Switzerland

Everyone knows Switzerland is stunningly beautiful right? With its snow peaked mountains, lush green farmland and alluring blue waters, this is a country not to be missed. My parents and brother had visited Switzerland a few years ago and had raved about how clean and gorgeous it was. I honestly thought I would be a bit disappointed, thinking there must be shortfall in their glorious review of the country, but they were absolutely on point! Switzerland is clean, easy to travel around and the people are friendly and helpful. If there is one less than desirable aspect to visiting Switzerland, it would be the prices of food and accommodations. Before you go do some ample planning because Switzerland is NOT a cheap country.

As I'm writing this post, the USD and CHF (Swiss Franc) is almost at a 1:1 rate. Although that exchange rate is fine, we still ended up paying around $100 for a private hostel room that did not have a private bathroom. Granted, we went during the high tourism season, but it was the most expensive hostel we stayed in on our whole trip and the only one that didn't have a private bathroom option (a downside for me).

Here was our quick route through Switzerland. Next time we will be sure to check out some of its other beautiful areas! I don't think I could ever grow tired of exploring this country!

#1: Lucerne: This was a beautiful city and one of my favorite stops on our whole Eurail trip! Lake Lucerne surrounds the city with its deep blue water while Mt. Pilatus crowns its top.

Once we arrived at the train station, we headed to our hostel to store our bags. I spotted a poster in our hostel that stated that they had reduced tickets up to Mt. Pilatus and inquired at the desk. Sure enough we got half-priced tickets for the Golden Package! It allowed us to take a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, a cog- wheel train up the mountain and a gondola down the mountain. I'm so glad that we did it! It was an amazing journey and I would highly recommend it. Here's some of our highlights from the top!

While up at the top, we enjoyed lunch at one of many restaurants that the mountain had to offer and then hiked down the mountain a ways to visit the cows!

Then of course we checked out the sites downtown Lucerne. The Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument are of course favorite stops for tourists! Make sure to see both!

I would also like to recommend a great little restaurant called "Pastarazzi". It's a great pasta joint where you can find a delicious (and reasonably priced) meal! The staff was so friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were satisfied. We loved it! 

#2 Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen: 

If there is one place I could encourage you to visit in Switzerland, it would be Lauterbrunnen. This small village is nestled inside an Alpine valley and paints a picturesque portrait of Swiss life. Seriously, how stunning are these mountains? To get here, you'll have to make your way to Interlaken and then buy a special Jungfrau train ticket (look for the blue kiosks around). 

*NOTE: Any Eurail/Interrail pass or Swiss pass will NOT work to get you to Lauterbrunnen or any of the other small villages up Jungfrau Mountain. 

A quick money saving tip before you board your train to Lauterbrunnen: grab some groceries from the grocery store across from the Interlaken Ost (East) train station called Coop. You'll definitely get a decent priced lunch here! 

Once you make your way to Lauterbrunnen, I would recommend going for a little hike to Trummelbach Falls! You can follow a path to Staubbach Wasserfall and then continue on following the signs to Trummelbach Falls. This is such a unique waterfall because it is housed inside a canyon! It cost us 11 CHF to see it, but it was really a neat side trip! There were lots of steps and the pathway was definitely slippery at times, so if mobility is an issue for your party this might not be the best choice for you.

This suggested hike is approximately 4 miles round trip and the view is spectacular all the way! If the weather is favorable, you might even catch a glimpse of hang gliders jumping off the peaks! My one regret from this trip is not joining them! If there was ever a place to go hang gliding, it would be Switzerland! Be brave and take the jump!

#3 Spiez: 

What a great little city right?! This resort town can be reached by taking a quick train ride around Lake Thun. This city has a great swimming/beach facility, mini-golf, castle, walking trails and the list goes on and on. I would highly recommend spending a night or two here!

Another money saving tip: there's a grocery store on the top of the hill near the train station called Migros. They have a buffet styled restaurant with some incredible views of the lake. The prices are good and the scene is stunning! Make sure to check it out!

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Like I said before, Switzerland is certainly not to be missed. There are so many different places to visit and so many mountains to climb, everyone is sure to find something that they love! 

Have you had a chance to visit some of these fun places? I would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to comment below with any other tips or tricks that you may have in regards to visiting this magical land situated in between the Alps.