The 2018 Best Countries Report recently proclaimed Switzerland as the best country in the world — and we couldn’t agree more. Switzerland has a special magic that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Not only can Switzerland boast of jaw-dropping mountainous scenery, but it also has a booming economy, low unemployment rates, and happy citizens. Whether you’re a traveler, trekker, or local, this really is the best country in the world.
Here are our top five reasons why Switzerland is the best country out there:
1: The Scenic Swiss Alps
Switzerland’s jagged snow-capped peaks, emerald blue lakes, and towering waterfalls are quite the sight to behold.
The Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world, is located in the car-free town of Zermatt, Switzerland. Trust us, it’s worth the journey to go see.
Avid hikers dream of traveling to the Alps to complete rigorous treks such as the Haute Route or the Tour du Mont Blanc. Trekkers don’t need to pack camping equipment, because they can stay in hotels and mountain huts along the way. If you travel with Alpenwild, we will include luggage transfers each day, allowing you to hike with a lighter pack.
2: The Impressive Railway System
The Swiss railway system truly is like none other — it’s safe, easy to navigate, prompt, and of course, incredibly scenic. One of the best ways to experience Switzerland is by train. The Glacier Express, the Gotthard Express, and the Bernina Express are a few of Switzerland’s most famous trains (all of which are included in Alpenwild’s scenic alps by rail tour).
Switzerland’s trains aren’t particularly fast — and there’s a reason for that. Riders want to be able to take in the stunning views around them. You’ll likely find yourself wishing the train would go slower so you could enjoy the scenery just a bit longer.
3: Authentic Swiss Cuisine
When people think Switzerland, they usually think “cheese” or “chocolate.” This is because Switzerland is known for making the best cheese and chocolate in the world. People travel from all over just to experience it firsthand.
Alpenwild guides are trained to provide the best, most authentic Swiss cuisine, so your mouth will water at every meal. For the real foodies, we offer culinary tours, where you’ll be involved in cheese-making in Gruyeres, chocolate tastings in Montreux, and truffle hunting in the Jura Mountains.
4: Superior Winter Sports
Switzerland offers dozens of exciting activities, like snowshoeing, dog sledding, and tobogganing — but the most popular winter sport is skiing. There are over 1,000 ski resorts in the Alps, with about 350 of them being in Switzerland. Winter is Switzerland’s high season for travel, mostly because of its extraordinary ski resorts.
With steeper slopes, larger resorts, unbeatable views, and a longer season, skiing in Switzerland is an unforgettable experience.
Switzerland is also a dream destination for cross-country skiers with thousands of kilometers of groomed trails. Every year Alpenwild hosts cross country skiing tours in Goms, Switzerland, as well as several winter hiking adventures. Rest assured, if you come to Switzerland in the winter, you’re in for a thrilling adventure in the world’s best country.
5: Swiss Christmas Traditions
Switzerland has a rich history of Christmas traditions, including charming downtown markets, delicious treats, and even the arrival of Saint Nicholas himself.
Each major city in Switzerland hosts several Christmas markets along their busy streets. This gives locals and travelers alike a chance to celebrate with their friends and family.
Alpenwild offers a Christmas tour where you’ll experience the very best Christmas markets, treats, and traditions, all while you’re enjoying the glistening snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the background.
One of our destination specialists would be happy to assist you in planning your next vacation to Switzerland. If you’d like to see for yourself why Switzerland is the best country in the world (and add your own reasons to this list we’ve created), then it’s time to get going!
She has visited many European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, England, Norway, and Germany–but she insists Switzerland is the best of them all.Rachael is a Certified Switzerland specialist with a bachelor's degree in marketing management, and is excited to be coupling her passion for marketing and the outdoors at Alpenwild.
- 5 reasons why Switzerland is the best country in the world - June 14, 2018