Switzerland is definitely one of those countries that looks exactly as it does in your mind’s eye before you visit, which is quite a rare thing nowadays come to think of it… Vietnam looked nothing like I imagined, Sarajevo looked more like Istanbul than I ever expected, Denmark was much flatter and had more bikes than I ever envisaged, Slovenia looked more like a cross between Italy and Austria than I thought it ever could, but Switzerland? For once my brain got that 100% right.
Real is the spellbinding scenery full of impressive and infamous mountains such as the Matterhorn, the Jungfrau and the Eiger. The lakes really are as crystal clear as you pictured them to be, and many (and extremely pretty!) are the wooden alpine chalets you might have dreamed of in the past. As for the immaculate and extensive travel network you might well expect a country like Switzerland to have given its reputation for luxury and efficiency, well that’s very real too – making it one of those destinations that’s both stunningly beautiful, and relatively straight forward to navigate.
Up to now, we have only explored a tiny percentage of Switzerland (also famous for its chocolate and cheese, which should probably make it one of my absolute favourites of all time), but apart from a very fondue-tastic ski week spent in glorious Andermatt a couple of years ago, driving across it from Munich to get to France, or cutting down through Liechtenstein then navigating our way through impressive Swiss Mountain passes on the way down to Italy has been the extent we have seen of it. Not exactly relaxing journeys mind you (especially with me map reading!), but memorably beautiful nonetheless, which is why Switzerland is somewhere we have book marked for a lengthier sojourn in the next year or so. And, what better way to see it than via its rail network? After all, this is a journey I think our absolutely train bonkers toddler would be spellbound by, and our older two should be fully enchanted with (once we had gotten over any “who’s sitting by the window” arguments of course).
We have undertaken one big family trip by rail through Japan in the past, which was jam packed full of iconic scenery and of course incredibly fast and famous trains. Whilst it was a brilliant adventure, it wasn’t perhaps the most relaxing trip at times. This was mostly thanks to relatively mediocre planning on our part, not to mention the few stressful incidents that included one child traumatised for life having almost been left behind on a Tokyo platform, various ticket misunderstandings, and total confusion as to whether we were on the correct train or not at one point (thankfully Mount Fuji graciously confirmed that we were!), and that was all with a husband who can speak quite a bit of Japanese. Since then, I have always said that any future “holiday by rail” would be a 100% stress free experience as I would choose a country a little bit closer to home, AND get someone else to do all the planning for me to ensure the whole thing is hassle free.
And this is where Switzerland comes in, as it’s equally famous for its trains and with just as beautiful scenery. Whilst Japan has its bullet trains and famous peaks, Switzerland has truly mighty mountains and trains that are the total opposite of bullet, like the Glacier Express – described as the slowest express train in the world – which is just as well, as it takes you on what could possibly be the most beautiful 8 hour train journey in the entire world between Zermatt and St Moritz so you absolutely don’t want it to hurry past…
Thanks to my good friend Trish of Mum’s Gone To, and her recent travels to Austria and Finland and Portugal, I know exactly which company I will use to take all the hassle out of planning such a trip through as well – Inntravel, an English company who have specialised in slow travel since 1984 (by which they mean taking the time to celebrate the places, events, folklore, traditions and food that help define an area). In that time have built a pretty good reputation, and I have heard nothing but good things about them in terms of looking after their customers well, and planning every single aspect of an itinerary meticulously for a perfectly tailored holiday (there are a few of us who won’t write for, or about any old travel company you know!).
