The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Switzerland has two very famous routes for rail and road travel. “The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and the “Grand Tour of Switzerland”. Of course, they have already put together the best train rides in Switzerland and you could follow with the complete route for your trip. It would be amazing! If you only want to do 1 or 2 train rides and are not sure which one to take, we would like to introduce you to our favourites of the Grand Train Tour and also mention some smaller rides.

© mySwitzerland

The Best Train ride in Switzerland: Bernina Express

Let’s start with our all-time favorite: The Bernina Express. The Glacier Express is probably the most famous as it takes you to Zermatt. But for us, the Glacier Express was a bit too slow and the views from the Bernina Express are a bit better.
The Bernina Express is one of the panoramic trains with large windows to enjoy the scenery.
We did the trip twice. The first time in summer and the second time in winter. Both times were very special but I would always recommend the summer months as you have a better chance of getting a clearer view and in winter it is possible to see nothing because of the heavy snow.
We recommend taking the regular train one way and the panoramic train the other way. The route is exactly the same, but you can open the windows on the regular train and enjoy the views. Of course, the Panorama Train is very special, but it is also a way to save some money if you combine it.
As a nice bonus, you will receive a small train-shaped box of Swiss chocolate (by Lindt).

Combine the Trip with Gotthard Express

We started in Chur and went all the way to Tirano, Italy. We slept in Tirano and the next day we drove all the way back to Chur.
If you want to combine something, you could take the Gotthard bus from Tirano to Lugano and then take the Gotthard panorama train from Lugano to Flüelen and end the trip with a boat trip on the Vierwaldstätter Lake till you are in Lucerne.
This is only possible in summer.

Highlights of Bernina Express

There are many highlights on the Bernina Express, but for us it was the trip over the Landwasser Viaduct, the Morteratsch Glacier, the three lakes of Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco, and the circular viaduct at Brusio.
During our winter ride we did not see the Morteratsch glacier or the three lakes, which was a bit disappointing. Of course, a winter wonderland is also a beautiful landscape, but I still had those highlights from the last ride in my head and if I had to choose, I would go for a summer ride. So, one of the best train rides in Switzerland? Definitely this one!

Details of Bernina Express

Prices and timetables can be found on the official website of the Rhaetian Railway.
Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard, 1-day-travelpass, municipal 1-day-travelpass, Junior travelcard, Swiss travelpasses, Eurrail and Interrail passes are valid.
A seat reservation on the Bernina Express is mandatory and must be paid in full.
Discounted tickets are available during the winter season. For example, you can get a return ticket and lunch in Tirano for a very reasonable price. We did this for our winter trip and it was really good. You can choose to do it in one day or two separate days (e.g. Saturday & Sunday). We preferred to stay one night in Tirano.
You can find more information on the official website of the Rhaetian Railway.

Glacier Express

Some people say the Glacier Express is the best train ride in Switzerland. It is definitely one of the best! It is again a panoramic train with huge windows.
You start the journey in St. Moritz and all the way to Chur you have the same views as the Bernina Express, which is why you ride over the Landwasser viaduct. After Chur, the route is different. You will travel at a very slow pace through Andermatt to Zermatt. The Glacier Express is affectionately called “the slowest express train in the world”.
We even had a meal on the train, which was a special experience with the stunning views and good Swiss food.

Highlights of Glacier Express

The section between St. Moritz and Chur, including the Landwasser Viaduct, is a highlight in itself. Also the Rhine Gorge with its beautiful turquoise water and, at the end of your journey, the famous Matterhorn.

Details of Glacier Express

Prices and timetables can be found on the official website of the Glacier Express.

• Half-price travel with the Half-Fare travel card or Swiss Half-Fare Card.
• GA travel card, Swiss Travel Pass and day passes are valid. Eurail pass and Interrail passes from 1 January 2017
• Children under 6 years: free
• From 6 to 16 years: 50% discount.
• With the Junior Card, children under the age of 16 accompanied by a parent travel for free. 
• A surcharge is payable for the Glacier Express
• The seat reservation is obligatory and must be payed full.

You can travel in the Excellence Class – the Glacier Express’ premium service. It is above First Class and probably the most expensive train journey you can take in Switzerland.
We have never done it, so we cannot say anything about it.

Gotthard Express

The Gotthard Express is another beautiful panoramic train with huge windows.
This one is special because it includes a long boat ride. You start in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities, Lucerne, and take a boat. This cruise will take you across Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) for around 3 hours! This lake is one of the most beautiful to take a boat trip on because it is surrounded by mountains and is really big.

After the boat you take the train: Gotthard Express

Once you arrive in Flüelen, the train journey begins. The train ride itself is not as good for us as the others because you are in tunnels a lot. You will be in the famous “Gotthard Tunnel” where they explain a lot about the history and importance of this tunnel. If you are into that sort of thing, you should love it. If you want to see more of the landscape it might be a bit boring.
You will arrive in Lugano, a beautiful city in the canton of Ticino. It is the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and you will get a lot of Italian vibes. The city is great for a short break.
Overall we really enjoyed the experience, but in comparison the Bernina and Glacier Express offers better views.
But the boat trip was really special and we recommend it 100%.

Highlights of Gotthard Express

Lucerne, the boat trip on Lake Lucerne, the church of Wassen, Lugano and anyone else who is interested: The history of the Gotthard tunnel and train.

As described in the “Bernina Express” section, it is possible to combine the two journeys. You can take a bus from Lugano to Tirano and continue your journey from there. So you will have at least two of the best train rides in Switzerland.

Details of Gotthard Express

All information can be found on the official website of the Gotthard Express.

• Half-price travel with the Half-Fare travel card or Swiss Half-Fare Card.
• GA travel card, Swiss Travel Pass and day passes are valid.
  Eurail pass and Interrail for the train, but not the boat valid.
• From 6 to 16 years: 50% discount.
• A surcharge is payable for the Gotthard Express
• The seat reservation is obligatory and must be payed full.

Golden Pass Line – Feeling of the Orient Express

The Golden Pass Line may not be able to compete with the Panorama trains in terms of views, but the first-class train is unrivalled.
The route between Lucerne and Lungern offers beautiful scenery, and the Lungernsee in particular is an absolute highlight. The colour of the lake never ceases to amaze me and we must have seen it 30 times already.
The actual route of the Golden Pass lies between Zweisimmen and Montreux. Here you can choose between the panoramic train and the Belle Epoque. You should definitely take the second one, and definitely first class. The train is modelled on the Orient Express and is truly one of the most beautiful trains we have been on.

Highlights of Golden Pass Line

The highlight, of course, is the train itself. Make sure you book first class of the Belle Epoque! The second is not so nice. Another highlight is Lake Geneva and Montreux – one of our favorite towns in western Switzerland.
So maybe one of the best train rides in Switzerland? Definitely one of the most beautiful trains.

Details of Golden Pass Line – Belle Epoque

All information can be found on the official website MOB.
The GoldenPass Belle Epoque runs every day 2 times from Montruex or Zweisimmen without extra charge. Seat Reservation is not mandatory, but recommended.
This route is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) / GA travelcard.

Montreux – Lausanne

You may have travelled to Montreux on the Golden Pass Line, or you may have visited Montreux for another reason.
If you have time, take the train to Lausanne, another great city on Lake Geneva. You will have the lake on one side and vineyards on the other. This is not a special train at all, but we really like this route and want to mention it.
You can buy your ticket on the SBB app or from a ticket machine.
Don’t forget to visit the Château de Chillon in Montreux!

