A Swiss Escape: Lakes, Mountains & Scenic Rails

There’s something undeniably magical about Switzerland and after a recent rail journey through lakeside towns and alpine villages, I’m even more in love with this beautiful country. I was only here for 5 days, but it has definitely captured a little place in my heart. With its flawless train network, dramatic landscapes, and charming local culture, Switzerland is perfect for every season, but the fresh summer, mountain air has definitely left me spellbound. There were times within my trip with our wonderful partner supplier, Inntravel where I was honestly quite overwhelmed with emotion at not only the beauty of the country but at how spectacular Inntravel are in showcasing everything that the mountains have to offer with their carefully curated, self-guided walking holidays. I've been in the travel industry for over 18 years, and you know you're definitely in the right place and amongst the best company, when you can still feel your career pull that heavily on your heart strings. I've definitely come away wanting all of my customers to know about Switzerland and about Inntravel as our partner supplier being the best company for a walking holiday.

The Journey Begins: From London to Lucerne We set off from London St Pancras and made smooth connections through Paris and Basel, arriving in Lucerne by early evening. Our first night was spent in this elegant lakeside city, where we enjoyed dinner on a stunning rooftop terrace - the perfect setting to soak in our first mountain views with a glass of wine.

Tuesday morning started bright and early with a peaceful walk to Lake Lucerne, where I couldn’t resist a swim. Floating in the still, clear waters with the city and mountains around me was an unforgettable moment. After breakfast, we explored the cobbled streets and bridges of Lucerne before hopping on a scenic ferry across the lake to Beckenried.

Lakeside Lunch & Mountain Spas In Beckenried, we stopped for lunch at the Hotel Nidwaldnerhof, and what a treat it was - delicious local cuisine with views stretching right across the lake. I absolutely love my wine! and Swiss wine is truly exceptional - but with most of it kept for local enjoyment and rarely exported, the only way to truly savour it is to visit Switzerland yourself.

From there, it was onwards by train to Grindelwald, a mountain village straight out of a storybook. Whether you visit in summer for the hiking or in winter for skiing, this resort has it all. We stayed at Hotel Kreuz and Post, which boasted one of the most memorable spas I’ve experienced, the Finnish sauna overlooked the mountains and felt like the ultimate indulgence.

Wengen: The Hidden Gem On Wednesday, we continued our journey to Wengen, and I have to say, this little alpine village stole a piece of my heart. Wengen is car-free, peaceful, and incredibly welcoming. Everything is produced and served locally, which gives it such a wholesome and authentic feel. It’s a brilliant destination for families, walkers, or anyone needing to switch off from the world. Walking around you can hear nothing but the distant cow bells. Something I genuinely thought was only done for affect in the films, so I was quite taken by this reality and definitely added to how authentic Switzerland still is.

Cheese, Wine & An Unexpected Adventure Our next overnight was at Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen, a cosy base surrounded by unspoiled alpine meadows. That evening we enjoyed local wines and a traditional cheese fondue, a must when in Switzerland!

The next morning, we set out on what was meant to be a 2km morning jog to a nearby lake. Somewhere along the way we took a wrong turn and ended up on a full 12km round-trip adventure through the mountains, not quite what we planned, but such a memorable (but somewhat knackering!!) way to take in the scenery!

Final Stop: Kandersteg & Oeschinensee Our final night was spent at the elegant Belle Époque Hotel Victoria before one last adventure: a gondola ride up to Oeschinensee, a dazzling alpine lake near Kandersteg. We walked a peaceful 4km trail around the lake before heading off for our journey home via Geneva.

Why Switzerland Should Be on Your Travel List Switzerland really is a destination for every kind of traveller. The train system is exceptional — clean, punctual, scenic, and incredibly easy to navigate, making it the best way to explore the country. Whether you're into walking, cycling, skiing, or just slowing down, you’ll find your perfect pace here.

What struck me most is how each stop felt like a new postcard - lakes so clear you can see the pebbles beneath, villages that feel untouched by time, and mountain views that are impossible to describe. If you’re thinking about your next adventure, I can’t recommend Switzerland enough.

If you enjoy walking and the beauty of the great outdoors, in equal measure I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Inntravel for your walking or cycling holiday and can be booked through me as your personal travel expert.

Why I use Inntravel as a preferred partner supplier for my clients: - Specialising in self guided walking, you can take you itinerary at your own pace, which really appealed to me and a unique selling point in comparison to other walking companies - They've personally walked every route, stayed in each hotel, sampled local restaurants, and curated over 300 unique holidays spanning more than 20 countries - Their itineraries are completely flexible - you choose your dates, pace, optional upgrades, and extras—complete with hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers, taxi bookings, guides, maps, and 24/7 assistance, very similar to the TC packages that I may have already booked for you in the past if you are an existing customer of mine. - Every hotel is independently owned, each meal reflects the region, and every detail encourages a deeper connection with the destination. - Even better, Inntravel are committed to sustainable travel, working with local communities and favouring train travel over flying wherever possible.

So, whether Switzerland is a destination on your bucket list or you'd like to explore walking across the European Alps, get in touch with me today and let me tell you in deeper detail about the best offerings suited to you.