Many of the destinations Inntravel specialise in (25 to be precise) are in Europe, but a few countries slightly further afield also make the list, such as India, Nepal, Morocco and Turkey. Whilst a few of the countries might sound overly familiar to a lot of us, this company often choose to take the less trodden route as it were, for a more unique trip. As for the type of holiday, well that’s completely up to you! Inntravel sort the accommodation, and craft self guided itineraries to take all the hard work out of it for you. There are walking or cycling adventures to choose from, adventures by car, or family holidays at a pace that suits everyone. Then there are snow holidays, or holidays with private guides, holidays by boat, or holidays that see you travelling extensively by train (or both!), which brings me right back to Switzerland again…
Inntravel offers a couple of brilliant options when it comes to Swiss Rail breaks thankfully (which will make my job far easier when pleading my case for such a trip before Mr R)… From their “Journey ‘Across the Roof of Europe‘ which incidentally allows you to bypass any kind of plane journey if you opt to leave London via Eurostar in the morning, change at Paris and arrive in Switzerland by the evening! Then the next chapter of your adventure begins with days packed full of all manner of locomotive travel across Switzerland, including funicular journeys, cog trains, a trip to Europe’s highest station, and all whilst taking in some spectacular views of iconic mountains, lakes and fairy tale scenery along the way (and with some pretty lovely hotels to stay in too!), and all with absolutely no travel detail to worry about (apart from who’s sitting next to the window!!). I am pretty much sold I think…
*post in collaboration with Inntravel. All words and opinions very much my own!
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays says
Switzerland is stunning and the train the very best way to see it
Emma says
Thanks Catherine! (: x
Hilary says
So you’re planning this trip? Will be interested to hear back after you’ve gone to see if it lives up to your expectations! I’d love to visit Switzerland one day! #farawayfiles
Emma says
Definitely. Although it’s going to have to wait until next year as we are buying a new house at the moment! Switzerland is really beautiful! :)
Urska says
It is alway nice if someone else makes all the planning, but I feel booking holidays in Switzerland via agency is just not necessary. Especially if you travel by train. It is just too easy to make all the arrangements and travel around on your own. Not to mention, if you travel on your own you can avoid some of the most overrated and overly touristy places and visit some of the country’s hidden gems. #FarawayFiles
Emma says
I don’t think booking a holiday anywhere via an agency is necessary (we never have!), but sometimes (especially with 2 children and a toddler) it really appeals to me to take all the work out of it! :D I love Switzerland. You are right, it is really beautiful!
Dannii says
The Swiss rail system is one of the best in the world. Not to mention the beautiful scenery. I can’t wait to go back one day.
Emma says
Probably one of the most beautiful countries I have been to so far! :) Thank you!
Sharon says
Ah, Switzerland in the snow. What is more lovely?! We planned to go to Switzerland last fall, but a major storm was going to sock us in, so we stayed in Austria. I would love to visit Switzerland again, though. My one trip there was so memorable.
Emma says
Thanks Sharon. It’s really so beautiful isn’t it? Hope you get back there very soon! (:
Jumble Tree says
Really like the sound of Inntravel and taking it slow. Think training-it will be a fantastic way to see Switzerland! Beautiful photos xx
Emma says
Thanks so much T. x
Ashleigh Dougherty says
I’ve been to Switzerland too but I wasn’t anywhere near the swiss alps. I’d love to back one day and would consider inn travel too!
Emma says
Thanks so much Ashleigh! (:
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says
A country I’ve never been to and it looks beautiful. My husbands friends live over there and they keep inviting us, we must take them up on the offer!
Emma says
Oh you really must! Thanks Laura! (:
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Isn’t it interesting that some countries look nothing like they do in our imaginations? I’ve only explored Verbier (skiing) and Interlaken (so my husband could do a crazy mountain marathon on the Jungfrau) in Switzerland and I’d absolutely love to explore more of the country. Train travel sounds delightful. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Emma says
Thank you Clare x
Claire at Tin Box Traveller says
I love the idea of travelling my train. It sounds so relaxed! Switzerland is beautiful too!! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
Emma says
Thanks Claire. I think it sounds really lovely and relaxing too! (: x
Phoebe | Lou Messugo says
I’m like you in that I’ve driven across parts of Switzerland many times, and had a ski holiday in Saas Fee, and visited friends in Geneva, but I really haven’t explored the country properly and yet it is relatively close. The cost mainly puts me off. But I do love train travel and while I love organising our family travel, sometimes I also think it would be nice to hand over the reins to someone else occasionally, so I can see the appeal of using a recommended company like Inn Travel. I look forward to hearing about your trip. #farawayfiles
Emma says
I think there are ways to save money there like self catering etc. It’s worth it even though it can be extortionate though! :D Thanks Phoebe x
Whatlauraloves says
At the risk of sounding a little geeky (of which I don’t care! lol), trains are my favourite mode of transport. I’d love to explore somewhere by train, especially somewhere as picturesque as Switzerland! xxx
Emma says
It sounds amazing doesn’t it? Thanks Laura! xx
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
It’s been many many years since we’ve been to Switzerland, but after living in FLAT Denmark for years, I’d really love to spend some time rolling through the mountains! I love rail travel and this looks just seriously serene. And who doesn’t love Swiss cows! Those big brown eyes! #MondayEscapes
Emma says
Oh I hear you on the Denmark thing, when we moved from KBH to Munich, it was like moving to another planet! :D Thank you x
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
Wow!! That is such a wonderful place to visit this 2018. I always wanted to visit Switzerland I am just waiting for my son to grow up. and if the opportunity comes now I will definitely not miss it.
