shops.
I spent a whole afternoon just wandering the cobblestone streets, and it felt like stepping back in time.
The medieval Chapel Bridge is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe.
It’s gorgeous, especially at sunset when the light hits just right.
There are swans gliding on the river, street musicians playing, little cafes tucked into corners.
It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan—just wander and see where you end up.
I grabbed a beer at a riverside spot and just watched life happen.
Perfect.
Indulge in Chocolate (Obviously)
Look, you can’t go to Switzerland and not eat chocolate.
That would be like going to Italy and skipping pasta.
Daniel Peter from Vevey experimented with adding milk to chocolate, and in 1875 teamed up with Henri Nestlé to create milk chocolate.
Switzerland literally invented milk chocolate.
So yeah, you owe it to yourself.
I visited a chocolate factory in Gruyères (yes, the cheese place also does chocolate).
The tour was fun, but the best part?
The tasting room.
I may have had like eight samples.
No regrets.
Buy some to bring home.
Your friends will worship you.
Visit a Gorge or Waterfall
Switzerland has stunning gorges perfect for experienced hikers or casual strolls through nature.
I checked out the Aare Gorge, and it was this dramatic limestone canyon carved by the river.
You walk along pathways carved into the rock, waterfalls crashing down around you.
It’s like nature showing off.
The Trümmelbachfälle waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen Valley are located in a gorge—so you get stunning waterfalls plus a gorge.
Two for one, baby.
Lauterbrunnen Valley in general is just ridiculous—like 72 waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.
If you’ve got a spare afternoon, make it happen.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Experience a Swiss Mountain Village
Forget the cities for a minute.
The real magic happens in the mountain villages.
Places like Gruyères, Appenzell, Mürren—they’re straight out of a fairytale.
Mürren is a small alpine town in the Jungfrau Region with car-free status, so travelers must arrive on foot, by bike, or via public transportation.
That’s part of the charm.
No cars, no noise—just alpine bliss.
I spent a night in a mountain guesthouse, and it was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life.
Mountain guest houses are very basic but offer an incredible experience.
Simple room, incredible view, homemade breakfast.
Heaven.
Try Fondue (and Raclette)
Swiss food is comfort food on another level.
Fondue is the classic—melted cheese, bread, good company.
I had mine in a cozy spot in Zermatt after a day of hiking, and it was everything.
But raclette?
That’s my jam.
They literally melt cheese and scrape it onto your plate with potatoes and pickles.
It’s simple, it’s rich, it’s perfect.
Pair it with a local white wine, and you’re living right.
Don’t overthink it—just order the cheese.
Get Lost in Interlaken
Interlaken’s unique location between two lakes—Lake Brienz and Lake Thun—makes it a breathtaking spot, with hours of hiking, biking trails, and boat cruises.
It’s also adventure central.
Skydiving, paragliding, canyoning—if it gets your heart racing, you can do it here.
But I also loved just chilling by the lake with a coffee, watching the mountains reflect in the water.
Interlaken works if you’re an adrenaline junkie or if you just want to sit and soak it all in.
That’s the beauty of it.
Don’t Rush It
Here’s my biggest piece of advice: slow down.
I know you want to see everything.
I get it.
But Switzerland isn’t a place to tick boxes—it’s a place to feel.
Spend an extra hour at that viewpoint.
Take the slower train.
Order another coffee.
Some of my best moments weren’t the “Instagram spots”—they were the quiet ones in between.
Watching the sunset from a random bench.
Chatting with a local at a mountain hut.
Just… being there.
Switzerland rewards you when you stop rushing.
So take a breath, look around, and let it sink in.
You’ll carry it with you long after you leave.
