Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Are you dreaming of visiting Switzerland but feeling unsure about the cultural norms and etiquette? 

As a visitor in a foreign country, it's natural to worry about unintentionally offending locals or committing social faux pas. 

In this episode, I chat with Kathrin Spinnler, who was born and raised in Switzerland, to get her expert advice on navigating Swiss culture with ease.

Kathrin shares valuable tips on a wide range of topics, from using public transportation in Switzerland and dining out, to greeting locals and respecting the environment while hiking. She also discusses the importance of punctuality, making eye contact, and learning a few basic phrases in French or German to show respect and effort.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of Swiss customs and feel more confident about your upcoming trip. Tune in and get ready to plan your dream vacation to Switzerland!

Happy travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 98

🚆 Get 'The Essential Guide to Travelling by Train in Switzerland'

Discount code: PODCAST for 30% off until 31 May, 2024.

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

•On our website

•Subscribe to our newsletter

•On our YouTube channel

🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Support the show

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

Are you planning to see scenic Switzerland by train? In this episode, Carolyn answers 15 of the most frequently asked questions by travellers who plan to travel Switzerland by train.  If you’ve ever wondered if there are weight limits for luggage on Swiss trains, or have asked ‘do Swiss trains have toilets?’, these questions and many more will be answered in this episode.

Listen now to learn:

• Why you should use trains instead of renting a car
• Are there fast trains in Switzerland?
• Do Swiss trains run on time?
• What are the best rail passes or Swiss train tickets for tourists?
• What trains are not covered with the Swiss Travel Pass?
• Are there discounts for children on Swiss trains?
• First class and second class differences
• Are seat reservations required on Swiss trains?
• Do Swiss trains operate on Sundays and public holidays?

These questions and more are answered in this episode to help you plan your vacation by train around Switzerland with confidence.


👉 Show notes - Episode 97
🚆 Get 'The Essential Guide to Travelling by Train in Switzerland'

Discount code: PODCAST for 30% off until 31 May, 2024.


Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

• On our website
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• On our YouTube channel

🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Support the show

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

Are you ready to ride on the world's first and only open-air double-decker cable car? Join us in this episode as Carolyn chats with  Lena Häfelfinger to learn all about visiting Mt. Stanserhorn.  Lena shares the many reasons to visit the mountain which include great views over Lake Lucerne, hiking, learning about the local flora and fauna, and dining at the Stanserhorn restaurant where you can enjoy a candle light dinner. Stanserhorn's summit is reached by both funicular and cable car and Lena tells us about the frequency of services and ticket prices for Stanserhorn (Swiss Travel Pass holders travel for free!). 

Listen now to learn about:

• Where Mount Stanserhorn is located
• How to get to Mt. Stanserhorn from Lucerne
• The historic funicular and Cabrio Bahn Stanserhorn 
• Ticket prices for the Stanserhorn excursion
• What to do at Mt. Stanserhorn
• When you can visit Mt. Stanserhorn
• Important tips you should know before visiting the mountain

⭐ Guest: Lena Häfelfinger from CabriO Stanserhorn
👉 Show notes - Episode 96
🚆Get the Free Swiss Travel Pass guide

Where to get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

• On our website
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• On our YouTube channel

🇨🇭 Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Support the show

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

Let's go in search of five of the most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland! In this episode, our guest, Melinda Schoutens, joins us to tell us about some of her favourite Swiss waterfalls.  Each of these breathtaking waterfalls in Switzerland are easily reached by public transport - or on foot if you enjoy a hike - and will be a highlight of your Switzerland vacation.  

Listen now to learn about:

• Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen
• Trümmelbach Falls near Lauterbrunnen
• Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz
• Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen
• Engstligen Falls near Adelboden
• How to reach the featured waterfalls
• What steps you should take before your next Swiss hike
• Essential equipment you should bring while hiking in Switzerland
• How to find out the difficulty level of hikes

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode95

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

Support the show

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

It may be the incredible scenery of mountains and lakes that has made visiting Switzerland a high priority for you but the country is also famous for its engineering prowess.  In fact, Switzerland is home to many examples of pioneering innovation and design - many of which are world firsts - that you may like to include in your Swiss vacation.

