A JOURNEY THROUGH SWITZERLAND: PEAKS, VILLAGES, AND MEMORIES
High on my bucket list has always been a visit to Switzerland, and with this recent trip, I can finally check that one off. Traveling with Odysseys Travel, Mark and I came home with unforgettable memories of this high-altitude, breathtaking adventure.
We arrived in Zurich, navigated our way to the train station, and eventually reached our hotel in the small village of Merlischachen, a lakeside community nestled along Lake Lucerne. It was there that we met the rest of our small traveling group and prepared for the days ahead.
Though firmly in the heart of Europe, Switzerland maintains neutrality and is not part of the European Union. The country recognizes four official languages—French, German, Italian, and Romansh—though nearly everyone also speaks English. The Swiss franc is its currency, and interestingly, Switzerland is one of only two nations with a square flag. The white cross on a red field recalls the Swiss founder of the Red Cross, an enduring global symbol.
Our first day of touring set the tone for the trip: full and exhilarating. We boarded the world’s steepest cogwheel railway, climbing steadily to the summit of Mount Pilatus. From there, panoramic views opened across the lake, city, and jagged alpine ridges. Descending by cable car and gondola, we toured Lucerne, a town that feels like a painting come to life. Its centerpiece is the Lion Monument, carved into rock as a moving tribute to Swiss Guards who died during the 1792 French Revolution uprising. Wandering the medieval Old Town, we admired half-timbered houses, remnants of the city’s walls, and defensive towers. The Kapellbrücke, or Chapel Bridge, engrossed us with its covered walkway, the ceiling lined with painted pictures. We ended the day with a ferry ride across Lake Lucerne, taking in the tranquil scenery from the water.
The following day was devoted to travel across central Switzerland. By coach, we reached the Grisonian Rhine Valley and the country’s oldest town, Chur, which boasts a history stretching back 13,000 years. There, we boarded the famed Glacier Express, a train journey that unfolded for six leisurely hours (yes, six hours!) through valleys and mountain passes. Lunch was served as views swept past like a living postcard. Crossing the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, was a highlight before arriving in Zermatt, sheltered beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
Morning in Zermatt began with a delightful surprise: a parade of long-haired goats being herded through town. Zermatt, both a ski hub and a mountaineering mecca, sits in a pristine setting where cars are banned to protect air quality and views. To see the Alps at their most majestic, we rode the Gornergratbahn, one of Europe’s highest railways, to the Gornergrat ridge. At the summit, the panorama was breathtaking: 29 snow-clad peaks above 13,000 feet, dominated by the Matterhorn rising nearly 15,000 feet. We lingered on hiking paths, then descended to explore Zermatt’s welcoming streets.
From Zermatt, we traveled by shuttle train to Täsch, then by coach over the Simplon Pass, the historic route through which Napoleon once moved artillery for his empire. Before crossing into Italy, we stopped at the towering 30-foot stone eagle honoring Switzerland’s WWII Mountain Brigade. That afternoon we reached Stresa, Italy, a resort on Lake Maggiore where Mark and I had visited before, making the stop an extra pleasure. We later returned to Switzerland, settling into lakeside Lugano.
The following day we explored Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost canton. At Bellinzona, the Castel Grande offered a glimpse into medieval life, its ramparts and towers remarkably well preserved. In Ascona, on Lake Maggiore, we lunched outdoors at a rustic grotto restaurant, its cool stone caves once used to store meats and cheeses. Strolling the lakefront promenade, lined with pastel façades and boutique shops, we felt the Mediterranean influence that makes this town so distinctive. We also learned that Ascona is twinned with New Orleans, a tribute to their shared love of music.
Another highlight came with a private half-day cruise on Lake Lugano. Gliding past pastel villas tucked into steep slopes, we reached Morcote, a village of cobbled lanes, terraced gardens, and undeniable charm. In fact, Swiss citizens voted Morcote their most beautiful village in 2016. Back in Lugano, we rounded out our journey at Cassina d’Agno, a family-run winery where we sampled Swiss wines paired with local cheeses.
Our time in Switzerland ended as beautifully as it began—with lakes, mountains, and flavors that left us with lasting memories. From the soaring heights of the majestic Matterhorn to the serene shores of Lugano, this journey revealed the full spectrum of Switzerland’s beauty. For Mark and me, the trip was everything we had hoped for and more: a bucket-list dream fulfilled, and an adventure we will treasure forever.
