Switzerland

I’ve visited Switzerland three times now.

2019 trip

This was my first visit to Switzerland. Of my three trips, this one was the most unplanned (least planned?), meaning I arrived with a return ticket and lodging for the first two nights, then nothing beyond that. I’d make most of it up as I went along, which has its benefits and drawbacks.

2023 trip

I took this trip with my father in July and August of 2023. The itinerary was:

  • Fly into Geneva and spend a few nights.
  • Take the train from Geneva to Montreux.
  • Take the Goldenpass Express from Montreux to Interlaken.
  • Transfer from Interlaken (Ost) to Lauterbrunnen then Wengen.
  • Spend two evenings at the lovely Hotel Alpenrose in Wengen.
  • Hike Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg.
  • Take the train from Wengen to Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
  • Spend three evenings at the Courtyard in Freiburg im Breisgau.
  • Visit Strasbourg in France as a day trip while staying in Freiburg.
  • Take the train from Freiburg to Basel, Switzerland.
  • Spend two evenings at the Hotel Märthof in Basel.
  • Take the train from Basel to Luzern.
  • Spend two evenings Hotel Drei Könige in Luzern.
  • Visit and hike around Mount Pilatus near Luzern. Visit Festung Fürigen bunker.
  • Take the train from Luzern to Venice.
  • Spend three evenings at Aqua Palace Venice.
  • Take a private water taxi from our hotel to Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Unfortunately I did not journal this trip, though I have many photos I may share at some point.

2024 trip

This trip took place entirely within Switzerland, and I went solo. Fortunately I spent time journaling my journey.

About halfway through my journaling I started making a conscious effort to capture not only what I was doing, but how I was feeling – my mental state as a solo traveller. I don’t think I did a good job here. I hope to do more of this introspection in the future. Solo travel can be taxing, especially when you’re around people who are surrounded by their friends and family.