Betty Jo Currie of Currie & Co. Travels Unlimited was inspired by an unforgettable trip she took to Switzerland with her daughters to create an itinerary that includes many of her favorite highlights in the country. It includes plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s most stunning regions, like the Bernese Oberland, on foot, but also sunset cruises on lake steamers, cable car rides, and a journey aboard one of the world’s most famous trains.
Zurich to Kandersteg
You’ll be met at the Zurich airport by a private assistant and then travel first-class by train to Kandersteg. This peaceful holiday resort of 1,000 inhabitants has maintained its village character with wooden chalets. It’s a hiker’s paradise with an extensive network of trails.
Lake Oeschinen
At the foot of the Blüemlisalp, Lake Oeschinen is 5,177 feet above sea level and one of the larger Alpine lakes. You can take a gondola from Kandersteg to near the lake, and then walk for a half hour across pastures and through pine forest to the shore. The mountain flora blooms with orchids, gentian, and edelweiss in the summer while herds of sheep and cows graze nearby.
Leukerbad
If you are up for a four- to five-hour hike, you’ll set off this morning from Kandersteg to Leukerbad on an ancient mule track. It’s an idyllic walk passing by the Daubensee. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can take the train instead for the spa town of Leukerbad, where you can soak away any pains the thermal baths at your hotel for the night, Hotel Les Sources des Alpes. (If you choose to hike, your luggage will be delivered to your hotel.)
