What Really Happens When You Spend 100 Hours in Switzerland (& what to do when the weather is sh*t)

Switzerland. The land of snow-dusted peaks, postcard-perfect villages, and—let’s be honest—a reputation for being wildly expensive. So what happens when you only have 100 hours to explore one of Europe’s most breathtaking countries? Can you balance budget-friendly adventures with those finer experiences that Switzerland is so famous for?

Spoiler: You absolutely can, but it might not go exactly as planned.

Here’s what you might encounter while traveling in Switzerland and uncovering gems you’ll want to add to your list.

Interlaken & ‘that first impression’

Interlaken is everything you’d expect from a Swiss mountain town. Surrounded by mountain tops and serene lakes, it feels like stepping into a mystical land. But here’s the thing: it’s also tourist central.

Pro Tip for high season: Stay at a hostel—I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Not only are they budget-friendly, but in Switzerland, the hostels are notorious for being clean and having great amenities. While the hostel room itself might not make Instagram, it won’t matter because you’ll spend most of your time outside.

What Not to Miss: Take the funicular to Harder Kulm for epic sunset views over the town and surrounding valleys. OR walk! It’s steep, but even more worth it once you reach the restaurant. Here’s the trail I used. You can also continue the hike along the ridge for an extra challenge.

Lauterbrunnen: The Valley of 72 Waterfalls

You’ve seen the pictures: waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, cozy chalets tucked into the hills, and of course the waterfalls. Lauterbrunnen is pure magic.

But here’s where things got interesting. My plan to “slow travel” through the valley quickly turned into a race against time. A thunderstorm rolled in, and suddenly, I was scrambling up a trail to beat the rain. Luckily, there are loads of trails that you can go on even in rainy conditions.

The Highlight: Hiking to Wengen. And Wengen itself. Personally, I preferred it to Lauterbrunnen because it seemed more enchanting with the valley below and glacier views. There are loads of little cafés and things that make it unique, like marble runs.

Top tip: Bring a really good poncho! Honestly, this was my saving grace because I could still get outside and hike.

Bern: Switzerland’s Underrated City

While many rush to Zurich or Geneva, Bern is the city you didn’t know you needed to visit. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is impossibly charming with its cobblestone streets and clock towers.

But don’t just stop at the sights—dig into the food scene. Switzerland’s culinary reputation doesn’t stop at fondue, and Bern proves it.

Must-Try: Rösti, a crispy potato dish that’s the perfect comfort food after days of hiking.

What I Learned in 100 Hours

Switzerland is Expensive, but Manageable: You can save by staying in hostels and eating some meals from the grocery store. Splurge strategically—like on a funicular ride or a truly memorable meal.
Time Moves Differently in the Mountains: Whether it’s a hike or simply staring at the views, the pace of life here forces you to slow down.
The Unexpected is Inevitable: Thunderstorms, skipped trains, or last-minute plans? They’ll become part of your adventure. And let’s be real: no trip ever goes 100% according to plan. From racing storms on mountain trails to navigating last-minute changes, I’ve learned that the unexpected is part of the journey. That’s why I recommend ravel medical insurance with SafetyWing, for explorers like us. It covers you when your travels throw a curveball. Trust me, you don’t want to leave home without it.

Watch the Full Story

Curious about what else happened during my 100 hours in Switzerland? From quirky travel mishaps to jaw-dropping hikes, I documented it all in my latest video.

Switzerland is a country that can overwhelm you with its beauty and its options. But with a little planning (and a lot of curiosity), it’s a destination that will leave you with stories worth sharing.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re returning for another adventure, Switzerland never disappoints. And who knows? Maybe 100 hours is all you need to fall in love with it too.

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