Switzerland
- Jason Young
- Jul 22, 2025
- 5 min read
Let me tell you about the time we took a summer trip to Switzerland, expecting peaceful Alpine bliss, and ended up with a bit more humidity and airport drama than anticipated. Still, it was an incredible journey filled with scenic beauty, unforgettable experiences, and just a few logistical hiccups.
Chapter One: AirTap Portugal & the Lisbon Airport Shuffle
We kicked things off in business class with AirTap Portugal from LAX to Lisbon. While the onboard experience was smooth, Lisbon Airport was another story. Imagine a massive crowd, just three passport agents, and us, nervously watching the clock. After explaining we were about to miss our connection, a kind airport staffer helped us skip the line and dash to our Zurich flight. Crisis averted.
Lucerne: Charming Views & Convenient Stays
From Zurich, we headed to Lucerne, which really does look like something out of a fairy tale. We stayed two nights at Hotel des Alpes, in a cozy room overlooking a peaceful courtyard with a fountain. The room had plenty of windows, which was great for air flow—just don’t expect any window screens, because the Swiss don’t really believe in them. If it's hot, be sure to ask for a fan at the front desk; they were happy to provide one, which made all the difference.
Breakfast was included and surprisingly good, and the front desk staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Chapel Bridge was just outside and we found ourselves walking across it multiple times just for the view. Being near the train station and bus stops made everything easy, especially our outing to Mount Pilatus.
The Golden Round Trip was a definite highlight. We went from bus to gondola to cogwheel train to boat—it’s a fun and scenic way to experience Switzerland’s landscapes.
We nearly got off at the wrong stop but were kindly redirected by two locals. Grateful doesn’t even cover it.
We also visited the Lion Monument, had some great Italian food, and loved wandering through Lucerne’s shops. It was the perfect introduction to Switzerland.
Grindelwald: Mountains, Mishaps, and Memorable Moments
Next up: Grindelwald, where we stayed six nights. Hotel Alpina was right near the train station (very convenient), though the steep hill it sits on was less appreciated after a long day.
We took the train to Jungfraujoch, hoping for breathtaking views. Unfortunately, we forgot to check the weather—it was completely fogged in. Thankfully, the ice caves and sculptures were still a cool experience (literally), and the free Lindt chocolate didn’t hurt either.
Grindelwald First – Adventure & a Bit of Confusion
Grindelwald First was a bit tricky to navigate. It was crowded and not very well marked, but once we figured it out, we rented trottibikes and had a blast cruising down the countryside. Definitely worth the effort. Beware the place is a zoo and wait times are unreal.
Mannlichen to Wengen – Scenic Surprises
At the top of Mannlichen, Michael had some fun with a giant wooden cow sculpture—climbing through it and emerging dramatically. We took the gondola down to Wengen, walked around the peaceful village, and upgraded to ride back up on top of the gondola (The Royal Ride). The views were absolutely stunning.
Pfingstegg (in Grindelwald): A toboggan run and treetop zip line offered a mix of fun and scenic views.
Day Trips from Grindelwald
We also made several day trips from Grindelwald:
One of our favorite spots in Interlaken was Asllani’s Corner — a great place to relax and enjoy some genuinely tasty food. On a side note, we tried Mexican food in Switzerland (coming from two California guys) and can honestly say it’s something to avoid at all costs.
Lauterbrunnen (about 60 minutes by train): We rented e-bikes from Imboden Bike Rentals, which made seeing all the waterfalls along the valley much easier—and way more enjoyable than hiking in the heat.
St. Beatus Caves (about 90 minutes by train): A moderate hike leads to beautiful underground waterfalls and cave formations.
Aare Gorge (about 120 minutes by train): A scenic walk through a dramatic gorge with cliffside paths and waterfalls—definitely worth it.
Zermatt: Iconic Peaks & a Slower Pace
We then made our way to Zermatt. We stayed at Hotel Sarazena, which was conveniently located next to the train and Gornergrat stations. Out of all the places we stayed, we absolutely loved the breakfast here—it was our favorite by far.
We took the train up to see the Matterhorn and had great views, plus the bonus of watching paragliders take off into the sky. Pro tip: for the best views on the Gornergrat Railway, sit on the right side of the train as it departs—just remember the front of the train faces away from the main terminal.
We also met a lovely newlywed couple on the train ride from Grindelwald, which made the journey even more memorable. While Zermatt is undeniably scenic, we found it a bit too quiet for our pace. We visited two favorite restaurants, CasaMia Ristorante Pizzeria (see photos below) and Golden India, and enjoyed both so much we went back twice. We also bought some chocolate and decided to leave a night early.
Zurich: The Recharge We Needed
Our final stop was Zurich. By this point, we were ready to slow down. We spent two nights there but only ventured into the city briefly. Most of our time was spent resting, and honestly, we needed it.
Hotel Location Tip
When booking accommodations in Switzerland, make sure your hotel is situated very close to the train station. Swiss public transit is excellent, but having your hotel just steps away from the station makes getting around much easier and saves valuable time and energy — especially after long days of sightseeing.
Final Flight & Lisbon Airport, Round Two
Our return flight again connected through Lisbon, and again involved passport control—twice. The gate area setup was unusual, and turbulence on the flight made for an eventful ride. AirTap Portugal’s business class is comfortable, but the entertainment options left something to be desired.
The food was edible—not exactly gourmet, but it got the job done. That said, we much prefer Delta One or our all-time favorite, Air France, for the best in business class comfort and service.
Final Travel Tips & Thoughts
To make the most of each experience, try to arrive at popular attractions right when they open or toward the end of the day—crowds tend to thin out, and it’s a much more relaxed experience.
Final Thoughts: Next Time, Cooler Weather Please
Switzerland was everything we hoped for and more. The mountains, the people, and the ease of train travel made it a dream. That said, summer brought heat and humidity we weren’t quite ready for. If we go back (and we will), it’ll be in winter or during the shoulder season.
Lisbon Airport? Maybe not again if we can help it. But Switzerland? Absolutely.
Until next time!
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