Switzerland, a land of stunning landscapes, towering mountains, and picturesque villages, has always been a dream destination for many travelers. For us, living in a van for over a year has allowed us to explore this beautiful country at our own pace. Our journey through Switzerland was nothing short of magical, filled with breathtaking hikes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences. Join us as we recount our week-long adventure in Switzerland, a trip that left us yearning for more.
Crossing the Border: From France to Switzerland
After spending two months in France, we finally crossed the border into Switzerland with a plan to stay for one week. Our travels have been slower than anticipated, partly due to Covid-19, but mostly because we tend to fall in love with our surroundings. The flexibility of van life has allowed us to immerse ourselves in each destination, and Switzerland was no exception.
Hiking to Lake Oeschinen
Our first hike in Switzerland was an adventure in itself. We had the option to take cable cars up the mountain, but we decided to hike instead. Although we didn’t get lost, we found ourselves on an unusual path that didn’t seem like a proper trail. The road was on Google Maps, which is why we ended up there. Despite the challenges, the hike was fun and rewarding.
The scramble up the hill led us to the stunning Lake Oeschinen. The snow-capped mountains towered over the aqua-blue lake, with melting snow dripping off the surrounding cliffs in the crisp sunlight. Walking around the lake was breathtaking, and we enjoyed our overnight oats by the water. The serene beauty of Lake Oeschinen made the challenging hike worthwhile.
Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of Waterfalls
Next, we headed to Lauterbrunnen, a massive valley surrounded by towering cliffs and numerous waterfalls. The highlight of the valley is Staubbach Falls, one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls at 300 meters. We spent the day exploring the picturesque village and admiring the stunning scenery.
We met up with Isa, who lives in Zurich and owns a beautiful blue VW. She treated us to sorbet and showed us around the village. The quintessentially Swiss houses and the majestic waterfall made for a perfect day. Lauterbrunnen’s charm and natural beauty left a lasting impression on us.
A Weekend of Work and Relaxation
Over the weekend, the weather became less inviting, so we took the opportunity to get some work done and I gave Adam a haircut. Van life requires a balance of adventure and practicality, and this weekend was a perfect example of that. We used the downtime to catch up on work and prepare for the upcoming week.
Grindelwald and First Mountain
On Monday, the sun came out again, making the colors vibrant and the scenery magical. We made our way through the valley to Grindelwald to take a cable car up First Mountain. Although the cable car ride was expensive, it was worth it for the stunning views. The landscape was completely white, a stark contrast to the rich green we had seen so far in Switzerland.
We hiked to a lake, surrounded by deep snow, and enjoyed the dramatic, overcast scenery. The pristine beauty of the snow-covered landscape was mesmerizing, and the hike was a highlight of our trip.
Climbing a Mountain Pass in Jits
Our sixth day in Switzerland found us climbing a mountain pass in our 1998 van, Jits. We stopped for a quick lunch beside a beautiful icy lake, enjoying the spontaneous moment. Originally, we wanted to visit a glacier, but the road was closed, so we made our way down a windy road and stopped at a small suspension bridge instead.
The bridge was bouncy and offered a unique perspective, making it a fun experience. The thrill of crossing the suspension bridge and the stunning views from the mountain pass added an element of adventure to our trip.
Discovering Ernen and a Unique Train Experience
On our last day in Switzerland, we woke up in Ernen, a charming Swiss village. We did some van life admin and discovered a new mode of travel: a train that we could board with our van. It was a unique and exciting experience, and soon we found ourselves driving out of the icy mountains of Switzerland and into the warmth of Italy.
Transitioning to Italy: From Cold to Warmth
Switzerland was beautiful but very cold, and now we find ourselves in the sunny and warm climate of Italy. We’re in Tuscany, surrounded by olive groves, and it feels like we’ve crossed over into summer. However, with Covid-19 on the rise again, especially in Italy and France, we’re weighing our options for the coming months. We only have a month or two left before we head back for Christmas, so who knows where we’ll be next?
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us on our journey through Switzerland. It feels like we only scratched the surface, but even in the short time we had, we experienced so much. Switzerland has so much to offer, and we are excited to return someday. Stay tuned to find out where we’ll be next, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for real-time updates. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more adventures. See you soon!
Tips for Traveling in Switzerland
1. Embrace the Flexibility of Van Life
Living in a van allows you to explore at your own pace and change plans as needed. Embrace the flexibility and take your time to enjoy each destination.
2. Be Prepared for Weather Changes
Switzerland’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Layers, waterproof gear, and warm clothing are essential for a comfortable trip.
3. Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system, including trains and cable cars. Utilize these options to reach remote areas and enjoy stunning views.
4. Explore Off the Beaten Path
While popular destinations like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are must-visit, don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known areas. Hidden gems like Ernen offer unique experiences and fewer crowds.
5. Respect Nature and Local Communities
Switzerland’s natural beauty is well-preserved, and it’s important to respect the environment and local communities. Follow Leave No Trace principles and be mindful of local customs and regulations.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and endless adventures make it a dream destination for any traveler. Our week-long van life adventure allowed us to experience the best of what Switzerland has to offer, and we can’t wait to return. Whether you’re hiking to pristine lakes, exploring picturesque valleys, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, Switzerland is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Happy travels!