Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation
Episodes
Scenic Swiss train routes to discover in 2024
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we welcome back regular guest, Andy Nef, who brings us up to date with changes to some of the Swiss rail products for 2024. Andy also ...
How to travel sustainably in Switzerland
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Simon Bosshart, Head of Markets East and member of the management board of Switzerland Tourism. Simon shares why...
The Grand Explorer Tour of Switzerland: an unforgettable small group journey
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to choosing how to travel around Switzerland, renting a car or travelling by train are the two options you’ll likely consider. These...
How to use public transport in Switzerland
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to travel Switzerland by train? If you’re not a regular public transport user, the idea of hopping on and off trains in a foreign cou...
Discovering the many charms of canton Valais
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Mario Braide and Emilie Morard as they share details about the spectacular region of Valais. From breathtaking l...
Trip Report: Visiting Switzerland with Kids
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Carolyn is joined by Carrie Nicholes who recently returned from a family trip to Switzerland. Although they only had five days to sp...
How to plan your Switzerland itinerary
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Carolyn shares with us the tools and resources she uses to plan her Swiss itinerary and how to decide which places to visit. She also ...
Matterhorn Alpine Crossing - Connecting Switzerland and Italy by cable car
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are joined by Claudia Wyss from Zermatt Cableways. Claudia shares with us all the details about the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossin...
Visiting Switzerland in Fall (Everything you need to know)
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fall (autumn) is an underrated but perfect season to visit Switzerland. Join us as, together with Simon Bosshart from Switzerland Tourism, we explore ...
Top short breaks and day tours from Zurich
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest in this episode is Amanda Wee from Best of Switzerland Tours. Amanda tells us about the most popular day and multi-day tours that are avai...
8 amazing experiences to include in your Switzerland vacation
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn shares 8 fantastic new experiences she has enjoyed on her recent visit to Switzerland. Over the course of nearly a month, Car...
Tips for planning your excursion on the nostalgic Brienz Rothorn Bahn steam train
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, our guest Dominique Horne from Brienz Rothorn Railways tells us all about Switzerland's only daily steam train, the Brienz Rotho...
Lugano Region - The Swiss Region with Italian Flair
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Daniela Gugliotta Bagaian from Lugano Region Tourism. Daniela tells us all about the fantastic Lugano Region and all...
4 fantastic (and easy) hikes to enjoy in Switzerland
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Melinda Schoutens, an avid hiker and the author of the Fresh Air Kids Switzerland book series that inspires readers ...
Bernina Express Train Switzerland: From Glaciers to Palm Trees
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Camille Härdi from Rhaetian Railways, operators of the premium panoramic train known as the Bernina Express. The ...
Discovering the hidden gems of the Interlaken Holiday Region
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Renato Julier from Interlaken Tourism. Renato tells us about all the wonderful things to do in the Interlaken Holi...
A winter family vacation in Switzerland
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Nicole Riede who recently went on a trip to Switzerland with her family of four during winter. Nicole shares lots ...
Mt. Pilatus - the mythical mountain on Lucerne’s doorstep
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Manuela Blapp, a market manager representing Mt. Pilatus to travellers around the world. Manuela chats about a...
How to choose the best Swiss rail pass for your trip
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Amanda Kendle, who’s having trouble choosing the right Swiss rail pass for her trip to Switzerland. Amanda i...
Where to stay in Switzerland
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn shares the many accommodation options available to visitors to Switzerland. These include the usual options like hotels, host...
When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland?
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I’m often asked the question: When is the best time to visit Switzerland? To be honest, there is no best time for every single person – what’s b...
Explore Switzerland with a Swiss rail package
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Fabian Bryner from Switzerland Travel Centre. Fabian tells us about the different rail packages available for travel...
10 top experiences to enjoy in Switzerland
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Nick Taylor who is a member of our Switzerland Travel Planning Facebook group. Nick and his wife have been frequent ...
Journey across Switzerland on the Glacier Express
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Gabriele Aberle from Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. Gabi walks us through all the details travellers should know about...
Tips for planning your 2023 trip to Switzerland
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
2023 promises to be the year many listeners will finally be able to visit (or revisit) Switzerland . To help you prepare for your Switzerland trip, in...
Fun things to do in the Jungfrau Region with kids
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Isabelle Rapisarda from Jungfrau Region Tourism. Isabelle tells us about the many fun activities that families c...
Swiss Train News and Updates for 2023
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Andy Nef from the Swiss Travel System. Andy shares all the latest news and updates on the Swiss Travel System, i...
Christmas in Switzerland: Cookies and Customs
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn is joined by Andie Pilot, a pastry chef, food writer and cookbook author. While being Canadian-Swiss she is still very rooted...
The many advantages of taking a private tour in Switzerland
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 trav...
Engelberg and Mt. Titlis - Home of glacier adventures and incredible views
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Things to Do in Lucerne: The City, The Lake, The Mountains
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 regi...
Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn - Which mountain should you visit?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two of the best mountain excursions in the Jungfrau Region are Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. Both will leave you with lasting memories from your visi...
