Switzerland is one of those countries that lives up to every postcard. During our trip, we got to explore six different spots, each with its own charm, jaw-dropping views, and moments I’ll never forget. If you’re planning your own adventure, here’s a guide to some of the most beautiful and memorable places we visited.
1. Geneva
Our first stop in Switzerland! Geneva felt calm and clean, with stunning lake views and just enough city energy to ease into the trip. The Jet d’Eau is a must-see, even if you don’t catch it spraying, the lake itself is gorgeous. We spent our time wandering along the waterfront, enjoying the views, and just soaking in that fresh air.
A great stop for a cute coffee and breakfast with a view is the Cottage Cafe located on the waterfront. With lots of gluten-free* and vegetarian options it’s the perfect treat to start off the day!
Travel Tip: Take a walk through the Old Town or grab a lakeside bench for a quiet moment to people-watch.
Breakfast with a view at the Cottage Cafe
*Note: The bread here is not toasted so there is no risk of cross contamination in a toaster for gluten free options.
2. Interlaken
Interlaken is exactly what I imagined Switzerland to be: surrounded by towering peaks and nestled between two bright blue lakes. We hopped on a boat tour (highly recommend!) that gave us a peaceful look at the countryside, complete with cozy little towns, cows grazing along the shoreline, and waterfalls that felt straight out of a fairy tale.
Travel Tip: if you have an Eurail Pass you can hop on the boat tour for free! Just make sure you add the journey to your trip in the app.
3. Brünig
Brünig was a scenic mountain pass area that gave us one of the most peaceful views of the whole trip. With rolling green hills, misty peaks, and the occasional cow bell echoing in the distance, it was a beautiful contrast to the lake towns. A lovely spot for a photo stop or little snack if you’re driving or taking the train through.
We stayed at Gasthaus Brünig Kulm, which had the coziest loft-style rooms and some of the most stunning views from our window. We didn’t have a balcony, but the windows opened wide, letting in the crisp mountain air and giving us an unforgettable morning view. These pictures capture the incredible scenery right from our hotel room. I highly recommend booking a night or two here if you’re looking for a quiet, scenic stay.
4. Thun
Thun was a quick stop for us, but it packed in so much charm. The old wooden bridges and riverside views made this a great spot for a mid-day stroll. We wandered through cute neighbourhoods and grabbed a lakeside lunch before catching our train to Brig.
One of the coolest surprises in Thun is the wooden bridge in the center of town, not just a pretty photo spot, but also a surf spot! Thanks to a manmade wave created by the river’s flow under the bridge, you can actually watch surfers riding the wave right in the middle of the city! It’s such a fun and unexpected thing to stumble across while exploring the town. Keep in mind that the current is strong and conditions can be unpredictable, so this one’s best left to the pros!
5. Brig
Brig was one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip. This small town is tucked into the mountains and feels super cozy, but we happened to arrive during two major events: the Frauenstimmen Festival and a traditional Swiss wrestling competition (Schlossschwingen) at Stockalper Castle (right outside our hotel).
6. Zermatt
Our final Swiss stop, and what a way to end it. Zermatt is a car-free ski town nestled at the base of the Matterhorn. We took a series of cable cars up the mountain, each offering more dramatic views than the last. Though the peak was covered in clouds when we arrived, the scale and beauty of the landscape were still jaw-dropping.
Can’t Miss: The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and walking through the ice tunnel at the top (there’s even a slide!)
Final Thoughts
Switzerland felt like a dream, and these six stops gave us such a great mix of nature, culture, and unexpected moments. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or sipping an Aperol Spritz by the lake, there’s something special waiting around every corner.
