Leafing through the brochures on where to take your spouse or partner and kids for a holiday, and you’re trying to decide if Swizterland is really worth it. Really, with France, Italy, Germany, and Austria as neighboring options, why should you visit Swizterland instead of these other European countries?
What makes Switzerland so special? What are the things we love about Switzerland? Read on to find out some of the top reasons to visit Switzerland!
1. Swiss Chocolates are the best in the World
Now if any list of reasons to visit Switzerland starts without Swiss chocolates, that list should be thrown right down the drain. Why? Because Swiss chocolate is the best in the world.
Say the words Nestle, Aeschbach, Cailler, Tobler, or Lindt and let them roll off your tongue while you delve into the sensuous flavors and smooth richness of Swiss chocolate.
Miss the FrischSchoggi and truffles of Laderach and you might as well be in chocolate hell! And as chocolatier Bachmann says, “Compromises are for relationships, not for chocolates”. Think Du Rhone, Favarger, Kurmann, Goldkenn; there’s so much more chocolate treasure in Switzerland. If you visit Switzerland only for a taste of the chocolates, you’ll leave well-satisfied.
2. It’s not just France that makes the best cheese
Cheese, the dish that belongs only to France but really doesn’t. French cheese is sought after all over the world. But France is not the only country that produces cheese.
With a cheesy grin you say yes, you know this. You’ve tasted Emmental before, and you’ve also gone far enough to count the number of holes in your slice of Swiss cheese. But did you know that while France has over 1600 varieties of cheese, Switzerland has over 450 varieties? Aren’t they being good neighbors?
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If you’re heading over to Switzerland, make sure you visit the Emmental cheese dairy and La Maison de Gruyerefor a taste of cheesy Swiss history, or should I say world-famous Swiss cheese?
Just remember that while you’re in Switzerland, you need to get your hands on some Appenzeller, Emmental, Gruyere, and Mont D’Or and other cheeses and stuff them into your suitcase to take home.
And don’t forget to gorge on some mouth-watering Swiss fondue and creamy raclette, that’s as good as what you’ll find in Savoie on the French side of the border.
3. There’s more to Le Suisse than chocolate and cheese… Wine!
Most people don’t even know that Switzerland produces wine. But if you ask the right people, you’ll find out that Swiss wine has been sold in the US, Germany, Australia, and other countries for a few decades now. Some even say they prefer drinking Swiss wine to French wine!
Visit the Valais region in the Alps, or the Ticino region near the Italian border, or the Lavaux region near Montreaux and Vaud near Geneva; and you’ll be exposed to some lovely light dry wines and even some blushing reds. Join a day trip to a winery, and you’ll find it’s the perfect way to enjoy a taste of Switzerland’s heady elixir.
4. Switzerland is the top of the tops!
Switzerland is environmentally friendly and has some of the highest metrics for education and public health. They have a higher per capita income than most other countries, its one of the safest countries in the world, and crime rates are super low. Switzerland hasn’t even taken part in a war since its neutrality was established in 1815.
And with important neighbors such as France, Italy, Germany, and Austria; Switzerland is truly multi-cultural. What other reasons would you need to visit the Vaterland?
Ah yes! Swiss watches are the best in the world. Who doesn’t want to wear a Paiget, Rolex, Van Cleef, Tag Heuer, IWC, or Victorinox? And talk about Swiss army knives? No one leaves Switzerland without a Victorinox in their pocket, do they?
5. Nature and more beautiful nature
Switzerland is home to the amazing Alps that cover over 60% of the country. Look up into the mountains and you almost find the reason you’re on this planet.
Beautiful meadows and landscapes in summer turn into snow-covered peaks in winter. Snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and alpinism are just some of the reasons to visit Jungfrau, Matterhorn, and other Swiss mountains.
The towns surrounding them are beautiful too. Zermatt, Davos, Interlaken, Andermatt, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Lucern beckon you. Secret chalets, towns dwarfed by mountains, large crystal clear lakes invite you in; and you might never want to leave once you reach this truly Alpine destination.
Other Posts about travel in Europe to read
- What to Eat in Switzerland
- African Street Food
- What to eat in Lincoln
- San Francisco must-sees
- What to eat in Chania
I’m an East Indian foodie and travel blogger from Bombay, India. I’ve travelled across parts of Europe and Asia, and love writing about my experiences with people and cultures. And naturally, I love food, wine, and travel, and have an endless bucket list of places to go to, and experiences I must blog about.
I also love baking and experimenting with food, with a little help from my family. If you must know, my favorite things are nice rainy days, the smell of cakes in the oven, playing in the snow, glasses of wine, and dark chocolate.
More info about me here!
Think we need to plan a trip soon.