Episode 158: Swiss Itinerary Tips and Top Experiences from My 4-Week Trip to Switzerland: From Appenzell to Rhine Falls
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Snow-dusted peaks, shimmering lakes, and storybook villages are the things that make Switzerland a traveler’s dream. But how do you fit it all into one unforgettable adventure?
In this episode, I’m sharing my personal Switzerland itinerary from a month-long journey filled with breathtaking train rides, charming alpine towns, and local traditions you won’t find in any guidebook.
From the iconic GoldenPass Express to regional trains, you’ll learn how to experience the best of Swiss rail travel with ease and why the Swiss Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass are your ultimate tickets to freedom.
I’ll take you through highlights like the roaring Rhine Falls, peaceful Appenzell, and the dramatic Bernese Oberland, home to stunning mountain scenery and hidden gems.
You’ll also hear about unforgettable moments in the Jungfrau Region, from scenic hikes on Schynige Platte and Brienzer Rothorn to discovering the historic Landwasser Viaduct and vibrant cow parades that celebrate Swiss alpine life. I also share how a Swiss eSIM can keep you connected throughout your travels.
Planning your first trip to Switzerland or returning for another round of alpine magic? This episode is full of insider tips to help you enjoy scenic Swiss hiking trails, must-see Swiss museums, and authentic local experiences.
Show Notes
In this episode we cover:
- My four-week Swiss itinerary, including my favourite destinations and why I chose them
- Unique experiences like the famous cow parades and how to find them during your visit
- Tips for exploring the Landwasser Viaduct, including new viewing options and train stops
- Insights into different rail passes and guest cards such as the Swiss Travel Pass, the Appenzeller Card, and the Berner Oberland Pass, and how they can save you money
- Advice for making the most of Swiss mountain excursions, including what to do when the weather is cloudy
- Practical travel tips for navigating busy train lines, choosing accommodations, and using cash versus cards in Switzerland
Excursions and experiences mentioned in this episode
You’ll find links to get more information about each of the experiences mentioned in this episode in my itinerary below.
Other podcast episodes that you might be interested in:
- Episode 75: Lugano Region – The Swiss region with Italian flair
- Episode 96 Mt. Stanserhorn excursion
- Episode 76: Tips for planning your excursion on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn train
- Episode 141: Don’t miss these top things to do in Chur
- Episode 155: 3 Perfect days in the Jungfrau Region: The ideal Swiss itinerary for first-time visitors
Carolyn’s Swiss itinerary
Lugano – 2 nights
Transport: Milano Malpensa airport to Lugano by train
Stayed: Hotel Lido Seegarten
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Funicular to Monte San Salvatore, hiked down to Melide, boat to Lugano
Savognin – 6 nights
Transport: Rental car (collected in Lugano, returned to Chur 7 days later)
Stayed: Apartment Residenza Grava
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Muottas Muragl excursion / Alpine procession (cow parade)
- Landwasser Viaduct sites / Bergün and Albula Railway Museum
- Chur / Caumasee
- Historic train from Filisur to Davos and return
- Viamala Gorge / Walk around Savognin
Appenzell – 4 nights
Transport: Train from Chur to Appenzell (via Herisau)
Stayed: Hotel Traube
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Kronberg excursion / Ebenalp excursion (Aescher Gasthof)
- Urnäsch cow parade & museum / Barli-Biber World / Brauerie Locher
- Hoher Kasten excursion (hiked down to Brülisau – 2h:15)
- We benefited from many discounts offered with the free Appenzell Card
Stansstad – 3 nights
Transport: Train from Appenzell to Lucerne, boat from Lucerne to Stansstad
Stayed: Hotel Winkelried
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Stanserhorn / Boat ride to Lucerne for city sights
- Boat to Lucerne / Swiss Museum of Transport / quick city walk
Lenk – 4 nights
Transport: Train from Stansstad to Bern (via Lucerne), Train from Bern to Lenk (via Spiez and Zweisimmen). We travelled on the GoldenPass Express between Spiez and Zweisimmen.
Stayed: Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Bern city walk en-route
- Simme Falls and hike to Seven Sources
- Betelberg excursion – panorama hike / rode Trotti bikes down
- Massage at Lenkerhof’s 7sources spa / stroll around Lenk
Lauterbrunnen – 7 nights
Transport: Train from Lenk to Lauterbrunnen via Zweisimmen, Spiez and Interlaken. (GoldenPass Express Prestige Class between Zweisimmen and Interlaken.)
Stayed: Rybibach Retreat apartment
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Wengen / Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg hike
- Day trip to Bern / afternoon and evening in Interlaken
- Brienz Rothorn excursion / Brienz sights
- Walk to Mürren / funicular to Allmendhubel / walk down to Mürren
- Day trip to Lenk for Alplerfest / Betelberg excursion and Trotti bikes again
- Schynige Platte excursion
Winterthur – 2 nights
Transport: Train from Lauterbrunnen to Winterthur (via Interlaken and Bern)
Stayed: Park Hotel
Sightseeing/excursions:
- Explored Old Town
- Visit to Diessenhofen and Rhine Falls
- Rhine cruise from Schaffhausen to Diessenhofen then train to Stein am Rhein
Zurich airport – 1 night
Transport: Train from Winterthur to Zurich Airport (15 minutes)
Stayed: Radisson Blu Zurich Airport
Other topics discussed in this episode
Swiss Travel Pass – an all-in-one ticket for the entire Swiss public transport system. Learn more about the pass in our comprehensive Swiss Travel Pass guide or in this podcast episode.
Berner Oberland Pass – a transport pass for the Berner Oberland which includes free travel on public transport and more than 25 mountain railways. We’ve written a detailed guide to the Berner Oberland Pass and we also featured it in this podcast episode and this one.
SBB Mobile app – the official app of the Swiss Federal Railways, this is a must-have travel companion for Switzerland. The app shows timetables and fares (and more) for all public transport in the country.
MeteoSwiss app – our go-to app for checking weather forecasts and current weather conditions.
Wifio eSIM – a digital SIM card that was added to our phones via a QR code and allowed us to browse the internet and keep in touch with family and friends via Apps such as FaceTime and Messenger. A pocket mobile device is also available from Wifio if you are unable to add an eSIM to your mobile device.
👉 Get 10% off your Wifio eSIM or pocket mobile device when you quote the code HTSWISS when ordering. Full details here.
> You can read a full transcript of this episode here.
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