By the time I had reached Switzerland I already had nearly 80 countries under my belt. With that said, I truly believe Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its picturesque cities and villages set against some of the most dramatic mountain scenery I’ve ever seen are one of a kind. On my first trip to Switzerland I visited Zurich in the late winter. When I returned, I traveled south into the Swiss Alps and attempted to climb the Matterhorn in early September.
Explore Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland and is built along the Aare River. Despite being the country’s capital, Bern is a relatively small city with a beautifully preserved historic center. Its medieval streets, traditional architecture, and setting along the river make it one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities.
Explore Zurich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the world’s major financial centers. The city is famous for its clean streets, beautiful setting along Lake Zurich, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. Although Switzerland can be an expensive country to visit, Zurich is a great place to experience both the modern and historic sides of the country.
Explore Zermatt
Zermatt is a high-altitude mountain resort near the Italian border in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains in Europe, it’s an incredible destination for skiing, mountaineering, and hiking. Towering above the area is Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, whose unmistakable shape has become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols.
Explore the Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world because of its dramatic pyramidal shape and towering presence above the surrounding Alps. I attempted to climb the Matterhorn but was forced to turn around because of bad weather after making it to within about 90 minutes of the summit. Although I didn’t reach the top, the climb remains one of my most memorable mountaineering experiences in the Swiss Alps.
