Why You MUST See the Swiss Alps
Switzerland… it’s the place to go when you need recharge, rethink, revitalize, and re-center… or at least, it is for me – and I truly think that you must see the Swiss Alps at least once.
View of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland; April 2025
Is Switzerland the Most Beautiful country in the World?
In terms of raw, natural beauty – the countries that rank highest on my list are Switzerland, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Here’s the difference between the beauty in each of these countries:
| Country | Scenic Experience |
|---|---|
| 🇮🇪🍺 Ireland | Ireland’s scenery is surprising. Driving routes along the Ring of Kerry are bound to leave you speechless. I was shocked to find it in a country where all you thought you were going to find was cute pubs and locals having a pint together. |
| 🇳🇿🥾 New Zealand | New Zealand’s scenery makes you feel the opposite way that Switzerland’s does. The rugged, scenic mountains of New Zealand simultaneously remind you to be adventurous and to soak it all in… but they mostly remind you to do crazy things while you’re still here, and while you still can. Essentially, New Zealand makes you want to go wild – with bungee jumping, speed boating, and more adventurous activities. |
| 🇨🇭🧀 Switzerland | Switzerland does the antithesis of that. It makes you want to slow down, to breathe, to be still in a world that’s incessantly spinning. It's quieter, softer, and smoother – a place made for more relaxation in comparison to thrilling countries like New Zealand. |
View of Wilderswil, Switzerland; April 2025
Where Should I Stay in the Swiss Alps?
There are many different villages to choose from when staying in the Swiss Alps: including Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, Wilderswil. Whichever one you pick, it’s going to be magical – but if you want to be centrally located for day trips to place such as Jungfraujoch or Grindelwald, staying in Interlaken will give you the easiest access to interconnected transportation.
Regardless of where you stay, you’ll easily be able to see all of these amazing Swiss villages during your stay – as Switzerland has a well-developed train system. This way, you can easily hop on one to another village when the wanderlust kicks in.
I stayed in Wilderswil when I toured with Expat Explore. The view outside my room was insanity.
The view outside my window in Wilderswil, Switzerland; May 2017
Can I Drink Tap Water in Switzerland?
When in the Swiss Alps, and anywhere else in Switzerland, be sure to drink the water from the tap. I know you won’t believe me until you taste it for yourself, but it literally tastes just like opening a brand-new bottle of water, except somehow – even better.
What Should I Do in the Swiss Alps?
In the Swiss Alps, there’s a lot to keep you occupied – from chocolate shopping, paragliding, swimming, hiking, or even just relaxing lakeside
I know not everyone can stay fully occupied with a journal and a camera (I’m not referring to myself… the travel blogger… why would you think that?)
If you’re trying to think of things to do while you’re in the Swiss Alps, I’ve got you covered:
Take a day trip up Jungfraujoch to “The Top of Europe”
Go snowboarding at Jungfraujoch
Go paragliding in Interlaken
Go river rafting
Explore chocolate shops
In Interlaken, you can kind of eat all of the chocolate you want for free by walking into a store (where they will offer you a sample), walk around said store for two minutes, and then by walking into the next chocolatier that will be two stores down from the previous one you went into. Simply repeat this cycle until you can’t consume chocolate anymore.
You think I’m joking about that last one… but I’m not.
Most importantly, you need to see the Swiss Alps because it will make you pause… and if doesn’t make you pause…
Höhematte Park in Interlaken, Switzerland; May 2017
Well, I’ll let you know if there’s another place I find around the world where there might be some hope for you.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Switzerland, click here.