Love at First Swiss - Why Switzerland Completely Won Me Over
When you think of Switzerland, what comes to mind? Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, charming villages and, of course, world-famous chocolate. But there’s so much more to this beautiful country than meets the eye.
Having recently travelled by rail from Zurich to Geneva, I thought I knew what to expect. As it turns out, Switzerland had plenty of surprises waiting for me, and it exceeded every expectation.
From historic towns and picturesque alpine villages to breathtaking mountain peaks and sparkling lakes, every destination offered something completely different. And the best part? Getting from one place to another was an experience in itself.
Switzerland’s incredible rail network makes exploring the country almost effortless. With panoramic views around every corner, even the train journeys felt like unforgettable highlights of the trip.
But it wasn’t the famous sights that surprised me most. It was the things nobody tells you about Switzerland that truly won me over…
Zurich: More Than Just a Gateway
For many travellers, Zurich is simply the arrival point for a Swiss adventure, but this sophisticated lakeside city deserves much more than a fleeting visit.
Just 15 minutes by train from Zurich Airport, Zurich is incredibly easy to navigate. Unlike many modern European cities, it feels peaceful and refined, with beautiful architecture, walkable streets and an absence of towering skyscrapers.
One of my favourite areas was Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s famous shopping boulevard lined with luxury boutiques and irresistible chocolatiers. At the end of the street sits stunning Lake Zurich, providing a tranquil place to relax and take in the scenery. Visitors can also participate in chocolate-making classes and explore the famous Lindt Home of Chocolate.
Far from being just a transit city, Zurich offers the perfect introduction to Switzerland. The charming Old Town, picturesque waterfront, excellent dining scene and relaxed pace make it a destination worth exploring in its own right.
For first-time visitors, I would recommend spending at least two nights in Zurich, allowing time to enjoy a walking tour, discover local chocolate makers and soak up the city’s unique atmosphere before heading into the Alps.
Chur: Switzerland’s Oldest Town
A scenic one-hour train ride from Zurich brought us to Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland and one of the hidden gems of the country. Surrounded by mountains and packed with history, Chur offers a completely different pace of travel. Its cobblestone streets, historical buildings and welcoming atmosphere make it a wonderful destination to explore on foot.
We stayed at Hotel Stern in the Old Town, a traditional hotel where no two rooms are alike. Chur is also an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations including St Moritz and even Italy.
The Bernina Express: Switzerland’s Most Spectacular Rail Journey
If I had to pick one highlight from the entire trip, it would undoubtedly be the Bernina Express.
Travelling from Chur to Tirano in northern Italy, this four-hour rail journey passes through dramatic mountain landscapes, tunnels, glaciers and iconic viaducts. The scenery constantly changes and somehow becomes more breathtaking with every turn. The panoramic windows make the experience even more immersive, allowing uninterrupted views of Switzerland’s alpine beauty.
Arriving in Tirano felt like stepping into another world. Surrounded by terraced vineyards and Italian charm, it was the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to Switzerland.
While first class offers larger seats and a quieter environment, the views are equally magnificent in both classes, making second class excellent value for money.
Lucerne: Switzerland’s Picture-Perfect Postcard
From Chur we travelled to Lucerne aboard the Voralpen Express, one of Switzerland’s most scenic regional routes.
As we travelled from Chur to Lucerne on the Voralpen Express, we passed through the beautiful lakeside town of Rapperswil. Known for its medieval Old Town, rose gardens and spectacular views across Lake Zurich, it is also home to Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer. Our guide pointed out the area where he lives, adding a little celebrity glamour to an already stunning journey. The scenery along this route is quintessentially Swiss, with rolling green hills, sparkling lakes and picture-perfect villages unfolding outside the panoramic windows at every turn.
Arriving in Lucerne felt like stepping into a postcard. Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by majestic mountains, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland.
Highlights include the iconic Chapel Bridge, lake cruises and nearby mountain excursions to Mount Pilatus, Mount Titlis and Stanserhorn.
One of the most memorable experiences was the Legends of the Lake cruise aboard a beautifully restored historic paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne. Complete with a five-course meal, free-flowing Bollinger Champagne and a captivating storyteller sharing local legends, it was much more than just a cruise. Stepping aboard the elegant old steamship felt like travelling back in time, while the stunning alpine scenery provided the perfect backdrop for one of the most unique and memorable experiences of the trip.
