Switzerland had been on my bucket list since I was young, so finally visiting it felt like a dream come true. I loved it enough to return for another summer, this time continuing to explore the country alongside my daughter.
This list brings togethe...
Sections
3
Places I Loved
Where I Stayed
What I did & Things I Loved
Places I Loved
The cities, towns, viewpoints, and beautiful little corners of Switzerland that stood out most to me.
A peaceful alpine lake surrounded by steep green hills and mountain views- the kind of place that makes the walk there feel completely worth it. I’d recommend it for a slower day in the Appenzell region, especially if you enjoy scenic hikes and a qui...
Seealpsee Lake
Lake Lucerne has that perfect Switzerland mix of clear water, mountain backdrops, and pretty little towns along the shore. A boat ride is an easy way to take it all in without rushing. I’d recommend it for a relaxed afternoon or as part of a Mount Pi...
Lake Lucerne
I loved getting a little lost here. The painted buildings, tiny streets, and cafés make it feel charming without needing much of an itinerary. I’d recommend going early or staying into the evening, when the crowds thin out and it feels more relaxed.
Old Town Lucerne
Gruyères felt like a little detour into a different version of Switzerland-quiet, old-fashioned, and full of character. I came for the cheese, but the village itself was the part I wanted to linger in. I’d recommend it for a slow day trip, especially...
Gruyeres
This was one of the places that made me understand why everyone talks about Switzerland the way they do. Waterfalls spill down the cliffs around the valley, and the views never really stop. I’d recommend staying long enough to walk around rather than...
Lauterbraunnen
Zermatt felt like a mountain town made for taking your time. I loved that it’s car-free, so you can wander the streets with the Matterhorn appearing in the background when you least expect it. I’d recommend it when you want the full alpine experience...
Zermatt
Brienz was one of the quieter places on my trip, and I really loved that about it. The turquoise lake, wooden houses, and slower pace made it feel like a place to exhale. I’d recommend it for an overnight stop if you want a break from busier towns wi...
Brienz
Going up Mount Pilatus felt like one of those classic Switzerland experiences you have to do at least once. The views over Lake Lucerne were incredible, but I also loved the journey up-it made the whole day feel like an adventure. I’d recommend it fo...
Mount Pilatus
Grindelwald had the kind of scenery that made me want to keep my camera out all day. There’s plenty to do, but even just sitting with a coffee and looking at the mountains felt like enough. I’d recommend it if you want a lively mountain base with lot...
Grindelwald
I didn’t expect the Rhine Falls to feel quite so powerful in person. Being close to the water, hearing it rush, and getting a little misty made it much more fun than a quick viewpoint stop. I’d recommend it as a refreshing day trip from Zurich, espec...
Rhine Falls
Where I Stayed
The hotels and stays that made a great home base, comfortable, memorable, and in the right location for exploring.
A small, homey stay with more character than a typical hotel. Set in a former family home, it feels personal and relaxed-nice for slowing down after busy days around Lake Lucerne. I’d recommend it if you like intimate places and prefer a quieter, mor...
The Bed + Breakfast-Luzern
A welcoming women-only guesthouse in Zurich’s lively District 4, with a calm, community-minded feel. The rooftop terrace and shared top-floor kitchen are lovely extras, especially if you’re travelling solo and want the option to meet people. I’d reco...
Josephine's Guesthouse - WOMEN ONLY- Zurich
A practical, easygoing option for exploring Lucerne without overthinking your accommodation. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the main station, and guests receive free local public-transport tickets—very useful for getting around. I’d recommend it fo...
ibis budget Hotel - Luzern City
A great base in Bern’s Old Town, just a short walk from the station and close to the Zytglogge clock tower. The historic exterior with modern rooms gives it a nice balance, and the rooftop bar is a lovely bonus after a day of wandering the arcades. I...
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern - Bern
A straightforward, comfortable stay in the creative Zürich-West neighbourhood, close to tram connections and Hardbrücke station. The area has a more modern, local feel than the postcard-perfect Old Town, with cafés, restaurants, and city energy nearb...
ibis Zürich City West - Zürich
A cosy, traditional family-run stay in the old part of Brienz, close to the lake promenade and surrounded by beautiful wooden chalets. It has that classic Bernese Oberland feel, plus homemade pastries and easy access to the lake and mountain scenery....
Hotel Brienzerburli - Brienz
A comfortable, central stay right by St. Gallen’s train station-especially handy if you’re arriving by rail or only have a short time in the city. The rooms feel modern and spacious, and the 24-hour front desk makes late arrivals easy. I’d recommend ...
Hotel Walhalla - St. Gallen
What I did & Things I Loved
Activities, experiences, and simple moments from the trip that I’d happily recommend to a friend.
The Cailler tour felt more personal and story-driven than I expected, set in the beautiful Gruyères region. Of course, the tasting room was a highlight, but I also loved pairing it with a slow day exploring the nearby village and countryside. I’d rec...
Callier's Chocolate Factory Tour
This was such a fun stop, especially if you love chocolate even a little bit. I liked that it was more than just tasting-there’s the history, the huge chocolate fountain, and plenty of little details that make it feel playful. I’d recommend it for an...
Lindt Home of Chocolate Factory Tour
This was one of my favorite combinations in Lucerne: seeing the mountains from the water, then wandering through Old Town at my own pace. The cruise gives you a different view of the city, while the walk lets you linger around the Chapel Bridge, pain...
Lake Lucerne Cruise and Tour of Old Town
The hike in was part of the experience, but seeing the lake appear between the mountains was the real reward. It felt quiet, untouched, and almost too pretty to be real. I’d recommend it if you want one of those Switzerland moments that feels peacefu...