Hello, fellow adventurers and cherished readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share a vibrant blend of personal updates and an immersive recap of my recent, long-awaited journey to the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. While I may not be a seasoned travel guru, the sheer volume of questions I’ve received about our itinerary—what we explored, what we savored, and the invaluable lessons we learned—has inspired me to spill every detail below. Get ready for a captivating dive into both the familiar rhythms of home and the unforgettable wonders of the Swiss Alps!
A Glimpse Into Life: Recent Happenings and Reflections
- Our third son, Cade, embarked on an incredible journey in mid-August, heading to New Zealand for a missionary training center. Just yesterday, he left for his official mission assignment in Wellington, with his first area being Christchurch. It’s an immense distance, but we send him all our love and pride as he does his best to speak Tongan. If by chance you know anyone in that area, please encourage them to look out for a tall, skinny, blonde kid making a difference! We miss him dearly, but his adventurous spirit fills us with joy. 💙
- School has resumed for my two youngest, bringing with it an unexpected twist this year. My 16-year-old fractured his scaphoid bone during the very first week, necessitating surgery. He’s now navigating life with a cast, which means no writing! Thankfully, his valiant cousin has stepped in as his scribe for pre-calculus – a task I am profoundly grateful not to have been called upon for. He’s soldiering through, but sadly, he had to miss football season. We are fervently praying for a complete and swift wrist recovery so he can fully immerse himself back into the life a 16-year-old yearns for, free from current restrictions.
- On a more personal note, I recently had two skin cancer spots burned off my face – one on my nose, eerily close to the area where I underwent MOHS surgery previously, and another on my ear. I’m holding out hope that these spots heal without recurrence, as the alternative would involve biopsies and potential further surgery. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant with sun protection! 👎🏼
- Fall, my absolute favorite season, has gracefully arrived! I’m relishing the cooler nights, even as my garden signals the end of its abundant season. My kitchen has been a whirlwind of activity, with me elbow-deep in making batches of the best homemade salsa, and a continuous, albeit somewhat futile, effort to utilize the last of the wildly proliferating zucchini. The struggle is real, but delicious!
- In my last Friday Thoughts post, I mentioned my new BedJet experiment. Many of you eagerly requested an update on its sleep-improving prowess. Here’s the honest report: I returned it. 😬 While I genuinely believe it significantly improved my sleep quality, its air-flow mechanism had an unexpected side effect – it severely dried out my skin and left my voice perpetually hoarse. I tested this twice to be sure, and both times, these annoying symptoms vanished the moment I stopped using it. So, alas, no more BedJet for me.
- Finally, for a candid peek into my daily life, if you were to visit my home at any given moment, there’s a 99.9% chance you’d find me sporting “The Purp.” This is the affectionate nickname my 16-year-old has bestowed upon my beloved matching sweatsuit set 🤣. Complementing this ultimate comfort attire are my Archie slides, which have become a non-negotiable part of my everyday life. Seriously, I wear them all day, every day; they’ve been a lifesaver for my aging feet. The incredibly comfy cropped sweatsuit set is from Piper and Scoot, but to my dismay, it appears to be sold out now. I literally wear it multiple times a week – a true testament to its comfort!
Switzerland Unveiled: A Dream Trip Years in the Making
This incredible journey to Switzerland has truly been years in the making! The roots of this adventure run deep, tracing back to my heritage. My cherished grandmother was born and raised in the picturesque Fullinsdorf area of Switzerland, and my grandfather’s family originated from the charming Sumiswald region. My sweet and spirited Swiss grandma, with her beautiful accent, filled our childhoods with countless captivating stories about her life there. Beyond her storytelling, she was also an exceptional cook, whose bircher muesli, among many other delectable dishes, was simply out of this world.
This heartwarming picture, captured in 2012, was taken just a short time before my grandma’s passing from a heart attack. {It features my beloved grandma, my mom, me, and my daughter. 💗} It serves as a beautiful reminder of the generational connections that drew us to this special land.
Embarking on this trip to Switzerland alongside my mom, sister, and cousin was an utterly amazing experience. It was a journey interwoven with rich family history and an abundance of truly gorgeous scenery! For those of you on Instagram, I’ve compiled a short reel highlight of the trip here, offering a visual taste of the magic. After witnessing its splendor firsthand, I am genuinely convinced that Switzerland might just be the most beautiful place on Earth.
