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Hello! 👋
In September 2023, I had the opportunity to take a business trip to Switzerland – specifically, to the picturesque Interlaken. At first glance, it seemed like a dream come true: working amidst alpine landscapes. But as with everything, there’s always another side to the coin. My girlfriend Jadzia, to put it mildly, was slightly upset about the whole situation. “You’re traveling the world at the company’s expense, and what about me?!” she said with her signature bluntness when she found out about my trip. The reason for her displeasure? Well, she doesn’t work for the same client, so this trip wasn’t in the cards for her. Thankfully, after cooling down, she looked at it with some perspective – and I got her blessing to share this story. 😊
So, how do we go about the journey?
How did I get to Switzerland?
The Swiss International Air Lines flight from Warsaw to Zurich went smoothly, with no major surprises. Of course, as is typical with the Swiss, I was treated to a Swiss chocolate on board – with lactose, naturally. It was the perfect mix for my stomach, but oh well, I couldn’t really refuse!
After landing in Zurich, I headed towards the car rental desks. I needed a car because Interlaken and its surroundings required a bit of mobility, and convenience during business trips is key. The plan sounded good, but as life goes, it wasn’t without its adventures. It turned out that the car rental company I had a reservation with didn’t have an office at the airport, but rather… at a hotel about 5 kilometers away.
Well, I had no choice but to order a taxi and hit the road. This is where Switzerland greeted me with its first “charm” – the prices. For someone from Poland, the sight of the taxi meter was, to put it mildly, painful. 😄
Traffic conditions
The first and most important rule when driving on Swiss roads: don’t exceed the speed limit. Seriously. Switzerland’s system for traffic violations is unforgiving, and the fines can make your head spin – especially for someone from Poland. I’ll go into more detail about this in another article, but trust me, it hurts. A lot.
As for the road conditions themselves, driving in Switzerland is a real pleasure. The roads are impeccably maintained, and the signage is so precise that it’s nearly impossible to get lost. Highways are toll roads, but all you need is a vignette (which, if you’re renting a car, is usually already included). Traffic is calm, drivers follow the rules, and there’s a general respect for other road users.
It’s important to keep in mind the specifics of mountain roads – winding turns, tunnels, and often narrow sections require focus and caution from the driver. The weather in the mountains can change in an instant, so it’s wise to be prepared for anything, from sunshine to rain or even fog.
Car rental
After taking care of the car rental formalities, I still had a long way to go. First, I had to get to Baden, before finally heading towards Interlaken a few days later. On the same day, I had one more important task – renting camera equipment. Yes, I briefly returned to my roots as a camera operator, since the company asked me to record a few things on-site.
And that’s exactly why I rented a car, even though the train system in Switzerland is well-organized. I needed flexibility in getting around, especially with a tight schedule. Having a car gave me the freedom to move at my own pace, and in situations like these, that’s invaluable.
Public transport in Zurich
Traveling on public transport in Zurich, at least when I was there (and I’ve been twice), turned out to be very convenient. Trams, buses, and trains make it easy to get around the city and even reach nearby towns. Tickets are universal, so you can use different modes of transport without the hassle of buying separate ones.
However, it’s hard to ignore that ticket prices might seem high compared to Polish standards – but that’s pretty much the norm in Switzerland. The system itself works smoothly, and the timetables are accurate. There can be crowds, especially during rush hours, but in my case, it wasn’t much of an issue.
Baden
I spent two days in Baden – a small, quiet town that can be easily and conveniently reached by train from Zurich. It’s peaceful and fairly subdued, making it a great choice for a moment of relaxation or focus if you need to get some work done.
Accommodation
During my stay in Baden, I stayed at Trafo Hotel, an interesting place located in a former industrial building. The hotel has a unique, industrial vibe that gives it character, though the rooms were quite modest.
One downside was the lack of a direct view outside – the windows in my room faced the interior hall, where various events were held. It was a bit unusual, but for a short business trip, it was manageable.
On the plus side, I have to mention the breakfasts. They were very tasty, with a variety of options, which is always a nice touch to start the day. If you’re looking for accommodation in Baden, Trafo Hotel could be a good choice, as long as you’re fine with its unique style.
Overall impressions
Baden is primarily known for its numerous thermal springs, with water temperatures reaching 47°C, attracting both tourists and locals seeking relaxation.
Baden is primarily known for its numerous thermal springs, with water temperatures reaching 47°C, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals seeking relaxation. The town’s soothing waters have earned it a reputation as a wellness hub, offering visitors a chance to unwind and rejuvenate.
Interlaken
Time to make my way to Interlaken. The company had a meeting at the Dorint Blüemlisalp Hotel in Beatenberg, situated on a picturesque hill overlooking Lake Thun and the Alps. The route to the hotel involved a winding mountain road – a bit of a challenge, but the breathtaking views made it all worthwhile.
The hotel itself is impressive with its location and tranquility – a place perfectly suited for events like this. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay overnight, as I had to return to Zurich after the meeting to take care of a few more matters.
Overall impressions
The views? As expected in Interlaken – there’s no need to exaggerate, they’re stunning. The setting between the lakes and the Alps speaks for itself. The town itself is charming, though often crowded with tourists, which adds a certain liveliness but can occasionally bring a bit of noise. It’s a place that perfectly balances the tranquility of nature with a touch of alpine bustle.
And if you enjoy active leisure, Interlaken is a paradise – from paragliding to hiking in the mountains. For me, even though my time there was short, the place left a strong impression and a feeling of wanting more.
