Let’s first address the elephant in the room. Yes, Switzerland is expensive. In fact, it’s probably even more expensive than you would anticipate at first. The flights, the hotels, food, and drinks – you will have to pay more than in most other European countries. However, I’m not here to try and convince you that Switzerland isn’t worth a visit. Because it definitely is.
The nature and landscapes of Switzerland are something out of this world. You have opportunities to do such fun, fulfilling, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Switzerland is a country like no other. It can be the perfect travel destination for so many different types of people. Do you love luxury? Check. You’re more of a nature lover? Check. Do you want to enjoy some delicious food? Double check. In case you still need some inspiration, here are just some of the things that you should do as a tourist in Switzerland.
Visit the Swiss National Park
This mesmerizing park is the oldest national park in the Alps. It was founded in 1914, and the conservation of this park has been a huge success, due to the fact that it’s forbidden to leave the trails. The Swiss National Park covers over 170 square kilometers, including 80 kilometers of hiking trails. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed in this park, even when on a leash. So make sure to leave your furry best friends at home if you are interested in exploring some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Awaken your inner nerd at CERN
Even if you aren’t into science and physics, you’ve probably heard about CERN. This is one of the largest and most respected world centers of scientific research. Their main goal is to explore the fundamental structure of the universe and find out what the smallest building blocks of matter are. But also answer questions such as “How did the universe begin?”. You can visit CERN and tour their laboratories without any charge, however, we would suggest booking a guided tour as far in advance as possible, because they fill up incredibly quickly.
Indulge in cheese & chocolate
Switzerland is the land of cheese and chocolate, so how could you go there without indulging in these delicacies? And I’m not being overly dramatic when I say that the cheese and chocolate that they serve in Switzerland are something out of this world. But the best thing of all – you can even learn how to make your own cheese in Switzerland. You can discover the art of cheese-making in the medieval town of Gruyères. But if you’re more of a chocolate lover, then visit Maison Cailler in Broc. This is one of the world’s oldest chocolate factories, where you can taste some of the world’s finest treats.
Hiking in the Alps
The one thing anyone who is going to Switzerland shouldn’t miss out on is spending some time in the beautiful nature that surrounds this unique place. Hiking in the Alps, for example, could be an experience that you are never going to forget. There are so many stunning trails, breathtaking mountain peaks, and peaceful and quiet valleys. It’s not too difficult to navigate your way around as well. Why? Because there are numerous signposted pathways to guide you along the way. You can also download numerous apps that have routes to the most popular hiking destinations.