Have you heard the saying, ‘The best things come in small packages? Well, we couldn’t describe the stunning destination of Switzerland any better. Although small in size, this European gem is known to be one of the most beautiful destinations on earth and in our humble opinion, puts most others to shame.
Most of the time, just looking at pictures of it gives us a serious case of wanderlust! From breathtaking snow-capped mountain peaks to lush green landscapes to majestic lakes, ancient castles, adrenaline-pumping activities, friendly people, and so much more, Switzerland offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience even for the most frequent of travelers.
We could honestly come up with a million and one reasons for you to visit Switzerland if we tried, (yes, it’s THAT incredible, and that’s how much we love it) but here are our 7 top reasons as to why Switzerland should be number one on your bucket list!
Find Attractions near you in Switzerland
Find a Halal Restaurant near you in Switzerland
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No matter where you look and where you go, your eyes will be met with the most postcard-perfect sights. Picturesque mountains covered in greenery or snow (depending on when you visit), crystal clear lakes that are more beautiful than anything you could ever dream of, world-renowned glaciers, and mesmerizing waterfalls are just a few things that contribute to the jaw-dropping natural beauty of Switzerland.
A trip to Switzerland is most certainly incomplete without a visit to the Matterhorn, the Swiss National Park, Lake Geneva, Jungfraujoch, Lake Lugano, Mount Pilatus, the horse-shoe-shaped lake of Oeschinensee and the largest waterfall in Europe; Rhine Falls, just to name a few. So be sure to add these to your must-see list, so you don’t miss out on the best of the best!
Places like the Matterhorn are in fact not just the most beautiful of its kind in Switzerland, but instead the whole world! It’s no surprise that pictures of it are commonly found on chocolate boxes and postcards, and most other things associated with the country.
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The fact that Switzerland is the birthplace of chocolate - yup, you read that right! - will be reason enough for most of you to start planning your next holiday to the country.
In the 1800s the first chocolate bar was created in Switzerland, and from then on, the Swiss have been mastering the art of producing the best chocolate ever. Smooth, rich, and creamy bars of chocolate from the world’s best brands such as Lindt, Toblerone, and Cailler can be found throughout the country.
Numerous chocolate-tasting spots have popped up across Switzerland. Chocolate aficionados can even take a factory tour to not only observe chocolate being made, but also sample it, and learn about the traditions and history behind it.
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Cheese is another thing you cannot leave Switzerland without trying. The country produces a variety of cheeses that come in all tastes and textures. Head to Gruyères for a bit of Swiss cheese sampling, and when it gets a bit chilly outside, get all comfy indoors and indulge in a pot of traditional Swiss cheese fondue!
This bubbling cheese dish can be found throughout the year in Switzerland’s French side - from chalets in the remote countryside to top-notch hotels in the city, but only during winter months in the rest of the country. Muslim tourists looking to indulge in this gooey pot of deliciousness will have to make sure the fondue they order is alcohol-free, as distilled brandy is commonly used.
Switzerland is known as much for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities as it is for its chocolate, and stunning natural scenery. The country’s numerous alpine ski resorts offer a variety of easily accessible terrains and slopes to suit any ski level, and not just the experts.
What better way to up the ante on your Swiss winter getaway, than to cruise down the slopes of the country’s most majestic mountains in Zermatt, St Moritz, or Verbier, while taking in the magnificent views?! While the ski resorts here are known to be pricey, in our opinion, there is no better place in Europe for you to hit the slopes and have some fun in the snow than Switzerland!
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If old-world charm is what you’re on the lookout for when on holiday, Switzerland has managed to perfect the preservation of its medieval towns, all while developing its surroundings, so you’re in for a real treat! Most Swiss cities today are a combination of old and new - with some like Zurich having an Old Town area that has still managed to keep its charm - with cobblestone pathways, museums, and architecture all lending to its story.
For history buffs, a visit to these old towns definitely adds to the quintessential Swiss experience.
With Switzerland finding itself located in the heart of Europe, and with its transport system being so accessible and dependable, not only can you pay Switzerland a visit, but you can also drop into places like France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein for a quick visit by train!
Why just plan a trip to only Switzerland, when you could see other countries too? You don’t have to convince us otherwise!
Ever heard of watch brands TAG Heuer and Rolex? And what about Omega and Schaffhausen? Yes, they’re all Swiss-made! World-renowned for its watches, Switzerland is the perfect place to purchase your next luxuriously crafted timepiece! Although the purchase won’t be easy on your wallet, it’s most certainly an investment we think you won’t regret making in the long run ;)
If you’re curious about Switzerland being Muslim-friendly, then here's our opinion on it. Finding Halal food near you in Switzerland won’t be easy, but it won’t be entirely impossible either, since there's a small percentage of Muslims residing in places such as Geneva and Zürich.
If you’re also wondering if you’ll be able to find Mosques and prayer places near you in Switzerland, there are actually a handful. You'll be able to locate Halal restaurants and mosques in Switzerland with the help of the Halaltrip Mobile App.
We’re sure the above reasons are enough to convince you to plan a visit to Switzerland, so time to get packing!
Hishama is a Lankan born, ex-Dubai-an who enjoys all things travel. When she's not at her day job as an Online Marketing Specialist, you will find her hanging out with friends at one of the city's newest cafés, reading a Jodi Picoult novel, Netflix-ing pretty much anything, obsessing over broadway, or just dreaming of her next big adventure abroad that she wishes she could afford.
