The subcontinent’s obsession with the Swiss country has been all too well documented. Whether you attribute it to Bollywood’s romanticisation of the landscape, the stunning vistas it has to offer or simply the heavenly chocolate on offer, Switzerland features on the bucket list of all travel enthusiasts. What adds to the country’s popularity is its reputation of being one of the safest countries in the world. From a first timer to a seasoned individual, here is an itinerary for every kind of solo traveller.
Zurich: Popularly thought to be the capital city of Switzerland, Zurich, apart from being the financial hub of the country is arguably the best city to start off your solo itinerary. The ease of access that comes from its status as a commercial city makes it the ideal point to begin your journey. The heart of the city lies in The Old Town, with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. No trip is complete without a visit to the Gross Münster or The Great Minster Church which dominates the skyline. To get a taste of Swiss culture, visit the Swiss national museum with its immaculate displays covering Swiss history and the Kunsthaus. The current hotbed of the city is the dynamic Zurich West, a 1.5km long strip boasting of designer bars and cheap restaurants. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Lindt factory, the home of chocolate.
Besides its tourist attractions, Zurich acts as an excellent base city from which you can take day trips to famous nearby spots. The Rhine waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe, is a 50 min train ride away. Lucerne, a quaint old town with stunning mountain and lake views takes 45 mins to reach. With all the above amenities, Zurich promises an unforgettable experience.
Bern: The capital of Switzerland is most famous for being home to Interlaken, which is a small town located between two alpine rivers Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and is surrounded by the majestic Alps, most notably the Jungfrau. The town is ideal for people who believe in taking the scenic route. This also makes the region ideal for hiking and water activities like surfing or kayaking. Other things to explore in Bern include the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower in the Old Town.
Climb up to the Rose Garden at sunset to get the best views of the city and enjoy a picnic, dinner or wine as the sun goes down. Apart from the above, Albert Einstein, who studied and developed his theory of relativity in Bern has a museum dedicated to him. The space curates his life experiences from beginning to end. Thus Bern, is a city that cherishes a slow life and hence becomes the best place to visit if you wish to spend some slow days recharging before you continue on your solo adventure.
Geneva: The second largest city in the Swiss countryside is located along the Geneva Lake and surrounded by the Alps. Geneva is home to the headquarters of the Red Cross and the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking. Boasting a 2000-year-old history, the French speaking part of Switzerland is home to the largest lake in Western Europe. Monte Saleve is known as the Balcony of Geneva and is the playground for adventure sports, but you can hike up to it for sublime sunsets. Sooth your body after the climb with a relaxing session at Bain-Bleu Hammam or at St Geneve Plage. For the city lover in you, there is the Bohemian District Carouge, consisting of shopping complexes, cute corners and restaurants.
Zermatt: The ski resort town of Zermatt attracts tourist with the promise of spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Zermatt’s commitment to go combustion free means that the only way to go to and about town is public transport. The town has skiing trails for every kind of individual from beginner to professional. If you are there in the summer, skiing can be substituted by beautiful hikes. Zermatt is not just a resort town, it offers visitors luxury at the Bahnhofstrasse with designer boutiques for jewellery, clothes and souvenirs. Thus, the town of Zermatt offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, making it a sought-after destination around the globe.
Apart from the city guide, below are some general useful tips for all kinds of solo travellers-
Switzerland is an expensive city. Buy a Swiss Rail Pass which guarantees unlimited travel by trains and buses, and even some boats. Public transport in Switzerland is one of the most well developed and efficient all over the world and allows access to almost all locations.
The best time to visit is either spring or autumn, unless you wish to see the snow-capped peaks, but pack for all weathers. Most importantly, prioritise what you want to see. It’s a small country but it is culturally rich and dense, and this travel guide caters to this specific quality. But most importantly, make sure you make the most of the Swiss countryside and come back with a heart full of memories.