Brienz Rothorn Railway

In Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, the Brienz Rothorn Railway has been running up the mountain of the same name since 1892. It’s a special experience to travel on such an old steam train in one of the most beautiful parts of Switzerland: Lake Brienz.
On a clear day, you can see the surrounding mountains and experience Switzerland from its picture-book side.
Daily steam services from June to October.
50% discount with Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) / GA / Half-Fare Card. Tickets for regular and extra journeys can be purchased online or on site.

All information can be found on the official website of Brienz Rothorn Bahn.

Voralpen Express: Rapperswil – Lucerne

Also part of the Grand Train Tour, but not as well known, is the Voralpen Express. Is is also on of the best train rides in Switzerland. It connects St. Gallen with Lucerne – two amazing cities. If you do not travel to St. Gallen, you should at least visit Rapperswil. It is a lovely little town with a castle and a rose garden on Lake Zurich. I worked here for a year and we lived very close for 4 years, so Rapperswil has a special place in my heart.
A big highlight is the view of the Rigi and the Schwyzer Mythen.

You can buy a regular ticket on your SBB app or the ticket machine. No special ticket is for this route required.
You can find more information on the official website of Voralpen-Express (only in German or Italian).

Lauterbrunnen – Wengen

When you visit Switzerland, chances are you will visit Lauterbrunnen. Be sure to take the train to the small village of Wengen. It can only be reached by train. It is a short train ride of about 10 minutes but you will enjoy some views of Lauterbrunnen at the beginning and from Wengen you will have a spectacular view of the whole valley.
This is not a special offer and is a regular SBB train service, so you can buy your ticket via the SBB App or at a ticket office or machine.

One of the best regular train rides: Gornergrat Bahn

If you are in Zermatt, there is one thing you cannot miss: the Gornergrat Bahn. The rack-railway takes you up to 3100 metres where you can take in breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, 28 other four-thousand-metre peaks and the Gorner Glacier. Not only is it a great place to hike, but the train ride is also spectacular with views of the Matterhorn.
Its a special railway, but you can buy tickets easily online or at the ticket machine.
You will find more information about it on the official website of Gornergrat Bahn.

Conclusion – What are the best train rides in Switzerland?

Having dedicated a year to travelling exclusively by train, with a train journey every weekend (additional to our regular travels in Switzerland the past year), we think we have a good overview of great routes.
We hope you have enjoyed our selection of different trains. Of course, the famous panoramic trains are not to be missed. But we didn’t want to leave out some of the more “normal” routes. Many of the routes can be easily combined and if you want to travel through Switzerland by train only, it’s definitely doable.

The post Best Train Rides In Switzerland appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Journey to Gelmerbahn & Gelmersee

The first thing you should know if you want to know how to see Gelmersee & Gelmerbahn, is that they can be reached by car or by public transportation. By car, a round trip over the Furka, Grimsel and Susten passes is a good option. For other destinations in the region or what you can combine see at the end of this article.

The valley station with ticket office is a 5 minute walk from the Handeck, Gelmerbahn parking lot.

The Gelmerbahn can be reached from Innertkirchen in 20 minutes by car or post bus.
Postbus stop: Handegg, Gelmerbahn
This parking lot can be used for those arriving by car: Link

For the hike to the Gelmersee, we recommend the Handegg parking lot.

Hiking to Gelmersee

We have already walked to Gelmersee twice because we wanted to be at the lake before the first cable car. The first cable car leaves at 09:00.
We can also highly recommend this option and therefore write it right at the beginning. Why? The hike is not very strenuous and once you have enjoyed the peace and quiet at the top, you can take one of the first cable cars down. These will be quite empty and the likelihood of you being at the front is very high.

It is of course also possible to return, but we recommend the Gelmerbahn.
You can buy the voucher online in advance. You will then have to exchange it for a real ticket (timed ticket) at the ticket counter. However, as you hiked up before the ticket office opened, you only have your voucher.
We briefly showed this to the ticket inspector, explained the situation to him and it was no problem at all.

You can buy tickets online in advance here.
You can find more information in the “Gelmerbahn” section.

Hike Details (parking lot to Gelmersee):

Distance: 1.6 km
Walking time: approx. 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy, mountain hiking trail T2, marked red and white.
Altitude difference: 240 m
Cost: Free of charge

Once you arrive at Gelmersee, you can enjoy the peace and quiet. From 9.15 a.m. it gets fuller and by 10 or 11 a.m. it’s really crowded. We set up our picnic there and had breakfast. Then we took a walk around the lake. The second time we were here we took the Gelmerbahn down to the lake because we wanted to do another hike in the area.

Gelmersee Circular Hike

While you’re there, why not take a walk around the lake? There is a trail around the lake. For the most part, it is well developed and marked. However, there are places that are very narrow or go through unpaved terrain. Overall, the hike can be classified as moderately difficult.
Start and end point is the top station of the Gelmerbahn.

Gelmersee circular trail:

Distance: 4.7 km
Walking time: approx. 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 170 m
Cost: Free of charge

How to See Gelmerbahn

Time for the Gelmerbahn. If you don’t want to hike all the way to Gelmersee, you can of course ride up and down and have a nice day at the lake.
The ride takes 12 minutes. With a gradient of 106 percent, it is the steepest open funicular in Europe.

Opening hours:
June, September, October: 9.00-16.00 (last ascent 15.48, last descent 16.00)
July, August: 9.00-17.00 (last ascent 16.36, last descent 16.48)

Prices:
Adults return CHF 36.00 / one way CHF 18.00
Children 6-15 years return CHF 18.00 / one way CHF 9.00

No discounts with Half-Fare Card, GA or Swiss Travel Card.

Early online reservation is strongly recommended, as there may be longer queues when purchasing tickets at the valley station.

With the purchased ticket voucher, the correct ticket can be collected from the ticket office at least 15 minutes before departure. Otherwise the reserved seats are not guaranteed. If you are ascending (before sunrise) and cannot exchange your voucher for a season ticket, please read the section Hike to Gelmersee again.

Please note that you must choose a time slot in advance and cannot postpone it. If you miss it, the ticket will be invalid.

Places of interest in the surrounding area

The Gelmersee is theoretically suitable for a day trip without other excursions. We have also combined it with other activities, such as the hike to the Siedelen hut on the Furka pass.
In general, it is possible to combine the Grimsel, Susten and Furka Passes with a visit to the Rhone Glacier.

Close to the Gelmersee there is another suspension bridge called “Handeckfallbrücke”. The bridge is 70 meters long and offers a beautiful view of the Handeck waterfall, which plunges 45 meters into a gorge.

We hope this article has helped you to know how to see Gelmersee & Gelmerbahn or inspired you to go!

The post How To See Gelmersee & Gelmerbahn appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Starting point Furkapass

The hike can be started from two points. One from the Siedelen creek and one from the Furka pass. We describe the hike from the Furka Pass because this is the only one we have done so far and we think it is feasible for most people.

From the Furka Pass, the hut trail leads slightly uphill over mountain meadows to the crossing of the Sidelenbach (2524 m). Pass a small mountain lake (2674 m) and climb to the Sidelen hut.
Starting point: 2427 m; Post bus stop Furkapass (Hotel Furkablick). Parking is free.

Hiking to Siedelen hut – Hiking Details

Distance: 6.4 km
Walking time: approx. 2:40 hours
Difficulty: Easy, mountain hiking trail T2, marked red and white.
Cost: Free of charge

The hike is not difficult, but there is a lot of scree, so you have to be a bit careful.

The destination of the hike is the Siedelen hut. Like the Furka Pass, it is only open during the summer months. Please check the Siedelenhütte website to see if it is open (only in German).
The hut is more popular with climbers than hikers, as the surrounding area is a climbing paradise.

