[Travel Advice] Switzerland

Random Observation/Comment #558: Rural areas of Switzerland are basically the un-ironic representations you might see in Disney World. There are mountains everywhere and there’s a radio station that yodels choir music.

Things Switzerland Does Well

• Efficiency – For the most part, the Swiss get things done and done pretty quickly
• Maintained Natural scenery and beauty – There are not many power lines blocking the views nor are there many modern homes in the little towns. I love the pristine untouched pieces.
• Languages – Swiss German, high German, low German, French, Italian, and English are sprinkled everywhere. It’s very international and a great place to practice your linguistic skills.
• Swiss pride – Not only are there proudly represented flags of each area, but they often show other’s flags as well. It makes me feel like Switzerland is united in its own way.
• Fresh ingredients – Meat, potatoes, and cheese – they’re high quality no matter where you go. There’s likely a pride element to the meals they serve as well.
• Cleanliness – (except for the Zurich techno street parade) Immediately the next day, it was immaculate.
• Extremely bike-friendly – I’m a big fan of bike lanes and bike etiquette rules. We also saw the police officers drive through town and take at least 6 bikes in a row in front of us.

Things Switzerland can improve

• Gentility – not mean, but much more blunt and direct than normal. I was told it was “rigid.” I was also told that most Swiss are very friendly, but you need to earn their trust first. Once you’re a part of the family and a non-threat, you’ll make a friend forever.
• Street striping and Street signing is a bit off – It’s not terribly hard to drive, but I did see a single 4-way stop (that didn’t have a traffic circle) that confused a lot of people.
• You’ll pay for high quality – everyone complains about the cost, but it’s actually pretty interesting to me that an “extravagant meal” that would cost 60 CHF per person is only 20 CHF more than a standard lunch with beer. Of course you can find some cheaper alternatives.

Local Food

Chasschnitte – grilled cheese Swiss style

Fitness schnitzel – No one else will understand you if you call it this, but this restaurant’s owner called it this when we wanted schnitzel with salad instead of fries

Meat Volcano – again, not the real name, but clearly this was a meat volcano from Victoria Ritter in Kandersteg

Deer and paparadelle – Gasthof zum Bären did an awesome job with this and I’d highly recommend visiting in Richebach

Cordon bleu – it’s basically schnitzel, but filled with ham and swiss cheese. I’ve found it made perfectly every time. This one is from Rheinfelder Bierhalle.

Cheese and Egg over Rosti (hash brown potatoes) – I think this one was in Thun

Rahm Schnitzel – egg noodle with some type of a meat+mushroom stroganoff – We had this in Cafe Iberica – a cool Portuguese pub in Thun.

Standard Schnitzel – it’s almost everywhere and fried crispy thinly

Wurst – love the sausages

Our Itinerary

Wednesday:

Kandersteg arrival – this church was very photogenic. We had an Airbnb in Kandersteg for a few days.

Blausee – Mini lake with short paths and trout (2 hours max) – You can also arrive from the side and not pay the 5 CHF.

Schloss Spiez – visited here while it was raining

 

Thursday:

Schweizer Gastronomie-Museum Thun – Pretty lake view with swans

Schloss Thun – hike up the mountain and perfect for photos

Oeschinensee

Rodelbahn awesomeness

Friday:

Thun photoshoot

Spiez wedding and full day of fun

Saturday:

Luzerne – Some great walks and bridges

Zurich Crazy techno street parade party

Sunday:

Brisk Zurich walks

~See Lemons Love Switzerland