Inside our itineraries: What makes Switzerland stand out with Kelsey 

There’s more to Switzerland than just the ski resorts and snow, and we’re talking to our Social Media Manager, Kelsey, about her personal highlights.  

Known for its magnificent mountain scenery, winter sports resorts, and exquisite lakeside towns, Switzerland is a destination which can feel familiar, even to those who haven’t visited often. Delve beneath the surface, though, and there’s plenty more to enjoy in this extraordinary country than just the ski slopes.  

We caught up with Kelsey, our Social Media Manager, who lived in Switzerland for two and a half years, and had recently returned from one of our escorted tours. Kelsey told us about her personal highlights, some lesser-known local facts, and what struck her about touring Switzerland as a returning traveller. Here’s what she had to say:   

What was the stand-out highlight of your trip?  

Without a doubt, it was Glacier 3000. We visited on a gloriously sunny summer day, and it meant we had incredibly clear views from the top of the mountain. It also meant that we were perfectly comfortable playing in the snow in shorts and t-shirts!   

I loved the alpine roller coaster too, since you control your own speed and are treated to some absolutely gorgeous views.   

Had you visited Switzerland before, and how did this trip change the way you see the destination?  

Coincidentally, I lived in Switzerland for about two and a half years. I did a fair bit of exploring while I was living there, but I was based in Geneva, so it was mostly French-speaking Switzerland and the border areas. I hadn’t seen a lot of German-speaking Switzerland, so on this trip I got to see a new side to a country I already knew I loved. Bern was new to me and certainly didn’t disappoint.   

I also really appreciated being based in the mountains for the whole trip. I’ve been on ski trips for a day or two at a time, but it’s a different pace of life and to be surrounded by that scenery every hour of the day is really special.  

Do you think visiting at this time of year made a difference to your experience?  

I think people typically think of Switzerland as a winter destination since it’s so heavily associated with skiing, snowboarding and Christmas markets. Despite this, the lakes are so big and clean that they’ve got their own beach culture. We went in June, and the clearer weather in the summer meant there were beautiful views all around, from the valleys and mountains. We also saw plenty of locals making the most of the lakes near each town.   

Was there an unexpected experience that turned out to be a highlight of the trip?  

I’d been to Gruyères before, but only in winter, and I only really experienced the typical festive highlights. This time I decided to visit the H. R. Giger Museum, dedicated to the artist behind the Alien films, which houses a lot of his work. Plenty of original sketches, models, and strikingly detailed movie props are on display, alongside his Oscar, and the museum itself is a castle that’s over 700 years old. The contrast is really memorable, and it’s not at all something you’d expect to find in a tiny medieval town.   

There’s also a bar Giger designed himself just opposite the museum, which would look right at home on a Ridley Scott set!  

Do you think being part of an escorted tour helped to showcase the country better?  

Our tour manager, Wendy, was incredible. She really went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group was getting everything they wanted out of their holiday. There’s always research you can do in advance, but it makes a big difference when someone can recommend the best hiking trails for your fitness levels or tell you about the dairy down the road that sells the best homemade ice cream. Rural Switzerland is one of the few places in Europe where it’s still normal for things to feel truly disconnected, and having someone with insider knowledge really makes a difference.  

Were there any unexpected encounters that added something special to your journey?  

Interlaken was a town I wasn’t familiar with at the start of the trip, but it turned out to be one of my favourite stops. We rode an antique funicular up Harder Kulm, part of the Bernese Alps, and our group was the only one at the top. You could see both lakes, the whole city, and the paragliders floating overhead.  

Did the GoldenPass Express live up to your expectations, and was there anything that you were particularly impressed by on board?   

I think most people know that Swiss trains offer some incredible views, but there’s a real difference between hearing about it and seeing them first-hand. The Swiss lakes are almost turquoise in the summer, and the tracks run alongside the water for many miles. Up in the mountains, you also see a sprawl of classic wooden chalet homes and wandering cows, with snow-capped peaks in the background.  

Are there any suitcase essentials you’d recommend packing for this tour?   

I think people aren’t aware that Switzerland has its own kind of plug fitting, so it’s important to come prepared with a suitable adaptor, not just the standard European Type C, E or F plugs. The typical fitting in Switzerland uses Type J adaptors, but bigger hotels in each city will often use their own specialised system so that regular European adaptors will work. If you’re visiting anywhere more rural, though, you’ll need a Swiss adaptor.  

It’s also important not to forget that even if it’s chilly, the UV will be high when you’re up in the mountains, especially when there’s snow. Sun cream is an essential at any time of year. If you want to take part in a glacier walk in the Alps, I'd recommend bringing waterproof footwear, or at least a change of shoes, as it can get quite wet.   

If you could sum up the feeling of this place in three words, what would they be?  

Inspiring, unspoilt, and grounded  

Would you go back, and if so, what would you do next time?  

I’d love to go back to Château-d’Oex, the Alpine village we were based in, during the hot air balloon festival. Switzerland, as a whole, is just such a beautiful place and it’s always somewhere I’ve felt comfortable and safe, so I’ll visit again whenever the opportunity arises! The only Swiss city I still need to tick off is Basel, so that is still on the wish-list, and I’m also yet to explore any of Italian-speaking Switzerland.  

Discover Switzerland’s lesser-known highlights with Newmarket Holidays  

Whether you’re keen to explore more of the Alps or discover the charming towns that lie off the beaten path, our featured itinerary, Swiss Alpine Glories & the Goldenpass Train, offers the ideal introduction to Switzerland. Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today for more information or to start planning your next escape. If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have more than 100 escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse our entire collection on our dedicated destinations page.