Overnight stay in the Siedelen hut

We decided to spend the night in a hut because we wanted to see the area at sunrise and sunset.
There is a famous rock here, the Little Camel (2930m), which is often climbed by mountaineers and makes a great photo motif.

An overnight stay with half board (dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast the next morning) costs CHF 76 per person in a dormitory.
I’m not a fan of dormitories, but there was no other option at the hut.

Note: You can only pay there in cash CHF or with TWINT.

If you just want to hike, you don’t need to stay overnight. For mountaineers it is essential to be refreshed the next morning. However, the hike can also be done in one day.
For us, it was really just an option for taking photos.

Other activities around the Siedelen hut

There is a glacier (Siedelengletscher) near the Siedelen hut that you can hike to. We went for a while, but when we saw a crevasse we turned back. This can be very dangerous and inexperienced hikers should not necessarily go there.

Other hiking trails are the Nepal Highway (Sidelen hut – Albert-Heim hut SAC), from Furka south to Furka north (Rotondohut SAC – Sidelen hut) or the Vier-Quellen-Weg (Sidelen hut further towards Albert-Heim hut to Realp or further via the Urschner Höhenweg to Andermatt).

There is also a climbing garden near the hut and many climbing tours in general.

After our detour to the glacier we walked back. First past the lunar landscape until it became nice and green again.
Our car was still safely parked, as you would expect in Switzerland, and we could start our next excursion.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our report on the hike to the Siedelenhütte! Especially the sunrise was spectacular and worth it. We are also pretty sure that we will be back.
Would an overnight stay in a hut like this be something for you?

Things to combine with this tour: Visit Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto
First Time in Switzerland? Check this out: Switzerland For First Timers
Want to save some money? This is for you! Switzerland On A Budget

The post Hiking to Siedelen Hut appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

The Furkapass – Start your visit to Rhone Glacier right

The Furka Pass, one of the most famous Alpine passes, connects Andermatt in the Canton of Uri with Gletsch in the Canton of Valais.  It is situated at an altitude of almost 2500 meters and offers fantastic views all the way. It is possible to combine it with the Susten Pass or the Grimsel Pass; we chose the second option.
Especially on the Grimsel Pass you can see interesting rock formations that I have never seen before.
If you are in Switzerland, I recommend that you drive at least one pass (there are over 100) because the scenery is breathtaking. If you have a motorcycle license, of course you should take your bike. By the way, many passes are only accessible in summer because there is too much snow in winter. Originally, we wanted to ride to Thun after our Furka and Grimsel Pass route, but that didn’t work out. On the way, we happened to see a sign for an “Ice Grotto” and I was really curious to see what it was. So we parked at the Hotel Belvédére, which is across from the Rhone Glacier, and went to see what exactly was there.
Obviously, we found an absolute tourist attraction that we just hadn’t heard of before.
The Furka Pass was used as a location in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger”, one curve of which is marked as “James Bond Street”, complete with a lookout point and a small parking lot.

Visit Rhone Glacier with its Ice Tunnel

Where is the Rhone Glacier located?

Coordinates: 46° 36′ 12″ N, 8° 22′ 57″ O; Just type “Rhone Glacier”, “Rhone Glacier” or “Rotten Glacier” into your Google Maps.

The entrance fee for the glacier is CHF 9, but it is also possible to pay in Euro, which is converted 1:1. So you can get there with €9. I recommend paying in cash, there is a surcharge of a good 10% with a credit card.
Through the ticket office you can see an impressive and sad glacier. It must have been a huge once, but it is constantly melting and will eventually disappear. The path to the ice cave is covered with gravel, so you should bring good shoes. We weren’t the only ones who slipped on the rocks.
The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Not just an Ice Cave

You actually pay CHF 9 for the ice cave, but the view of the surrounding area is not to be missed. There are many information boards with explanations about the glacier, which will probably be completely gone by 2090. So if you have the chance, you should visit it now. You can already see the extreme decline. The ice cave itself is covered with tarpaulins in the hope that it will not melt so fast.
The glacier moves 30-40 meters per year, sometimes more than 10 cm per day.
You can also walk down a bit and marvel at the ice-free area (the glacier forefield). These are absolutely smooth polished rocks with huge cracks. How are they formed? I like to quote the information board here: “A mixture of sand, ice, and water at the base of the glacier acts like sandpaper, grinding, smoothing, and polishing the rock. I can’t tell you exactly how it works.
But of course you can touch the rocks and they really are as smooth as glass.
Even though it was designed for tourists, there weren’t that many people here. Maybe it was because it was Swiss National Day and people were busy with something else. But we were happy to be there with only a dozen other people.

The Ice Grotto

Since 1870, a 100 meter long ice tunnel has been cut into the glacier every year. Previously, there was a natural ice tunnel in the glacier, but it melted away. I have never been so close to a glacier and the ice tunnel has a mystical attraction. The blue light shimmering inside adds to the mystique.
In some places there are holes in the wall and if you put your hand in the hole you can see how crystal clear the ice is.
Inside the glacier it is not as cold as expected, but that was probably because we visited on a very warm day. I still recommend wearing a sweater or jacket. The path itself is not demanding, you just need good shoes because of the scree between the entrance and the ice cave. However, you can also walk in sneakers.
Technically, you should allow yourself a visit time between 30 minutes and an hour. Of course, you can do it faster, but if you take your time to enjoy the surroundings of the ice cave, you will definitely get more out of the trip.

Hotel Belvédère

When you leave the ice cave and the area of the Rhone Glacier, do not forget to take a picture of the famous Belvedere Hotel. The Carlen family from Brig bought the hotel in 1988. However, they found it increasingly difficult to maintain the old building. In 2015, they gave up and it has been closed ever since, but it is still a popular Insta photo spot.

Hiking at Furka Pass

Of course, there are also hiking activities in the area. One of them is the hike to the Siedelen hut. We have written an article about it here: Hiking to Siedelen Hut

We hope this article has helped you plan your visit to the Rhone Glacier or inspired you to visit.

The post Visit Rhone Glacier Ice Grotto appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

The best time to visit Switzerland is between May and October if you are planning a trip for sightseeing, viewpoint hunting and some hiking. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, you would love December to March. The country has four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While it’s a year-round country, the best time for your trip really depends on what you’re hoping to do.

It can rain at any time in Switzerland, but the wettest months are November and April. Because it’s between the busy summer and winter seasons, these months are considered low season.

Spring Season (April to June)

Spring arrives in April, May at the latest, and bright flowers and green valleys appear. The weather in April is very unpredictable. There is a German saying “Der April macht was er will”, which means “April does what it wants”, because sometimes it rains heavily and the next day it is very hot. Later there will be a storm and so on.

Spring is the low season in Switzerland, generally considered to be April, May and the first half of June, just before the busy summer season begins. It’s not our favorite time to visit the country. It is often too cold or difficult for hiking because there is still a lot of snow on the peaks.
The ski crowds will be gone and you’ll probably find cheaper hotel rates. Also, the waterfalls are massive because of all the rain.
We recommend May over April if you can organize it.

Events & Festivals in Spring:

• Fasnacht – Lucerne or Basel (February/March):
  Fasnacht is the Swiss Carnival. The carnival lasts from Monday to Thursday after Ash Wednesday and is the largest folk festival in Switzerland with 15,000 to 20,000 masked participants. Due to its uniqueness and format, it has even been included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
• Sechseläuten in Zurich (mid-end of April): Zurich’s Spring Festival got its curious name from the fact that, since the 14th century, a bell from the Grossmünster church had been ringing out the end of the working day at six o’clock in the summer months; the first ringing of this bell was the occasion for a small spring festival.

