Live Your Best Lives
Have you ever heard of expressions like “Little Switzerland”, “Switzerland’s alternative”, “It’s not that Switzerland is unaffordable but…it’s more cost-effective”?
Although there are many imitators, there is no substitute for Switzerland!
When you set foot in Switzerland in person and explore its rolling mountains, clear lakes and tranquil countryside, you will find that the beauty of Switzerland is far more shocking and intoxicating than what you see on the screen.
So I am recommending Switzerland to you in the form of a travel guide. If you have the opportunity to experience the magnificent scenery of Switzerland in person, you will find that the beauty of this land is by no means comparable to the so-called "substitute".
Switzerland, located in the center of Europe, is known as the "Roof of Europe". It has a unique geographical location, magnificent natural scenery and diverse landforms.
Because Switzerland is so small, many people think that a trip to Europe would take about 10 days, so it's a bit of a waste to only visit Switzerland. After reading this guide, you'll find the answer.
Switzerland has a mild climate, with neither extremely hot nor extremely cold days nor extremely humid days, and the temperature varies with altitude.
Switzerland boasts 48 peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, and the Alps alone account for approximately 58% of the country's total land area. Despite covering 70% of the country, the Alps are home to only a quarter of the country's total population.
About 6% of Europe's freshwater resources are located in Switzerland, which has approximately 1,500 lakes.
No other country combines so many diverse regional characteristics within a single area. Lush greenery, rugged mountains, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere… Switzerland's diverse landscapes await your discovery.
Switzerland has distinct seasons. Spring brings birdsong and blooms, while summer's sunshine and gentle breezes keep the heat at bay. However, after October, snow falls in mountainous areas and high-altitude regions, significantly diminishing the beauty of winter travel. Therefore, June to October is the most recommended time to visit Switzerland.
Switzerland has two major international airports: Zurich and Geneva. Zurich has direct domestic flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong, while Geneva has direct flights from Beijing. If you choose to transfer, it's usually in the UAE, with Doha being the most popular destination.
Regarding visas, Switzerland is a Schengen country. Mainland Chinese citizens traveling to Switzerland are required to apply for a Swiss visa. If you have multiple entries to Europe, applying for an individual visa may result in a one-year or multi-year multiple-entry visa. If traveling with a group, a group visa is required, which is valid for a single entry.
1. Zermatt: Nestled at the foot of the Detroit Angles in the Alps, Zermatt is a renowned resort that attracts ski enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers from around the world. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, scenic helicopter flights, and more.
2. Jungfrau: The Jungfrau is a majestic mountain in the Alps, located near Interlaken. Visitors can take the Jungfrau Railway to the summit for breathtaking views of snow and glaciers. The surrounding area also offers many charming hiking trails and viewpoints.
3. Interlaken: Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is a renowned Swiss resort known for its stunning natural scenery and abundant outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, rock climbing, skydiving, and whitewater rafting. Interlaken also offers easy access to the Jungfraujoch and Jungfraujoch railway station, offering breathtaking views of the Alps.
Next, I want to talk to you about tourism in Switzerland, but let’s do something different and take a themed tour to see how charming Switzerland is!
First, let's talk about outdoor activities in Switzerland. Imagine standing on the top of a mountain in Zermatt, embracing the first rays of sunlight and admiring the spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, ready to embark on a day of skiing adventure! Doesn't that make you excited?
Next, let's talk train travel. Switzerland offers a truly relaxing and enjoyable travel experience thanks to its fantastic transportation system. Enjoy comfortable trains crisscrossing mountain towns or easily reach stunning alpine lakes via cable cars. Furthermore, a Swiss travel pass makes traveling the country worry-free and economical – it's incredibly convenient!
Finally, let's talk about deeper exploration. Switzerland offers not only magnificent natural scenery but also a rich culture and history waiting to be discovered. You can wander the alleys of Interlaken and experience the unique Alpine atmosphere, or visit Zurich's museums to learn about the city's past and present.
In short, the diverse destination resources provide Switzerland with a very variety of themed travel options, which we will explore one by one below.