Interlaken: Adventure and Alpine Beauty
The train journey from Lucerne to Interlaken was another standout experience, travelling alongside brilliant turquoise lakes fed by glacial waters.
Interlaken is often referred to as the adventure capital of Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and waterfalls, the area offers endless opportunities for exploration. It serves as the gateway to Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Harder Kulm and Lake Thun.
Visitors can enjoy:
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- Jungfraujoch
- Harder Kulm
- Grindelwald
- Lauterbrunnen
- Lake Thun
- Paragliding
- Skiing and snow trekking
- Zip lining and bike riding
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One of my favourite experiences was surprisingly simple. We drifted across a stunning alpine lake in a small inflatable boat while enjoying Swiss chocolate fondue, fresh fruit and local wine. The scenery was breathtaking and the peaceful atmosphere made it one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
For those spending several days in the region, the Jungfrau Travel Pass offers excellent value, covering many of the area’s trains, cable cars and mountain excursions. Better still, travellers holding a Swiss Travel Pass receive a substantial discount on the Jungfrau Travel Pass, making iconic experiences such as Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren considerably more affordable.
Montreux and Geneva: Switzerland’s French Side Beneath Mont Blanc
Our journey continued on the famous GoldenPass Express towards Montreux, one of Switzerland’s most elegant lakeside towns.
Overlooking Lake Geneva, Montreux has a distinctly French feel and is famous for its connection to Freddie Mercury, who spent many years living and recording music there. The lakeside promenade, elegant architecture and sweeping views are spectacular, with Mont Blanc rising in the background across the lake, creating one of the most beautiful panoramas in Switzerland.
The final destination of our journey was Geneva. Unlike other Swiss cities, Geneva feels remarkably French in both language and culture. Beautiful lakeside promenades, historic buildings and world-class dining create a sophisticated atmosphere. On clear days, Mont Blanc provides a stunning backdrop to both Geneva and the surrounding Lake Geneva region, adding another layer of grandeur to an already beautiful city.
One of the highlights was a Tuk Tuk vineyard tour through the Geneva countryside. Accompanied by Swiss wine, local cheeses and beautiful scenery, we discovered one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets. Because Swiss wine is not exported, enjoying it in Switzerland is a uniquely local experience and one that wine lovers shouldn’t miss.
Why Train Travel is the Best Way to Experience Switzerland
Switzerland’s rail system is arguably one of the best in the world. The trains are immaculate, punctual and incredibly easy to use. The SBB app became an essential companion throughout the trip, providing real-time schedules, platform information and even guidance on where to stand to board the correct carriage.
The Swiss Travel Pass is outstanding value and includes unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats, as well as free or discounted entry to hundreds of attractions, museums and mountain excursions.
Another feature I absolutely loved was the luggage transfer service. Our bags were collected from one hotel and delivered directly to the next, allowing us to travel completely luggage-free and make spontaneous stops along the way.
Insider Tip: Make the Most of the Swiss Travel Pass
Before booking individual trains and excursions, invest in a Swiss Travel Pass. Not only does it provide unlimited travel on Switzerland’s extensive rail, bus and boat network, but it also unlocks free or discounted access to many of the country’s most popular attractions, mountain excursions and museums.
One of the best value-adds is that holders receive a significant discount on the Jungfrau Travel Pass, making iconic experiences such as Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren much more affordable. For most visitors, the pass quickly pays for itself and removes the stress of purchasing tickets along the way.
Families can save even more, with children under 16 travelling free when accompanied by a parent carrying a Swiss Travel Pass, making Switzerland an excellent value destination for family rail holidays. Many trains also feature dedicated family zones with children’s activities, fold-out tables and extra space for prams and luggage.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is one of those rare destinations that genuinely lives up to the hype.
From the medieval charm of Chur and the spectacular Bernina Express to the lakes of Lucerne, the mountains of Interlaken and the sophisticated elegance of Geneva, every destination offered something unique.
Most importantly, travelling by train allowed us to fully experience the country rather than simply move between destinations. The journey itself became part of the adventure. The panoramic windows, seamless connections and extraordinary scenery transformed every transfer into a memorable experience.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, my advice is simple: purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, pack light and embrace rail travel. You’ll discover stunning scenery, world-class hospitality and unforgettable experiences around every corner.
After all, in Switzerland, getting there is every bit as wonderful as the destination itself. 🇨🇭🚆✨
