Episode 143: Expert Tips for Planning Your Dream Swiss Vacation

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Are you planning your first trip to Switzerland and wondering how to make the most of your visit? This episode is packed with expert advice and insider tips just for you!

In this unique episode, in which we celebrate five years of the Holidays to Switzerland podcast, I switch roles and become the guest. In my chat with Lynne Niemann from the Wander Your Way podcast, I share my personal journey of falling in love with Switzerland and why I keep returning again and again.

Lynne and I discuss my recommended 7-day Switzerland itinerary for first-time visitors, my favourite places to visit – both famous Swiss destinations and some lesser known beauties – and why I love travelling by train in Switzerland.

I’ve also got some money saving tips and practical advice that will be super helpful if you are visiting Switzerland for the first time.  We also discuss the best time to visit Switzerland and how to include authentic Swiss experiences in your trip.

Tune in now and let me help make planning your Switzerland vacation as smooth as Swiss chocolate!

Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

• My suggested seven day itinerary for first-time visitors to Switzerland
• The best towns and regions for experiencing authentic Swiss culture away from the main tourist trail
• How to make the most of Switzerland’s world-class public transport system and travel passes
• Tips for saving money on accommodation, food, and mountain excursions in Switzerland
• The best times of year to visit Switzerland and what to expect in each season
• My personal favourite places in Switzerland and why I keep returning again and again

This Week’s Guest Host

Places, topics and resources mentioned in this episode

>> Carolyn’s recommended 7-day Swiss itinerary – it’s impossible to see everything if you only have one week in Switzerland. This is my suggested itinerary if you have 7 days in Switzerland.

>> Public transport in Switzerland – you’ll find lots of useful articles about using the excellent Swiss public transport network and the panoramic trains in the Transport section on this website.

>> Swiss rail passes – buying a rail pass for travel in Switzerland is a popular and cost-saving option. Read about the different rail passes for Switzerland.

>> Wander Your Way podcast and website – For tips and inspiration about other European destination, listen to Lynne Nieman’s Wander Your Way podcast and visit her website.

>> Lauterbrunnen – this picture-perfect Swiss village is nestled in a deep valley surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Traditional wooden chalets, lush green meadows, waterfalls and views of the Jungfrau massif are just some of the reasons I fell in love with Lauterbrunnen on my first visit over 35 years ago.

>> Lucerne – known for its medieval architecture and stunning alpine backdrop, Lucerne is a charming lakeside city in central Switzerland. Highlights include the iconic Chapel Bridge, the Old Town, the 14th-century Musegg Wall, and the serene shores of Lake Lucerne.

>> Spiez – this peaceful lakeside town on the shores of Lake Thun, is surrounded by vineyards and overlooked by the impressive Spiez Castle. With its picturesque harbour and views of the Bernese Alps, it offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation.

>> Bettmeralp – is a car-free mountain village in the Aletsch Arena, perched high above the Rhône Valley in the canton of Valais. It offers breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

>> Zermatt – this world-famous mountain resort, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, is another car-free village. Zermatt blends luxury with alpine tradition, offering year-round skiing, hiking, numerous mountain excursions and incredible views of the Matterhorn.

>> Chexbres – is a picturesque wine village in the Lavaux vineyard terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking Lake Geneva. Known as the “Balcony of the Lake,” the village is surrounded by walking trails through vineyards and is perfect for wine tasting and relaxing in a peaceful, scenic setting.

Planning a trip to Switzerland?

At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.

Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our Switzerland Travel Planning Starter Kit and Guide.

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Useful resources

👉 Free Switzerland Travel Planning Kit and Guide

> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.