Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation – Détails, épisodes et analyse

If you're working on your Switzerland itinerary and want to go beyond the usual tourist stops, this episode is for you! I’m sharing three destinations I recently visited that completely charmed me, each one offering something a little different, a little quieter, and a lot more local.

First up is Savognin, a peaceful alpine village in Parc Ela that’s close to the Landwasser Viaduct, a must-see if you love scenic train views or hiking. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy nature.

Next, I take you to Lenk Switzerland in the Bernese Oberland. It’s one of those Swiss ski towns that’s perfect for families, with wide open spaces and a relaxed vibe. I stayed at the beautiful Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort and can’t wait to tell you all about it.

And finally, we head to Winterthur, just a short train ride from Zürich. It’s full of culture, cozy cafes, and some amazing Switzerland museums. I stayed at the lovely Park Hotel Winterthur, which I highly recommend. 

If you're dreaming of authentic Swiss towns and villages, beautiful landscapes, or relaxing family ski resorts, these spots deserve a place in your Switzerland vacation.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 159

🇨🇭 Get 15% off your stay at Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort and Park Hotel Winterthur with our exclusive promo codes and take advantage of more exclusive Switzerland trip discounts

📖 Free Switzerland Trip Planning Starter Kit and Guide - Get your copy here

🎙️ Share your feedback and tell us what you love about the podcast by sending an email to: podcast (at) holidaystoswitzerland.com

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•Join our private Facebook group

•On our YouTube channel

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Snow-dusted peaks, shimmering lakes, and storybook villages are the things that make Switzerland a traveler's dream. But how do you fit it all into one unforgettable adventure? 

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal Switzerland itinerary from a month-long journey filled with breathtaking train rides, charming alpine towns, and local traditions you won’t find in any guidebook.

From the iconic GoldenPass Express to regional trains, you’ll learn how to experience the best of Swiss rail travel with ease and why the Swiss Travel Pass and Berner Oberland Pass are your ultimate tickets to freedom. I’ll take you through highlights like the roaring Rhine Falls, peaceful Appenzell, and the dramatic Bernese Oberland, home to stunning mountain scenery and hidden gems.

You’ll also hear about unforgettable moments in the Jungfrau Region, from scenic hikes on Schynige Platte and Brienzer Rothorn to discovering the historic Landwasser Viaduct and vibrant cow parades that celebrate Swiss alpine life. I also share how a Swiss eSIM can keep you connected throughout your travels.

Planning your first trip to Switzerland or returning for another round of alpine magic? This episode is full of insider tips to help you enjoy scenic Swiss hiking trails, must-see Swiss museums, and authentic local experiences.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Planning a trip to Switzerland? Don’t miss this deep dive into the country’s most beloved Swiss festivals! From winter to autumn, Switzerland celebrates its rich heritage with vibrant events that bring locals and travelers together.

In this episode, Kathrin Spinnler returns to the show to guide us through the colorful calendar of Swiss celebrations. We chat about Bern’s iconic Zibelemärit, or Onion Festival, where confetti, onion tarts, and quirky traditions take over the city. You'll also learn about Carnival Switzerland, locally known as Fasnacht, with its wild masks, brass bands, and festive Glühwein.

Explore Zurich’s springtime Sechseläuten festival and the fiery fate of the Böögg, then fast-forward to summer for cow parades, cow fighting, and the patriotic pride of Swiss National Day. We also highlight the charm of Christmas markets, the sweet traditions of St. Nicholas Day, and the homemade joy of Swiss Christmas cookies.

Plus, discover Swiss Easter traditions, cozy cheese festivals, rich Swiss wine, and events that showcase traditional costumes, yodeling, and more. 

Whether you love cultural immersion or simply great food, these Swiss festivals are a must for your itinerary!

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 149

🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts

📖 Free Switzerland Trip Planning Starter Kit and Guide - Get your copy here

🎙️ Tell us what you love about the podcast by leaving a voice message

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•Join our private Facebook group

•On our YouTube channel

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Catharina De Sa who is the founder and owner of a Swiss Epic Tours, a company that offers private tours for travellers from around the world. Catharina can design tailored made private tours to fit all your needs, from single day to multi-day tours. The private tours offered by Swiss Epic Tours are ideal for travellers who want to relax and see Switzerland at their own pace, and for travellers who are finding planning their itinerary difficult or those that simply don't have the time to plan their trip.

