I’m very grateful to have been able to visit Switzerland a few years back. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it’s certainly one that I hope to repeat.
Here’s what I learned while there. Switzerland is one of the few places I’ve visited that, in person, truly outdoes the photos and postcards we’ve all seen. At every turn, there are idyllic chalets, manicured florals and jaw-dropping landscapes. Most of my time was spent around Lake Geneva in the cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, and the tiny mountain town of Huemoz. It’s so small that, when asked about my destination upon entering the country, the customs worker hadn’t even heard of Huemoz. For most, it’s a drive-through village on the way to Villars Ski Resort, but it was my home base for almost three weeks. At the time, my brother was living in Switzerland, so I was able to stay with him and experience the country truly as the locals do. We were at L’abri Fellowship which is an educational, worldview-centered organization started by Francis Schaeffer in 1955.
L’abri owns a number of Chalets that are located close together along a steep mountain. A funny story that I was told while there is that L’abri decided to sell one of their chalets a few years prior to my visit, and Sean Connery was the purchaser. If that doesn’t tell you how gorgeous the area is then I don’t know what will. The grass is green, the flowers in windowboxes are all matched shades of red, and chalets are kept tidy and inviting. Envision homes that are hundreds of years old set against a backdrop of the dramatic alps. It’s quite a picture, and one that I can honestly say grows fonder with time.
So, what are the cons of visiting Switzerland? Obviously it can be a costly destination to visit. That being said, if you want a breathtaking location that’s safe to explore, and offers unique experiences, it’s absolutely worth the cost. There are points of interest for every traveler.
Summer is the most crowded season, but it’s also the mildest in terms of weather. You can enjoy a boat ride across Lake Geneva on a pre-First World War Belle Epoque era paddle steamer as you view the Chateau de Chillon. Children will love to learn that this castle is said to be the inspiration for Prince Eric’s castle in the Little Mermaid. You can even cross from Lausanne, Switzerland to Evian, France on a passenger ferry. There are some amazing French dining locations here, with certain restaurants offering outdoor, water-view seating.
This brings me to my next point, which is that dining is a process. If you’re coming from the US, you’re probably of the mindset that dining out should be a reasonably quick event. This just isn’t true in Switzerland, and I find this to be the case in France as well. Meals, especially dinner, are made to be experiences. A great meal in and of itself is the evening’s main event, so it’s not uncommon for dinner to take several hours. This could be considered a pro or con depending on what you like. Switzerland has four official languages. The areas around Lake Geneva are in the French-speaking area of the country, but I have found that most residents know at least some English, enough that I don’t feel a huge language barrier.
Here’s something that can be surprising to first-time visitors. Shops not attached to airports or public transportation are closed on Sundays. You’ll want to prepare for this by making sure you have what you need on Saturday. Again, coming from the US this may be a bit shocking.
What are my top recommendations? Montreux would be my suggestion as a landing spot in the southwestern section of Switzerland. Nestled along the Swiss Riviera, It’s a gorgeous location offering incredible views of the lake. If you’re interested in music, the Montreux Jazz Festival takes place annually, lasting two weeks each summer. Visit the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, or get to know a silent movie star at the Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey.
One of my favorite things we did was a scenic train ride that began in Montreux and took us through several alpine towns. There are a few options, but I highly recommend spending time doing at least one ride! You’ll enjoy stunning views as you climb mountains and glide through valleys with a few stops in towns along the way.
A great day trip from the area is Martigny, a location known for its delectable dining. History buffs will enjoy visiting La Batiaz Castle, where guests can see different machines used during sieges, a restored Roman amphitheater, and the kids will love a stop at neighboring Barryland. This is a museum and home to the famous St. Bernard dogs of the canons of the Great St. Bernard Hospice. This is actually a really fun and interesting stop. Originally raised and trained by Monks, these St. Bernards were rescue dogs used to help snowbound travelers in the St. Bernard Pass, a mountain route between Switzerland and Italy. A high point now is the puppies. Four to five times a year, the Foundation Berry breeds puppies and once their arrival is announced, guests can come to watch the playful friends.
If you’re flying from the US and want to see multiple countries while in Europe, here are two recommendations. Paris is just about three hours by train or five and a half hours by car, so it’s worth considering a combined trip to both of these areas if your time allows. Also about five hours by car or train is Lake Como, Italy. Both of these are great options, so the decision ultimately comes down to your own particular interests and desires.
As you can see, there is so much to experience in this beautiful country. I just touched on a few ideas here, but if you are interested in visiting this country and would like to talk with someone who has been there and can assist in creating a seamless experience, feel free to message me and I would be happy to help.
Until next time!
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