Switzerland wasn’t originally on our travel bucket list.
One day we saw a stunning TV screensaver of the breathtaking Stoos Ridge — a narrow ridge trail with incredible alpine views on both sides. It immediately caught our attention.
We looked it up, fell into a deep rabbit hole of research, and before we knew it… we were planning a trip to Switzerland.
That one beautiful image led us to one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited.
From charming mountain villages to world-class train rides and jaw-dropping alpine scenery, Switzerland truly feels like stepping into a postcard. But during our trip we also discovered a lot of small travel lessons that made a huge difference.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, here are the things we learned that can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
Consider the First Class Swiss Travel Pass
If your budget allows it, consider getting the first-class version of the Swiss Travel Pass.
It’s more expensive, but it gives you more space, quieter train cabins, and a more comfortable experience, especially on longer scenic train rides.
Since Switzerland’s trains are such a huge part of the experience, having extra comfort can make the trip even better.
You can get your pass here
Download the SBB App Before Your Trip
Public transportation in Switzerland is incredibly efficient, but the key to navigating it easily is the SBB Mobile app.
This app helps you:
- Check train schedules
- Find platforms
- Plan routes
- Buy tickets
We honestly wouldn’t have been able to get around as easily without it. You can also access it here.
Use an eSIM for Reliable Internet
Having mobile data while traveling in Switzerland is extremely helpful for navigation and transportation planning.
We used an eSIM and had zero issues throughout the trip. It was affordable and worked perfectly, especially when checking train schedules or buying gondola tickets on the go. We got it from here.
If Your Hotel Has a Restaurant, Try It
One thing that surprised us was how good hotel restaurants were in Switzerland.
In many mountain towns, hotel restaurants were actually better and sometimes cheaper than nearby restaurants. After a long day of hiking or exploring, it was also very convenient to just eat downstairs.
Of course, if there’s a specific restaurant you want to try, go for it—but don’t overlook your hotel’s restaurant.
Many Hotels Don’t Have Air Conditioning
In Switzerland, especially in alpine villages, air conditioning isn’t very common.
Some hotels also don’t have mini refrigerators in the room.
If you’re traveling during warmer months, bringing a small portable fan can make sleeping much more comfortable.
Stores Close Earlier Than Expected
Many shops and grocery stores in Switzerland close earlier than travelers might expect.
If you plan on buying snacks, drinks, or picking up dinner from a store, make sure to do it earlier in the evening.
In smaller towns, some places close as early as 6 or 7 PM.
Be Mindful When Waiting in Line
In busy tourist areas, lines sometimes work a little differently than expected.
You might notice people moving ahead quickly or stepping in front while waiting, especially at ticket counters or train platforms.
Just stay aware and step forward when it’s your turn.
For Popular Attractions, Go Early
If you’re visiting popular destinations like Jungfraujoch or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, it’s best to arrive early in the day.
These attractions get extremely busy, and waiting lines can become very long by late morning.
You Can Often Buy Gondola Tickets On the Spot
We chose not to buy gondola tickets in advance because we wanted to stay flexible with the weather.
Luckily, this worked perfectly for us.
Most of the time you can:
- Buy tickets at the station
- Purchase them from your phone
- Scan a QR code to buy instantly
We never experienced long lines doing this.
Always Check Mountain Webcams Before Hiking
One of the most helpful travel tips we discovered was checking live webcams before heading out. While were in Wengen, we used this site: WEBCAMS JUNGFRAU REGION
Weather in the mountains changes quickly, and sometimes viewpoints can be completely covered in clouds.
Checking webcams can help avoid wasted trips to foggy viewpoints.
Plan Extra Days for Bad Weather
If you’re visiting the Swiss Alps, build buffer days into your itinerary.
Mountain weather can change quickly, and sometimes clouds completely hide the views.
Having extra days gives you the flexibility to move activities around when the weather improves.
This is how we planned ours. You can access our FULL itinerary here.
Laundry Services Are Very Expensive
Laundry services at hotels in Switzerland can be surprisingly expensive.
If you’re traveling for a longer period, it helps to bring:
- Lightweight clothes
- Quick-dry fabrics
- Items that are easy to hand wash
Ask If Your Hotel Can Pick You Up
If you’re arriving by train and carrying luggage, ask if your hotel offers pickup from the station.
Some hotels in mountain towns offer this service, which can save you a long walk uphill with luggage.
Avoid Taking Taxis in Zermatt
We learned this the hard way.
The mountain town of Zermatt is car-free, so taxis are small electric vehicles—and they are extremely expensive.
We paid about $50 for a 3-minute ride from the station to our hotel.
If possible, plan to walk or ask your hotel about transportation.
Pools and Hot Tubs Are Not Very Hot
Many hotel pools and hot tubs in Switzerland are closer to room temperature compared to the very hot tubs you might expect elsewhere.
Still relaxing, just not extremely warm.
Glacier Paradise Has Year-Round Skiing
If skiing is on your list, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise offers year-round ski runs, and you can also rent equipment there.
Even outside winter, you can still experience snow activities. You can get more information here.
Buy More Swiss Chocolate Than You Think
Trust us on this one.
We bought about $60 worth of Swiss chocolate to bring home, and it was definitely not enough.
We regretted not buying more before leaving Switzerland.
We shared where we got our chocolates here.
Buy Souvenirs When You See Them
Many souvenirs in Switzerland are unique to specific locations.
For example, we wanted to buy a souvenir from the Stoos Funicular, but we didn’t get it at the time and later realized we couldn’t find it anywhere else.
If something feels meaningful, it’s usually best to grab it while you’re there.
We shared where we got our souvenirs here.
Packing List
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland—especially if you’ll be hiking in the Swiss Alps or visiting mountain towns like Zermatt or Interlaken—packing the right items can make a huge difference.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so here’s the packing list that worked well for our trip.
Want to shop everything we packed for this trip? We’ve linked it all here.
This post includes affiliate links. When you buy through them, it helps support The Luttie Board—at no extra cost to you.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries we’ve ever visited.
From scenic train rides and charming alpine towns to breathtaking hikes and mountain views, every day felt like something out of a postcard.
And to think—it all started with a random screensaver of Stoos Ridge.
Sometimes the best adventures begin when you least expect them.
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