5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Switzerland

swiss alps hiking grindelwald

By ST Tangirala

Switzerland is a country full of life and is the perfect destination to visit for all four seasons. It is home to some of the most majestic scenery anywhere else in the world. Particularly appealing are the Swiss Alps and Swiss villages. Perhaps this great backyard is the reason so many international organizations have their headquarters here

such as the:

• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• World Health Organization(WHO)
• International Labour Union(ILO)
• UN’s second largest office, 
• International Olympic Committee(IOC)
• And many major banking centers 

Another reason might be that throughout history, Switzerland always played a neutral role in major political affairs. Many international leaders consider it a safe haven away from political drama. 

Bordered by France to the West, Italy to the South, Germany to the North, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the East, Switzerland is an ideal place to bundle several European countries in one’s visit. Switzerland has four official languages spoken: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. In the areas closest to Germany, German is spoken, the area closest to France, French is spoken, and the area closest to Italy, Italian is spoken. Romansh is spoken by less than 1% of the population. I visited Switzerland in April of 2019 and share five reasons why I would highly recommend including it in your future travels.  

1. Fairytale Landscape 

If there was ever a place that one can imagine akin to real life fairytale landscape, it is Switzerland. With a wealth of quaint small towns and villages, it is perfect for slow, independent travel. From picturesque towns next to the lake to alpine meadows to snow-covered peaks, this landscape has inspired millions throughout history. Some inspiring elements of Switzerland include: 

• UNESCO Heritage Centres
• Basel Culture 
• Lake Geneva
• The Matterhorn
• Zurich 
• Jungfrau
• And many more 

I travelled by bus for the first time when I visited Switzerland from Munich, Germany. When I entered the country, I couldn’t help but stare at the scenery for the remainder of the bus ride when it was headed for Zurich. That may be the first time that I spent more time looking at the scenery than looking at my phone. It can be the same for you as well. Embrace the landscape and that will remain in your memories far longer than your time staring at your phone. 

2. Everything is reachable by efficient public transportation 

Between the large cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, to the smallest towns and picturesque villages in Switzerland, everything is reachable by public transportation. You don’t have to worry about renting a car in order to travel across different places. You can travel via train from city to city but if you need to access a remote town, then taking the frequent bus service can come in handy. My transitions from trains to buses could be described as smooth - working a bit like a Swiss watch. Just remember to buy your ticket before entering the vehicle otherwise you might get a hefty fine. According to Michael Page, 94% of Swiss professionals rank the public transportation system as efficient. 

3. Everything is in close in proximity 

The one great thing about being in Switzerland is that you can eat some nice fondue and chocolate in the middle of Zurich for lunch and in the next hour, be hiking the Alps. With nature and adventure, food and wine, art and traditions you can enjoy a lot of things that the country offers within one day. When you visit Switzerland, make the most of every opportunity that you can take since everything is in close proximity. Switzerland even offers convenience for ebike tours with over 300 charging stations along their road routes. 

4. Nice combination of old and new 

Switzerland is known for its traditional culture but also its ability to absorb trends from the outside world and make it its own. A major example would be its cuisine. Traditional Swiss cuisine has been marked by important cultural and regional dishes such as cheese, rosti, and chocolate. Modern Swiss cuisine is characterized by international trends, and restaurants with cuisines from all over the globe. 

Another major example that combines old and new would be the architecture. According to studying in Switzerland, it is home to some of the most architectural wonders both in the traditional and modern way. Traditional architectural sites worth visiting include Swiss Chalets, Chapels, Castles such as Chillon Castle, and many historical places. Modern architectural sites worth visiting include Basel Exhibition Centre, Studio Monte Rosa, and Santa Maria Degli Angeli Chapel.

5. Highly safe in general 

According to Studying in Switzerland, Switzerland is a relatively safe country for these four reasons: 

• Low Crime Rate where the chance of becoming a victim of crime was at 0.3%. 
• Swiss Gun Law Regulations ensuring gun safety. 
• Law-abiding citizens
• Equal Rights among the populace. 

During my time in Switzerland, I recalled not being worried about crime and was able to enjoy the country. With a low crime rate and strict regulations, you are likely to feel confident and experience the best of Switzerland. 

What Tours of Exploration is offering: 

Tours of Exploration is offering a special tour of Switzerland called the Meiringen Panorama Tour where you stay in a central lodge and get to experience a panorama of the Alps on daily hikes. Grab the opportunity of a lifetime and experience the fairytale atmosphere of Switzerland.