Emma says
It’s one of those places isn’t it? :) Thanks Angela
Ana De- Jesus says
I am so glad that your friend’s suggestion led to you booking with Inn Travel that enables you to enjoy slow travel with your family. I do agree that sometimes we do rush through experiences like holidays so its definitely nice to take some time out to slow down.
Emma says
I am all for anything slow at the moment to be honest, I cannot believe it’s almost April already! :D Thanks Ana!
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says
We’d love to go on a mountain train and Switzerland is so picturesque. It’s been on our bucket list for ages! Better start saving up!
Emma says
Thanks Bella! (:
Joanna says
I would love to visit Switzerland, it is one of the few European countries that I didn’t get a chance to go to yet. The only thing that puts me off are the high prices. The scenery however is definitely fantastic!
Emma says
Thanks Joanna! It is expensive, but you can cut corners on a few things (plus if you have lived in Denmark for a while like I have, nothing seems that expensive anymore! :D )
Midlife Singlemum says
That sounds like a very stress free way to travel Europe.
Emma says
It really does doesn’t it? Thank you. x
Cassandra Mayers says
Oh wow those trains look so cool! Looks like a beautiful place to take a trip!
Emma says
They do don’t they? Thanks Cassandra! (:
pinkoddy says
Switzerland looks and sounds amazing. We are off to Milan this year and it’s not that far at all so I do keep wondering whether to squeeze in a visit whilst we are there. I love that there’s someone who can do the planning
Emma says
It’s really not that far is it! Might see you in Milan! ;) x
Lynne Harper says
I have been up the Jungfrau and it’s absolutely amazing. I’m heading skiing to the border of Switzerland on Friday and I can’t wait to get back to explore again its such a beautiful country and one I thoroughly enjoy visiting x
Emma says
Great isn’t it? Have a brilliant trip! (: x
Mandi says
Switzerland certainly looks like an amazing country to explore. The scenery alone is spectacular!
Emma says
Truly amazing! Thanks Mandi! (:
Stevie - A Cornish Mum says
Oh it looks absolutely beautiful and that train on the bridge is something else! I love the idea of a train journey through a new country, such a fab way to explore without the risk of getting lost. You’ve made me desperate for a holiday now ha!
Stevie x
Emma says
Thanks Stevie! :) x
Emma says
It all looks stunning, I have taken the train across Russia from Moscow to Sochi I love different ways of travelling and exploring a country.
Emma says
Oh my gosh, that sounds incredible. I would love to do that journey! (:
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve only ever been to Geneva before and although the cheese and chocolate fondues were amazing I found it very expensive and cold as we went in December but I’d love to go back x
Emma says
I haven’t made it to Geneva just yet, one day! (: x
Kara says
That mountain train looks like the perfect way to take in the views. I am guessing it is built for the snow, unlike our trains. I have skied in Austria but never been to Switzerland (BTW, Japan sounds like a nightmare)
Emma says
Definitely unlike our trains! Thanks Kara, not so much a nightmare as slightly stressful at times! I would recommend Japan with kids as a whole though, it’s just amazing! :D x
Katy says
This looks like a spectacular trip! I visited Switzerland as a teenager on a Girl Guide trip, but if I’m honest, I don’t think I got the most out of it! We did manage to see a few mountains and ride the funicular though which was really fun. I really like the sound of slow travel – so often on a trip you can spend your time rushing from place to place, trying to fit everything in, that you miss the little things which really make a place.
