Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation

Zurich Tours With a Twist: Hidden Hikes, Swiss Chocolate & the Circular Economy

May 28, 2025

Join Giada Rocca, a former lawyer turned yoga teacher and urban hiking guide, alongside Diana Fischer, a tourism professional and founder of Detours Zurich. They discuss how urban hikes merge health, nature, and history in Zurich. You'll discover the impact of social tourism through ethical chocolate tastings and workshops aimed at upcycling. Learn how these innovative tours combat overtourism while connecting you to the city’s hidden gems and local changemakers. Tune in for inspiring tips on responsible travel and sustainable city adventures!

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ANECDOTE

Giada's Career Transformation

Giada Rocca transitioned from being a lawyer to a yoga teacher and then to a guide leading urban hikes in Zurich.
She blends yoga, nature, and urban exploration to create unique hiking experiences in the city.

INSIGHT

Urban Hikes Overcome Hiking Barriers

Urban hikes in Zurich reduce common hiking limitations like weather and travel time.
This approach makes hiking safer, manageable, and accessible year-round within a city.

ADVICE

Engage Hands-On with Locals

Engage actively with local communities on tours for meaningful and hands-on experiences.
Hands-on workshops and direct interaction with locals deepen understanding beyond traditional sightseeing.

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What if exploring Zurich could make you healthier and help the planet?

In this episode, I’m joined by two inspiring women who are changing how we experience Switzerland’s biggest city without the crowds or the big carbon footprint.

First, meet Giada Rocca, a former lawyer and yoga teacher who now leads energizing urban hikes through Zurich. Her company, Zurich Urban Hikes, blends movement, nature, and history into one unforgettable experience, perfect for those curious about hiking in Switzerland but short on time.

Also meet Diana Fischer, a tourism professional with a master’s degree in innovation and management. She’s the founder of Detours Zurich, which runs Zurich walking tours with a difference: each one is rooted in social impact tourism, from ethical chocolate tastings to upcycling workshops and circular economy initiatives.

You’ll discover what an urban hike is and why it’s a unique way to experience Zurich. We explore how Zurich tours like Zurich Urban Hikes and Detours Zurich support the local community and combat over-tourism through ethical tourism and social impact tourism.

You’ll learn practical tips for responsible travel, how to embrace slow travel, and how Zurich walking tours can connect you with local changemakers, hidden spots, and even wild food.

Whether you’re planning to go hiking in Switzerland, or just want to see Zurich in a more authentic way, this episode will open your eyes to Zurich’s sustainable, soulful side.

So lace up your walking shoes and tune in! Zurich is ready to surprise you.

Safe travels,

Carolyn

👉 Show notes - Episode 136

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