ABOUT SWITZERLAND
Although Switzerland is located in the middle of Europe, the country is not part of the European Union. But that doesn't make it any less well organized. Switzerland has a strong economy, well-organized infrastructure and scores high on hygiene and sustainability. But the reason most people travel to this country are the mountains. Switzerland has the most high mountain peaks of Europe and that makes the country ideal for skiing holidays in the winter and hiking holidays in the summer. But be prepared, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. A baguette easily costs €5 and a glass of wine at least €10. Don't let this stop you from traveling to Switzerland, with a little preparation the costs are not too bad and you will have a wonderful holiday.
Lake Geneva
TRAVELING THROUGH SWITZERLAND
You can easily move around in Switzerland by train, but the most popular way of traveling through Switzerland is by your own motorhome or campervan. Campsites can be found almost everywhere and many tunnels have been built so that you don’t have to drive your large vehicle over narrow mountain passes. Since Switzerland is quite expensive, we recommend renting the motorhome in a neighboring country and doing most of the shopping here as well. We only had a camper for 8 days but even in such a short time we managed to find some very special places. Read below our 8-day travel route through Switzerland with our own motorhome!
OUR ROUTE THROUGH SWITZERLAND
Our first stop was just across the border of France and is the most famous wine region of Switzerland. The vineyards of Lavaux are even included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. What's so special about it? The vineyard terraces are shaped by hand and the area runs for 30 kilometers along the blue colored Lake Geneva. To make the place even more romantic, they speak French in this part of Switzerland.
What to do in Lavaux?
Stroll through the vineyard terraces
Walking trails have been laid out between the vineyards so that you can literally walk between the grape vines with a view on Lake Geneva. We found the most beautiful part between Epesses and Rivaz, this walk takes about an hour (one way).
Enjoy a wine tasting
Of course you also have to taste the local wine. You can organize your own wine tour by stopping at the local wineries during your walk through the vineyards. There are several wineries in each village and you can buy a glass and drink it outside the shop. Or you can choose to sit back in the garden of a winery and order different wines and cheese platters here all afternoon. For this last option we can recommend Clos De La Republique. The wines are delicious and the view is breathtaking!
Swim in the Lake of Geneva
You probably already thought of this one yourself. The lake is so bright blue that it immediately invites you to take a dip. At many places along the lake you have small parks where you can walk straight into the water.
Camping recommendation Lavaux: Camping de Moratel. This is a small camping right next to the lake and walking distance from Epesses and Rivaz.
The Matterhorn is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. Reason for this is the special pyramid-like shape of the mountain and it has inspired Lord of The Rings / The Hobbit writer Tolkien for the mountain Erebor (lonely mountain). You have to put in a bit of effort to see the Matterhorn, but in the end it's totally worth it!
Where to spot the Matterhorn
Zermatt
Zermatt is the village at the foot of the Matterhorn which is well-known as a famous ski resort and of course; the Matterhorn. From this village you can already see the pointy mountain and it is also the starting point to reach the Matterhorn by various means of transport. The best spot to view the Matterhorn in Zermatt village is probably the Kirchbrücke bridge. It is important to know that Zermatt is car-free, which we found out the hard way ;). The previous village which can still be reached by car is Täsch, from there you can take the train to Zermatt.
Lake Stellisee
A famous trail in Zermatt area is the Five Lake trail. A 10 kilometer hike where you cross 5 different lakes with all great views on the Matterhorn and the surrounding Swiss Alps. We thought the most beautiful view was from Lake Stellisee. To reach Lake Stellisee, you have to take the underground funicular from Zermatt to Sunnegga, then you switch to a gondola that goes to Blauherd station. From there it is only a 20-30 minute walk to reach Lake Stellisee, while having a great view on the Matterhorn during this hike.
Camping recommendation Täsch: Camping Alphubel. Simple but close to the train station to reach Zermatt.
Another one that’s on the UNESCO world heritage list! This clear blue lake is a pearl between the high mountains around Kandersteg. You can easily spent a whole day at Oeschinensee as you can picnic around the lake, have a magical (cold) swim and hike around the area.
How to reach Oeschinensee
Gondola from Kandersteg
The easiest and fastest way to reach the Lake of Oeschinen is by gondola. The Oeschinensee cable car station is located in Kandersteg and brings you to the top station in 10 minutes. From there you will need to walk about 20 minutes to reach Oeschinensee or you can take the taxi bus for 8 CHF. Like everything else in Switzerland the gondola is quite expensive, you pay CHF 22 one way and CHF 30 for a return.
Hiking from Kandersteg
The cheaper and more sporty way to get there is by hiking from Kandersteg. The trail starts at the Oeschinensee cable car station and some parts are quite steep so be prepared for a tough hike. The route is well signposted and depending on your pace, it will take you about 1-1,5 hour to reach Lake Oeschinen.
Kandersteg
Camping reccomendation Kandersteg: Kandersteg International Scout Centre. Lots of space and a choice of different types of pitches.
This region includes the area around the well-known Jungfrau mountain and it is known among tourists for a reason. There are plenty of things to do of which the most important one is of course: hiking.
What to do around the Jungfrau region
Enjoy the pearl blue lakes
On both left and right of Interlaken lay two beautiful blue lakes, Thunersee and Brienzersee. When you are in this area we recommend to choose a route that drives you along these lakes to enjoy the view. Lake Bries certainly has a special color that immediately invites you to go for a swim.
Visit Lauterbrunnen
When you are in this small town you are literally surrounded by mountains. Here and there a small waterfall and in the distance you can see white mountain peaks. Go for an adventurous activity such as paragliding or have some beers in the local pub (Horner Pub). The valley of Lauterbrunnen is also Tolkien’s inspiration for Rivendell, which can be seen in the Lord Of The Rings franchise. Do you see the similarities?
Lauterbrunnen
Camping recommendation Lauterbrunnen: Camping Lauterbrunnen. Probably the best camping we have had in Switzerland. They give you a lot of information about the area and the facilities are well maintained.
Hi, we are Bren and Tess! We travel to the most beautiful places in the world, and with our video's, we hope you feel inspired to do the same.