Summer/High Seasons (June to early September)

The summer months of mid-June and July are when the mountains are at their best. The weather is mild and temperatures are pleasant, rarely getting too hot.

Summer is the high season, the busiest time of the year when most visitors come to Switzerland. As it gets hotter, it is nice to cool off in one of the many lakes and other recreational opportunities, along with music and other fun festivals.
We love the clear view of the mountains.
The downside is that accommodation prices can be higher and the trails can be crowded, especially on weekends. The Swiss love to hike and the weekends are packed.

August 1 is Swiss National Day, which brings fireworks and usually festivities in various cities. It is really worth visiting during this time. Keep in mind that it is a holiday and shops are usually closed on this day.

Events & Festivals in Summer:

• Eidgenössisches Jodlerfest (June): The Federal Yodelling Festival, which takes place every three years at different locations, is one of the largest traditional events in Switzerland.
• Montreux Jazz Festival (July): Switzerland’s largest music festival, with two weeks of performances by artists from around the world on the shores of Lake Geneva.
• Swiss National Day in Zurich or Rheinfalls (1st August): Many cities celebrate with street festivals and parades, many with elaborate fireworks displays and live music. Shops are closed on this day. We recommend to celebrate it in Zurich or another bigger city. A special celebration takes place at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. A day earlier, on July 31st, Europe’s largest waterfalls will be illuminated by a spectacular light show and fantastic fireworks.

Autumn Season (mid-September to mid-November)

September is our favorite month to explore Switzerland. It is still warm enough for hiking, but not too hot. By the end of September, you may be lucky enough to see some foliage.
October and November mark late fall, when the last of the grapes are harvested, the cows are brought down from the mountains (a big event called “Alpabzug”), and the weather begins to turn cold. Just keep in mind that If you want to drive the higher mountain passes, be aware they’ll begin closing in October.

Trails tend to be less crowded after mid-September, and you can generally expect lower prices in October and November.
November isn’t as busy because there’s not enough snow for skiing and it’s usually too cold or rainy for other outdoor activities. November is one of the most unpleasant months for the Swiss, so this is definitely low season.

Events & Festivals in Autumn

• Alpabzug (End September): In many regions of Switzerland, late summer is a time for celebration. After spending more than four months on the mountain pastures, farmers return to the valley with their festively decorated cows. It is so cute to see all the beautifully decorated cows.
  You can experience this everywhere in Switzerland, but the best are considered in Charmey, Täschalp, Simmental, Grimentz or Entlebuch.
• Winzerfest in Neuchâtel (End September): Every year, on the last weekend of September, the Neuchâtel region celebrates the beginning of the grape harvest. For three days, visitors can experience the local wine culture in a unique festival.
• Autumn Festival in Lugano (End September): Lugano welcomes the fall season with its traditional festival in the city center. A long weekend to discover the typical gastronomy, Ticino wines combined with live music.
• Kastanienfest in Ascona (October): Chestnuts are a big deal in Switzerland. They are called maroni and there is a whole festival dedicated to them. The Chestnut Festival takes place every year in October. Accompanied by musical entertainment, visitors can enjoy fire-roasted chestnuts and many other chestnut specialties.

Winter/Low and High Season (December to mid-March)

Christmas markets begin around mid-November to early December. With Christmas music and beautifully decorated lights, melted cheese and roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and local handicrafts, every city has one or more Christmas markets.

December and January are the coldest months of the year. There’s often snow, which makes the Christmas markets in Switzerland’s major cities even more festive. Temperatures hover around freezing, but if you are lucky you will get at least some sunshine.

Temperatures begin to rise in February and March, but these months tend to bring more rain and snow at higher elevations. Ski resorts are very busy until the end of February. You can expect some snow in the higher elevations through April.

Since Switzerland is famous for snow sports, the high season starts in mid-December and lasts until mid-February. Especially around the Christmas holidays, to enjoy the Christmas markets and go skiing. In general, prices will be high wherever skiing is possible, and these will also be the most crowded areas. The most expensive ski areas are usually St. Moritz, Zermatt and Saas-Fee.

Events & Festivals

• Zibelemärit in Bern (fourth Monday in November):
  The upper part of Bern’s Old Town is transformed into a huge marketplace. The streets are filled with the smell of onion tart and mulled wine. You can try various onion specialties.
• Christmas markets (mid-November through early January): Cities offers cute wooden chalets, lots of traditional food, handmade crafts, music, beautifully decorated lights, melted cheese, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
  Our favorite Christmas markets are in Montreux, Stein am Rhein and Lucerne.

Best Time To Visit Switzerland based on specific priorities and activities

Waterfalls – mid-April to mid-June.
Hiking – June to mid-October.
Lakes – July and August
Skiing –  January and February

We hope you found the best time to visit Switzerland including seasons and events for yourself and hope you could decide when you want to go.
If you are making more concrete plans, you may also find our articles “Switzerland for First-Time Visitors” and “Switzerland on a Budget” useful.

The post Best Time To Visit Switzerland appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Getting to your Oeschinensee Day Trip

We drove from with our car in the direction of Bern/Thun to the village of Kandersteg. From there everything is well signposted. The train is a great way to get from Bern to Kandersteg station and then take the bus to Oeschinensee. You can also walk from Kandersteg, we didn’t do it ourselves, but it takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
When we arrived at the parking lot, it was already quite busy, but we didn’t expect anything else on a Sunday.
The parking fee for the whole day is 5 CHF.
Now you have two options: The convenient and expensive option is to take the gondola up. This costs 32 CHF for a roundtrip ticket, or 16 CHF if you have the Swiss Travel Pass. Gondola rides are generally quite expensive in Switzerland, but you get up faster.
You can find more Information about the Cable Car, Timetables and Prices here.

If you prefer to hike to the top, you can do so from Kandersteg. Here are the Hiking Details from Kandersteg to the Lake:
Duration: 1:30 hours.
Distance: 3 km
Altitude: 382 hm

Best time to visit Oeschinensee

I recommend the summer months to visit Lake Oeschinen, especially June to August. Please note that the cable cars don’t run all the time, so check the timetable on the official website.
Winter is also a good time to visit Lake Oeschinen, although you won’t see the deep blue lake. Instead, you can go ice walking, skiing, sledding, ice skating and winter hiking at Oeschinensee.

The Oeschinensee

Once you have reached the top in the gondola, you still have to walk about 30 minutes to the lake. The landscape here is gigantic. We often stopped to take lots of photos. The Bernese Oberland is simply super photogenic. Incidentally, this part of the trail can also be walked in sneakers and you don’t need any special fitness levels or anything like that. It is simply a leisurely walk.
We still recommend hiking boots, however, as we recommend another viewpoint that you have to hike to.

Which Path should I choose?

You will then come to a junction with a sign. Both straight ahead and to the left lead to Oeschinensee. But on the left is a view point marked with the Instagram logo. It’s clear which way we went. Once we reach the view point, there is a small bench where we can get a glimpse of the lake. We continue on, this time a little steeper downhill. The path was littered with roots and stones, but if you look at the path, you shouldn’t have any problems. I didn’t find it challenging, but there was a couple in front of us who apparently rarely walk such paths. The woman was terrified and very slowly stepped one foot in front of the other. So if you are a bit more anxious, take the regular path to the right and not the left Instagram turn-off.

We finally arrived at this beautiful lake, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. And rightly so, if you take a look at the pictures (or even better – in real life).