Over 60% of Switzerland's land area is covered by the majestic Alps, meaning endless hiking adventures await! Whether you're looking to scale peaks, traverse alpine meadows, or delve into the forests, you'll find it all here. With over 65,000 kilometers of well-marked trails, you'll never get lost!
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is a symbol of Swiss pride. Climbing the Matterhorn is a demanding challenge, only achievable by expert climbers equipped with the necessary equipment and accompanied by an experienced guide. Unparalleled views of the Matterhorn's majestic majesty can be enjoyed from the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Visitors can take in the aerial cable car from Zermatt. The station, at 3,820 meters above sea level, is the highest in the Alps.
Gorner Grant Viewpoint
When we take the train to the mountaintop station, we usually visit the Gornergrat, which is the iconic attraction of the Matterhorn region. From the observation deck here, you can enjoy the famous Matterhorn, Mount Rosa, and other 38 peaks above 4,000 meters, as well as the Gorner Glacier.
Lake Riffel
Riffelsee, also known as the Reflection Lake, is typically reached by hiking for about one to two hours from the Gornergrat viewing platform. Like a mirror embedded in the snow-capped mountains, on clear days and with little wind, you can see the Matterhorn reflected here.
Matterhorn Hiking Trail
When you arrive at the majestic Matterhorn, you'll find countless wonderful hiking trails waiting to be explored! There are a variety of hiking trails here, suitable for hikers of all levels and preferences. You can challenge yourself to climb the Jungfrau or stroll through the peaceful valley.
Zermatt
Zermatt sits at the foot of the Matterhorn in the Alps, making it a great base for climbing the mountain. Here you can stroll through the Old Town or Bahnhofstrasse at your leisure.
Zermatt offers year-round skiing and a stunning view of 38 majestic peaks over 4,000 meters above sea level.
Saas-Fee
Before the 14th century, the Saas Valley was home to a single tribe: Saas. It consisted of four villages, of which Saas-Fee, known as the "Pearl of the Alps," was the most famous. This village, known as the "home of the glaciers," sits at an average altitude of 1,800 meters and is surrounded by imposing 4,000-meter snow-capped mountains.
The Saas Valley boasts 350 kilometers of hiking trails and a charming indigenous population: marmots. While marmots are often only admired from a distance elsewhere, they are very close to visitors in Saas-Fee, where they can even be touched and fed. Over the years, these animals have become accustomed to humans and will even follow them around.
Mount Rigi
Mount Rigi, known as the Queen of Mountains and the Alpine Lookout, is a sister mountain to China's Mount Emei. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the magnificent snow-capped Swiss Alps.
Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch is undoubtedly Switzerland's most popular tourist attraction. Known as "Top of Europe" and "Roof of Europe," it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Aletsch Glacier. For a clearer and more comprehensive view of the glaciers, you'll need to visit Switzerland in person.
Hiking options for the uninitiated
Lake Oeschinen has recently become a popular destination on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), primarily due to its photogenic appeal. Located at an altitude of 1,578 meters, it's one of the larger Alpine lakes. In the summer, the water temperature can reach 20 degrees Celsius, making it a popular spot for activities like boating and cycling on the slopes.
Another lesser-known but famous one is Hardergrat near Brienz. The Hardergrat Trail is one of Switzerland’s most iconic hiking routes and is often ranked as one of the world’s top ridge hikes.
However, this hiking trail is quite difficult. The 24-kilometer trail extends along Lake Brienz. There is no shade or water along the way. It is more suitable for hiking enthusiasts who are willing to challenge themselves.
Traveling in Switzerland, you'll discover how convenient transportation is. Whether by train, bus, boat, or cable car, Switzerland's transportation network is exceptionally well-developed, punctual, and provides excellent service. Easily traverse cities, admire scenic lakes and mountains, and visit charming towns and scenic spots.
Train travel is a truly fascinating way to travel in Switzerland, even boasting that "smart people take the train." The Grand Swiss Railway Route takes in 11 lakes, four official languages, five UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 1,280 kilometers of breathtaking scenery.