Emma says
That’s really true. Thanks Katy! (:
Krista Bjorn says
I have taken road trips through Switzerland several times, and I agree with you completely, it met and exceeded my expectations and was just like the postcards. :-) So beautiful. :-)
Emma says
One of those countries that seems quite otherworldy at times isn’t it? Thanks Krista! (: x
Alison Rost says
It’s really beautiful! I’ve never been to Switzerland and I would love to explore the different places there. I think it’s amazing how much of it is untouched. It’s perfect for people who appreciate nature.
Emma says
I would really recommend it to nature lovers. Thank you Alison! (:
michelle twin mum says
Gosh Switzerland is beautiful. I’ve not made it there yet but I have 4 or 5 friends that live there and I adore seeing all their pictures. It’s definitely somewhere we will get to, despite the fact I don’t like the snow! Mich x
Emma says
Oh you must Michelle, we have driven through it in the summer when there’s not much snow about and it’s still as beautiful! :)
Sarah Bailey says
My parents have done a lot of these train journies and absolutely love them, they have done a few through Switzerland and seemed to have the most amazing time.
Emma says
That’s great to hear! Thanks Sarah.
Grace says
Can’t wait to hear all about it – sounds bliss. x
Emma says
Thanks Mum x
Sabina Green says
Oh wow it looks absolutely stunning and definitely somewhere I would love to visit one day though I’m not so sure about going on that train, that would freak me out!
Emma says
Thanks Sabina! Ha, which one? I like the sound of all of them apart from the cog train! :D
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
The best thing we did in 2017/18 was book three Inntravel holidays. We travelled by train through Portugal, walked through the lakes and mountains in Austria and learned to cross-country ski in Finland. The itineraries were excellent, the hotel choices superb and the organisation was spot on. I’ve never been to Switzerland – maybe I should put it on my list too!
Emma says
I am not a huge holiday company fan, but thanks to you, this company I am looking forward to travelling with! And yes, put Switzerland on your list! x
Yeah Lifestyle says
I personally love Switzerland as I have travelled there a couple of times to see a friend who lives there. Its such an amazing place to visit and its landscape is pristine. I have never done a rail break before so will be looking into booking one.
Emma says
It’s really beautiful isn’t it? Thanks so much!
Nichola - Globalmouse says
I absolutely love travelling by train, it’s part of the fun of the trip isn’t it? I would really like to explore more of Switzerland too so sounds like the perfect combination. Love your gorgeous photos.
Emma says
Thanks so much Nichola, there’s something really special about train travel (when you are not talking about commuting! :D) x
Joanna Bayford says
Switzerland looks amazing and so magical in the snow. When I think of Switzerland I must say your photos are what I think of it to be like.
Emma says
Thanks Joanna! (:
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
Switzerland looks so picturesque and inviting. I’d love to visit one day… especially for their chocolate!
Emma says
Some of the best there is really! :D Thanks Sarah!
Emma says
Ooooh, I do like the idea of traveling by train, and we’re still hoping to ski in the Easter hols, so this could be perfect!!
Emma says
It would be a great adventure! Thanks Emma (: x
jenny paulin says
wow Switzerland looks amazing. all that stunning scenery , it almost takes your breath `way doesn’t it? Would imagine Japan to be so far removed from Switzerland, while still a beautiful country, very different to visit. x
Emma says
It is stunning! Yes, completely different just the only place I have ever travelled extensively by train in! :D x
Morgan Prince says
Oh my what beautiful photos you have! I have to admit that I prefer when others plan my holidays! ;)
#MondayEscapes
Emma says
I really need to try it! :D Thanks Morgan!
Claire - life love and dirty dishes says
It sounds amazing. Relaxing yet cultural and scenic sounds like a great combination. Have fun planning your trip.
Emma says
Thanks so much Claire! (:
Life in Lilac says
I visited Switzerland (Lucerne) on my honeymoon, it is just so majestic. It looks like a train makes for a fabulous way to explore the country.
Emma says
Lucerne sounds especially beautiful. What a lovely place for a honeymoon! :)