You can swim in the lake, but it is very, very cold, even in the summer. But I can still recommend it, it’s really refreshing.
There is a restaurant at the lake that is open daily from May to October. So you don’t have to bring food with you, but if you come here as a tourist, be prepared for the prices. On average you pay 30 to 40 CHF for lunch. Normal prices in Switzerland, but I just wanted to mention it. Accommodation is also available, but we have no experience with this as we were only planning a day trip.

What to bring to Oeschinensee?

Bring sunscreen and a water bottle. Please wear sunscreen even when the sun is not shining. You can get sunburnt quickly in the mountains. You can have a wonderful picnic at Lake Oeschinen, so bring blankets and everything else you need for a chilly day at the “beach”. However, if you also want to do a breathtaking hike, remember that you will have to carry all these items, so you may want to travel light. We went twice. The first time just for a picnic and the second time for a hike. I wouldn’t recommend doing both, but if you don’t have that much time, you might want to do both. If you only want to do one, I would say do the Heuberg hike.

Wear good shoes if you plan to hike and bring walking sticks.

Renting a boat at Oeschinensee

Summer is the perfect time to rent a boat on Oeschinensee. As you walk towards the main lakeshore area, there is a small booth by the lake.

• The opening hours are adapted to the weather conditions.
• Prices: 1 hour CHF 29.00, 1/2 hour CHF 18.00, every additional quarter of an hour CHF 9.00
• Boat hire is at your own risk
• No reservation possible
• Due to the risk of falling rocks, rowers are required to keep a distance of 100 m from the rock faces

Hike to Heuberg

Welcome to the absolute highlight of your Oeschinensee day trip! You’ll need good footwear as you’ll be walking up to the Heuberg. This is a viewpoint that has become “Insta Famous”. Despite all the hype, not many tourists actually get lost here. Most of them hang around the lake itself and only photographers, hikers or influencers are on the Heuberg. We hiked to catch the sunset at the viewpoint and actually only met one other photographer. On the weekend. This is because the last gondola has already left. So even a crowded place has its quiet times.

Hiking Details to Heuberg

If you hike directly from the lake, it is about 2.4 kilometers to the viewpoint, 300 meters in altitude, and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Of course you have to return the whole way.
Since we did the whole thing at sunset, the last gondola didn’t run and we walked down to the campsite. Please note the times or plan to walk down.
From Heuberg to Kandersteg, where the gondola station is located, it takes about 1:45 – 2 hours. It is 4.1 kilometers and 670 meters down (only 10 m up).

Hiking Summary – Oeschinensee

Here is a summary of the various hiking options around Oeschinensee:
Kandersteg – Oeschinensee – Kandersteg:
Duration: 2:15 h
Distance: 6,1 km
Altitude: 380 hm

Oeschinensee – Heuberg; circular route:
Duration: 3 h
Distance: 7,1 km
Altitude: 410 hm

Kandersteg – Heuberg – Oeschinensee – Kandersteg:
Duration: 4:30 h
Distance: 9,6 km
Altitude: 680 hm

Lake Cable Car Station – Heuberg – Oeschinensee – Lake Cable Car Station:
Duration: 2:30 h
Distance: 6,4 km
Altitude: 310 hm

The post What To Do At Oeschinensee For A Day | Lake Oeschinen Day Trip appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Check out the exact Location for the Parking Area here.

If you’re in a hurry, you can definitely walk from parking lot #6 to the lake in 40 minutes. It took us about an hour, but we took lots of photos and videos along the way. The trail climbs steeply in between, but overall it can be classified as easy.
In our opinion the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
In the summer, there are boats that can be used for a fee. When we visited, the lake was still half frozen and there were no boats to use. The cold lake didn’t stop the young people from swimming in it. It was too cold for us in May, but we can imagine that the lake is a great place to swim in August, especially since it’s not overcrowded. Another nice feature is that there are lots of fire pits where you can barbecue.

Trail around the lake

The lake is a great place to walk around. We didn’t manage to do this when it was snowing, but we visited the lake again in the summer and had a great and peaceful time walking around the lake. This takes around 1 hour.

If you want to explore a more secluded and less crowded corner, the hike to the hidden gem in Switzerland – Partnunsee is sure to please.

The post Hidden Gem in Switzerland: Partnunsee appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Who are we?

Hello, we are Claudia and Alex. We have been living in Switzerland since 2017. We spend a lot of time exploring this beautiful country and have visited all 26 cantons.
To help you have an unforgettable vacation in Switzerland, we would like to share our tips with you.

Basic things to know about Switzerland for first timers

Here are some important things to know.

• The country is called Switzerland. Swiss is often used as a synonym for Switzerland, but actually People who were born here or things that are made in Switzerland are called “Swiss”.
• Switzerland is not part of the European Union – and that very proudly.
  However, it is a part of the Schengen Zone. If you are not European, the Schengen-Rule applies here: Under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. 
• Switzerland does not use the euro. Its currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).
  If you would like to know the current exchange rate for your currency, please use a daily exchange rate calculator (e.g. Xe).
• Why is “CH” everywhere? CH stands for Confoederatio Helvetica. This is the official Latin name of the Swiss Confederation. The name was introduced after the creation of the federal state. Therefore, Switzerland’s country code is CH so as not to favor any of the four official languages.

Language

As mentioned above, there are four official languages: German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic. This does not mean that everyone speaks four languages. In fact, this is very rare. Usually the Swiss speak 2-3 languages depending on their background and age. Switzerland is divided into language zones:

German (62.6 %) is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland: 19 of the country’s 26 cantons are predominantly (Swiss) German-speaking.

The western part is French-speaking (22.9 %). Four cantons are French-speaking: Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel and Vaud. Three cantons are bilingual: in Bern, Fribourg and Valais both French and German are spoken. 

The southeastern part is Italian-speaking (8.2 %).

Rhaeto-Romanic speakers are a tiny linguistic minority (0.5 %) and live mostly in the canton of Grison.

What is Swiss German?

Swiss German is not just one dialect, as each canton in Switzerland has its own dialect. It is very different from High German. High German is the language taught in schools and used in official documents, news, television (except commercials) and most print media. Talking in Swiss German, is called “Mundart”.
Swiss German is the language of everyday life.

Can you get around Switzerland only speaking English?

For the most part, yes.
As a global business center, Switzerland has many English-speaking expats and tourists, which reinforces the need for many Swiss to speak English. The Swiss speak English quite fluently, especially in bigger cities, touristic areas and among younger people. But as in any country, it is nice to know at least a few words of the local language. Politeness is highly valued in Switzerland.
And be aware: Swiss people don’t say “Hallo” (hello) as in Germany, they say “Grüezi“.

Currency, Credit Cards, ATMs & Tipping

• Currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).
• In Switzerland, credit cards are widely accepted. I haven’t used cash in months.
• ATMs are common in Switzerland.
• Do I have to tip at restaurants?
  Tipping is not obligatory, but it is appreciated. You may have read that it is not customary to tip in Switzerland. I have not had this experience. Also in Switzerland, it has slowly become accepted to tip about 10% for good service. It depends on the region and the restaurant. But it’s not expected and please don’t feel obligated to tip. Unlike Americans, the Swiss have a good hourly wage and are not dependent on tips.

Electricity

• The voltage in Switzerland is 230 V.
• The most common socket is the Type J (3-pin) socket (both recessed and flat).
• The types C and F (2-pin) are also usable.