What's more, the Swiss Transport Pass makes travel even more affordable, allowing you to explore the country's beautiful scenery with less worry and money.
Swiss Travel Pass
When traveling in Switzerland, it's highly recommended to buy a Swiss Travel Pass. There are many types of Swiss Travel Passes, the most commonly used being the Swiss Travel Pass, which comes in 3, 4, 8, and 15-day passes. You can purchase one based on your itinerary; the longer the pass, the cheaper it is. For example, a 3-day pass costs 244 Swiss francs, but a 15-day pass has five times as many days, but only doubles the price.
Tips:
Why buy a Swiss Travel Pass? Mainly because:
First, Switzerland is a very small country. By taking a train from Zurich, Switzerland's international transportation hub, you can reach almost any tourist city within 3 hours.
Second, Switzerland’s train stations are all located in the city center, and most major attractions are within a one-hour walking distance of the train station.
Third, the train system has a very high frequency, with trains running between cities generally no more than half an hour apart. The time is fixed, the information is clear, and the trains run on time, to the minute. It is even more convenient than the Shanghai subway.
Moreover, by purchasing the Swiss Pass, you can enjoy some discounts when visiting attractions in Switzerland, such as free rides on the mountain train to Mount Rigi, free rides on the Golden Pass train, half-price rides on some mountain cable cars/trains, etc.
Therefore, if you are traveling independently and have plenty of time, it is highly recommended to buy a train pass and choose to travel by train.
Golden Pass Train
As mentioned earlier, the Swiss Travel Pass offers discounted rides on the Golden Pass Train. The most popular scenic train in Switzerland is the so-called Golden Train, whose English name is Golden Pass Line and its translated name is Golden Pass Express.
The Golden Pass train has three operators, so if you want to travel the entire route, you'll usually need to change trains at Interlaken and Zweisimmen. However, we usually arrange the most scenic section from Lucerne to Interlaken. The trains have large viewing windows, comfortable seats, and large luggage racks by the doors.
The second picture below shows you passing Lake Brienz. The pure sapphire lake surface and the surrounding forest scenery will make you feel amazing.
Glacier Express
If you want to get to Zermatt off the beaten path, the Glacier Express is a highly recommended mode of transportation. The Glacier Express is known as the "slowest express train in the world", but the scenery along the way is well worth it.
The Glacier Express offers a diverse array of scenery, including grazing meadows, alpine glaciers, charming towns, and the Alpine mountains. Enjoy the views from the windows while listening to the in-seat Chinese guide. The most iconic sight along the way is the Landwasser Bridge near Filisur Station, where you can capture the spectacular sight of the red train crossing the bridge and entering a rock cave.
If you ride the Glacier Express in winter, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of Switzerland's icy landscapes, though the train can easily freeze over. Summer is the perfect time to visit, as Switzerland has the best weather and offers breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers. However, the all-glass train can be a bit warm in August.
I highly recommend taking the Glacier Express, which departs from Andermatt and goes straight to Zermatt. Unlike the Golden Pass, the Glacier Express is a direct route, with no need to change trains. The train also offers a meal service, which can be ordered when booking a seat, or directly on board.
San Diego Express
This is another very interesting route, starting from Lugano or Bellinzona, and traveling through the heart of Switzerland from the Mediterranean south. The first half of this route is by train, and the second half becomes a cruise. This route is unique in Switzerland, with the central peaks and the Italian-style towns in the south forming a sharp contrast, allowing you to experience a rich and diverse railway journey.
Brienz Railway
There are many interesting mountain trains in Switzerland, among which the Brienz train is very famous on Xiaohongshu.
As early as 1892, the Brienz Railway in the Bernese Oberland began rumbling steam up to the Rothorn Peak in Brienz. Ascending the mountain on a vintage steam cogwheel train with smoke billowing from the locomotive, you'll be greeted by green meadows, adorable cattle and sheep, the jewel-blue Lake Brienz in the distance, and the small town's wooden houses nestled among the meadows. This truly picturesque scenery is a must-see. The red steam train stands out against the backdrop of the mountains, making it a must-see when visiting Switzerland!
