Explore Hidden Gems of Switzerland- 2 Day Switzerland Itinerary

Continuing my Europe road trip series from this past summer (I know I am behind), one of my favorite, well actually my most favorite country was Switzerland. If you recall coming across pictures of those beautiful. lush green mountains with flowers blossoming on calendars or perhaps your computer’s wallpaper, that is exactly where I was, the heavenly Switzerland and it is as beautiful or even better than the pictures (don’t be jealous now). I arrived in Switzerland from France, via car. The drive was around 6 hours with quick stops in small towns in France. Continue reading to find out more about my 2 day Switzerland itinerary.

DAY 1- 2 DAY ITINERARY SWITZERLAND

As we got closer to Switzerland, the landscape changed drastically. It went from Eiffel Tower to cute little French towns to stunning mountains. I couldn’t have picked a better season than summer for this road trip, the landscapes were just too pretty and in full bloom.

In regards to driving across the border in Switzerland, it was the only country where there was a checkpoint and we were asked to show our passports. Once that was done, we made our first pit stop for some food. Take a wild guess where my first meal in Switzerland was….any guesses?? It was McDonalds! Yes, shame on me! The last time I ate at McDonalds was roughly 3 years ago! So what had happened was…I was starved and did not want to get sick because of over eating chocolate (even though I wouldn’t mind doing it), so I had to pick the next best option which unfortunately was McDonalds. After refueling, we headed straight to our Airbnb located  in this gorgeous little town called Le Mouret which is about 40 mins from the capital Bern. 

The wooden chalet or cottage is built on top of a hill with nothing but mother nature around. Well, the owner’s house is nearby but you get the idea. I was casually cautioned by the hostess that I might get some uninvited visitors such as deer, “friendly” wild cats, etc. 

As the night approached, a “friendly” wild cat invited itself in my bedroom since the screen-less window was left cracked open. I had to utilize my Indian-animal-scare away  tactics which start off with “hurrrr”, followed by “shu-shuu”, followed by any other sounds you can think of that tell the animal like “hey buddy, bye now”.

Stay tuned as it was one if my favorite placed I have stayed at and I am confident you are going to love it too especially if you are a nature lover. In the mean time, click here to view the listing. 

Since the goal was to have relaxed evening, we opted to purchase some basic groceries from a nearby store and have a warm and fresh home cooked meal. Interestingly, that little town with a population of 3000 people had at least 15 car dealerships… I wonder why. 

You ask what else is there to do? Well, Restaurant La Tuilerie had an excellent lunch menu and I enjoyed my roman pizza. You can also go for a scenic drive through the stunning mountains while making random stops for pictures by the crystal clear lakes.  Check out the medieval Gruyeres Castle in the town of Gruyeres. Vehicles were not allowed in the town, you park your car at the entrance and explore the town via foot. You are walking uphill, take my advice, do not wear heels, you can thank me later. The castle was built between 1270 and 1282. There are a few souvenir shops and several restaurants in the town.  You can pick up some delicious Swiss chocolate, engravable Swiss arm knives and cheese and ofcourse the usual postcards, key chains, etc. I collect refrigerator magnets.

What sort of souvenirs do you take home with you?

If you are looking for a happening night out, then my friend you are in the wrong part of town. The locals here enjoy lots of good conversations over drinks mostly seated outdoors at a pub during summers. German and French were the most spoken languages, however, majority of the people I interacted with, spoke English too. 

TODAY’S AGENDA —->> #Nature

—>>Connect with mother nature

—>>Click lots of pictures in amazing landscapes

—>>Explore a medieval times castle and the town of Gruyeres

—>>Enjoy some authentic Swiss food and chocolate.

 

DAY 2

Located just under 2 hours away is the city of Zurich. Zurich is a global center for banking and finance. It is also the largest city in Switzerland. To be honest, I wasn’t really impressed with Zurich maybe because the beauty of the countryside of Switzerland was unforgettable. 

Nevertheless, it is a nice city with lots of food options and ofcourse chocolate. My first stop was the Lindt chocolate factory store. some of the other highlights were Grossmunster which is a 12th century cathedral, acting boujee while window shopping in Switzerland’s main downtown street, Bahnhofstrasse, which is Zurich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues, and relaxing by the gorgeous Lake Zurich.

Zurich is definitely easily accessible by foot and public transportation. Parking is limited and expensive like most of the European cities. I ditched my car at the first parking garage I came across and walked around the city. 

Some of my restaurant recommendations in Zurich are Zeughauskeller, try some fine authentic Swiss food at Didis Frieden, or if you are looking for some vegetarian options check out Hiltl Restaurant. 

TODAY’S AGENDA —->> #Zurich

—>>Chocolate!

—>>Beautiful cathedral

—>>Shop or window shop till you drop or go broke

I hope you plan a trip to Switzerland soon! Whether you go there in summer or the winter, the country is certainly stunning and a must visit. I highly recommend spending more than 2 days there, a week might not be enough even. Switzerland is definitely an expensive country, which means $5+ bottles of water, no dollar menu at McDonalds, etc. Known to be a chocolate and cheese heaven, make sure to try some while you are there. Let me know which has been your favorite country you have visited?

 PIN ME– 2 DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY