

Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast - Plan Your Swiss Vacation
Carolyn Schönafinger - Switzerland Vacation Planning Expert
Are you planning a vacation to Switzerland? On the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast you'll get practical tips and advice from Swiss travel experts to help you plan your dream trip to Switzerland. Your host, Carolyn Schönafinger, the founder of HolidaysToSwitzerland.com and a Swiss travel expert, shares the best places to visit in Switzerland based on her experiences, along with all the Swiss travel tips she has gathered over 30 years and on dozens of visits, for planning a trip to Switzerland. Discover the best things to do in Switzerland, and learn essential information about train travel in Switzerland, food, language and so much more.You'll also hear from special guests who offer tips about the top destinations in Switzerland like Zurich, Grindelwald and Zermatt, as well as some off-the-beaten-path gems that only the locals know about. Don’t finalize your Switzerland travel plans until you’ve listened to this podcast. Tune in and let us help you plan the perfect Switzerland vacation. If a visit to Switzerland is part of your Europe travel plans, this is the only Switzerland travel guide you'll need!Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss an episode of the Holidays to Switzerland travel podcast. You can find full show notes, travel guides, resources and much more on our website >> https://holidaystoswitzerland.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 27, 2021 • 34min
What's new in Switzerland (including the re-opening to tourists), and reader questions answered
Join me in this episode of the podcast as I chat to Birgit Weingartner of Switzerland Tourism to get all the latest news from Switzerland.Birgit discusses the re-opening of Switzerland's borders to tourists; the appointment of Roger Federer as an official ambassador for Switzerland Tourism; Swisstainable, Switzerland's approach to sustainable travel; and some of the exciting new developments that have opened in the past year.Also in this episode, Birgit answers some questions submitted by members of our audience.For more information about the places mentioned and the full show notes for this episode, visit https://holidaystoswitzerland.com/episode25/Support the showIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favourite podcast app. ❤️

Jul 13, 2021 • 40min
Hiking in Switzerland with Tanya Deans of Swiss Family Fun
Tanya Deans, an English-speaking American in Switzerland, shares her passion for hiking and her blog dedicated to providing essential information for English-speakers. She highlights the accessibility of hiking in Switzerland and recommends various trails, including Zermatt and the Breanser Roadhorn. She also discusses exploring flower trails in spring and offers tips on hiking gear and clothing choices.

Jun 29, 2021 • 34min
Visiting St. Moritz
Special guest Dennis Bordkovych shares his top tips for what to see and do in St. Moritz. Topics include the birthplace of winter tourism, must-visit attractions, transportation options, hiking, mountain peaks, lakes, and the convenience of St. Moritz's location.

Jun 15, 2021 • 33min
Visiting Fribourg canton (including Gruyeres) with Lisa Nyffeler
Lisa Nyffeler, a tourism expert from Fribourg Region, takes us on a tasty journey through Switzerland's Fribourg canton. She highlights the capital city, Fribourg, with its medieval towns and cathedral. They discuss the famous village of Gruyères, renowned for its cheese and chocolate production. The podcast explores the diverse offerings of the canton, including clear lakes, alpine landscapes, and bilingualism. They also delve into customs and traditions, such as 'poja' and 'Dizalpe', and the delicious cuisine, including double cream meringues and indulgent fondue.

Jun 1, 2021 • 43min
Tips for enjoying the most popular Swiss mountain excursions with Andy Nef
Andy Nef, an expert on Swiss mountain excursions, joins the host to chat about ten popular excursions including Mt. Rigi, Mt. Titlis, Jungfraujoch, and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. They discuss how to choose the right excursion, time management, activities at the summit, and more. Tips for planning a Swiss mountain excursion, benefits of the Swiss travel pass, and unique features of Ticino's peaks are also covered.

May 18, 2021 • 28min
Visiting Graubunden with Thalia Wunsche
Thalia Wunsche, Representative from Graubünden Tourism, shares the top things to do in Graubünden canton, Switzerland including exploring the natural wonders, diverse culture, availability of walnut dishes, linguistic diversity, and scenic highlights such as the Swiss Natural Park and famous train rides. They also discuss activities and destinations like challenging hikes and laid-back experiences, suggesting a favorite hotel in Vergenstein and a unique road trip experience staying in small mountain pass hotels.

May 4, 2021 • 48min
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and Switzerland's Premium Panoramic Trains
Explore the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, a self-guided route that combines scenic train rides with top attractions. Discover the benefits of traveling by train, including convenience and stunning views. Learn about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Grand Train Tour app, which offer access to panoramic trains and discounts. Delve into the tradition of winter fondue and the unique experience of dining on the cheese train. Get excited about upcoming episodes on mountain excursions and the arrival of spring.

Apr 20, 2021 • 37min
Visiting Appenzellerland with Andreas Frey of Appenzellerland Tourism
Andreas Frey of Appenzellerland Tourism discusses the traditions of Appenzellerland, including the New Year's Mummars procession and the cattle procession. Explore the charm of the rural Swiss village with its unique architecture and family-friendly outdoor activities. Discover Mount Santis, the highest peak in eastern Switzerland, and learn how to reach the summit. Join the Holidays to Switzerland website and Facebook group for trip planning resources.

Apr 6, 2021 • 36min
Swiss Travel System - Feeder line trains and benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass
Andy Nef of the Swiss Travel System discusses travelling between Switzerland and neighboring countries by train. He shares the benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass including free travel, access to panoramic trains, discounted mountain excursions, and free entry to museums. He also mentions the convenience and scenic views of train travel and the importance of early ticket booking for international trips.

Mar 23, 2021 • 23min
The Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland with Kevin Quattropani
Kevin Quattropani, President of Les Plus Beaux Villages de Suisse, shares the charm and history of Swiss villages. They discuss village membership criteria, unique characteristics of member villages, and consequences of non-compliance. Get inspired to explore these beautiful villages in Switzerland!