Everywhere you turn in Switzerland, the scenery is jaw-dropping. Throughout our trip, we couldn’t help but remark to one another, “this doesn’t even look real.” There is something for everyone here: you may spend your days doing activities, workshops, day trips, or simply strolling the streets and enjoying some of our favorite spa hotels. 

One thing that surprised me the most about traveling around Switzerland was how cosmopolitan the country felt. The announcements on the train from Lausanne to Bern started out in French but changed to German when we arrived. Not just in the ambiance but also in the cuisine, you could taste the distinct cultural differences from each area.  The best bread is a topic of much debate. You encounter so much in such a tiny country because of its multi-cultural influences from France, Germany, and Italy. 

As a neutral state, Switzerland hasn’t been to war since 1505 and so nothing was destroyed. The Swiss are known for their excellent standard of living and pride in their city’s upkeep. By far the most punctual trains in Europe, they run on Swiss time, so if you’re not early, you’re late. 

When to Visit

Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there are plenty of outdoor activities available. The best part is that you’ll see snow-covered Alps regardless of the season. Personally, I enjoy shoulder season, which runs from April to June or September through October. Summer is peak season, when most tourists arrive to enjoy the sunshine, crystal clear lakes, and wildflowers in the countryside. If you’re looking for a hiking trip, there are many more trails available in the summer after the snow melts. Winter is classified as both low and high season depending on where you go, but the winter sports, quaint villages, and slopes of St. Moritz are popular this time of year.

Getting Around  

Switzerland represents nature at its most dramatic. When you set up a call with us to design your trip, we will listen to what’s important to you and design an itinerary around your ideal Swiss vacation. You could spend months exploring but working with a travel advisor will allow us to get to know you and understand all you hope to incorporate in your ideal Swiss vacation. We can plan a variety of trips based on your preferences, such as mountaineering in Zermatt, paragliding in Grindelwald, museums in Basel, or a panoramic train journey. Reach out when you’re ready to plan your trip!

Even though Switzerland is small, traveling across the alpine passes is not always as simple as it seems. The country is roughly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. In order to ensure that the finest route and transportation—by vehicle, boat, ferry, funicular, or train—are set up, we enjoy collaborating with local destination partners when creating travel itineraries. 

Tip: Pack light; you should be able to lift your bag with ease on all modes of transportation. 

Good to Know

Language: There are 4 national languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Multilingualism is an essential part of Switzerland’s identity. Swiss German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland.

Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF) but many places will also accept euros.

Plugs: Get a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and use a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.

Lausanne

Lausanne is in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. In fact, you can see France directly over the lake, and many people travel daily to work in Switzerland before returning to France at night. A picturesque city built on hills, surrounded by vineyards, with a medieval city center. The old town is mostly car-free, which adds to its charm.

Where to Stay

Royal Savoy Lausanne

Why We Like It 

• Located in the heart of the city, between the train station, the lake, and the mountains
• Only rooftop terrace in Lausanne, incredible views 
• Fairytale facade & history (opened in 1909) 
• Walking distance to the lake (5-minute stroll) 
• At check-in you’re given a metro-card since a lot of the city is on a hill, it’s a convenient way to get around
• Spa facilities (very nice steam, sauna room, and indoor/outdoor connected pool with spa jets)

Book with Melted&Moved for a VIP welcome and discuss whether you prefer a historic or modern aesthetic for your stay.

To Do

• Visit the Olympic Museum 
  •  Headquartered in Switzerland since it’s a neutral country and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) is here.
• Stroll Port d’Ouchy 
  • The lakefront is beautiful with a marina, playground, carousel, ice cream right on the boardwalk. 
  • Lake Geneva is the largest Freshwater lake in Western Europe and you can go swimming in the summer, paddle boat, or cruise the lake.  
• Day Trip to Lavaux Vineyards
  • Chasselas is the most widely planted grape variety in this region, producing white wine. It’s a bit bubbly and reminiscent of champagne.
    • Did you know that only 1% of Switzerland’s wine is exported? So I guess you have to go to try it.

Bern

Switzerland’s fifth-largest city and capital is Bern. Due to its public accessibility and weekly markets out front, the Parliament Building is well-liked. The old town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. The River Aare flows through the city center, and the turquoise waters provide more than just a stunning backdrop in the summer. Very good, experienced swimmers float along the pristine Aare. I was told that some people will pack a dry bag and commute to work by floating down the river, giving new meaning to the phrase “go with the flow”.

Bern is very infatuated with their bears! The French introduced bears in the 1500s, and they are still there today as a proud symbol of the city. Today, just across the river, you can visit the bears at the zoo, but the bears are all over the city (on the clock tower, chocolate, and of course stuffed bears as a memento).

Where to Stay

Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Ease of access to shopping, dining, and close to the train station
• The Sky Terrace has clear views of the Alps, and an excellent Spritz to match
• Visit Jack’s Brasserie for their schnitzel and then head over to the bar for some entertaining signature cocktails.    
• Balance of tradition and sense of place with modern luxurious touches
• Only 5-star hotel in the city with a spa
• Fun Fact: James Bond Magic Service was filmed here

Melted&Moved Perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Schweizerhof Breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

To Do

• Walking Tour of Old Town.
• Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) is a close by daytrip. 
• Zytglogge clock tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Bern. I highly recommend the clock tower tour where they take you inside to see the interworking’s (still wound by hand).
• Visit Bern Bear Park.
• Stroll Rose Garden Park.

Lucerne

We traveled to Lucerne by rail from Bern (9:33 to 10:55), and I was once again impressed by how easy traveling through Switzerland is. This city struck me as the most romantic—imagine cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and charming architecture. It should be mentioned that this is a sleepy city, perfect for wandering and enjoying a lunch by the lake or a chocolate tasting.