Weather in Switzerland

• Overall, Switzerland has a mild climate, but it varies greatly from region to region. Ticino is usually warmer than other regions and if you visit a mountain region it is colder. Switzerland has 4 seasons and summers can be very hot (around 30°C) and winters very cold (between 10°C to -10°C).
  Please note that ACs are not common in Switzerland.
• The weather in Switzerland can change very quickly, especially in the mountains. Always bring layers. A jacket is a must when hiking.
• Take advantage of the installed webcams. There are plenty of them in the mountains so you can always check them. Just google your location + webcam and you will find it.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Depending what you are looking for.
Hiking: mid June to mid. October
Skiing: December to February
Waterfalls: March to May
City Trips: All Year around

Safety in Switzerland

Switzerland is a very safe country. It has one of the lowest crime rates and I always feel safe here. Therefore, it is also safe for women traveling alone.
Swiss people even leave their belongings unattended on trains. I even left my wallet on the train once and it was in the lost and found the next day – including my CHF 50 in cash.
I would still recommend taking care of your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. Especially in larger cities like Zurich or Geneva.

Fountain & Tap Water

Public water fountains and tap water are safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the fountains to save money and reduce waste.

Public Restrooms

Switzerland has a mix of paid and free public toilets.
If you have to pay, it is usually around 1 CHF, so have some coins ready.

Public Transportation in Switzerland for First Timers

• Getting around Switzerland is very easy and stress-free because Switzerland has an extensive, well-coordinated network of trains, buses, and boats. Everything runs on time and you can really rely on it. Even mountain tops are easily accessible by cable car or the so-called “Postbus” (a bus especially for mountain regions). You don’t necessarily need to rent a car.
• Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you take public transportation, you will see amazing views without stress during your trip.
• If you take a car, you will see different views (e.g. mountain passes) and have more flexibility. If you are a group of travelers, a car is probably cheaper.
• If you choose to use public transportation, I recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app. It is very easy to view schedules and plan your route using all modes of public transportation.

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass is a card that gives you free travel on trains, boats and buses in Switzerland. It also includes some mountain excursions or at least a 50% discount on many mountain railways. Trips on premium panoramic trains are also included, so if you are interested in these, check them out. Admission to over 500 museums is also included, but I don’t know a single person who used it to visit a museum.
For 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days, you can choose a Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass can be purchased online from various websites or at service desks in Swiss railway stations.

For more information, check out the official page of SBB.
Side Info: The main railway company is Swiss Federal Railways, known by its initials SBB in German, CFF in French and FFS in Italian.

Tickets and Reservations

• Train tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or counters in stations, online or via the SBB Mobile app. Rail Passes can be purchased online or at Swiss railway stations.
• Most trains in Switzerland don’t require reservations. Simply board the train with your train pass or ticket and choose an available seat. However, please check beforehand to see if the seat is reserved. There are signs above each seat. Exceptions are international trains and panorama trains such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express or Gotthard Express, which require seat reservations for an additional fee.

Seat Types- First and Second Class

• Trains in Switzerland have first and second class cars. First class cars are marked with a 1 and second class cars are marked with a 2 on the outside of the wagon. Signs above the platform indicate where the cars will stop. First class is usually at the front and rear of the train.
• Second class is noticeably more crowded and noisy because second class is more often booked due to its lower price. First class seats are a bit more spacious, but not by much. We recommend first class only for special trains like the Golden Pass Line or the Gotthard Panorama Express.

On-Board Services

• InterCity and EuroCity trains have a restaurant that serves snacks, meals and drinks. Special panoramic trains have a catering that travels around and sells full meals, snacks and drinks.
• Many trains have electrical outlets, but not all, so please do not rely on this.

What are the best train trips in Switzerland for first-time (and experienced) sightseers?

• Bernina Express
• Glacier Express
• Gotthard Express
• Golden Pass Line
• Montreux – Lausanne
• Rapperswil – Küssnacht

Traveling by Car in Switzerland

Basics about driving a car in Switzerland

If you are traveling by car, you should consider purchasing a toll sticker (Vignette) in advance. You cannot drive on the highway without one. You can get pretty much anywhere without one, but it’s a bit of a hassle. We would recommend one, but it is up to you to decide, depending on how long you plan to stay in Switzerland.
It is only possible to buy an annual vignette, which costs CHF 40.
Driving in Switzerland is cheaper than taking the train, as long as there are at least two of you. Gasoline is sometimes only a little more expensive than in Germany. Diesel, however, is more expensive than gasoline (sometimes even Super Plus)! But more on that later.

As far as driving is concerned, even ordinary country roads can be very narrow and winding. If you are driving up the mountains, there are often 180° hairpin bends and sometimes you are driving along steep cliffs.
You should have a good command of your car, if you don’t just want to drive on the highway in Switzerland, but also want to drive over a pass.
In addition, please note that manual transmissions are more common in Switzerland than automatic transmissions, if you want to rent a car.

Parking Marks in Switzerland

You will find the following markings to park:
White spaces: Usually parking areas with a limited parking time for a fee. If there is no sign, you can park for free. Be careful not to park for more than 24 hours in one place, as there are heavy fines. As parking time varies from municipality to municipality, we cannot give any advice.
Blue spaces: This is where you park with a parking disc (be sure to take one with you). There are often specific times when you need a parking disc, but on Sundays it is usually free and you do not have to show the disc.
Yellow spaces: These are usually private or customer parking spaces.

Always pay attention to the times, it is often free at noon (e.g. in Montreux) or free from 8 p.m. (Lausanne). In Thun we found a parking lot with a parking disk. Even though it was marked white and not blue, we could park there for free for four hours.
So keep your eyes open.
If one or two of you feel like hitchhiking, you are welcome to try it. But it is very unusual in Switzerland. In the last 6 years we’ve only seen a handful of people who wanted a lift. However, since Switzerland is considered a very safe country to travel in and hitchhiking can be considered a low-risk activity, it may be worth a try.

Tips for travelling Switzerland on a tight budget?

Want to travel Switzerland on a budget? For clarification, it is not impossible, but please have in mind that it is still more expensive than a trip to Thailand for example.
We have a whole article dedicated to this topic. Check it out here.

Walking and Hiking in Switzerland

• There are many well-maintained hiking trails in Switzerland. They are marked with yellow signs, often with an estimated time to the next destination.
  We found the time to be mostly accurate, but if you are not used to hiking, allow yourself more time. Also, the Swiss are real hiking warriors.
• Hiking routes on mountain trails are marked yellow, a red stripe on a white background or a blue stripe on a white background depending on the difficulty. The trail marker can be painted on rocks, trees, and buildings. So, always check your surroundings.
• There is a hiking scale (SAC) for each trail if you check the official sites. The Swiss hiking scale is divided into six levels ranging from T1 to T6 and is mainly based on the characteristics of the trail. For instance, T1 indicates a well-marked trail with no dangers.

For more Information visit the Swiss Alpine Club here.

Swiss food specialties

Some Swiss must-tries in Switzerland for first timers include: 

• Fondue: A delicious pot of melted cheese that you dip bread in.
• Raclette: An amazing cheese that you melt a layer of and scrape over top potatoes or bread.
• Rösti: a kind of crispy potato pancake. We recommend it with cheese!
• Chocolate: No explanation needed. We recommend “Läderach”.

Where to Go in Switzerland for first timers?

It is hard to decide when you visit Switzerland for the first time. Therefore, I would like to give you some personal recommendations on specific topics:

Most popular places for a week:
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Lauterbrunnen and Zermatt.

My city recommendations:
Zürich, Stein am Rhein, Luzern, Lugano, Morcote, Rapperswil and Zermatt.

