I visited Switzerland in 1995 and loved its railroad system, hospitality, and cleanliness. I also boarded an international train from Geneva...
... to Rome, Italy.
Each was a wondrous experience. However, I learned a lot more from Franco. Let me share the knowledge with you.
*To see the trip that Lewis and I took to Italy (where we marveled at its trains and rail network), please click this link:
Having perfectly maintained bike trails, the Swiss love getting themselves (and visitors) around to see their whole nation. It's gorgeous.
If you don't own a bike, there are two alternatives. The first is a "public bicycle" program, with tap-pay technology.
The second is to rent bikes. You can rent in one town, travel for miles, and pause/return it in another town.
If you prefer, you can bring your bike on the public train system!
Some riders take their bikes on the train, to higher elevation. Then, the get off the train and pedal downhill--crisscrossing the train tracks. Then, they get back on the train and go somewhere else. So convenient!
The Swiss train system is one of the BEST in the world. Despite their mountainous terrain, cliffs, fjords, glaciers, threat of avalanches, lakes, and steep grade, the Swiss trains are gloriously accurate, clean, and always on time. They are so confidant of it, their arrival/departure times are PRINTED at each station... not a temporary sign to allow for delays.
Similarly, Japan's subways (Metros) and trains were ALWAYS on time!
Going from city to city--amidst such breathtaking countryside--the stylish trains are equipped with dining cars. The kitchen actually cooks the food, with fresh ingredients from each town. No microwaves. They also serve local wines and cookies.
Since its beginning in 1903, the Swiss trains were always electrically powered by renewable hydro technology. No sooty coal to filth their cities. No diesel oil to pollute their natural springs of water. 60% of Swiss power comes from water-turbines. (Meanwhile, because ConEd's monopoly, NYC barely uses the full hydro potential of Niagara Falls). Much of the rest comes from Swiss windmills. They are such smart people, looking at the "bigger picture" for the "long run". Unlike America, which never upgrades its railroads, the Swiss use arriving technology to rip up their railroads and remake them in better/more efficient ways. Part of that was re-drilling a tunnel. 35 miles long, it is Europe's deepest, steepest and longest train tunnel!
Couple that (pun intended) with the fact that all of Europe (and most of Asia) use speed trains (unlike America), and you've got a wonderful rail system. In stark contrast, America hasn't improved its rail infrastructure in 80 years; in that regard, it's similar to the former Soviet Union.
For a landlocked nation, Switzerland is fortunate to have numerous rivers and big lakes. It gives cities a nautical feel.
Speaking of cities, if you avoid the touristy ones like Zurich (which became a city in the 900s), you'll enjoy the impeccably-maintained history and colors of cities like Engelberg, Martigny, Andermatt, Alp Grum, Appenzell, Stein am Rhein, and Schaffhausen. Some of their buildings hail from the medieval era.
All are connected by bike trails, railroad and fast-moving highways. Yet, parts of the cities are pedestrian-only... which keeps its charm intact and encourages you to slow down and savor life.
Above, the burg of Schaffhausen features baroque paintings on the historic buildings. Below, a restaurant occupies a riverside tower... because the Swiss like being juxtaposed closely with Nature.
Swiss cuisine is influenced by its neighbors: France, Germany, Austria, and Italy. You might think they're famous for pretzels...
but their baked goods are excellent--both the pastry and the dark breads.
Restaurants pride themselves on a "proper pace" to serve guests and by using naturally-grown, locally-sourced, handmade menus. One famous eatery stands alone atop a hill, with its single purpose of feeding train passengers who wish to stop there.
Another reason to travel by train! Incidentally, one travel pass pays for you to use the ENTIRE public transportation system: streetcars, trains, cable cars, ferries, trams and buses. You can get on and off as many times as you like. It really encourages cross-culture travel and exploration, and getting outside for some fresh air.
Swiss folk love to be outside, whether it's summer or winter.
Luxurious hotels, some are thermal powered by using Earth's heat, make for great oasis in wintertime.
Unlike NY winters--which are blustery and moistly frigid--Swiss winters are airy, cool and full of fluffy snow for activities. It's often nice enough to sit outside!
In warmer months, folks enjoy shady cafés ...
...or go indoors to grandiose places like the Abbey of St. Gall
and its Library!
Just like the Germans, they're known for wines and beers.
It's perfectly normal to take mini-bottles of wine on hikes.
If you get tipsy, you can merely take the nearest train back.
Backpackers traverse Europe and always love crossing Switzerland. Snowboarders, kayakers, bikers, gliders, and hikers all join in the locals' love of the "great outdoors".
Don't forget about swimmers! The plethora of crystalline waterways make great areas for diving and sunbathing.
Similar to Amsterdam and Paris, Geneva has waterside recreation.
Everyone else uses natural spring water or glacier runoff.
Unlike Americans, they aren't afraid of swimming in their rivers because they haven't contaminated/polluted them.
Should you find the wealthy nation too small, its close proximity to the rest of Europe is comforting.
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