Breakfast cruise on Lake Thun
In addition to train travel, taking a boat cruise is also a very worthwhile way to travel in Switzerland. What I would like to recommend to you the most is taking a boat cruise on Lake Thun in central Switzerland. You can have breakfast on the boat and enjoy the cool breeze and thin mist on the lake in the early morning.
In the final section, I'd like to discuss in-depth travel in Switzerland. I'm sure many tourists have already visited Switzerland once, or perhaps even combined it with a trip to Switzerland, France, and Italy. However, this multi-country tour often prevents you from truly experiencing Switzerland in-depth, requiring you to spend more time exploring classic Swiss destinations like the Jungfraujoch, Interlaken, and Lucerne.
But in fact, Switzerland has some more interesting and colorful towns, and often some of the classic camera positions or check-in spots we see come from here. Next, I want to recommend some scenic cities and towns in Switzerland to you.
Longjiang
Lungern is a small town near Interlaken, situated on the shores of Lake Lungern. The enchanting scenery of the lake, dotted with wooden houses and the distant hillside, has attracted a large number of tourists from China and around the world in the past two years. If you are traveling independently, don't miss this town.
The most famous photo spot in Longjiang Town is an S-bend, where trains pass through. One of the trains passing through is the Golden Pass train mentioned above. If you take this train, don't forget to check in at this classic camera position.
The houses in the town are all unique. Some have flowers all over the front and back, some have paintings of small animals, and some have their surnames written in cursive on the walls. The roadside signs and maps clearly indicate which direction leads to the lake and which route is the bicycle path.
Iseltwald
Before 2019, Iseltwald was not that famous and was far from some classic Swiss towns. However, after the release of the Korean drama "Crash Landing on You" in 2019, the town became popular overnight and became a must-visit destination for East Asian travelers.
Especially the floating bridge on the west side of the village, many people come here specifically to check in and take pictures. Now this camera position needs to be charged, 5 Swiss francs per photo. It is recommended to come here for a visit during the off-season.
Mirren
Everyone flocks to the Jungfraujoch, but there are actually many small towns worth stopping at below the Jungfraujoch. Compared with the towns by the lake, they have a unique beauty. Murren is a representative of the towns under the snow-capped mountains.
If you walk outside the town, you can see stretches of pastures with cattle lazily wagging their tails and eating tender grass. Everything is very pastoral.
In addition, there is also a check-in camera related to a Korean variety show, which attracts a lot of Korean tourists every year. I will keep it a secret here, but if it can be chosen by Korean variety shows, it must be a place with beautiful scenery. It is up to you to discover it for yourself.
Lauterbrunnen
The valley where Lauterbrunnen is located is just below Murren. We had to take the cable car up the mountain here to get to Murren. There are more than 70 waterfalls and small rivers here, making it a veritable waterfall town.
Starting from Lauterbrunnen, whether you go to Schilthorn or hike to enjoy the scenery of the Bernese Highlands, it is very nice.
Grindelwald
Grindelwald is a transfer station and one of the starting points for the cable car to Jungfraujoch, so many tourists visit this town when arriving or leaving Jungfraujoch. Its verdant meadows and scattered wooden houses dot the valley, earning it the nickname "Dream Hillside" by many netizens.
If you stay in Grindelwald, you can see the quiet streets, mist-shrouded mountains and grazing cattle and sheep in the morning before the tourists arrive. The sun shines in the morning mist, making it look like a paradise. You can also be the first to visit the Jungfraujoch, so it is difficult to get a room during the peak season every year.
In addition to the towns I have recommended to you, Switzerland has many charming towns with unique charm and stories.
In these towns, you can experience Switzerland's rich history and cultural heritage, stroll through its narrow streets, and explore ancient buildings and traditional handicrafts. Whether it's a quiet valley town, a charming lakeside village, or an ancient castle town, each town has its own unique charm, waiting to be explored one by one.
Landscape and Countryside
After exploring the fairytale town, we next ventured into the rural landscape of Switzerland. In this land, gently protected by nature, you'll discover one of the world's most captivating vineyards: the Lavaux vineyards. Nestled at the foot of the Alps, Lavaux is renowned for its high-quality grapes and stunning scenery.
