Exploring Switzerland with Carolyn Schönafinger (from Holidays to Switzerland)

Living in Switzerland

We speak to Carolyn Schönafinger from Holidays to Switzerland about travelling around Switzerland.

Carolyn has been visiting Switzerland for over 30 years and runs her own travel podcast. She tells us about four famous places (Lucerne, the Berner Oberland, Zermatt, and Montreux) as well as several destinations off the beaten track.

We also talk about the different seasons, the best times to travel, and ways to save money while visiting Switzerland. No matter if you’re a first-time visitor or already living in Switzerland, you’re sure to learn something new.

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You can visit Switzerland year-round. It’s a great destination for winter and summer sports, but those two seasons tend to be busy. If you want a quieter experience, consider travelling in May and October.

Some popular destinations:

• Lucerne: This city is conveniently located in the heart of Switzerland, and it features historic sights like the Chapel Bridge. You can access mountains like Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi easily from Lucerne.
• The Berner Oberland: You’re in the heart of the Bernese Alps here. There are lots of traditional chalet-style buildings, and you can see the famous Jungfraujoch.
• Zermatt: This town is located at the foot of the Matterhorn, so it’s a spectacular destination. There are also lots of historic chalets.
• Montreux: This French-speaking town has a different, more Mediterranean vibe. It’s located on Lake Geneva and has a famous promenade. From Montreux, you can visit the Chillon castle and several other towns.

Some lesser-known places to visit:

• Schaffhausen: A lot of tourists visit the Rhine Falls, but many of them don’t take a closer look at the nearby town, which features beautiful old buildings. There is also a fortress you can visit.
• Lake Constance: This lake borders three countries, so you can take a boat from Switzerland to Germany.
• Appenzell: A very rural area, where you can still find traditional Swiss farms and restaurants. There is a biannual Yodel Festival.
• The Emmental Valley: This is a scenic area of Switzerland that features rolling hills and open fields, with the mountains in the distance. You can visit the famous Emmental cheese factory.