Switzerland

If you want to get a taste for different cultures, then Switzerland is the place. It borders Italy, France, Germany and Austria—and borrows from their various customs and languages. The scenery is picture-perfect with the Alps lining green-blue lakes to traditional wood cabins on rolling hillsides. Now you don’t have to decide which European country to visit, because with a Swiss trip, you’ll get to experience four-in-one.

Neuchatel: A laid-back French vibe

I may be biased because I lived in Neuchatel for a year, but it’s my favourite Swiss destination. The town itself dates back to the 12th century, when a castle and church were built by a king of Burgundy by the lake as a gift to his wife. You can see the entire town from the top if you’re willing to walk uphill. Another trademark feature are the dozens of ornately decorated fountains that can be found all around, from the downtown core to right across from the main train station. Get a drink at the historic Maison des Halles (built in 1569) or enjoy cheese fondue at the Brasserie Le Cardinal.

One of my favourite spots is the garden at the Hotel Du Peyrou with its manicured trees and (surprise!) another fountain.

Place des Halles, with all the tables filling its centre, and Maison des Halles, to the left with its pointy rooftops.

Hotel Du Peyrou

Fountaine du Banneret in downtown Neuchatel

View from La Collégiale

View from La Collégiale

If you’re searching for some antique books to add to your collection, then head to the Le Cabinet d’Amateur on your way up to La Collégiale church. There’s a large selection of books, from classics to contemporary, and almost every other genre (although they’re mostly in French.) I picked up a beautifully illustrated copy of Voltaire’s Candide printed in 1941.

Interlaken: Lakes and Mountains

Interlaken is less than a two-hour train ride away from Neuchatel. Its name literally means “between lakes,” which is exactly where the town is located. Everywhere you look, there are dozens of people paragliding or parachuting down from the mountains, landing in a public park. It’s free local entertainment to sit and watch. The vibe is extremely laid back and most of the activities centre around extreme sports. Instead of skydiving, I went jet-boating in one of the glacial lakes and took a half-day trip to see a castle in the nearby town of Spiez. And of course, took the funicular to the top of the Harder Kulm and had fondue at the restaurant with a view of the entire town, mountains and blue-green lakes.

Lugano: A taste of Italy

The city of Lugano is basically the Lake Como of Switzerland. It is surrounded by rolling green mountains with a sparkly lake at the centre. The food is what you’d expect: gelato, pasta and pizza—but they also have Swiss staples. While there’s a lot to do, like renting a boat or going for a hike, it’s a really relaxing town. There’s also a beach, outdoor art displays in the summer months, and great restaurants. A quick trip up to Monte Bre will give you stunning views from a 360 degree angle. And while you’re walking down, you can pass through the village with stone buildings and an old cemetery. If you have some time, grab some lunch at the Grotto Castagnetto and then catch the bus back to town.

View from Monte Bre.