Swiss Dreams
If you’re looking for a road trip full of thrills and majestic views, I’ve got just the place for you. Switzerland is like a fairytale playground for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and photographers. It certainly won’t be the cheapest option, but the experience will be worth every euro spent. This gem has no shortage of wealth and beauty and is widely known as the one of the safest countries in the world.
Werdenberg
After a sleepless few days in Munich for the Oktoberfest celebrations, I rented a car and made my way towards Switzerland. A friend who I’d met in Guatemala lives in a small Swiss village called Werdenberg, just beside the Liechtenstein border. That would be my entry point.
We spent a few days exploring the area and hanging with friends. The village has some undeniable charm much to the credit of its preservation… which seems common in Switzerland. After a tough hike up the mountains beside the village, my hosts rewarded me with a generous horse steak.
Skeptical? Yes. I first heard of this Swiss custom while Damaris and I were studying Spanish in Guatemala. Am I the only one who finds it strange they eat horses? Well, I can’t say it was the most memorable dish but the company was definitely good.
The Swiss Alps
Departing Werdenberg I headed south, unsure of where I’d stay next. This strategy carries some risk, but aside from some uncomfortable outliers it usually works out just fine for me. I’d rather not be confined to an itinerary. If I like what I see, I’ll stay. If not, I’m moving. The freedom in this approach tends to be rewarding and it certainly did in Switzerland.
The mountains surround you just about everywhere you go. I found the biggest thrills breathlessly navigating the hairpin turns along the cliffs, but was grateful for the more comfortable stretches of road within the valleys of the Alps.
While some might envision both being spectacularly uncomfortable, I find ways to turn up the excitement even more with one eye on the road and the other squaring up my camera to document the journey. So far so good…God has continued to show me grace despite my eagerness to challenge death.
Lugano
After a decent amount of stops along the way, my first night was spent in Lugano which is a picturesque lakeside village near the Italian border. It’s a great place for a family to enjoy a weekend at the parks, on a boat, or strolling the city center for a cheesy, bacon covered soft pretzel. You won’t regret it.
My top priority on this road trip was to carve out sufficient time to get to Zermatt, from which I could access the infamous Matterhorn. I carried on from Lugano traversing mountain after mountain, depleting my memory card with everything in sight as though each were the last shot I’d take.
Zermatt
When I made it to Zermatt, the excitement was quickly overshadowed by embarrassment. I’ll never forget the dirty looks as I coasted through the village for a quick overview, not having a clue that cars are forbidden. Fortunately an English speaking man delightfully reprimanded me in sufficient time to escape being caught by local police and hit with a hefty fine in the thousands. A nice reminder that a little research is sometimes necessary.
For those who don’t have a lot of time to climb their way through the mountains, a train transports visitors from before sunrise to access the Alps. I woke up with a lot of pep in my step for the first train, only to get off on the wrong stop and wait 45 minutes for the next to pick me up. These things happen…traveling the world solo isn’t possible if you aren’t willing to be humbled!
Once I set eyes on the Matterhorn those silly mistakes were soon forgotten. I will never forget the beauty of that first hour alone before the crowd arrived. It felt nothing short of heavenly solitude, with the sunrise shining on the frosted, burnt yellow grass as a contrast to the layer of clouds hanging over Zermatt and snowcapped Alps left, right, and center. The experience was spiritual in a way that overwhelms you with gratitude.
It was a challenge to leave Zermatt so soon, but this tends to be the nature of my road trips. There’s a lot to see, and my mission is always to see as much as I can. In some ways I see it as a preview for where I’d like to return when I wanna share it with someone special.
Bern
Before heading to Interlaken I met my friend Damaris in Bern. We explored the bear park and historical monuments around the city for half a day. Then said our last goodbyes splurging over a huge portion of Raclette, the popular dish which is predominantly melted swiss cheese over potatoes.
My decisions again…at times so good and yet so bad. It should go without saying that I wouldn’t recommend eating this if you have to drive for long stretches of time.
Interlaken
Interlaken is as charming as the world of Instagram portrays it to be. After a challenging hike up the mountainside I made it to the viewing platform, which I’d guess is the most popular tourist attraction. The views are tough to beat and if the timing is right, you’ll be serenaded by a popular local instrument called the Alphorn. It’s tough to find a better way to enjoy a sunset.
Zurich
The last day in Switzerland was spent in the largest and maybe most popular city, Zurich. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that this top world financial hub is very internationally acclimated. People will always migrate towards the opportunity to prosper.
Set beside a beautiful lake and riddled with a beautifully preserved and architecturally appealing infrastructure, it seems to be just the place for romance.
Road trip through Switzerland…make it a priority. And if time permits, plan for more than just a week.
