Travel Diary 1, 2 Switzerland
I have to admit honestly: for a long time, Switzerland wasn't really on my radar as a travel destination. Sure, it's a small country, and somehow I thought a long weekend would be enough to see the most important sights. But the deeper I dove into planning this trip, the more I realized: 14 days are the absolute minimum to truly enjoy the highlights of this country at a relaxed pace. So many impressive landscapes, charming towns, and cultural treasures await here! I chose Lucerne as the starting point for my adventure – a city known for its picturesque location on Lake Lucerne.
Day 1: Arrival in Lucerne and a First Taste of Switzerland
After a nearly 2-hour drive from my hometown of Freiburg, I arrive in Lucerne and am instantly delighted by the beautiful scenery. The city welcomes me with its sparkling lake and majestic mountains in the background – a real postcard moment! But first, I want to check into my hotel. It's a cozy, family-run place with a small restaurant on the ground floor serving typical Swiss cuisine.
After checking in and taking a short break to freshen up, I'm looking forward to my first dinner in Switzerland. The menu at the hotel restaurant promises classic Swiss delicacies, and I can't resist: there's rösti with raclette cheese, paired with a cool glass of Rivella – the perfect welcome meal! The hearty flavors and cozy atmosphere set the mood for the days ahead.
Full and content, I soon head to bed, since the adventure is really set to begin the next day. The anticipation of the discoveries ahead keeps me a little wide awake, but eventually I do fall asleep – ready for whatever awaits me the next morning.
Day 2: Heading to the Summit of Stanserhorn – Pure Nature Experience
On the second day of my adventure, a very special highlight is on the agenda: the ascent to the summit of Stanserhorn. After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, I head to the valley station. There, a special cable car awaits me – the first of its kind powered by solar energy and open-air, allowing me to breathe in the fresh mountain air even during the ride. The view becomes more impressive with every meter of altitude, and soon I have a breathtaking view over the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can even see as far as Alsace and the Black Forest!
Once at the top, the sight is simply overwhelming. I take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and set off to explore the hiking trails. It's incredible how peaceful it is up here – and with a bit of luck, I actually spot a few marmots frolicking among the rocks. In between, I listen to a talk given by a ranger, who introduces me to the fascinating flora and fauna of the region.
In the afternoon, I return to Lucerne and take the time to explore the 14th-century old town. Particularly impressive are the old wooden bridges and the famous Lion Monument, erected in honor of fallen Swiss soldiers. I spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lake – with a delicious ice cream in hand and a view of the glittering water. A perfect end to an eventful day!
You can find all important information about the toll in Switzerland in our guide.