In this episode, I share some of the incredible world-firsts and world record-holding sites that you can include in your Switzerland travel plans. You'll find them in some of the top destinations in Switzerland but also in some places you may not have heard of. 

Listen now to learn about:

• First revolving aerial cableway in the World
• World’s steepest cogwheel train
• World steepest funicular
• World's longest suspension bridge
• World's highest peak to peak suspension bridge
• Longest railway tunnel in the World.
• World’s longest staircase
• World's oldest wooden truss bridge

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode94

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

Support the show

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

In this episode, Carolyn chats with Alan Ramsay from Schilthorn cableways to learn more about the new Schilthorn construction project that is currently underway.  Alan also discusses the various ways to reach the Schilthorn, what to do at the Schilthorn and the intermediate stations, and how you can enjoy a delicious brunch in the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. 

Listen now to learn about:

• Top things to do at the Schilthorn
• Brunch at Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.
• The Schilthorn cable car project that is currently underway
• Various ways to reach the famous  Mürren mountain village
• How long you should allow for your Schilthorn excursion
• Why you should include a visit to the Schilthorn in your Switzerland vacation

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode93

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Switzerland trip discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

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 Hana Hurabova. With over a decade living and exploring Switzerland, Hana has become a true Swiss local. Her extensive knowledge on exploring Switzerland has attracted attention from other travellers looking for help with their travel planning.  Hana shares with us one of her favourite, largely undiscovered, parts of Switzerland, and tells us about her tailor made itinerary planning service which allows her to help other travellers to explore Switzerland.

Listen now to learn about:

• How Hana came to be living in Switzerland
• Why Hana loves the Emmental Valley
• The unique characteristics of the Emmental Valley
• Top things to do in the Emmental Valley
• How to get to the Emmental Valley
• Hana's itinerary planning service
• An exclusive discount for our audience

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode92

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Swiss travel discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

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 top 10 Swiss travel tips for 2024. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or it’s your first time visiting Switzerland, these tips will help you to plan, book and experience your dream vacation in Switzerland.

Listen now to learn about:

• Why you should consider travelling out of peak season
• When you should book your seat reservations and accommodation
• Why you should consider buying a travel pass in advance
• Where to check operating dates for cable cars and mountain railways
• The benefits of wandering off the well-trodden path
• Why you should incorporate time for flexibility in your itinerary
• The importance of purchasing travel insurance
• Why you should use Holiday to Switzerland resources.

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode91

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Swiss travel discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

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 Engert, a Zurich local who loves exploring the city she calls home. Seraina shares her favourite things to do in Zurich including places to visit in Zurich that are mostly only visited by locals. You can expect to hear about fantastic views over Zurich, wonderful flea markets and interesting funky bars. Seraina also shares her tips on a variety of festivals held in Zurich and much more.

Listen now to learn about:

• Zurich’s very own mountain, Uetliberg
• Fun things to do and places to visit in District 5
• Zurich’s Urban Surf and Prime Tower
• The special funicular in Zurich, called Polybahn
• Best places to enjoy spectacular views
• Zurich's flea markets and festivals
• Everything you need to know about Zurich’s Christmas Markets

For further information and the full show notes from this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode90

>> Take advantage of our exclusive Swiss travel discounts.

Connect with us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube channel
• Newsletter

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 Andrea Caspani from Echo Rails and Trails.  Andrea chats about the company's signature 12 day Swiss Alps Grand Rail Tour, an all inclusive Switzerland vacation by train. 

This Swiss guided tour includes visits to the most popular destinations, features beautiful panoramic train rides and breathtaking mountain excursions. It also includes visits to unique lesser-known destinations and attractions that are key highlights of the trip.

This incredible tour is guided by local tour guides to help you experience Switzerland to the fullest.

Listen now to learn about:

• An overview of the 12-day Swiss Alps Grand Rail Tour
• The benefits of joining Echo's escorted train tours of Switzerland
• Key highlights and inclusions of the Swiss Alps Grand Rail Tour
• Tour operation dates
• An exclusive discount offer for the Holidays to Switzerland audience

Our guest: Andrea Caspani from Echo Rails and Trails
Show notes: Episode 89

Get more Swiss travel tips and inspiration:

• On our website
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• On our YouTube channel

>> Take our advantage of our exclusive Swiss travel discounts.

Support the show

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