Switzerland Travel Guide - 20 Experiences YOU MUST DO in 2024

Ian and Ana・2 minutes read

An epic road trip in Switzerland reveals the top 20 activities, including stunning mountain roads, iconic hotels, and thrilling experiences like paragliding and train journeys through the Alps. From picturesque cities like Lucerne to breathtaking hikes with stunning landscapes and safety precautions, Switzerland offers a wide range of experiences for travelers to explore.

Insights

  • The Furka Pass in Switzerland offers stunning views of grazing cows, waterfalls, and the Rhone Glacier, with Hotel Bader along the way being featured in the James Bond film "Goldfinger," showcasing the blend of natural beauty and cinematic history in the country.
  • Switzerland provides a diverse range of activities, from paragliding in Interlaken to taking the Gornergrat train ride in Zermatt for breathtaking views, highlighting the country's unique combination of adrenaline-pumping adventures and serene natural landscapes, catering to a wide array of travelers seeking different experiences.

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  • What are some popular activities in Switzerland?

    Exploring mountain roads, paragliding, and visiting lakes.

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Summary

00:00

"Switzerland's Top 20: A Road Trip Adventure"

  • An epic road trip in Switzerland for 30 days led to the discovery of the top 20 best things to do in the country.
  • The Furka Pass, a stunning mountain road, offers breathtaking views of grazing cows, waterfalls, and the Rhone Glacier.
  • Hotel Bader, an iconic stop along the Furka Pass, was featured in the James Bond film "Goldfinger."
  • Harder Kulm in Interlaken provides panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, and the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks.
  • The Hardergrat Trail, a challenging hike above Lake Brienz, offers spectacular views but requires caution due to dangerous drop-offs.
  • Switzerland's campsites are a cost-effective and beautiful accommodation option, with amenities like showers, laundry, and dishwashing stations.
  • Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, offers water activities in Lake Zurich, public baths, and numerous water fountains.
  • Grindelwald, a mountain village, provides activities like paragliding, zip lines, and cliff walks with stunning Alpine views.
  • Oeschinensee Lake, near Interlaken, boasts beautiful Alpine scenery and can be reached by cable car or a scenic hike.
  • Basel, located at the meeting point of Germany, France, and Switzerland, offers a well-preserved Old Town and the impressive Basel Cathedral.
  • Paragliding in Interlaken provides a thrilling experience with 360° views, though it can be pricey at around $210 per person.

12:46

Swiss Train Journeys: Alps to Glaciers

  • The Express train journey from St. Moritz to Toronto in Italy takes you through the Alps, offering a magical experience.
  • The Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch, is the highest train station in Europe at 3,454 meters, accessible via various routes.
  • To reach Jungfraujoch, take a train from Interlaken to Grindelwald, then a cable car to Eiger Glacier, and finally the Jungfrau train.
  • The total journey time to Jungfraujoch is around 1.5 hours, costing $250 per person, with live webcams helping plan your visit.
  • Despite cloud cover, Jungfraujoch offers views of the Aletsch Glacier and snow activities like skiing and snow tubing.
  • The Ice Palace at Jungfraujoch, with ice sculptures, and the Snow Fun Park provide additional entertainment.
  • Zermatt's Glacier Paradise cable car offers stunning views of the Matterhorn and a visit to an ice palace under a glacier.
  • Lucerne, known for its beautiful architecture and culinary delights, is a picturesque city with attractions like Chapel Bridge.
  • The Gornergrat train ride in Zermatt offers breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.
  • Lauterbrunnen, with its 72 waterfalls and fairy-tale charm, is a must-visit town in Switzerland.

25:23

"Alpine Hikes: Lakes, Huts, and Thrills"

  • The first hike described is a 3-mile point-to-point trail that takes about 4 hours to complete, offering epic views of 10 bright blue lakes and being suitable for families, with a warning against hiking in the rain due to safety concerns.
  • The second hike, Schaffler Ridge, involves a 1-hour and 20-minute trek to the mountain hut, where staying overnight is recommended to beat the crowds the next morning, with accommodation options ranging from a dorm bed for $53 to a private room for $83.
  • The Schaffler Hut offers a 360° view, a small breakfast, and Swiss dishes for dinner, with a highlight being the sunset viewpoint overlooking the entire ridge line, accessible even without a reservation at the hut.
  • The hike along the ridge to Mesmer Hut and Sealy Lake spans 8 miles, showcasing stunning landscapes with wildflowers, jagged peaks, and valley views, culminating in a 9-hour journey back to the starting point, with a recommendation to pick the best weather for an enhanced experience.
  • The final adventure, the Merin Via Fata, is a 3-hour hike above Lauterbrunnen, involving tight ropes, suspension bridges, and vertical rock walls, requiring unhooking and hooking to a steel cable line about 150 times, posing a mental challenge more than a physical one, with a strong caution to hire a guide for safety due to the extreme nature of the hike.
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