Julia Chubarova – Travel blog

Switzerland is truly a fairy-tale country. Firstly, because it’s incredibly beautiful: towering mountain peaks, emerald valleys, and crystal-clear lakes create breathtaking landscapes. Secondly, Switzerland inspired classic writers, and it’s in this country that we recognize the landscapes between the lines of iconic novels. And thirdly, it is incredibly expensive, but despite that, I’m sure that at least once in your life, you should see these places with your own eyes.

1. Lauterbrunnen — The Valley of 72 Waterfalls

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Rivendell, then this is the place for you. This picturesque valley, with its sheer cliffs and countless waterfalls, inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to create the Elven refuge in “The Hobbit.”

In 1911, young Tolkien traveled through Switzerland and crossed the Lauterbrunnen Pass. Later, he admitted that this experience helped him create the scene of Bilbo and the dwarves’ journey through the Misty Mountains. Imagine narrow trails, alpine meadows, and roaring streams — it’s no wonder that this area feels like a setting from a fantasy world.

What to do:

• See the Staubbach Falls — one of the highest in Europe (297 m).
• Hike the Trümmelbach Falls, hidden inside the mountain.
• Simply enjoy the atmosphere — it’s one of the most peaceful places in Switzerland.

2. Reichenbach Falls — The “Death” of Sherlock Holmes

The Swiss town of Meiringen is famous for two things: the meringue dessert and… the death of Sherlock Holmes. It was here, at the Reichenbach Falls, that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle “killed” his legendary detective in a struggle with Professor Moriarty.

What to do:

• Take the funicular to the falls, which has been in operation since the 19th century.
• Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and feel like a true detective.
• Stroll through Meiringen: the town is styled after Victorian England and is soaked in the spirit of the detective.

3. Zermatt and the Legendary Matterhorn

Zermatt is a car-free town. Yes, you can only get there by train or electric taxi. But it’s worth it: from here, you get the best view of the Matterhorn — Switzerland’s most recognizable mountain (yes, the very one that’s featured on Toblerone chocolate).

What to do:

• Take the Gornergrat Railway to the top (3100 m) — from there, the panorama is incredible.
• Hike one of the trails, for example, Riffelberg – Gornergrat (details here).
• Simply stroll through the charming streets of Zermatt and enjoy the alpine village atmosphere.

4. Devil’s Bridge — The Site of Suvorov’s Battle

This place is not only beautiful but also historically significant. The Devil’s Bridge spans the Schöllenen Gorge, where in 1799, Alexander Suvorov’s army fought the French.

What to do:

• Walk across the bridge and feel its power.
• Explore the mountain corridors — it feels like the hidden stories of past centuries are here.
• Have a coffee with a view of the waterfall and imagine how this place looked 200 years ago.

5. Liechtenstein — A Bonus Country

Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world, but if you’re already in Switzerland, why not pay a visit to it?

What to Do:

• Visit the Vaduz Castle, home to the royal family.
• Explore the old town and try the local wine.
• Visit the Museum of Modern Art (small but interesting).

6. Middle-Earth Museum — Tolkien’s Corner in Switzerland

This museum is a true find for fans of “The Lord of the Rings.” It contains exhibits related to Tolkien’s work: maps, manuscripts, and even recreations of scenes from Middle Earth. If you liked Lauterbrunnen, this place is also a must-visit.

7. Hike to Aescher Hut — The Most Instagrammable Location

If you think you’ve seen this hut before — you’re right. The Aescher-Wildkirchli hut is one of the most photographed in the world. It clings to a sheer cliff and looks unreal.

How to Get There:

• Travel to the town of Wasserauen.
• Choose one of the hiking trails (details here).

How to Travel Around Switzerland

Switzerland has an ideal transportation system. You can get almost anywhere, even to mountain peaks, by train. If you plan on traveling a lot, it’s worth purchasing the Swiss Travel Pass — it gives unlimited access to trains, buses, and even boats.

👉 Swiss Railways Website

What to Try in Switzerland

Fondue

The Swiss don’t just eat cheese — they turn it into a ritual. A fondue is a hot pot of melted cheese into which you dip pieces of bread. Classic fondue is made from a mixture of Gruyère and Vacherin, with added white wine and garlic.

Raclette

Another cheesy dish: melted cheese is scraped off directly from the wheel and served with potatoes or vegetables.

Rösti

Switzerland’s version of potato pancakes — crispy potato cakes served with cheese, eggs, or meat.

Chocolate

If you think you’ve tasted the best chocolate in your life, wait until you try Swiss chocolate. Here, chocolate is treated like an art form, and brands like Lindt, Toblerone, Sprüngli, and Läderach are known worldwide.

But if you want not just to taste chocolate but fully immerse yourself in its history, make sure to visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich. This museum is a true paradise for sweet tooths!

What’s Waiting for You:

• A giant chocolate fountain (9 meters!), greets guests right at the entrance.
• An interactive exhibition that tells you how real Swiss chocolate is made.
• A tasting area — unlimited Lindt chocolate of all kinds.
• A chocolate workshop where you can make your chocolate bar.

👉 Official Museum Website

Switzerland is a country where every mountain, every valley, and even every street seems made for postcards. And even though it’s one of the most expensive destinations in Europe, the experiences you’ll take away are worth every penny spent. And if you need to take a piece of Switzerland home — choose chocolate. Sweet memories are guaranteed!