What to Expect When You Visit Switzerland in Winter
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Fun and Free Things To Do In Geneva
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 an...
Insights and Updates from my recent Switzerland vacation
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Carolyn shares her highlights and insights from her recent trip to Switzerland. There are also updates on a number of new experienc...
Magical Places in Switzerland to include in your itinerary
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Visiting some of the lesser-known places when you travel is always a highlight. Just because a town is not as well known doesn't mean it isn&apos...
Magnificent Matterhorn Excursions from Zermatt
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With what is probably the world’s most recognisable mountain as its backdrop, it’s not surprising that Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s most popu...
Visiting St. Gallen and Bodensee
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Most visitors to Switzerland head to the hot spots of Zurich, Lucerne, the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt, and all are worthy destinations. There are...
Trip Report: Exploring Switzerland by car
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My special guest in this episode is Nansi Martin from New Jersey in the United States, who, along with her husband Rob, rented a car and did a road tr...
Looking for the best outdoor activities in Interlaken Switzerland? Discover 13 unforgettable things to do in Interlaken.
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Interlaken is known as the adventure capital of Europe so if you’re an adventure seeker, this is the destination for you! In this episode, I chat ...
The best day trips from Zurich with Best of Switzerland Tours
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you have only a short amount of time to spend in Switzerland, or just prefer to let someone else do the planning, taking a guided day tour from Zur...
Berner Oberland Pass - the Swiss rail pass for the Bernese Oberland
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the many wonderful things to do in Switzerland is to ride a cable car, funicular or mountain railway to the top of a mountain peak. There are...
The Grand Tour of Switzerland
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a regular listener of the podcast, you’ll be aware of Switzerland’s fantastic public transport network as there have been numerous epi...
Breathtaking boat trips to enjoy in Switzerland
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we hear from Andy Nef of Swiss Travel System who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Switzerland's public transport network...
Decadent must-have Swiss chocolate experiences
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Switzerland has a long chocolate-making history and is renowned for producing some of the best - if not THE best - chocolate in the world.So it’s no...
Swiss traditions and world class sites
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is it photos of the incredible scenic beauty that have enticed you to visit Switzerland? I’m not surprised. Everywhere you turn in Switzerland you...
Trip Report: A Special Family Vacation in Switzerland
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guests, Brenda Powell and Chelsea Powell, have recently returned from Switzerland where they enjoyed a wonderful vacation with four generati...
Cheers! Let's drink to Swiss wine, beer and spirits
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m welcoming back Andie Pilot from HelveticKitchen.com. Andie is a pastry chef and cookbook author and she was the special guest on episode 3...
Visiting Basel: 1 city, 3 countries
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the podcast, Natascha Martin from Basel Tourism shares the many wonderful - and sometimes unique - things to do in Basel, the Swiss...
Sustainable travel in Switzerland by train, bus and boat
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we're joined by a regular guest of the show, Andy Nef, from Swiss Travel System. Andy tells us all about the Swiss Travel Syste...
Trip Report: Traveling Switzerland at a slower pace
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My guests in this episode are Gary and Cathy Martin from Seattle who recently spent a month’s vacation in Switzerland.After a couple of very brief v...
Everything You Need To Know About Swiss Cheese
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a cheese lover, you’re going to love this episode! I’m joined by Nadia Nadif, the US brand manager for Cheeses from Switzerland, who i...
15 ways to make your Swiss vacation budget go further
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After many, many trips to Switzerland, I have a few tried and tested ways to make my vacation dollars stretch further whilst still enjoying all the ex...
Festive fun! 3 of the best Christmas Markets in Switzerland to visit.
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From late November until Christmas Eve, market stalls appear in many cities and towns across Switzerland. These Christmas Markets are a much loved tra...
Trip Report: Magical memories from a week in Switzerland
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with Beth who recently returned from a week-long trip to Switzerland. Despite only having seven days in Switzerland, thanks t...
Bern, Books and a Slow Train to Switzerland
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat to Diccon Bewes, best selling author of seven books about Switzerland and a confirmed Swiss chocolate lover!Diccon lives in Ber...
Raclette, Rösti and Rivella - plus more Swiss specialties you have to try.
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the highlights of a visit to a different country is trying the local cuisine and Switzerland is no different. Naturally you’ll want to enjoy ...
Visiting Mt Rigi - The Queen of the Mountains
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Switzerland is known for its snow capped mountain peaks and for every mountain - regardless of how high it is - there’s usually a mountain railway o...
Trip Report: A Honeymoon in Switzerland
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Margo and Eric, members of the Switzerland Travel Planning Facebook group from Cleveland, Ohio. They recently returned ...
From Brisbane to Zug - creating a new life in Switzerland
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is Kristin Reinhard, an Australian who spent her gap year in Switzerland and is still there today, some 20 years later!In this episode...
Discovering the delights of Schaffhausen, Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Although it is one of the smaller cantons of Switzerland, the canton of Schaffhausen is quite well known thanks to the Rhine Falls. Many visitors come...
