Switzerland Likes&Dislikes
Likes:
1. The beautiful nature, with mountains, green meadows, beautiful forests and fresh air
2. The cities are clean, and this is true even of public transport
3. Mount Rigi
4. Mount Pilatus
5. The Zugersee (lake) which is good for swimming. The water is cold, but you can get used to it
6. The trains and buses, which are punctual almost down to the second
7. The many hikers and cyclists
8. Beer is affordable in shops
9. The public restrooms are clean, and most of them are free
10. It isn’t absolutely swelteringly hot in summer
11. It never feels uncomfortably crowded, even at railway stations
12. People say hello in small towns and villages
13. The environmental awareness of the locals
14. The relatively light traffic
Dislikes
1. The stand-offish, reserved character of the Swiss
2. In many places it’s not easy to get by with just English. Generally it’s manageable, but this definitely isn’t another Holland or Scandinavia. Some people even kept speaking German, even when I indicated that I don’t speak that language.
3. Public transport is absurdly expensive – as much as $240 for a 90km journey.
4. All together it’s the most expensive country I’ve ever visited, beating even Scandinavia
5. I listed the pleasant summer temperatures as a positive, but the weather can change from beach weather to a storm in minutes, and it rains a lot.
All in all, though, I’d be happy to go back any time (Polar Bear, 2017)
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“A gorgeous country with gorgeous scenery, and prices to match! The local shops are fabulous, well-organized and usually without too many customers, but the same could be said of the shopping malls as well. They put a lot of emphasis on cleanliness, and a culturally sensitive tourist is never tempted to leave any litter behind. As for the locals, the thought clearly never enters their heads.
What always strikes me is the peace and quiet. No honking car horns, no shouting, no cursing. The Swiss are polite and helpful, but they keep their distance.
Switzerland is not – for me at least – a culinary giant, but I do like their cheeses, milk and, last but not least, their chocolate. You’ve got to try some, whatever the price!!
Do visit this wonderful country if you get the chance. Go on a hike, visit its beautiful cities, listen to the silence, and enjoy the tranquility… Of course, in the mountains, the baaing of sheep and the restful clang of their bells only adds to the sense of peace. The unbelievable green of the grass is due to a lot of rain and humidity, and also constant fertilization from the livestock (there is a slight smell, but it isn’t out of place, and you can get used to it).
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Yes, it is a wonderful country, with wonderful landscapes, and high prices. The shops are fabulous, tidy and for the most part without many people shopping in them, but the same can be said for the malls and shopping centers. They put a lot of emphasis on cleanliness, and it really never enters the head of a well-bred and refined tourist to litter – while the same goes for the locals. What always grabs my attention is the silence, the calm. No horns honking, no shouting, and certainly no loud swearing. The people here are polite and helpful, but there’s always that typical reserve. Switzerland – in my opinion, at least – isn't exactly famous for its cuisine, but I do have to admit that their cheeses, milk, yogurts and last but not least their chocolates, are sublime – it costs a lot, but it’s worth it!! If you have the opportunity to visit this wonderful country, go on a hike, visit its wonderful cities, listen to the silence, enjoy the tranquility... and, of course, do not disturb the grazing of the sheep in the mountains. The wonderful green of the grass is due to high rainfall and humidity, and to the constant supply of fertilizing manure (it has a slight scent, but it fits the environment and you can get used to it). So put on your boots and backpack and enjoy the sense of awe that Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, and natural beauty inspire.