Our Alpine Sanctuary: Where We Stayed in Switzerland
Knowing that the heart of our Swiss adventure would unfold within the breathtaking alpine region, we strategically planned our accommodations. Our first night saw us settling into the historic city of Bern, and our final night was spent in Zurich, conveniently close to the airport. For the majority of our unforgettable stay, however, we established a fantastic home base by renting a charming Airbnb in Grindelwald. This decision proved to be absolutely brilliant.
It was, without a doubt, the perfect location. Nestled conveniently, we had a train station right below us, offering effortless access to surrounding areas. For those times we craved a more invigorating start, another station was located above, presenting a heart-pounding climb to the bustling main street. The Airbnb itself was perfectly sized, comfortably accommodating four people, and maintained with exceptional cleanliness. But perhaps its most remarkable feature was the unparalleled views from the back patio and deck, which offered a mesmerizing panorama of the majestic Eiger and surrounding peaks that simply couldn’t be beaten. Each morning, we would wake up to these incredible vistas, often enjoying our breakfast outdoors, a truly magical start to our days.
Embracing a more local experience, we purchased fresh food from nearby grocery stores like Coop. This allowed us to enjoy leisurely breakfasts and most of our dinners right at our Airbnb, making for cozy and economical evenings. (A quick, but essential, sidenote: the pistachio croissants we discovered at the Coop stores were beyond incredible; I genuinely lament that I’ll likely never find their equivalent back home. They were a daily indulgence we eagerly looked forward to!)
Exploring Switzerland: Our Adventures and Discoveries
A quick note on navigating Switzerland: The country is renowned globally for its incredibly robust and efficient public transportation system. Most locals and experienced travelers will tell you that renting a car is often unnecessary, as the extensive network of trains and buses can seamlessly transport you to virtually any destination. This system is truly a marvel, operating with precision and offering stunning scenic routes.
However, after much deliberation, we ultimately chose to rent a car for our trip. Our primary motivation was the desire to venture beyond the typical tourist trails, allowing us to delve into some deep-seated family history, visit ancestral sights, and enjoy a personal visit with my mom’s cousin who resides there. Driving in Switzerland proved to be quite an experience! I found myself impressed by my own navigation skills, yet simultaneously terrified by the winding mountain roads and narrow passages (and perhaps inadvertently frightening a few other drivers along the way!). 😆
Ultimately, we opted for a highly effective **hybrid traveling system of driving and utilizing trains**. This approach worked exceptionally well, granting us the flexibility to explore smaller, more secluded towns tied to our family lineage, while still leveraging the unparalleled convenience of the Swiss train network for major tourist hubs. For those focusing solely on popular attractions, a car is indeed superfluous. The Swiss train system is a truly incredible feat of engineering and logistics, unlike anything I’ve ever encountered.
Here’s a detailed recap of the magnificent places we visited and the activities we enjoyed:
- Rhine Falls: Our journey began with a beautiful stop at the majestic Rhine Falls, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sheer volume of water cascading over the rocks was an awe-inspiring spectacle. We embraced the opportunity to walk the scenic, longer route around the falls, allowing us to truly soak in the natural beauty and get some much-needed exercise after our long international flight. The invigorating walk was a perfect antidote to jet lag, and the thundering roar of the falls was a powerful welcome to Switzerland.
- Chocolarium in Flawil: A deeply nostalgic visit for us was the Chocolarium in Flawil. This factory produces the beloved Minor and Munz chocolates, which held a special place in my grandma’s heart. We all absolutely adored the interactive and informative tour, which provided fascinating insights into the art of Swiss chocolate making. My key recommendation for future visitors would be to arrive earlier in the day; we reached around 4 PM, and while the self-guided tour was still accessible, most of the mesmerizing chocolate-making machinery was already winding down for the day. Nevertheless, the aroma and the history made it a truly sweet experience.