Lucerne is well-known for its Chapel Bridge, which links the old town to the River Reuss’s right bank. The town’s history is depicted in paintings above this covered wooden bridge. The bridge was rebuilt around thirty years ago as a result of a fire, and you can tell where it began because some of the paintings are black and not so visible but are still there as a testament to the past.

To do

• Towers surround the city: The Musegg Wall and the nine Musegg Towers formed part of the town’s fortifications and today you can walk along many sections of the ramparts.
• Lake Lucerne is one of the city’s main attractions and is incredibly popular during the summer. Take a dip in the lake or sunbathe on the shores.
• Carnival is a large event in February for 1 week and the Christmas markets are very popular here as well.
• Chocolate Tasting

Burgenstock

A mountain around 45 minutes from Lake Lucerne with an impressive view and home to the world famous Burgenstock Resort. The area has been popular since the hotel was first built in 1873, so much so that Audrey Hepburn was married here and it’s maintained its reputation of alpine glamour ever since.

Getting There

• The Burgenstock Catamaran runs every hour and is included with your hotel stay. 
• The Funicular then takes you to the top of the mountain to arrive at the resort
• Alternatively, you may arrive by car from Zurich or private plane

Burgenstock Resort is a true hideaway with great hiking, views from every point, and top of the line spa that makes it a destination in itself. I think an arrival experience like this makes the stay even more special, what do you think? Click HERE to see my arrival experience to this hideaway resort.

Where to Stay

Burgenstock Resort

WHY WE LIKE IT

• Location and crisp mountain air
• Full-service Alpine Spa experience with views from the outdoor pool overlooking the lake
• 9 dining options (French cuisine to Asian delights)
• Architecture, combination of modern and historical with a long history
• An experience just to arrive via boat & funicular

The Burgenstock Resort is divided into two main buildings, the Heritage and Contemporary. I had the privilege in staying in both buildings to gain insight into what our clients would find appealing. If interested in booking this resort, please reach out so we may discuss the best fit for you! This building is much closer if your visit is centered around the spa (you won’t have to go through the hotel lobby in your robe).

Melted&Moved Perks (Contemporary Building):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Alpine Spa

A moment of pure bliss floating above Lake Lucerne. The Alpine Spa, one of the most luxurious in Europe solidified my love affair with Burgenstock Resort. It’s 10,000 sqm with 5 pools, saunas, relax area rooms, cold plunge, and exceptional treatments. In terms of luxury and location, I’d challenge you to find a better wellness resort.

For those intimidated by the multi-level spa, the reception will provide optional spa journeys as a way to help you move through hydrothermal experience options. I particularly enjoyed the salt bath: a dark room with salted saline water where your body floats. Access to the spa is included in all Contemporary building room rates; a daily highlight of my visit. There are almond and tea stations all over the spa to remind you to stay hydrated in between sessions. The views from each experience were awe-inspiring.

To do

If you’re looking to be active, the resort offers plenty of options: mountain biking, golf, tennis and ice rink in the incredible Diamond Domes, a full service gym, and an one site cinema. The history of this resort alone, is completely engaging with a museum in the Heritage building dedicated to it.

• The Hammetschwand Lift is the highest outdoor lift in Europe.
• Cliff Walk: Famous in its own right and even if you don’t talk the life, the views along this walk are incredible.
• Indoor/outdoor Tennis Courts
• Nine-hole Golf course and driving range
• Infinity pool, Hollywood pool, indoor pool. 
• Kids Club is available & babysitting services

Zurich

Onto the next, we took the train from Lucerne to Zurich (about 1 hour). The largest city in Switzerland, with a great combination of urban living and nature. A gourmet city with vibrant nightlife and one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, Bahnhofstrasse. Explore the Old Town and stroll along the Limmat River. In the summer, they’re around 40 “Badis” – swimming pools by the water.

Where to stay

The Dolder Grand

The Dolder Grand is on the top of the hill overlooking the golf course greenery and city below. With its red carpet entry and the owner’s personal collection on display throughout the resort, it has the ambiance of a museum. You can request an art tour or scan the QR code next to each piece to take yourself on an art excursion through the hotel. 

WHY WE LIKE IT

• The atmosphere of an art gallery.
• The Restaurant is a 2 Michelin star experience, and one I will not soon forget. Phenomenal!!
• Resort style stay but within easy and accessible distance of Zurich (10 minutes)
• Spa with a snow paradise, sauna, steam bath, hot stone beds, and more.
• Outdoor cold plunge, warm, and jacuzzi options & indoor pool

Melted&Moved Perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (for Superior, Deluxe, Jr. Suite categories booked)
• Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
• $100 USD equivalent in local currency Resort or Hotel credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Spa

I arrived at the 4,000-square-meter spa early to explore the pools before my massage. My therapist inquired about where we were aiming the treatment, and after speaking with some fellow travelers, I enjoyed hearing how each of us had a unique experience based on where our stress worries were; others had hot stones or a heated blanket, and you could see they were extremely tailored to our requirements. Also, having a small fireplace in the corner of your treatment room just added to the relaxing experience.

The Restaurant

The last, and dare of say, best meal of the trip was at The Restaurant, a two Michelin-star dining choice on property. A fantastic coursed menu with little tasters to start in bite-sized portions, each an explosion of flavor. Each course was local, unique, and well worth it – one of those places that made me love fine-dining in the first place. Before leaving, a tray of truffle options was presented and the popping candy was a hit with our group – something so nostalgic.