Two Weeks in Switzerland
We originally planned to spend more than two weeks in Switzerland—we wanted to be there for at least a month—because Switzerland’s scenery and outdoor life are absolutely stunning. Even with Switzerland’s high prices, this was important to us, but our plans took a little twist.
As soon as we arrived, we were craving the Alps, but we’d booked ten days in the city of Geneva (when two days would have been plenty). And I was too sick with a cold/flu to change plans. Plus, rain was everywhere.
So we just hunkered down, and whenever the sun popped out, we ran outside to take in those moments. Like the beautiful swans on Lake Geneva’s emerald-green water. It was unbelievable (no photo filters here). So was the delicious gluten-free vegan food.
We bought a pillow cover at Coco-Mat. Upon leaving, they gave us gorgeous totes.
We stood by the United Nations gate, posed, and took it in.
We visited the museum of the International Red Cross. It was a monumental structure.
When it was time for us to finally take the train to Zermatt, where we longed to be, seeing the Matterhorn was our main goal. It did not fail.
This is the train that latched onto the tracks, so it could climb the steep inclines, taking people to and from Zermatt.
We smiled upon realizing that nearly everyone on our train was a grandparent geared up for adventure.
The only challenge in Zermatt was the natural disaster that took out our lodging (which is what shortened our month in Switzerland to two weeks). Thankfully, a lodge took us in for a short stay.
Zermatt was exquisite. (Again, no photo filters here.)
The village is beautiful.
And rugged.
Even the library is a sight to see. Do you see the hiking boots?
In the middle of town, we walked inside the glassed-in Matterhorn Museum.
Where one can descend down into Zermatlantis.
Or simply view art, just inside the gift shop.
Across the way, the historic Monte Rosa was still going strong.
“…it is from here that Edward Whymper, since 1860 a regular guest at the hotel, sets out on 13 July 1865 for the summit of the Matterhorn. His spectacular first ascent brings worldwide fame to the Monte Rosa.”
Down by the river, I might have fallen in love with this structure.
In this small community, there are endless options for hiking, trekking, biking, skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, and taking the rail or cable cars closer to the Matterhorn.
Plus shopping (says she who still wishes she’d purchased the white/nearly transparent ultra-light technical eco backpack).
We wanted to enjoy as many activities as possible, but our short time in Zermatt meant that we couldn’t do all that we wanted. So we did the next best thing.
We hiked everywhere possible, photographed everything possible, and made a list of the gear we want to bring on our next trip to Zermatt.