“Switzerland is good for the soul.” – Erin’s frequent travel buddy, Ashley
Whenever someone asks me what part of the world I could go to again and again, I answer without hesitation: a summertime visit to Switzerland.
Just thinking about this country puts me in a heavenly daze.
Switzerland is an easy add-on to almost any European trip because it is land-locked by Italy, France, Germany and Liechtenstein. It’s easy to jump on a train there, so there’s no reason to not make this a part of your trip.
Here are my seven top reasons why I highly recommend you add Switzerland to your next European summer getaway.
1. The Jaw-dropping Beauty
The snow-covered Alps to the green rolling hills to the waterfalls to the red cottages. I could go on and on for days. This country was made for all four seasons, but summer is when you get to really appreciate the natural beauty of this place.
Just to give you some examples of unique beauty, look no further than Lauterbrunnen. This village has a whopping 72 waterfalls that pour into the Lauterbrunnen Valley, some even flowing inside of caves.
Another Swiss spot to make you feel small is Grindelwald. Red wooden cottages dot the green hills with the Alps towering overhead. This is a great spot for both warm and cold weather since the hiking and skiing is beyond comparison.
Grindelwald is also known as the gateway to Jungfrau Region, the highest point in Europe, so you will likely pass through here anyway if you plan to make the trip to the observatory. Yes, you will get spectacular panoramic views, but keep in mind that a ticket to Jungfraujoch can sometimes cost a pretty penny. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, look into booking yourself a day trip from Interlaken.
My other personal favorite stop in Switzerland is Interlaken. It is a common spot for a lot of tourists, so expect hostels to be full of travelers like you. Be warned: it’s popular for a reason.
Named Interlaken due to the town being placed between two lakes, enjoy spectacular views from the lookout point. Not only is this place gorgeous, it’s quite convenient for excursions, shopping, and food. Honestly, a summer visit to Switzerland wouldn’t be complete without Interlaken.
Don’t underestimate a picnic by Geneva Lake. It’s the perfect way to settle into the country before hopping on the next train to the next city on your list.
2. Cheese
I could talk about all the food in Switzerland, but the dairy here is something out of this world. The Swiss say their milk and cream is the best because their cows are stress-free, and I believe it. They lounge on rolling green pastures with the sounds of waterfalls, gazing at the Alps. I would be less stressed if that was my everyday environment too!
Walking by a hill of cows in Switzerland, my friends and I can’t help but chirp “Happy cows! Happy cows!” as we walk by them sun-bathing.
But for reals here, the cheese is some of the best. I recommend stopping by a grocery store for some cheese, bread and butter for a picnic one of the days you are there. Throw in some tomatoes and you’ve got one of my favorite simple meals I have ever eaten in a visit to Switzerland.
Another dairy classic is fondue. It’s also a national dish fyi. Although more commonly consumed during the cold weather months, you can enjoy this year round at many restaurants.
My favorite way to enjoy cheese in Switzerland? Raclette!
This special little grill creates melty gooey cheesy goodness to spread over your food, usually potatoes or vegetables. It’s also a fun social activity, so feel free to keep the magic of Switzerland alive after your visit by cooking a warm meal at home.
3. Trains
I’m convinced there is no ugly train ride in Switzerland. Beautiful views aside, trains are honestly the most convenient ways to get around this beautiful country.
Every time I come back to the States after a Switzerland visit (or anywhere in Europe, really), I lament at how much we are lacking in the train department. We are really missing out!
Downside, train travel can get a little expensive. If you plan on spending multiple, consecutive days in Switzerland, look into investing in a Swiss Travel Pass. This can get you unlimited travel on train, bus, and boats within and between most cities. Check out the maps and routes to see if they match your travel plans.
*Bonus for the Swiss Travel Pass – this can get you free admission to over 500 museums and discounts on certain mountain excursions.
I would not recommend mopeds as your main form of transportation. If the weather is nice, consider using one to take some excursions around the city you are visiting.
My friend and I spent a few hours driving around the lakes in Interlaken and didn’t want our drive to end. Just make sure you check with your rental company about the rules of the road before setting off. I felt like an annoying tourist when I moved into the wrong turn lane on our way back!