Listen now to learn:

• Why should you choose private trips
• Are private trips right for you
• How flexible these trips can be
• What kind of transport is available with private trips
• What special request Catharina can organise for your trip
• How to book your trips with Swiss Epic Tours
• Bonus offer exclusively for Holidays to Switzerland podcast listeners

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode59  

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

Website
Instagram
Facebook group

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Peter Niederberger who has lived most of his life in a majestic Swiss town called Engelberg. Peter fell in love with his beautiful surroundings at a young age and he joins us today to tell us about the many things to see and do in Engelberg and its home mountain, Mt. Titlis.  If you'd love to explore the beauty of central Switzerland's mountains,  glaciers and lakes, Engelberg is the ideal destination to visit.

Listen now to learn:

• Things to do at Engelberg and Mt. Titlis
• How to get to there and prepare for your trip
• How long to allow for an excursion to Mt. Titlis
• Why should you visit Mount Titlis
• Operating dates of Mt. Titlis cableway
• Useful tips for planning a visit to Mt. Titlis
• Best spots for skiing and secret tips from Peter

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode58 

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

Website
Instagram
Facebook group

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Celine Deplazes from Lucerne Tourism to learn all about the history and must-see places in the Lake Lucerne region.  Celine was born and raised in the region and now calls the city of Lucerne home and she generously shares her local knowledge and tips for visiting the Lake Lucerne region with us. 

Listen now to learn:

• History of Lucerne City
• Local monuments including Chapel Bridge, Water Tower,  Jesuit Church, Dying Lion Monument, Glacier Garden and Bourbaki Panorama
• Interesting museums such as Swiss Transport Museum, Richard Wagner Museum and Sammlung Rosengart Art Museum
• Breathtaking excursions to Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi and Mount Titlis
• Beautiful boat trips on Lake Lucerne and to the surrounding towns of Vitznau, Brunnen and Bürgenstock
• Fun family activities such as Mirror Maze, Fox Trails, Food Trails, Frakmuntegg Rope Park and Max Chocolatier Experience
• Best traditional restaurants in Lucerne and Lucerne’s local specialty, Lucerne Puff Pastry - both savoury and sweet varieties
• Lucerne’s Light Festival, Christmas Markets and local secrets for travellers

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit the https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode57 

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook group

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Two of the best mountain excursions in the Jungfrau Region are Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.  Both will leave you with lasting memories from your visit but if you only have the time or the funds to visit one, how do you choose?

In this episode  you'll learn what each excursion entails so you can choose the one that's right for you.

Listen to discover:

• How to get to each mountain summit
• Things to see and do at the summit and intermediate stations
• How long to allow for your excursion
• Excursion prices
• Dates of operation
• and more

For further information about visiting Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn, and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode56

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resource including Carolyn's Jungfrau Region Travel Guide.

Connect with us:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism.
#ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Seraina, a Swiss local who was born near Zurich. Whilst the Swiss borders were closed during the pandemic, avid traveller, Seraina, started exploring her own country and is here to tell us what to expect when you visit Switzerland in winter.

Listen now to learn:

• How unpredictable the weather can be
• How to get around during the winter
• Sport and non-sport activities visitors can do
• The wonder of Christmas in Switzerland
• Seraina’s favourite ski locations

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode55

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources including Carolyn's Switzerland Itinerary Planner.

Connect with us:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Chris, an American who has been living in Geneva for the past 18 months. Chris' mission is to share free and inexpensive things to do in Geneva and in this episode she shares parts of Geneva that you won’t find on Instagram or in regular  travel guides.

Listen now to learn:

• Where to find amazing 360 views of Geneva
• Hidden spots to discover in Geneva
• A unique chocolate experience that’s only found in Geneva (December)
• Tips for getting around whilst staying in Geneva 
• Child-friendly things to do in Geneva
• How Chris would spend a perfect Sunday

See Geneva through Chris’s eyes on Instagram and Tiktok

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode54

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources including Carolyn's Switzerland Itinerary Planner.

Connect with us:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

In this episode, Carolyn shares her highlights and insights from her recent trip to Switzerland.  There are also updates on a number of new experiences she enjoyed for the first time.

Listen now to learn:

• Carolyn's itinerary
• The highlights of Carolyn's trip
• Carolyn's thoughts on the Swiss Travel Pass
• Her thoughts on the Regional-Pass Berner Oberland
• The apps that were most helpful during Carolyn's trip
• Useful things to know when traveling in Switzerland

For further information and the full Show Notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode53

>> Visit our shop for helpful Switzerland travel guides and resources including Carolyn's Switzerland Itinerary Planner.

Connect with us:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook group | Instagram

This podcast is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism. #ineedswitzerland

Support the show

If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️