5 Reasons Why Switzerland is So Great

Switzerland is one of my favorite countries of all time.

 I’ve been kind of everywhere already – The Alps, Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel

View of the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne; July 2018

View of the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne; July 2018

… but there’s still more to go, and I’m so excited to see the rest of it. 

Wondering what it is about this landlocked country that’s captivated me so much?

Here are five reasons why Switzerland has got a piece of my heart:

1.     It’s Stunning 

 Whether you’re in Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, Geneva, or even still up in the air…

Zurich in July 2018

Zurich in July 2018

The Rheine in Basel; May 2019

The Rheine in Basel; May 2019

The view of Geneva from St. Pierre’s Cathedral; January 2018

The view of Geneva from St. Pierre’s Cathedral; January 2018

Flying over Switzerland; December 2017

Flying over Switzerland; December 2017

Switzerland never fails to remind me that it’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 

 

2.     The Chocolate

 While I’m still a bigger fan of Belgium’s dark chocolate – Switzerland is also home to some good chocolate.

My mom’s favorite is a milk hazelnut chocolate called Ragusa…

Buying my mom chocolate in a Coop in Basel in May 2019.

Buying my mom chocolate in a Coop in Basel in May 2019.

… my favorite so far has been this raspberry quinoa dark chocolate bar I’ve found that I’ve in their local supermarkets, too.

About to dive into this chocolate bar after a long day wandering around in a cold Geneva; January 2018.

About to dive into this chocolate bar after a long day wandering around in a cold Geneva; January 2018.

Which brings me to…

 

3.     Coop 

While I’ve found a few coop stores in Italy, the only country I know that they’re everywhere in is in Switzerland.

I know, I’m a food nerd– as one of my favorite things to do when I travel is to walk into foreign grocery stores and see what other people eat and buy on a daily basis.

I’m not going to lie… one time, in Geneva, I was so fascinated by one of the phony meat things they carried (that I had never seen a version for in the states), that I bought it and ate it, went to sit down in a McDonalds, and ate it…

… without cooking it in the oven that I didn’t have in my hotel room.

Clearly, I lived – and I don’t advise that you let your curiosity get the best out of you like it did for me…

… long story short: I like Coop because they carry fun things. 

I also get the biggest kick out of how much fun plant based food they have… not to mention, how it’s all clearly marked abroad.

 Sorry Whole Foods, you know I love you – but reading the fine print your labels is a real pain in my – 

 

4.     Their Public Transportation is the Best

 All of the public transport around Europe is beyond superior to ours in the States; but the Swiss trains specifically never cease to amaze me.

At the train station station in Basel; May 2019

At the train station station in Basel; May 2019

They are punctual to the minute. 

 

5.     Its Simplicity Brings You Back

 Switzerland really isn’t a country where you come to do things…

 … you come to see.

 This country gives you the greatest chance to recharge, rethink, reflect, and revitalize. 

In Wilderswil in the Swiss Alps; May 2017

In Wilderswil in the Swiss Alps; May 2017

Switzerland’s still demeanor, mountainous landscape that makes you feel like you’re living in a painting, and crisp air will have its way with you…

… and if it doesn’t, well…

On a train from Lucerne headed towards Milan in July 2018

On a train from Lucerne headed towards Milan in July 2018

… I’m sure you could eat a lot of chocolate and still end up loving this country (maybe half) as much as I do.

If you’re looking for other things to do in Switzerland, click here.