4. Chocolate
I’m talking more than Lindt or Tolberone here. There are several specialty shops around Switzerland. In almost any part of any town, you will find a chocolate shoppe on the corner.
Although cacao beans aren’t grown in this beautiful mountainous land, it’s the milk that gives Swiss chocolate its fame. Remember those happy cows we talked about earlier? Yeah, they make a big difference in those mouth-watering morsels.
Swiss chocolate has such a history, so look into booking a tour to get a variety of samples while learning more about how it’s made, history, etc.
If you’re spending some time in Zurich, I definitely recommend doing a walking tour so you get a chance to sample multiple chocolate shops in the city.
Ok, maybe we shouldn’t focus all our attention on food. Jk, yeah right…BUT if you want your excursion to have a little dose of history mixed in there, do the Chocolate Tasting and Old Town Visit tour in Geneva.
I can’t choose between chocolate and cheese, and I won’t make you either. Get the best of both worlds by booking a Swiss chocolate and cheese tour. This gives you a private look into the factories in the beautiful town of Bern.
When in Interlaken, my friend and I loved doing the workshop at the Funky Chocolate Club Switzerland. We had a blast making our own chocolate which made for a fun souvenir to bring home.
5. Mountains
Ok, so I know I already talked about this earlier and it’s essentially is an expansion off of the beauty of Switzerland, but it deserves a spot on this list all by itself.
The Swiss Alps are some of the most majestic mountains in the world. There’s a reason they are so famous. They are a lovely backdrop for your trip wherever you are in Switzerland and I mean it when I say you won’t get tired of them.
As noted earlier, you can get an up close look at the mountains by heading to the Jungfrau Region of the Alps and stopping by the Top of Europe. If you need something a little simpler and closer to your accommodations like going for a hike in Grindelwald or Zermatt.
Fun fact: Zermatt is where you can get a view of the famous Matterhorn.
If you’re in Interlaken, I highly recommend taking the funicular railway up the mountain to get a breath-taking view of the region. Bring a jacket, even in the middle of summer, since it will be chilly! If you’re feeling brave enough, try out the paragliding experience in town that will give you an unforgettable experience off the mountain.
Another reason why Switzerland is so fabulous is because it’s a country made for both winter and summer. Enjoy hiking in summer, then grab your skis for winter.
Switzerland has some amazing world famous skiing. If you are visiting in winter, look for a ski tour that can take care of your rentals and transportation. That way you don’t have to worry about dragging around your own equipment or driving in the snow.
6. Cleanliness
The Swiss take great pride in the beauty of their country, and it’s very apparent in how clean their cities and countrysides are. Littering is almost non-existent, and their garbage and recycling systems are super organized.
On that note, public drinking fountains are everywhere and taste like you’re drinking straight from a mountain stream.
7. Slower Paced Europe
So many places I’ve been in Europe make me feel rushed. Switzerland has always been a halfway point in my trip to slow down and literally smell the flowers…or chocolate.
Switzerland is so nature-based that it forces you to slow down so you can admire the views. Places like Paris and Rome can have you running from one museum or excursion to the next. ANYWHERE in Switzerland lets you slow down and admire rolling green hills and picturesque villages while you sip your Rivella soda.
Just walking from the bus stop to my hostel or to a park entrance was once of my favorite parts of the day. You’ll probably find yourself stopping on a bench just to soak in whatever storybook view is in front of you, whether it be waterfall, lake, or a decorated store front.
It’s important to slow down at some point in any vacation, but it’s so much easier to do when you’re in Switzerland. If Europe sounds too chaotic to you, put Switzerland on your list to start. Welcome to the slow side of Europe.
Perhaps I haven’t quite convinced you to visit Switzerland yet, but just writing about it now has made me anxious to go back myself.
I have so many places that I have loved in Europe, but none have stolen my heart quite like Switzerland. Do yourself and make time for it when planning your next getaway.
If you beat me to it, fill up your lungs with mountain air and stuff your face shamelessly with Swiss chocolate!
