Exploring Switzerland with a local expert: top insider travel tips

From its ravishing peaks to the shores of its crystalline lakes, Switzerland is the diamond in Europe’s crown, and a breath of fresh air to all who visit. Wintry delights and refreshing summertime appeal, UNESCO-listed sites, deep cultural riches and hiking adventures amid superb landscapes… it’s a destination that keeps on giving—so much so that it can be hard to narrow down the options for your itinerary. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned explorer, our local expert Clemens offers plenty of insider Switzerland travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable time away, so you’re guaranteed to be digging into more than a pot of fondue while you’re there.

Top Switzerland travel tips from a local

First of all, could you tell us a bit about yourself, the types of trips you specialize in and most enjoy planning?

I’m Clemens, and I run Avellera together with my wife Kamilla. We specialize in tailor-made luxury trips across Central Europe, with a strong focus on Switzerland, Austria, and their neighboring countries.

What I enjoy most is designing journeys that blend iconic highlights with authentic, off-the-beaten-path moments. I love it when clients want hiking, scenic train journeys, local food experiences, and boutique hotels that feel unique to the region. It’s about creating that perfect balance between adventure and comfort.

What is it about Switzerland that feels special and makes it stand out from its European neighbors, in your opinion?

Switzerland manages to feel both incredibly wild and perfectly polished at the same time. The mountains are dramatic, the lakes are pristine, and everything just works. Trains run on time, trails are impeccably marked, and even the smallest village has that picture-perfect charm.

But what really sets it apart is the diversity packed into such a small country. You can start your morning in a German-speaking city, have lunch in a French-speaking wine region, and end the day in an Italian-speaking lakeside town—all within a few hours. That kind of cultural variety, combined with world-class infrastructure, is hard to find anywhere else.

What are some top highlights you’d recommend for a first-time tour of Switzerland?

For a first-timer, I’d say:

• The Glacier Express: This iconic five-hour panoramic train journey takes you through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges into the heart of the Alps. It’s an absolute must-do.
• Zermatt and the Matterhorn: The car-free village of Zermatt with its iconic Matterhorn views, plus the Gornergrat cogwheel railway for that famous 360-degree panorama.
• The Bernese Oberland (Jungfrau Region): Grindelwald, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen—this area has some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery. The train to Jungfraujoch (“Top of Europe”) is unforgettable.
• Lucerne: A charming lakeside city with the historic Chapel Bridge and easy access to mountain excursions like Mount Pilatus or Rigi.
• Lake Lucerne boat cruises: There’s something magical about combining scenic rail and boat journeys.

Read more: Where to go in Switzerland: highlights and hidden gems

Can you recommend any hidden gems to explore in Switzerland, catering for different travel styles?

• For adventurers: The Hörnligrat Ridge hike near Zermatt—locals call it the “dinosaur spine” ridge. It’s truly epic and far less crowded than the famous peaks.
• For foodies: Skip the tourist fondue spots and visit a working cheese farm in the Wengen area or the Bernese Alps. Watching cheese being made the traditional way and tasting it fresh is a completely different experience.
• For culture lovers: Montreux and the shores of Lake Geneva feel almost Mediterranean, and Château Chillon is one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval castles.
• For wine enthusiasts: The Lavaux vineyard terraces above Lake Geneva are UNESCO-listed and absolutely stunning for a wine tasting afternoon.
• Off the tourist trail: The town of Gruyères (yes, where the cheese comes from!) is a tiny medieval hilltop gem that most visitors rush past.

What are some Switzerland travel tips you can share with first-time visitors? Anything that they might not usually expect?

• The Swiss Travel Pass is your best friend: It covers most trains, boats, and mountain railways (or gives significant discounts), and it simplifies everything.
• Zermatt is car-free: You’ll need to park in Täsch and take a short train into the village. Same goes for other car-free villages like Wengen and Mürren.
• Everything is expensive, but you get what you pay for: Quality is exceptional. Don’t fight it—embrace it.
• Book scenic trains in advance: The Glacier Express and GoldenPass require seat reservations, especially in peak season. This is how we can help you!
• Tap water is excellent: No need to buy bottled water.
• Luggage services exist: For multi-city trips, you can send your bags door-to-door between hotels and travel light on the trains. It’s a game-changer.

Read more: Switzerland itinerary planning tips: the ultimate beginner’s guide

When would you say is the best time of year to explore this country, and why?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Summer (June to September) is perfect for hiking, outdoor adventures, and the scenic trains. Alpine meadows are in full bloom, cable cars are all running, and the weather is ideal for mountain excursions. Late December to January is magical for winter sports and Christmas markets; Zermatt and the ski regions come alive.

September and October are my personal favorites: the crowds thin out, the weather is still beautiful, and you get those crisp autumn colors in the valleys. But I’d avoid November and April—that’s the “in-between” season when many mountain facilities are closed for maintenance.

What are some personal favorite experiences from your time spent getting to know Switzerland?

This July, Kamilla and I are actually doing another trip through Switzerland ourselves—starting in Lucerne, then the Glacier Express to Zermatt (including a sunrise hike!), through the Jungfrau region, and finishing along the Golden Pass route to Montreux and Geneva. I’ll be extending solo to explore Chamonix and Mont Blanc. We’re even visiting CERN!

Some of my all-time favorite moments have been:

• Riding the Glacier Express in Excellence Class with panoramic views and a three-course lunch as the Alps roll by.
• Riding the Gornergrat Railway at sunrise when the Matterhorn turns pink.
• Stumbling upon a tiny mountain hut serving fresh rösti after a long hike.
• Walking the Lake Staz Loop near St. Moritz, an easy forest walk with a swimming lake that feels completely untouched.

Switzerland has a way of making even simple moments feel extraordinary…

Read more: Local expert tips: exploring top European gems in fall and winter

Make it happen

If Clemens has inspired you to plan your own trip, simply reach out to start planning today. All of our local experts are based in the destination, and offer a wealth of knowledge and many more Switzerland travel tips to help you plan a truly unique, deeply personalized adventure.