- Bern Old Town: Our exploration of Bern’s magnificent Old City began with a convenient train ride from our hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is truly incredible! We embarked on a pleasant walk up the hill to the Rosengarten, where we were rewarded with absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Aare River, and the surrounding mountains – a photographer’s dream. We then visited the Bear Park, which, to be candid, was a little underwhelming compared to other attractions. A definite highlight was locating the iconic Clock Tower, the Zytglogge, and patiently waiting for its intricate figures to chime and perform – a truly charming historical spectacle. We dedicated several delightful hours to strolling and window shopping along the beautifully preserved cobbled streets, soaking in the medieval atmosphere. I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience again.
- Gruyere: Although a slight detour from our direct route to the Airbnb, Gruyere was conveniently located en route to visit my mom’s cousin. Our stop at the Gruyere cheese factory offered a self-guided tour, which, regrettably, we experienced after the main cheese-making demonstrations had concluded, making it a bit anticlimactic. However, the visit was unequivocally salvaged by a phenomenal lunch at the factory’s cafe, where I indulged in what I can confidently say was the best fondue of my entire life. That alone made the stop immensely worthwhile. Following our cheesy indulgence, we ascended the hill to explore the charming, quaint town of Gruyere, with its medieval castle and picturesque streets.
- Visiting Cousins in Oey: One of the most heartwarming moments of our trip was stopping to visit my mom’s cousin, Sylvia, and her husband, Hans, who reside in the lovely Oey area. I had met them years ago when they traveled to Idaho, but this visit to their home felt so much more intimate and special. We spent hours chatting, sharing stories, and laughing. Sylvia treated us to the most delicious homemade tart dessert, a true taste of Swiss hospitality. After a fair bit of gentle persuasion, Hans graciously brought out his magnificent alpine horn and played several traditional Swiss melodies for us. The sound resonated through the valley, creating an unforgettable moment that, for me, was worth the entire trip. This personal connection truly made our journey unique.
- Grindelwald: Upon checking into our Airbnb, we fell absolutely in love with Grindelwald, this glorious alpine town, immediately. Known as the ‘Glacier Village’ and a gateway to the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, its stunning beauty is truly captivating. We spent a considerable amount of time walking – often up the rather steep main hill, which served as an excellent energetic walk! – and meandering through the town’s charming streets. Our days were filled with leisurely window shopping, hunting for unique souvenirs, indulging in the most AMAZING gelato at Karte Lust, and restocking our pantry at the local Coop. Grindelwald’s vibrant yet serene atmosphere, coupled with its dramatic mountain backdrop, made it an ideal base for exploring the Jungfrau region.
- Lauterbrunnen: We stopped through the iconic Lauterbrunnen Valley to capture breathtaking pictures of its famous Staubbach Falls, one of the 72 waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces, and to stroll through the quaint town. While the valley’s beauty is undeniable and deeply impressive, a consensus emerged among us: between Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, we all distinctly preferred the vibrant charm and diverse offerings of Grindelwald as our daily hub. However, Lauterbrunnen is undoubtedly a must-see for its dramatic landscapes.
- Schilthorn: Our adventure continued as we ventured past Lauterbrunnen to the Schilthorn gondola, an experience we all agreed was absolutely worth every penny. The panoramic views during the gondola ride itself were breathtaking, but the vistas from the summit of Schilthorn – known as Piz Gloria – were simply unparalleled. This iconic peak is also famously featured in an older James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” and there’s a dedicated museum at the top commemorating this cinematic connection, alongside a well-stocked gift shop.
Here’s a hilarious anecdote from our Schilthorn ascent: We found ourselves sharing a gondola with a group of middle-school-aged kids on a school trip. Standing behind about four boys who were excitedly chattering and goofing around in Swiss-German, I playfully turned to my sister and whispered, “I wonder if they know what ‘Skibidi Toilet’ is.” To our utter astonishment, they overheard me and absolutely erupted! They began gleefully shouting “Skibidi Toilet! Skibidi Toilet!” in unison, with one of them exclaiming, “That lady knows what Skibidi Toilet is!” We were absolutely in stitches. It was a clear and comical realization that “brain rot” and popular, quirky middle school phrases truly transcend culture and language barriers, bringing unexpected moments of universal laughter.