My hiking recommendations:
Appenzell: Lake Seealp, Äscher, Saxer Lücke and Lake Fälen.
St. Gallen: Pizol (5 Lake Trail) and Batöni Waterfalls.
Bern: Kleine Scheidegg, Lake Oeschinen, Lake Gelmer and Lake Bachalp.
Glarus: Lake Oberblegi and Lake Limmeren.
Zermatt: 5 Lake Trail, Gornegrat, Riffel lake.

However, I will soon be releasing guides for various occasions. Stay tuned!

The post Switzerland For First Timers appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Arrival and Transportation in Switzerland

If you live in Europe, you certainly won’t have an expensive journey if you want to travel to Switzerland. Especially if you live in one of the five neighboring countries.

If you have to fly, the major airports are Zurich or Geneva. We recommend flying to Zurich, as there are better routes from here for a classic Switzerland trip.

Traveling by train in Switzerland

If you want to travel by train, you will be traveling with the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways, or CFF in French or FFS in Italian). If you already know when you will be traveling and have a route planned, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance. Train tickets are not cheap in Switzerland, but the SBB does offer some great deals here and there.
It is also possible for tourists to purchase the Swiss Half-Fare Card for one month, which currently costs CHF 120. With this card, you pay only half price on buses, trains, ferries and many cable cars. So, depending on your trip and route, it can pay for itself in 1-2 weeks if you plan to use a few gondolas and a lot of public transportation.

Traveling by car in Switzerland

Basics about driving a car in Switzerland

If you are traveling by car, you should consider purchasing a toll sticker (Vignette) in advance. You are not allowed to drive on the highway without one. You can get pretty much anywhere without one, but it’s a bit of a hassle. We would recommend one, but it is up to you to decide, depending on how long you plan to stay in Switzerland.
It is only possible to buy an annual vignette, which costs CHF 40.
Driving in Switzerland is cheaper than taking the train, as long as there are at least two of you. Gasoline is sometimes only a little more expensive than in Germany. Diesel, however, is more expensive than gasoline (sometimes even Super Plus)! But more on that later.

As far as driving is concerned, even ordinary country roads can be very narrow and winding. If you are driving up the mountains, there are often 180° hairpin bends and sometimes you are driving along steep cliffs.
You should have a good command of your car, if you don’t just want to drive on the highway in Switzerland, but also want to drive over a pass.
Please note that manual transmissions are more common in Switzerland than automatic transmissions, if you want to rent a car.

Parking and gas

You can sometimes save a lot of money on gas. We have seen differences of up to 40 rappen (cents) per liter within a city. Sometimes it’s worth exploring the area first and then filling up.
The cantons of Schwyz, Bern or Fribourg are cheaper places to fill up. However, it’s not possible to say this across the board, so you should always keep your eyes open and compare prices.
The disadvantage of driving is that parking fees are often high. However, as everywhere else, prices vary from city to city.
If you don’t have an accommodation with free parking, try to find free parking (yes, they exist!).

Parking Marks in Switzerland

There are the following parking markings:
White spaces: Usually parking areas with a limited parking time for a fee. If there is no sign, you can park for free. Be careful not to park for more than 24 hours in one place, as there are heavy fines. As parking time varies from municipality to municipality, we cannot give any advice.
Blue spaces: This is where you park with a parking disc (be sure to take one with you). There are often specific times when you need a parking disc, but on Sundays it is usually free and you do not have to show the disc.
Yellow spaces: These are usually private or customer parking spaces.

Always pay attention to the times, it is often free at noon (e.g. in Montreux) or free from 8 p.m. (Lausanne). In Thun, we found a parking lot with a parking disk where we could park for free for four hours, even though it was marked white and not blue.
So keep your eyes open.
If one or two of you feel like hitchhiking, you are welcome to try it. But it is very unusual in Switzerland. In the last 6 years we’ve only seen a handful of people who wanted a lift. But it may be worth a try, as Switzerland is considered a very safe country to travel in and hitchhiking can be considered a low-risk activity.

Accommodations in Switzerland on a budget

Budget friendly overnight stays

As long as you are not planning to stay in luxury accommodation, you have a good chance of finding German/Austrian prices for overnight stays. It’s no secret that couchsurfing or housesitting is a real money-saving tip. Switzerland offers a surprising number of housesitting opportunities. More Switzerland on a budget is hard to find. However, we have never tried it ourselves.
The second cheapest alternative would be camping, because the costs for an overnight stay at a campsite are manageable. We once paid CHF 15 for the car and the two of us for one night. We saw prices between 15 – 45 CHF. If you are interested in wild camping, you should find out more about it. In principle, wild camping is permitted above the tree line. Otherwise, each canton and even each municipality regulates this independently!
The “Park4Night” app can be used to find free or inexpensive pitches (for example, camping cheaply on a farm).
For those who find couchsurfing too unsafe and camping too adventurous, we also have Air BnB on offer. We stayed almost exclusively in Air BnBs in one week. The cheapest accommodation was CHF 54 for a beautiful mountain hut with a view of an impressive mountain panorama – the most expensive was CHF 81.

Apartments and Hotels

There are also apartments for rent, but we have no experience with that. Since Switzerland is small, it is possible to choose a place as a base from which to start excursions. However, this great country lends itself to a road trip.
Hotels would be the last option. Sometimes a hotel costs as much as an Air BnB, which is why we sometimes resort to them. The advantage of hotels is that there are often special discounts. In Gruyères, we got a lot of discounts for the surrounding sights and museums. If you stay in the city of Bern, you can use the bus and train for free for the duration of your stay, and so on. So you can save some money here too.
As with any trip, if there are two of you and you can share the cost of accommodation, you’ll save a lot. So grab your partner or best friend and go.

Meals/ Going out in Switzerland on a budget

Cook for yourself

Oh yes, the food. Eating out will probably be the most expensive part of your trip to Switzerland. But there are a few ways to save money. The cheapest option is to bring food from home and cook it yourself (if you arrived by car from Europe). It is important to be aware of the current customs regulations, as you are not allowed to import an unlimited amount of anything you want. Be especially careful with meat and alcohol.
If you are shopping locally, there are often two large supermarkets, Coop and Migros, although Migros is slightly cheaper. However, there are also Lidl and Aldi in Switzerland and they are much cheaper than Migros. If you are on a budget, this is where you should shop.

Restaurants

If you don’t feel like cooking, but normal restaurants are too expensive, you can go to a Migros restaurant for lunch. It is set up like a cafeteria and you can get a hot meal for about CHF 10, depending on what you eat.
However, if the food is weighed, the price can quickly go up to CHF 15 or more. Pay attention to whether the price is based on weight or a flat rate for the menu on offer.
Fast food chains are also cheaper than “normal” restaurants, but significantly more expensive than at home. So don’t be alarmed if your favorite meal at Mäcces suddenly costs twice as much.

Fast food chains are also cheaper than “normal” restaurants. Do you know the Big Mac Index? Switzerland is number 1, so don’t be surprised if even McDonald’s is expensive.
Experience shows that Western Switzerland (except Geneva) is cheaper than Central Switzerland. For example, we ate a pizza for CHF 6 in Montreux, which surprised us very much. The prices for pizza are often around 20 CHF, sometimes you can find something for 12 – 15 CHF, but you have to look a bit.
A vegetarian diet saves more money because meat is – rightly – very expensive in Switzerland. Meat products are usually regional and therefore more expensive.

How much for a meal in Switzerland?

