Reasons to Love Switzerland And Why Not To

REASONS TO VISIT STUNNING SWITZERLAND

I love Switzerland. Yes, even after all my travels, Switzerland is probably my favorite travel destination. And I have visited many times. Many, many times but I can tell you that there are many reasons to visit Switzerland and you will not tire.

Read about my favorite reasons to fall in love with Switzerland and find out why not to visit Switzerland.

HERE IS WHY VISIT SWITZERLAND

Click here to find out about the best areas to stay in Switzerland.

Let´s get started with the reasons why to go to Switzerland.

Beautiful Lakes

What is Switzerland known for? Among others the gorgeous lakes: Lakes wherever you look at. (Geneva Lake, Lake Zurich, Vierwaldstaettersee (Lake Lucerne), Lake Brienz, (my favorite) but also Lake Thun, Blausee, Lago Maggiore, Lago di Saoseo, Oeschinen Lake and many more are beyond beautiful. Click on the links to read and see more of the places.

Why love Switzerland
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There are estimations that Switzerland has about 7000 lakes. 7000 lakes! And they are not your average lake. No, even the “ugly ducklings” are pretty, clear, and clean.

I haven’t heard of any Swiss lake that you cannot swim in because of its water quality. Yes, there are some lakes where swimming is forbidden (like Blausee), and some Alpine lakes are probably quite cold.

Oeschinensee hike, Heuberg a top thing to do in Interlaken, Arzo Travels
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I am all about #ChasingLakes, and Switzerland never fails to impress me – as they come in so many colors: green, blue, dark and light blue, turquoise…
Lago di Saosea - underrated places in Switzerland
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However, there are many more reasons to visit Switzerland.

Mountains / Swiss Alps

Yes, the Alps are stunning – they are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that stretches approximately 1,200 km across eight European countries. Only 15% of the Alps are actually located in Switzerland, but honestly, they have gotten the best parts of it (okay, the Dolomites are pretty superb, too). If you love nature, you will be in awe.

Cat walk round the First cable car top station over snowy Alps above Grindelwald, Switzerland.
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My favorite mountains? That is hard, but Niesen is pretty unique (it comes in the shape of a pyramid), Matterhorn (of course), Jungfraujoch with the highest trains station in Europe, or the Swiss Skyline with the three mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and many more). If these beautiful Switzerland pictures do not inspire you to visit Switzerland, I am not sure what will.

Best places to visit in Interlaken Switzerland
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The mountains in Switzerland are not all part of the Alps. Actually, the Swiss Alps, along with the Swiss Plateau and the Swiss portion of the Jura Mountains, are just one of its three main physiographic regions. And though I still cheer for the Swiss Alps, the other mountains are beauties, too.

Accessibility

It might have charm if places are not really accessible – maybe it means fewer crowds and more authenticity. However, accessibility is also an amazing thing.

Given its location, bordering amongst others Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, it is easy to get to Switzerland. Whether you drive, take a train, or fly – getting to Switzerland doesn’t cause headaches.

Mount Pilatus with the Swiss Travel Pass
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Also, you can reach mountain peaks – often – very easily because cable cars and funiculars are getting you up. While there are parts of Switzerland that are not easily accessible, it is very easy to get around and enjoy stunning mountain views without much effort.
Mountain stops in Switzerland
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Public Transportation

One main reason for the accessibility is the AMAZING public transportation in Switzerland. I yet have to visit a country that has as good public transportation as Switzerland.

RHAETISCHE BAHN: Bernina Express- Albulalinie
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swiss-image.ch/Peter Donatsch

Trains and buses are clean, reliable, and punctual – many routes run regularly, and you can get to any part of Switzerland with public transportation. Okay, it is not really cheap, but if something is as good as public transportation in Switzerland, it is okay to charge a bit more (though I would not mind a price reduction on Swiss Travel Passes).

All You Need to Know About the Swiss Travel Pass
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Tip: Take the “Express” trains for the most scenic routes and window views.

Road Trip

Yes, public transportation in Switzerland is great, but so is road tripping. I couldn’t choose which is the better way to get around because both are pretty good ways to see the country.

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I have road-tripped Switzerland many times, and I never tire. The mountain passes, the streets and of course the views… Switzerland is made for driving (but watch out for speed cams, the penalties for speeding are high).

Check out my Switzerland road trip guide for more info.

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High-Quality Food

Switzerland has good and high-quality food: I have the feeling that the food is of much better quality than in Germany and that quality has the highest priority. Yes, Maggi (or many other Nestle products) is not fresh or high quality, but there is a reason why food is so expensive in Switzerland.

