World in my Words

Switzerland in Spring

Scenic Drive from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen

Upon arriving at Zurich Airport, we rented a car and opted for the “avoid tolls” route. Though this choice doubled our travel time, it rewarded us with breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and serene lakesides, making the extended journey worthwhile.​

Lauterbrunnen: A Valley of Waterfalls

Our first destination was Lauterbrunnen, where we spent four days and three nights. Nestled in a valley adorned with 72 waterfalls, the village is a haven for nature lovers. Our Airbnb offered a direct view of the iconic Staubbach Falls, setting a tranquil backdrop for our stay.​

Date	Min Temp (°C)	Max Temp (°C)

March 28

2.4

12.3

March 29

6.1

7.9

March 30

3.9

14.6

March 31

4.9

12.7

April 1

1.4

12.5

Day Trip to Mürren & Allmendhubel: Snow, Coffee, Fun & Cozy Vibes

Lauterbrunnen to Mürren : Eager to explore Mürren, we took Bus 141 from Lauterbrunnen and alighted at the “Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn” stop. A brief but scenic and easy 5-10 minute walk led us to the cable car station, where the Schilthornbahn transported us to the car-free village of Mürren. 

Mürren: Perched at 1,650 meters, Mürren offers panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Its charming chalets and welcoming locals create an enchanting atmosphere.​Mürren itself is Picture-perfect. It’s a car-free village perched on a cliff.Everywhere you look, it feels like a painting.

We stopped for lunch and coffee at Alti Metzg, Dorfladen und Bistro — a cozy, rustic spot with delicious food and breathtaking mountain views. The warm atmosphere and fresh, local flavors made it a perfect midday break in Mürren.Highly recommend grabbing a seat by the window, if you can.

Mürren to Allmendhubel:From Mürren, we boarded the funicular to Allmendhubel. At an altitude of 1,907 meters, Allmendhubel was blanketed in pristine snow, transforming it into a winter wonderland. The Flower Park playground captivated our child, while we relished the serene vistas. There’s a charming panoramic restaurant at Allmendhubel, high above Mürren, where guests can relax with traditional Swiss dishes, drinks, and desserts while enjoying stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau over the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Notably, the last funicular departs at 5 PM, so we ensured a timely return to Mürren.​

Train to Wengen & A Tasty Surprise

Lauterbrunnen to Wengen: The next day, we took a short train ride from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen — a scenic journey that felt like traveling through a moving postcard, with views of pine forests and open alpine valleys. Though the ride was brief, it was truly magical, offering breathtaking vistas even before we arrived. While it’s possible to hike the 4 km trail up to Wengen, it’s a moderately challenging route, and not something we could have managed with a 5-year-old

Wengen greeted us with calm, quiet charm and a lovely playground set against the backdrop of towering peaks—our daughter was so happy, she never wanted to leave. The village had such a peaceful, unhurried vibe that we found ourselves simply wanting to sit, breathe, and take it all in. Although there’s a Wengen–Männlichen cable car that offers a scenic five-minute ride up 947 meters—with an open-air balcony option in the summer—we decided to skip it this time and just enjoy the village’s natural beauty.

For lunch, we stumbled upon Golden India, a cozy Indian restaurant tucked away in the heart of Wengen. To our surprise, the food was phenomenal—rich, flavorful curries, soft, freshly baked naan, and just the right kick of spice to warm us up in the mountain air. It was a delicious and unexpected treat in such a remote alpine setting.

Wengen to Lauterbrunnen: After our meal, we took on the 4 km hike back down to Lauterbrunnen. The trail was beautiful but very steep in sections—definitely a workout, especially with a 5-year-old! Still, the stunning views made it all worthwhile: rolling green hills, waterfalls in the distance, and that pure, peaceful Swiss air.

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Appenzell

For the second leg of our journey, we headed to Appenzell—not because it’s a tourist hotspot, but because we wanted to see the heart and life of Switzerland. We weren’t looking for big cities; we wanted green hills, charming traditions, and a slower pace. Appenzell offered all of that and more. Plus, it was conveniently close to Zurich Airport, which made it an ideal final stop before our early flight home.

🏡 Cozy Chalet Stay with Warm Swiss Hospitality

We booked a beautiful Airbnb chalet, a fully equipped and charming little home that felt like something out of a storybook. The best part? The sweetest and most welcoming host lived right next door. She greeted us with kindness and made sure we had everything we needed. The chalet was peaceful, clean, and had everything we could ask for—it truly felt like a home away from home.

To explore the area with ease, we bought the Oskar Pass, which is available to travelers staying in the region for more than three days. It costs CHF 17 per adult per day, and kids under six are free—definitely worth it! The pass gave us access to local transport, cable cars, museums, and other attractions, which made our stay both convenient and budget-friendly.

A Breathtaking Ride to Säntis with the Schwebebahn

One of the highlights of our time in Appenzell was visiting Säntis, the highest mountain in the Alpstein region. Even before we reached the mountain, the drive to the Säntis-Schwebebahn was absolutely breathtaking—winding roads, rolling meadows, charming villages, and glimpses of snow-dusted peaks around every bend. It was one of those drives where the journey itself is just as memorable as the destination.

We took the Säntis-Schwebebahn (cable car) to the summit, a quick but spectacular ride with sweeping views of the alpine landscape below. At the top, the panoramic views were unforgettable, stretching across six countries on a clear day. Even in spring, the summit was covered in a magical layer of snow.

It was also extremely windy at the top—so strong that we could only stay outside for a few minutes before retreating indoors. But even then, the cozy indoor viewing areas and the restaurant gave us a perfect place to warm up while still soaking in the incredible scenery. Despite the wind, Säntis was a soul-stirring experience, surrounded by raw, majestic nature that left us in awe.

🚗 Scenic Drives, Local Markets & Tasty Surprises

We spent our days driving around the Appenzell countryside, soaking in the lush hills, grazing cows, and postcard-worthy scenery. One afternoon, we drove to St. Gallen, explored the local market, and stumbled upon an unexpectedly awesome lunch spot: US MEX. The Tex-Mex food was bold, flavorful, and such a fun twist after days of traditional Swiss meals. It was a hit with all of us!

Sweet Fun at Maestrani’s Chocolarium

On our last full day, we visited Maestrani’s Chocolarium, and it was a total highlight—especially for our 5-year-old. This interactive chocolate factory tour was educational, playful, and packed with delicious samples. From watching chocolate being made to creating our own mini bars, it was an absolute delight for both kids and adults.

Appenzell gave us the peaceful, authentic Swiss experience we were hoping for. It was the perfect way to end our trip—surrounded by natural beauty, warm people, and unforgettable moments. If you’re looking for a slice of real Switzerland, far from the crowds but full of charm, Appenzell is it.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Our journey through Switzerland, from the majestic waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen to the authentic charm of Appenzell, left us with unforgettable memories. Every moment—from the scenic drives and cable car rides to the intimate lunches at hidden local gems—was filled with wonder and warmth. The breathtaking drive to the Säntis-Schwebebahn, the exhilarating yet gusty summit experience, and the welcoming hospitality of our chalet host in Appenzell combined to create a soulful adventure that perfectly captured the heart of Switzerland. This trip reminded us that sometimes the most cherished experiences are found off the beaten path, embraced in the gentle pace of rural life and the stunning natural landscapes that define this beautiful country.

We didn’t just see Switzerland—we experienced it. From the cozy chalets and scenic hikes to unexpected food finds and kind locals, it was a trip filled with heart. If you’re looking to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the true soul of Switzerland, this itinerary is it. We left with full hearts, happy tastebuds, tired legs—and already dreaming of coming back.