- Wengen: From Lauterbrunnen, we hopped on a charming train ride to Wengen, a tranquil, car-free village nestled on a sunny shelf above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The short train journey itself was amazingly scenic, offering incredible views of the dramatic alpine landscape. Once in Wengen, we savored the peaceful atmosphere, strolling through its pristine streets and enjoying a relaxing break in the shade, soaking in the serenity.
- Lucerne: A scenic 2-hour panoramic train ride brought us to the enchanting city of Lucerne. We spent a significant part of our day exploring its rich history and beautiful landmarks, including the iconic Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) with its distinctive water tower, the poignant Lion Monument, and the charming Old City. We leisurely walked and window shopped through many of the historic cobbled streets, admiring the medieval architecture and vibrant murals. It was in Lucerne that I discovered the best sandwich of my life: the chicken schnitzel sandwich from Twiny Station. Seriously, if you ever find yourself there, please promise me you’ll go and try it – it’s an absolute culinary revelation!
- Cow Descent Parade (Alpabzug): We stumbled upon a truly extraordinary stroke of luck: we happened to be in the alpine region precisely during the timing of the annual Cow Descent Parade, or Alpabzug! This traditional event unfolds over several weeks in various regions, but by sheer serendipity, a vibrant parade took place right in Grindelwald, where we were staying! This was an absolute dream come true!! My sister and I had desperately hoped to witness this unique cultural spectacle, and we felt incredibly fortunate that it worked out so perfectly. In many parts of Switzerland, farmers lead their cows up to lush mountain pastures in early summer. Then, in the fall, before the first snows arrive, they bring them back down to the valley. During this celebratory descent, many farmers adorn their cows with magnificent flower crowns, intricate ribbons, and hang huge (and I mean, HUGE) bells around their necks. You can hear the melodic ringing of these bells from an astonishing distance as the cows begin their journey down the mountain. It was a colorful, noisy, and profoundly moving display of Swiss tradition, easily one of the biggest highlights of our entire trip.
- Brienz: We drove to the enchanting village of Brienz, choosing the car so we could make an important detour to Isetwald to glimpse the pier from the beloved K-drama, “Crash Landing on You.” In Brienz itself, we enjoyed a delightful afternoon walking along the serene Lake Brienz, exploring the fascinating wood carving museum (a testament to local craftsmanship), and savoring a delicious lunch at a lakeside cafe. This town, with its vibrant turquoise lake and traditional wooden chalets, is absolutely beautiful! If I am ever fortunate enough to return to Switzerland, I would love to spend a night or two here to fully immerse myself in its charm and explore more of the lakeside trails.
- Isetwald/Crash Landing Pier: As a HUGE fan of “Crash Landing on You,” this stop was a must-do, albeit somewhat underwhelming in reality. The pier has become incredibly touristy, resulting in excessively long lines just to step onto it (and it now costs 5 francs per person!). To add to the challenge, we arrived to find two young women ahead of us engaged in a lengthy photoshoot, complete with multiple outfit changes, effectively monopolizing the pier. Faced with what would have been hours of waiting, we decided not to join the queue and instead snapped a quick picture from the side. While the setting is undeniably beautiful, the commercialization and crowds definitely detracted from the romantic K-drama magic.
- Family History Stops: Beyond the joyous visit with my mom’s cousin, a significant part of our journey involved tracing our family roots. We drove through various charming towns, seeking out my great uncle’s home, which my mom had visited as a child when she lived in Germany. We also successfully located the very home where my grandma grew up, exploring the area and feeling a profound connection to our ancestral past. These personal discoveries were incredibly special and added a deep layer of meaning to our trip.
As our incredible journey drew to a close, we had the meaningful experience of attending church in Bern and capturing some beautiful photos at the neighboring LDS Bern temple, adding a reflective and spiritual dimension to our trip.
Naturally, with a country as diverse and expansive as Switzerland, there was so much we didn’t get to experience – countless areas we left unexplored. While I would have absolutely loved to venture south to Zermatt to marvel at the iconic Matterhorn and dedicate more time to extensive hiking in the glorious Alps, those adventures will simply have to wait for another trip (or perhaps another lifetime, haha!). Every visit merely scratches the surface of what this magnificent country has to offer.
