Switzerland is one of the countries to add in your bucket lists when visiting Europe. It is not only popular with spectacular scenic views, but also has been ranked as one of the best countries when it comes to quality of living in Europe and in the world (see Weforum blog). Therefore, most cities in Switzerland are expensive, both in terms of living and tourism. Nevertheless, experiencing Switzerland is a once in a lifetime experience. Luckily for me, I was able to gain an in-depth experience of Switzerland despite staying for only 4 days. Thanks to a Swiss friend who organized our authentic Swiss holiday. Of course, I plan to go back to Switzerland someday for a longer holiday (such as 2 weeks). By that time, it will be with my family and when my kids are a little bit bigger so they can enjoy their Swiss escapade. For this blog, I will discuss the highlights of the places I visited for a truly ultimate Swiss experience.

Switzerland itinerary and what to do?

1. Bern Switzerland city trip

Our headquarter during the Swiss trip is in Bern – a city on the western part of Switzerland, close to the border of France. Its medieval structured city center, which has six kilometer arcades consisting of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, is considered as a UNESCO world heritage. In this city center you can also find the Zytglogge, Bern’s western city gate, which is erected on the 12th century and has a fascinating astronomical clock below it. Going on a park in Bern gives you the best view of the enchanting Nydeggbrucke – a bridge that connects both the new and old cities of Bern.

2. Interlaken nature adventure

For Korean drama fans, Interlaken is very popular since it is a setting of the famous Korean show “Crash Landing on You”. But even before that show, Interlaken is already popular due to its beautiful nature and surrounding. It is the gateway to the mountains and lakes of the Bernese Oberland and Swiss Alps region. There are many nature activities that can be done when in Interlaken. These include paragliding, cogweel train from Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch (known as top of Europe), bungee jumping, sledging, trekking, water rafting, and skydiving. If you are into these ultimate adventure, then you should not miss Interlaken Switzerland in your itinerary.

3. Grindelwald Interlaken skiing

Skiing or sleighing is something that you should also not miss when in Switzerland. It is a country with vast mountain area and some of the finest places to ski. Grindelwald, which is few minutes drive from the city of Bern, is a popular skiing place in the world due to its nice mountain slopes. Grindelwald is a gorgeous alpine village, which is also considered to be one of the most beautiful places of Interlaken. To visit the skii resort of Grindelwald, you need to take a cable car that will take you on top of the mountain. From there, you can eat in a restaurant and begin your skiing or sleighing adventure.

4. Leukerbad therme

Thermal bath, which dates back since the Roman times, is popular in Switzerland. The use of thermal water is known to have a therapeutic effect. A popular thermal bath to visit is the Leukerbad Therme. This place allows you to relax in a thermal pool, either hot or cold, while allowing you to enjoy the fascinating view of the mountain covered with snow during winter. Indeed it’s a place to rejuvenate especially after a tiring mountain hike or trips in the city.

5. Lucerne Switzerland sight seeing

Lucerne is the German-speaking part of Switzerland located in the center of the country. This area is also filled with vast mountain panoramas and has the lake Lucerne, which is one of the beautiful lakes in the world. The city itself is an ancient town with many picturesque lake side views, attractions, and shopping offers. Lucerne is a popular destination for tourists touring central switzerland and for doing excursions in Riga, Pilatus or Stansenhorn mountains.

6. La Maison du Gruyere (Cheese factory)

Are you a fan of a Gruyere cheese – a delicious tasting Swiss cheese from a cow’s milk and has been cured for at least six months? Well, this is the chance to visit a Gruyere cheese making factory. The La Maison du Gruyere is one of the top cheese factories in Switzerland that should be included in your bucket lists when visiting Switzerland. This factory is located in the milk and chocolate-producing areas of Switzerland. There is a team in the factory that will tour you through the exhibition process and to expose visitors to some of the best cheese facilities in the country. The nice part of the visit is the cheese tasting, and of course, enjoying the location of the cheese factory in a beautiful Alpine valley. Other cheeses to try when in Switzerland are the Emmental and Raclette, which can be enjoyed on a typical Swiss dinner.

7. Zermatt Matterhorn

Do you like Toblerone chocolates? Do you know you that the mountain covered in snow in the packaging and the pyramid shape Toblerone is inspired by the Matterhorn mountain in the Zermatt. Matterhorn is a mountain that borders Italy and Switzerland. Being considered as the highest altitude mountain in the Alps (3820 meters), Matterhorn is one of the most photographed mountain in the world. Unfortunately, it will be challenging to climb this mountain by beginner mountaineers. Luckily there is an aerial cable car in Zermatt that allows visitors to reach this high altitude. Matterhorn is also famous fro Skiing and snowboarding.

Other European places to visit close to Switzerland

If you are interested to explore other European places close to the border of Switzerland, here are some of the cities including blogs about them:

1. Milan Italy – Milan Italy one day itinerary

2. Strasbourg France – Strasbourg France One day itinerary

3. Heidelberg Germany – Heidelberg: Five reasons that make it worth a visit