I am against eating animals (unless your life depends on it), but I appreciate that there is no mass production of animal products. You will see many cows in the mountains who roam freely. So, if you are on a budget, you might have to reduce your meat intake, but the meat does not come from tiny barns.

Zurich has awesome vegan and vegetarian restaurants with great food, which many omnivores (though the normal diary of a Swiss is not very vegetarian or vegan-friendly). But apart from those cities, it is a bit tough for vegetarians.

Good Time to Visit all Year Round

What is the best time to visit Switzerland? Switzerland is ideal for all seasons: Decide whether you want to enjoy the summer and take a swim in one of the lakes or if you prefer skiing in winter.

Where to visit in Switzerland
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If you love snow, you should definitely visit in the winter, and you will experience a winter wonderland. I have seen Norway and Iceland in winter – covered with snow – but Switzerland probably is the most beautiful country to see.
Bernina Express in Switzerland in the winter, Valposchiavo
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Outdoor Adventures in Switzerland

Switzerland is heaven for outdoor fans. Hiking is only one option for visitors. Whether you are a beginner, more experienced, or want to go on multi-day hikes to explore the stunning nature. Switzerland has something for everyone. 

Trift Bridge in Grimselwelt as a main place near Interlaken with Arzo Travels
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I never liked hiking until I hiked in Switzerland. The views offered along the hikes are worth the “pain.” So, if you do not believe in hiking, Switzerland might convince you to try it! And you will see places like the Trift Bridge.

Paradise for Outdoorlovers in Ebenalp
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But of course, there is so much more outdoor adventure – paragliding, white water rafting, bungee jumping…  The list is endless!

Waterfalls

Let´s talk waterfalls. Switzerland might not be Iceland (in terms of waterfalls), but some amazing and impressive waterfalls exist. You do not believe me? Well, think about the biggest waterfalls in Europe – the Rhine Falls.

Or the Giessbach Waterfalls – or the Staubbauch Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen near Interlaken. There is no shortage of waterfalls and just one more reason to visit Switzerland.

where to visit in Switzerland
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@shutterstock

Many Free Activities

Yes, Switzerland is amongst the 5 most expensive countries in the world. BUT Switzerland also has many free activities – you can visit many places (lakes, parks, etc.) for free and do not have to pay an entrance fee.

View from Brienzer Rothorn
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Instead of taking (expensive) cable cars to get up mountain peaks, you can hike and see some of the most beautiful places on earth for free.

Influences from Many Cultures

Influence of several countries: At least German, French, Italian influences are very present, making Switzerland not only one country but actually it feels like visiting several countries at once.

Quick Getaways to Other Countries

Where is Switzerland located? It is ideally located for a quick getaway to other countries and borders Germany, Italy, France, Austria, and Liechtenstein.

If you visit Switzerland, you can do day trips to beautiful places in Austria or Germany. From northern Switzerland, you are in a quite short amount of time in Bavaria and can add places like Neuschwanstein Castle to your itinerary.

Things to do around Neuschwanstein Castle, Waterfall near Marienbrücke
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If you are in southern Switzerland, e.g., Geneva, you can do an amazing day tour to beautiful Annecy in France.
Annecy: one of the many bridges
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What about Italy? Yes, if you are in southern Switzerland, you can easily visit Lake Como and explore some of Italy’s northern parts.

Beautiful Cities

Does Switzerland have nice cities? Yes, it does have charming and romantic cities and towns: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano are just some of them.

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Safety

Is Switzerland safe? Does it have a high crime rate? Is Switzerland clean? Switzerland is one of the cleanest and probably safest states I have been to, the crime rate is, compared to Germany and many other countries, not high, and I felt safe all the time. Switzerland is also a great place for (first-time) female solo travelers.

Friendly Polite

People from Switzerland are called Swiss, and yes, Swiss people are extremely friendly, polite though a bit shy and reserved.

There are more reasons, but these are pretty good reasons to visit the tiny country in Europe.

Wondering what I don’t like about Switzerland? Find out and scroll down.

WHY NOT VISIT SWITZERLAND

Okay, though I am a fan of Switzerland, it doesn’t mean I am wearing (only) rose-colored glasses. Yes, there are a couple of issues even with Switzerland.

Price-Tag

Is Switzerland really expensive? Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world and spending holidays there can eat into your budget.

Political situation

If you have read my blog, you know I am very liberal and anything else than conservative, so the xenophobic parties, which are quite strong, scare me. Depending on how strong they will eventually get, it might be a reason not to visit Switzerland anymore. The good thing so far is that the people are still super friendly.

Have you ever been to Switzerland? What do you think about this tiny country in Europe? Love to hear your opinions about Switzerland.

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