Essential Tips: My Top Recommendations for Your Swiss Adventure
Planning a trip to Switzerland can feel daunting, but with the right tools and preparations, it becomes an absolute breeze. Based on my recent experiences, here are a few invaluable recommendations to help make your Swiss journey as smooth and enjoyable as ours:
- Master Swiss Public Transport with the SBB Mobile App: This application is an absolute game-changer for navigating Switzerland’s world-class public transportation. We relied heavily on the SBB mobile app for planning all our train routes, and it was unbelievably helpful. It meticulously provided exact directions, specified the correct platform to wait on, and even offered real-time updates. It takes all the guesswork out of traveling by train, making complex connections feel effortless.
- Invest in the Swiss Half Fare Card: To maximize your savings on Switzerland’s famously efficient, yet sometimes costly, public transport, purchasing the Swiss Half Fare Card is a no-brainer. This card proved incredibly valuable, granting us 50% off not only all our train rides but also the Schilthorn gondola and many other mountain excursions and public transport services. It quickly paid for itself, significantly reducing our overall travel expenses.
- Combat Jet Lag with the Timeshifter App: Long-haul flights can wreak havoc with jet lag, but I found an ingenious solution. I downloaded and utilized the one free trip option available in the Timeshifter app. By meticulously following its personalized instructions – which included strategic light exposure, meal timings, and even sleeping (or at least pretending to sleep) for 9 of the 11 hours on the flight there – I genuinely experienced zero jet lag effects for my entire duration in Switzerland! It’s truly a marvel.
- Elevate In-Flight Comfort with a Specialized Eye Mask/Head Rest: For optimizing plane sleep, I purchased this unique eye mask/head rest combination. While my cousin, mom, and sister found endless amusement in mocking my choice, it performed brilliantly on my flight! My head remained perfectly stable, avoiding any uncomfortable bobbing, and I achieved the best plane sleep of my life. Comfort during travel is paramount, and this gadget delivered.
- Travel Light with Carry-Ons and Compression Packing Cubes: To streamline our travel and avoid the hassle of waiting for luggage, we exclusively packed in carry-ons for the initial journey. The only exception was on our return trip, where we checked luggage primarily to transport our treasured Swiss chocolates! I highly recommend this specific carry-on suitcase, which I found to be surprisingly roomier than others I’ve used. Additionally, I swear by these compression packing cubes; they work wonders for maximizing space, especially when you load them fully before compressing. As my personal item, I brought this versatile travel backpack, which fit perfectly under the plane seat, making it ideal for essentials.
- Embrace Comfort and Style with the Athleta Endless Travel Pant: A wonderful recommendation from one of you dear readers led me to the Athleta endless travel pant. I rushed to my local Athleta store a few days before departure, and trying them on was a revelation – they were absolutely dreamy! I bought the navy pair and ended up wearing them for three of my days in Switzerland. While they are a bit pricey, their comfort, wrinkle-resistant fabric, and versatility make them an excellent investment for any traveler, especially for long days of exploring.
- Choose Comfortable and Supportive Footwear: Given the extensive walking and varied terrain in Switzerland, proper footwear is non-negotiable. I brought two reliable pairs of shoes: these Allbird tennis shoes, which I’ve owned for a year and genuinely consider the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn. They also wash up like a dream and still look brand new! My second pair was these Born sandals, which offered fantastic comfort and support for long distances, providing a great alternative for warmer days or dressier occasions.
Despite being a confessed homebody at heart, this trip to Switzerland truly felt like a dream come true, exceeding every expectation. It honestly could not have unfolded any better. We were incredibly fortunate with the glorious weather, seamless travel experiences, our unwavering health, and truly, every single aspect of the journey. I am overflowing with gratitude for such an extraordinary and memorable adventure.
I would absolutely love to hear about your own recommendations for Switzerland, or even just general travel wisdom! Please feel free to share your insights and tips in the comments below! ⬇️
I’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of messages from so many of you who have followed my journey for a long time, knowing just how desperately I yearned to visit Switzerland. Your genuine excitement and enthusiasm on my behalf has been, quite literally, the sweetest thing ever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here, for your unwavering support, and for sharing in my adventures. I appreciate you all so very much. 💗