Formed over 15,000 years ago and built by humans in the 12th century, Lavaux is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The steep terraced vineyards of Lavaux benefit from sunlight, thermal air reflected from Lake Geneva, and heat stored in the surrounding stone walls. Therefore, Switzerland's best wines are produced here, and there are many wineries throughout the vineyard.
Explore this 800-hectare terraced vineyard by train, bicycle, or even on foot. Information signs along the way provide detailed information on local viticulture. Tasting local wines in a genuine wine cellar is a must-do for wine lovers! Even those who don't know how to drink don't worry; the winery offers grape juice tastings.
Finally, let's take a quick look at some of Switzerland's most iconic cities. While Switzerland lacks the massive metropolises of Paris and Rome, its small size means it offers a concentrated dose of quality and urban charm. History, modern architecture, and abundant green spaces are all within easy reach.
Lucerne (also known as Lucerne) is located in the heart of Switzerland. If you are visiting Switzerland for the first time, you must not miss this place.
The Chapel Bridge, richly decorated with colorful paintings, is one of the oldest wooden covered bridges in Europe. The Musegg Wall is also a representative attraction, and except for one tower, which is somewhat damaged, the rest of the structure is well-preserved.
Another of Lucerne's most famous features is the image of a dying lion carved into the rock surface. This was built to commemorate the Swiss soldiers who died protecting King Louis XVI of France in 1792. It is Switzerland's most famous monument.
Lucerne is an ideal starting point for trips into central Switzerland. A must-see is Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi, the highest of the Lucerne region's mountains. Alternatively, travelers can take the Golden Pass train or the aforementioned Santiago Express from Lucerne.
Therefore, it can also be said that Lucerne is the center of Switzerland, and many Swiss tourist attractions are related to Lucerne.
Zurich is Switzerland's economic and educational center. Compared to other cities, it's truly international. Zurich is often our first or last stop in Switzerland. A visit to Zurich isn't about sightseeing; simply soaking up the city's natural surroundings and atmosphere, feeding the pigeons by the lake, finding a stone bench to sit and watch the people around you, and simply experiencing the locals' daily life is a wonderful experience.
Nestled in the Alps and nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, this French-speaking city is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross. Known as the "City of Peace," it is also home to many international organizations and world-renowned companies.
There are fewer things to do in Geneva than in Zurich, but you can visit the United Nations headquarters, stroll through the parks and gardens in the city center, and enjoy a super chill trip.
Of course, if you have time, you can also go to Lausanne, not far from Geneva, to visit the Olympic Museum and put yourself in the perspective of Olympic athletes. You can also take a boat to Lake Geneva to enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains, or go to the town of Evian on the south side of Lake Geneva to drink natural water from the Alps.
Today, I've introduced Switzerland, the "Roof of Europe." A blend of glacier cities and fairytale towns, a visit to Switzerland feels like stepping into a painting. If this already captivates you, don't hesitate; the meaning of travel lies in spontaneous exploration. I'd like to introduce a Swiss itinerary meticulously crafted by China-TravelNote.
This itinerary is available in nine and ten-day versions. The nine-day version includes one night in Zurich and a half-day excursion, all at a Four-Diamond standard. The ten-day version offers two nights in Zurich and a day excursion, with a stay at a Three-Diamond hotel in Saas-Fee (due to peak season). The itinerary is otherwise identical. We'll visit many of the aforementioned destinations, including light hikes to the Matterhorn and Mount Rigi, a scenic ride on the Golden Pass railway, a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, and a chance encounter with marmots in the car-free city of Zermatt.
The journey is bound to be a bit tiring. In order to provide a better experience for everyone, we will arrange quality hotels throughout the trip. Of course, you also need to have fun and stay comfortably.
Everyone seems to have adapted to the fast-paced life in the city. Why not find a suitable time to give yourself a vacation, leave the hustle and bustle of the city, walk into this magical and quiet country, slow down the pace, and enjoy the life in the "picture scroll".
The story of Switzerland is waiting for tourists to explore!
