Switzerland is a dreamland where nature weaves its finest masterpiece. A country filled with majestic snowcapped mountains, shimmering blue lakes, rolling green valleys, and picturesque little villages, it feels like something straight out of a fairytale. In July 2022, I found myself on an unforgettable five-day trip through this breathtaking land, accompanied by my friend Himel. I was already on a European tour, and after my stay in France, I made my way to Zurich, the heart of Switzerland, where my Swiss adventure began. Arriving in Zurich felt surreal. The city, often regarded as the financial capital of the world, also boasts a unique blend of modern architecture and charming old-world beauty. The moment I stepped out of the airport, the cool, crisp air and the clean, well-structured roads welcomed me. We had booked a hotel near Zurich Airport through Booking.com, a self-check-in hotel that required no receptionist. Everything seemed smooth and convenient until we encountered a bizarre situation that turned our first night into an unexpected adventure.

The hotel was just a five-minute walk from the airport, and we arrived there around midnight. As per the instructions, we entered our booking confirmation ID into the system, which assigned us a room and provided a passcode for entry. With our bags in hand, we excitedly made our way to the assigned room, but as soon as we opened the door, shock and embarrassment flooded over us. Inside, two completely unknown guests were already occupying the room! For a moment, there was an awkward silence as we stared at each other in disbelief. Realizing the blunder, we immediately called Booking.com customer service and filed a complaint. They apologized and offered to book us another hotel, but the alternative accommodation was far away, and at that late hour, reaching it was nearly impossible. Stranded and exhausted, we lingered in the hotel lobby, unsure of what to do next. That was when we met a kind-hearted Sri Lankan security guard. After listening to our problem, he sympathized with our situation and, without hesitation, helped us find an unoccupied room in the same hotel.

Thanks to his generosity, we got a free stay for the night, and Booking.com later refunded our money. The next morning, we met the same security guard again, and as a token of gratitude, we chatted with him over breakfast at a Sri Lankan restaurant he had recommended. Though the food was quite expensive, it was worth the experience. Feeling more settled, we set out to explore the beauty of Switzerland, and our first mission was to rent a car. Once again, our helpful new friend assisted us by calling one of his Sri Lankan acquaintances, who directed us to a car rental service. Soon, we found ourselves driving a sleek Mercedes at a surprisingly reasonable price, ready to embark on the most breathtaking road trip of our lives.

Our first stop was the magnificent Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. The roaring sound of the cascading water, the mist kissing our faces, and the sheer power of nature left us speechless. The surroundings were nothing short of mesmerizing, with lush green landscapes and clear blue skies creating the perfect backdrop. From there, we continued our journey to Interlaken, a place so picturesque that words could hardly do it justice. This charming little town, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is a paradise for nature lovers. It was my third visit to Interlaken, yet I still found myself spellbound by its beauty. The sight of tiny wooden cottages scattered across vast green meadows, the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps standing majestically in the distance, and the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the sky—it was nothing less than magical. The fresh mountain air, the tranquility of the place, and the slow-paced life made me feel as though I had stepped into a dream.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was visiting Jungfraujoch, famously known as the “Top of Europe.” Standing at an altitude of 3,466 meters, it is the highest railway station in Europe. We decided to hike halfway up the trail, and the journey was nothing short of spectacular. The untouched snow, the breathtaking view of the Alps, and the exhilarating chill in the air made the experience truly unforgettable. Every step of the hike was filled with awe, making us appreciate the sheer beauty of Switzerland even more. For a complete Swiss experience, we booked a cozy cottage in Interlaken for the night. Though it came at a steep price of 127 euros per night, the comfort and charm of staying in a traditional Swiss home were worth every penny. As night fell, the view outside our window was enchanting—snow-covered peaks glowing under the moonlight, the peaceful silence of the mountains, and the crisp Alpine breeze that carried a sense of serenity.It was the perfect way to conclude an adventurous day.

Switzerland, while incredibly beautiful, can be quite expensive, and travelers should plan accordingly. Booking flights and hotels at least a month in advance can help avoid sky-high prices. Those traveling solo can opt for hostels that offer comfortable stays with complimentary breakfast for as low as 20 to 40 euros. Shopping in Zurich can be costly, especially in the malls around the central area, but a little secret is that essentials and snacks can be found at a much cheaper rate near gas stations. Navigating the country is quite easy, thanks to the politeness of the Swiss people. If ever in doubt, asking a police officer or a local passerby will always lead to a helping hand. And for those wondering when to visit, July is the perfect time, as Switzerland is at its greenest, and the lakes shine in the most mesmerizing shades of blue.

Looking back, my Swiss adventure was nothing short of a dream. The blend of thrilling experiences, unexpected challenges, and the kindness of strangers made it a journey to remember. Switzerland is a place that doesn’t just offer stunning landscapes but also creates memories that stay with you forever. Whether it’s the enchanting beauty of Interlaken, the thrill of standing atop Jungfraujoch, or simply the peaceful drive through winding mountain roads, every moment in Switzerland feels like a scene from a storybook. For anyone dreaming of a trip to this paradise, I can promise one thing—once you visit Switzerland, a piece of your heart will always belong there.

-Md Abdullah Al Faruq
Founder & CEO of Endow Travel