More Than Mountains
My First Impressions of Switzerland
Our AirBnB view of the Bernese Alps towering over Lake Thun.
I've often heard people call Colorado "the Switzerland of the U.S." -- a comparison I never fully comprehended until I witnessed the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps towering over the vastness of Lake Thun. But even before that moment, as our plane descended into Geneva, it was clear this wasn't Colorado. It was something even more magical.
Having just wrapped up nearly a week in London, I was very much looking forward to this second stop in our Europoean journey. I expected the beautiful scenery of the landscape but what I did not expect was the tranquility of this beautiful country. The way people moved. The smell (or lack of it) in the air felt different from anything I had previously experienced.
Over the next few days, I would explore the country by foot, train and automobile. From lakes and mountains, getting lost in the magnificence of a country where everything seems to moves just a little more slowly. These are my first impressions.
Arriving in Geneva
I flew into Genève Aéroport after having spent a week in the frenzied city of London. As the plane touched down, I could sense Geneva would be much calmer than the last stop. The airport was the first sign I was not imagining a difference in the mood.
Genève Aéroport felt incredibly modern, clean and calm -- especially compared to the chaos of a Heathrow or Hartsfield-Jackson. Everything moved at a slower, more deliberate pace. Unlike Heathrow, U.S. citizens don’t get any fast-track customs entry here. If you're not from the EU or a Swiss national, expect to queue with the rest of the world.
The stores in the airport even felt different. High-end retailers like Louis Vuitton were right there as you clear customs, as if Switzerland was forshadowing its higher cost of living right out of the gate.
The airport directly connects to the national train system the Swiss are well-known for, making my transition from Geneva to the rest of the country seamless. Even though I would be staying in a hotel right down the road the first night, it was comforting to see how well integrated the public transit system would be. We even had close, free access (via our hotel) to the tram that led to the city center where we would experience even more of Switzerland's quiet demeanor.
Beyond My Expectations
A mountain peak across Lake Thun.
Geneva caught me off guard with just how clean, calm and understated it felt. Though technically a major city, downtown Geneva felt more like a large town—alive, but never chaotic. People were polite and seemed to move in a more relaxed fashion than any other place I have every visited.
The culture was primarily French. From the language to the cuisine, most people in this city spoke French. Being on the border of France, I should have suspected but it was still quite a surprise. However, communication was not a big issue because nearly everyone we spoke to could also speak English.
The architecture within the city felt like a combination of historic and modern style. Buildings felt like they had character rather than having lifeless, industrial facades. It is hard to describe but overall, the city just felt different than what I have experienced before.
It was clear early on that Switzerland had more charm than flash and that was a welcome site to me.
A Culture Without Chaos
Swiss culture felt exceptionally laid back, especially when compared to what we experience in the United States -- no one is in a hurry. At dinner, servers never rushed us.There was no constant lingering or passive aggressive hints to vacate the table. No overly performative service -- just polite, helpful wait staff who allowed the evening to unfold.
We were given time to breathe.
Walking back from dinner, I could see many people relaxed at cafes. Many people opted for riding their bikes instead of driving cars or taking the tram. Individuals were polite and welcoming, despite not knowing who we were. There was a calm in the atmosphere which even extended to the public transportation system Switzerland is so well known for.
Public Transportation
As someone who avoids public transit in favor of driving, I was surprised at how peaceful and efficient Switzerland's trains and trams turned out to be. Unlike most of my experiences with public transit, I found this system to be much more enjoyable to use. The trams and buses were prompt and clean. If you miss your ride, another is five minutes behind it.
Cross country travel was a breeze. The train was comfortable, clean and made travel feel much more relaxing than hopping on a plane. Not only did we have a great view but were were able to move around freely, enjoy more legroom and unlike most airlines, the trip had not been oversold.
Our train ride from Geneva to Thun ended up being a highlight of our first day as we watched the blue water of Lake Geneva from our large window. The ride went through the Swiss countryside and ended on Lake Thunersee (Lake Thun). The view was an absolute treat and allowed us to appreciate Switzerland's regional variety with each passing stop.
Not in Kansas Anymore
The Swiss countryside from the cabin of an SBB Train.
Compared to the U.S., Switzerland feels like an entirely different pace of life. Things here just move slower. People walk and take public transit more. And not just in the cities either. But when you are in the cities, things feel a little less chaotic.
Switzerland offers a blend of lakeside towns, mountains and farmlands throughout the entire country. Whether you're in the countrysided or city, everything feels a little more accessible, regardless of where you reside in the country.
Finally, everything just felt clean. The air was cleaner, the water was bluer (really blue!) and the streets felt a bit more organized. Switzerland is stunning -- well worth the higher price you will pay to live or visit it.
My First Take on Switzerland
Switzerland has already exceeded my best expectations. It invited us to slow down and notice the details. The people, transit, landscapes and rhythm of life all felt like they belonged to a country focused on quality of life. If this is what the first twenty-four hours looks like, I can't wait to see what else Switzerland has to offer.