Hotel Gloria, the Beatenberg hotel with fabulous views, friendly hosts and the finest food.
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When Australian Jacky and Swiss Bernhard first met in Australia many years ago, they had no idea that they would eventually marry and move to Switzerl...
What's new in Switzerland (including the re-opening to tourists), and reader questions answered
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join me in this episode of the podcast as I chat to Birgit Weingartner of Switzerland Tourism to get all the latest news from Switzerland.Birgit discu...
Hiking in Switzerland with Tanya Deans of Swiss Family Fun
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tanya Deans started hiking in Switzerland on weekends as a way to spend quality outdoor time with her husband and infant son. As an English-speaking...
Visiting St. Moritz
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
St. Moritz is more than just a glitzy ski resort. It's a year-round destination no matter what your interests. In this episode of the Holidays ...
Visiting Fribourg canton (including Gruyeres) with Lisa Nyffeler
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Chocolate and cheese are synonymous with Switzerland and the medieval village of Gruyères is widely regarded as one of the best places in the country...
Tips for enjoying the most popular Swiss mountain excursions with Andy Nef
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you plan to enjoy one of the famous Swiss mountain excursions when you visit Switzerland? In this episode, Andy Nef joins me to chat about ten of...
Visiting Graubunden with Thalia Wunsche
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Graubünden may be the largest canton in Switzerland but it is less well known to many international visitors than some other cantons.Boasting over 60...
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and Switzerland's Premium Panoramic Trains
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Every train journey in Switzerland is scenic, so travelling from one destination to another can be just as much of a highlight as the destination itse...
Visiting Appenzellerland with Andreas Frey of Appenzellerland Tourism
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It may be a lesser-known part of Switzerland to international visitors but the authentic and unspoilt scenery of Appenzellerland makes it the ideal de...
Swiss Travel System - Feeder line trains and benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Nef of the Swiss Travel System joins me in this episode to answer some frequently asked questions about travelling between Switzerland and neighb...
The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland with Kevin Quattropani
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Quattropani is the President of Les Plus Beaux Villages de Suisse (the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland), an association set up to recogni...
Visiting Spiez and Lake Thun with Kasiu Morgenstern
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kasiu Morgernstern has lived in the Bernese Oberland for many years, working in a number of roles in the tourism industry. She currently works as th...
Tracy's favourites - a frequent visitor to Switzerland shares her top tips
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Travel blogger Tracy Collins has visited Switzerland many times, including a stint when she lived and worked in the country. In this episode, Tracy ...
Visiting Lucerne and beyond with Typically Swiss Tours
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Chris Wilson of Typically Swiss Tours discusses the must-see sights in Lucerne and the surrounding Lake Lucerne area. He also chats...
Visiting Ticino with Veronica Lafranchi of Ticino Tourism
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast, Carolyn chats with Veronica Lafranchi, Country Manager North America for Ticino Tourism...
The Swiss Travel System with Andy Nef
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast, Andreas Nef of Swiss Travel System provides an insight into the comprehensive network o...
Visiting Montreux Riviera with Celine Guido of Montreux Riviera Tourism
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the stunning Swiss Riviera and the towns of Montreux and Vevey in this episode of the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Special gu...
Visiting Zermatt with Janine Imesch of Zermatt Tourism
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It may be Zermatt's most recognisable attraction but there's more to the alpine village of Zermatt than just the Matterhorn. In this episo...
Visiting the Jungfrau Region - an interview with Jana Amacher of Jungfrau Region Tourism
06 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Plan your visit to Switzerland's beautiful Jungfrau Region with tips and advice from local expert, Jana Amacher. Learn about the five main vill...
Planning your visit to the Schilthorn - tips and advice for visiting Murren and the Schilthorn
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 7, I chat with Alan Ramsay, Sales Manager for the Schilthorn. We discuss how to get to the Schilthorn, things to do on the mountain - whi...
10 Useful things to know before you visit Switzerland
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 6, Holidays to Switzerland's Carolyn Schonafinger shares ten useful things to know before you visit Switzerland. These ten useful ti...
Planning your visit to Jungfraujoch Top of Europe with Dario Gross of Jungfrau Railways
13 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Would you love to ride aboard the famous Jungfraujoch train to the highest train station in Europe?Tune in to this episode as I chat with Dario Gross ...
Visiting Interlaken with Renato Julier of Interlaken Tourism
06 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Discover the top things to do in Interlaken in episode 4 of the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast as I chat with Renato Julier of Interlaken Tour...
Visiting Zurich with Dominik Mattli of Zurich Tourism
14 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you are travelling to Zurich, Switzerland, this episode is a must-listen! I chat to Zurich Tourism's Dominik Mattli who shares his tips for ma...
Tips and advice for first-time travellers to Switzerland
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast, Carolyn chats with Birgit Weingartner of Switzerland Tourism. Birgit shares lots of us...
Introducing the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast
19 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Carolyn Schonafinger introduces you to the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. She discusses how she came to fall in love with Switzerland and wha...