We can’t generally say what a “normal” amount is for eating out in Switzerland. When we go out to eat, the price is around CHF 30 – 35 per person. But you can go much higher. On our trip, we made sure to eat cheaper, but twice we treated ourselves to a normal meal in a restaurant. The rest of the time we cooked or had very cheap pizza.
Some Air BnB operators also offer to cook for you, so take advantage of that. It’s often cheaper than going out to eat.
Also, when choosing your accommodation (hotel or Air BnB), make sure that breakfast is included so you don’t have to worry about it.

Too Good To Go in Switzerland

One last money-saving tip on food: TooGoodToGo is very popular in Switzerland. Especially in big cities like Zurich there is a lot of choice. But even in rural areas there is often at least something from the supermarket chains. So if you want to save money and travel Switzerland on a budget, you should definitely use this app.

Sightseeing in Switzerland

We’ve all been there – the overpriced tourist attraction. The desire to see something is great, but afterwards the question arises: “Was that really worth 50 dollars?” Sightseeing prices are reasonable here, but gondola rides are quite expensive. Depending on the area, you can expect to pay around CHF 30-70 for a return gondola ride. That is not really budget-friendly – isn’t it?
So here are some examples of free or inexpensive sights to travel Switzerland on a budget:

Free attractions/ Free sights

• River baths in Zurich
• Many museums in Zurich do not charge admission
• Kappel Bridge in Lucerne
• Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen (except you want a boat ride)
• Botanical Garden in Basel
• Botanical Garden in Bern
• Federal Palace in Bern
• Bear Park in Bern
• Creux du Vent – near Neuchâtel
• CERN – research facility for particle acceleration in Geneva
• Rhone and Arve crossing near Geneva

Hikes possible without a gondola

• Gelmersee in the Bernese Oberland
• Gorge de l’Areuse near Neuchâtel
• Lac Bleu in the Valais
• Lake Fählensee and the Saxer Lücke in Appenzell Innerrhoden
• Wildspitz near Zug
• Lake Oeschinen at Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland
• Schnebelhorn hike in the Töss Valley
• Mythen in Schwyz
• Laseberg or Schilthorn in the Bernese Oberland (toll road, even with vignette! Cost: 10 CHF)

Under 10 CHF p. p

• Ice grotto in the Rhone Glacier (9 CHF p.p.)
• Show dairy at the Maison du Gruyère (7 CHF p.p.)
• Aare Gorge (9 CHF p.p.)
• Blausee (8 CHF p.p.)
• Partnunsee (6 CHF for parking, but the lake is free of charge)
• Bern Minster (free admission, CHF 5 p.p. for the spiral staircase)
• Neufalkenstein ruins (free admission, cost for parking)
• Verzasca Valley in Ticino (parking fees)

Exciting Alpine passes by car or motorcycle

These are possible without vignette or any tolls.
Attention: Only for good drivers!

• Sustenpass
• Grimselpass
• Furkapass
• Gotthardpass (Tremola)
• Nufenenpass
• Klausenpass
• Majolapass

Conclusion – can you travel to Switzerland on a budget?

Yes, Switzerland is not a cheap destination. Go to Italy for the same price and you’ll have much more luxurious accommodations and can eat out every day. It gets even better if you fly to Bali, then you get your own private pool and can eat out 3 times a day without worrying about your money.
But a trip to Switzerland is also possible – even on a budget, although you have to cut back a bit and cook for yourself sometimes.
If you don’t like that at all and want all-inclusive, you’ll either have to spend a lot of money or choose another destination. However, you will miss out on one of the most impressive countries in Europe.

The post Switzerland On A Budget appeared first on The Swiss Journey.

Facts about the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol

Hiking distance: 10.89 km
Hiking time: 4:30 h, with photos and breaks we needed 6:30 h
Ascent altitude: 586 m
Altitude difference descent: 925 m
Difficulty level: Medium
Requirements: Good hiking boots, sure-footedness, good physical condition

Arrival and Costs of the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol

The hike is easily accessible by public transport and by car. There are plenty of parking spaces and a day pass for the car costs CHF 5.
There is a bus from Sargans to the gondola station called “Pizol Seilbahnen”.
The SBB offers a 5-lake hiking ticket with a 20% discount on the gondola ride. We took advantage of this and bought our train tickets in combination with the gondola tickets and saved another 20%. You can find the offer here, but please note that this is a special ticket and is not always available.
The cost of the gondola is CHF 46.00 per person, with half-fare/GA or for children it is CHF 23.00. The price includes the gondola and chairlift rides to the Pizolhütte and back.
One gondola ride and two chairlift rides later, we arrive at the Pizolhütte at 2227 m. The rides up here take a good three-quarters of an hour, which is why we were only able to start the hike at 09:00. Be sure to allow enough time for your hike so you don’t miss the last chairlift or gondola ride!
We would not start the hike after 10:00 am.
The first gondola leaves at 08:15.
At the Pizol hut we will go to the toilet again, as there will be no opportunity to use the sanitary facilities along the whole route.

Lake #1: Wangsersee

Wangsersee is the first of the five lakes. From the Pizolhütte (Pizol hut) you have to turn left and walk up the hill for about ten minutes. It is hidden there. Most people skip the lake or miss it because it is on the opposite side of the trail.
However, since it is (honestly) not worth seeing, this is not a tragedy. You can also go straight to the second lake and make it a 4-lake hike.

Lake #2: Wildsee

The first part of the hike is a steep climb. This was the hardest part for me. Later it’s steeper again, but by then you’re used to it. Sudden climbs right at the beginning always take a bit more energy for me! The Pizol glacier is also in sight. But it has shrunk a lot in the last years. Through the stony Wildseelücke we reach the second lake: the Wildsee.
And yes, it really has that color! We couldn’t stop marveling and took our first break here.

Lake #3: Schottensee

After the ascent to the Wildsee, it goes downhill to the Schottensee. The descent doesn’t take long and the third lake is quickly visible. It is a much darker blue than the second lake, but also a beautiful color! It’s hard to say which one is more beautiful. Personally I like the Wildsee a little bit better. Alex thinks the Schottensee is a bit better because it’s easier to get into the water to cool off (which some people did).

Lake #4: Schwarzsee

After another break at the Schottensee, we have to hurry because we don’t want to miss the last chairlift ride. First it goes uphill again, only to send you back down a long way. After about an hour you reach the very dark Schwarzsee.

We did the hike on a beautiful summer day at the weekend. That’s why the trail was very crowded. In this picture you can see how many people were on the trail with us.

Lake #5: Baschalvasee

We don’t admire the beautiful Schwarzsee for too long, because we want to go directly to our last lake. From here it’s just under two hours to the valley station. It’s another steep ascent. Once at the top, you will find a large number of Steinmannlis (stacked stones) and a view of the Rhine Valley. Originally there were 5 Steinmannli, but since the 1960s more and more have been added and now there are over 50.
From here it’s all downhill to the last lake: Lake Baschalva.
It is besieged by cows, but there were people who have settled there to rest.

End of the 5 lake Hike in Pizol

From the last lake the path descends to the Gaffia mountain station. It is steep in places and the scree requires surefootedness. Just before the mountain station there is a small hut, the Alte Alp Gaffia.
It is famous for its barley soup. Since we had a good meal, we didn’t stop there.
The chairlift takes us back to the gondola station. Here we finally took the opportunity to go to the toilets and have a rest before taking the last gondola ride to end our wonderful hike.
Our verdict on the hike: very crowded on weekends, but not without reason! The area and the lakes are really beautiful and we can recommend the hike to everyone.
So put the 5 Lake Hike in Pizol immediately on your bucket list right away!

The post 5 Lake Hike In Pizol appeared first on The Swiss Journey.