Hi, I’m Freya! I am a travel expert here at Fred. Holidays and I had the opportunity to set off on a Swiss rail adventure in April – I am thrilled to share my journey with you.

Famous for its majestic landscapes, iconic peaks and historical cities, there is no doubt that Switzerland encapsulates the meaning of a holiday that ticks all of the boxes for many of its visitors. As your experts, at Fred. Holidays, we pride ourselves on creating the very best holidays for you, and to do this best, we jet off to experience them first-hand for insider advice! With this in mind - keep reading for my favourite moments and recommendations, as trust me, Switzerland is every bit as dreamy as you’d imagine!

Let’s Make Tracks!

Hosted by Swiss Tailor-made, we were lucky to experience a beautiful selection of hotels and famed railways and be surrounded by the most stunning views – not to mention the food!

We hopped on a short flight from London to Zurich and embarked on a rail adventure aboard the GoldenPass Express to Zweisimmen and this journey was like something straight out of a postcard. We took to the tracks and the panoramic windows were perfect for views of lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. Even though some of the rail journeys are longer than expected, the memorable sightseeing makes it more than worth it.

But this wasn’t the last train we experienced on our trip. Switzerland is committed to its sustainability and implementing change to reduce its carbon footprint, so travelling by train in this beautiful country is easy with its extensive and efficient network. Our trip was pieced together with the ability to explore multiple destinations at once, all with the ease of “Swisstainable” travel.

Adventure Awaits

Over the four days we spent here, we experienced first-hand the wide range of activities that are available to enjoy in Switzerland. From adrenaline adventurers to culture enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of exciting activities for every type of traveller.

Some of my favourite experiences were:

• Open-Top Cable Car – we visited Stanserhorn via an open-top cable car followed by a traditional Swiss meal at the revolving restaurant on the mountain
• Local Cheese Tasting – a highlight was experiencing the authentic charm of Switzerland with a visit to a traditional farmer’s house in Wengen to sample their local cheese
• Visit to Attila Boatel – we learnt about a new concept of lake cruising that offers two or three-night cruises including vineyard visits and evening stops at local restaurants, on a visit to Attila Boatel
• Leisure Walks – Switzerland is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll or even more for budding hiking enthusiasts! We adventured on short walks in Bern, Murten and Stans to get a feel for local towns and cities

Memorable Moments

Just a few of my most unforgettable memories to recommend are:

• Golden Pass Express – from the moment the train departs in Spiez, you’ll be swept into a world of picture-perfect landscapes with panoramic vistas. Every twist and turn is a breathtaking view to behold and a journey I would recommend to any traveller!
• Dinner at 5-star Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort  - On our first night we enjoyed a really nice meal at our hotel in Lenk. Our stay here was divine, with beautiful modern rooms with incredible views looking onto the mountains. If you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, this hotel has a lovely spa with an outside heated pool too! But what topped this hotel off was the delicious meal we enjoyed whilst socialising with the friendly and accommodating staff. The food was delicious!

Top Tips

Some of my top tips for travelling to Switzerland may help whilst planning your adventure:

• Think clothing! Although we travelled in Spring, our time in Switzerland still included some snowy adventures – which was amazing to see! But be sure to take layers if you are visiting when it is snowing. And importantly, ensure to take comfy shoes to be on your feet exploring.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations – The hotel food was amazing where we stayed, but often the hotels had multiple restaurants. In this situation, asking the staff for their recommendation may help you decide the perfect meal for you, or you could even try a different restaurant each evening if you’re staying for longer! There is so much to experience here.
• Camera at the ready – Often the train journeys can feel longer, but don’t worry, because the views you can marvel at along the way are outstanding. And be sure to have your camera at the ready to capture the memories.
• Hotel Pick-Up – All destinations we visited had hotel pick-up from train stations if needed and the staff members at the hotels were incredibly helpful. The trains were very easy to navigate and reach.

My Switzerland adventure was enchanting, fulfilling and truly memorable. I experienced some of the most beautiful sights and explored many destinations in just four days. It’s true that Switzerland is jam packed with enjoyment for all.

If you are thinking about booking a holiday to Switzerland we create tailor-made journeys bespoke to our travellers and if like me, you would like to set off on a Swiss rail holiday then as your experts, we can craft an unforgettable trip for you. What’s more is, if the ultimate rail journey is what you seek, then look no further than the Grand Tour of Switzerland to immerse yourself aboard multiple iconic trains. We are here to help with all of your holiday needs.

Happy Travels!