When it comes to getting there, Interlaken is very well-connected. You can easily reach it by train. Direct connections from Zurich or Lucerne make the journey convenient and fast, with the scenery outside the window often just as beautiful as the destination itself.
Returning to Zurich
Work-related matters required an early return to Zurich. Once back, I managed to carve out some time for a walk through the city center. Zurich has an organized and calm atmosphere, though I must admit – the city center can feel a bit bustling, especially during rush hours.
During my walk, I decided to stop by Starbucks to buy a souvenir mug. It quickly turned out to be the most expensive mug of my life. I thought Finland had set the bar high in terms of pricing, but Switzerland clearly said, “Hold my beer”. 😄 Still, I have my mug, and I can say it’s a little keepsake that will stay with me for a long time.
It might not have been a grand adventure, but it’s always nice to step away from the hustle of work for a moment and feel the rhythm of the city.
Accommodation
During my stay in Zurich, I stayed at the Swiss Night Hotel. The rooms? Well, they weren’t particularly spacious, but manageable for a one-night stay. The biggest plus was finding a parking spot for my car – quite an achievement in Zurich, where space is at a premium.
An interesting detail was the check-in process – done through a machine outside the building. I have to admit, it surprised me, but fortunately, everything went smoothly.
Breakfast, to put it mildly, did not impress. Just the simplest products, without much revelation. If someone appreciates decent morning meals, he will be rather disappointed here.
For a short business visit, it will be enough, but if I were to go privately, I would rather look for something else. And the price? Definitely too high in relation to what the facility offers. But, well, Switzerland.
Overall impressions
Zurich is a city that combines order and cleanliness with the typical traffic of a metropolis, especially during rush hours. Even so, the rail infrastructure is top-notch, making it easy to get around the city and its surroundings.
Strolling through Zurich, you can come across many fascinating spots. The Old Town (Altstadt) enchants with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, creating a unique atmosphere. Lindenhof Square, situated on a hill, offers picturesque views of the Limmat River and the city’s skyline.
It’s also worth visiting Bahnhofstrasse – one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, where luxury boutiques are interspersed with elegant cafes.
However, Zurich does have its downsides. The high prices can be a surprise for tourists, and traffic during rush hours can get quite intense. Even so, the city offers plenty of attractions and is very pedestrian-friendly, making it an interesting place to visit.
SIM card
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, a word of caution – using your Polish SIM card might not be the best idea. Although Switzerland is part of the Schengen area, it’s not in the European Union, so roaming here is a different story. In short, the costs can escalate to unpleasant levels quite quickly.
This time, instead of dealing with local operators, I opted for a simpler solution – an eSIM from Airalo. The entire purchase and activation process is done online, saving a lot of time. A few clicks, and I had internet access. It’s not the cheapest option, but the convenience is definitely a major plus.
Food
In Switzerland, you’ll find a wide variety of food – from local specialties to more “everyday” options. Personally, I’ll admit I went for a kebab more than once. Surprisingly, it’s quite a popular choice in Switzerland, and I must say, it was tasty, filling, and relatively affordable (by Swiss standards, of course).
Beyond that, you can find cuisine from all over the world – from Italian to Asian. For those who don’t want to spend a fortune on meals, quick food options from supermarkets like Migros or Coop are a good alternative. Let’s be honest, they’re nothing exceptional, but they are budget-friendly.
Exchange office or ATM?
In Switzerland, I prefer using ATMs – it’s a more convenient and faster option than searching for Swiss francs at a Polish currency exchange. During this visit, I didn’t need to withdraw cash since I handled most payments with a card.
From my experience, Switzerland has a well-developed network of ATMs, both in large cities and smaller towns. However, it’s worth watching out for additional fees – these are often displayed on the screen before confirming the transaction, so it’s a good idea to check carefully.
Climate and weather conditions
Switzerland, located in the heart of Europe and characterized by its alpine landscape, offers a diverse climate that varies by region and altitude. Overall, the climate can be described as temperate continental, with four distinct seasons.
- Spring and Summer: From May to September, temperatures are mild, reaching up to 25–30°C in valleys and cities like Zurich or Interlaken. This is the perfect time for hiking or other outdoor activities. In the mountains, it tends to be cooler, and nights can remain crisp even during the summer.
- Autumn: From October to November, temperatures gradually drop, and the landscapes take on golden hues. It’s a beautiful time of year, though slightly more prone to rain.
- Winter: From December to March, winter brings chilly temperatures – typically ranging from -2 to 5°C in the valleys, and much colder in the mountains. It’s a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, with alpine resorts offering excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Safety
Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, with a very low crime rate. During my stay, I didn’t feel any sense of danger. However, as with any destination, it’s wise to take basic precautions, especially in busy urban or tourist areas.
Insurance
Although Switzerland has an excellent healthcare system, the cost of medical treatment can be high. It’s recommended to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) along with additional travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses.
Summary
I definitely have to take Jadzia here sometime, because if I go to Switzerland without her again, I’m not sure I’ll make it back in one piece. 😄 I’m sure she’d love it here – both the views and the overall vibe of the country are truly special.
As for the costs, even with a more expensive flight to Switzerland, you can consider an alternative – flying cheaply to Milan and then taking a train from there. Swiss trains are an attraction in themselves, so the journey would be an experience in its own right.
In conclusion, I think Switzerland definitely deserves a return visit, this time for a personal trip. There’s still so much left to see, and I already know this place has something special that draws you in.
