I left my Heart in Switzerland: 10 Things to Do in this Beautiful Land

I’ve now been to Switzerland twice, and seen a fair amount of the countryside and towns. I have to say, I absolutely love it! It’s somewhere you can get some real relaxation, or check out vibrant city-life, or just pause while you take in the breath-taking views.

There are so many reasons to visit Switzerland that aren’t on here, because I’m just one girl and I’m not the authority on Switzerland but, here are a few things I’d recommend!

Take a Boat Trip on Lake Thun

One of the highlights of my trip was definitely the boat trip across Lake Thun. You can buy a single day pass and it will get you on every train, bus and boat in the area – that includes a 2 hour boat trip across the entirety of Lake Thun. An amazing way to the surrounding landscapes and towns without moving a muscle.

Explore the Cabins of Brienz

Our friend’s Grandma lived in a little town called Brienz – which was full of cabin-like houses which if I recall were around 300 (?) years old. They were incredibly beautiful and picturesque, I wish we’d got more pictures at the time

The Bears of Bern

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]Inlaid into the side of a hill, is the Bern Bear Park. When we visited they were just coming out of hibernation so we barely saw them, and before James could get out his camera, they’d gone back inside. I did manage to get these quick shots before they disappeared! I’d never seen bears in the fur before!

Burgers in Fribourg

We visited the town of Fribourg where we stopped at a restaurant called “Holy Cow!” They do loads of amazing burgers, and I’d really recommend them (not that they’re very traditionally Swiss!)

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Coffee and Cake at Hotel Giessbach

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””]On a clifftop on the side of a lake, surrounded by woodland and waterfalls is the stunning Giessbach hotel. We didn’t stay here, but we popped in for cake and it was absolutely astounding in there. Such old decadence.  Also it also houses the first funicular railway in Switzerland.

Check out the big brands in Geneva

We always seem to miss Geneva motor-show when we go (how unfortunate…) but regardless, this political capital is always a bustling and vibrant place, filled with the most expensive brand names on the high street. We just wandered around looking into the windows of the flagship stores in awe!

Raclette Party!

What Swiss holiday would be complete without cheese? We made sure to have Raclette when we were there (melting cheese in little pans and pouring them on EVERYTHING!) It’s a really social way to eat.

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Watch Parapenters at Interlaken

Interlaken (which lies between 2 lakes) has a green area in the centre, where you can watch parapenters jump of the mountains and blow around in the wind to land in front of you – as you watch from the safety and comfort of Hooters…ahem.

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Driving in the hills

We didn’t get to drive ourselves as we stayed with a friend, but the mountains are amazing and the roads are very well maintained. You can head off the motorway and into the hills and just drive down open roads. Bliss.

Swiss Chocolate

I didn’t get any pictures (I ate it too fast) but we had such incredible Swiss chocolate! Although I will say, it was around £10 for a Toblerone at the Geneva airport, or 3 for £10 at the UK side… You do the maths![/su_column][/su_row]

I hope this Switzerland Travel Post has given you a little insight into this beautiful place!

But really, you have to see the views for yourself… x

Pics by me, James and our GCShild Photography