Things to do, eat, drink, and buy while in Switzerland

I've been lucky enough to visit Switzerland twice. The first time, I ended up celebrating New Year's Eve in Lucerne. Beautiful city. Most people recognize Lucerne by the beautiful Chapel bridge. Most recently, I spent a couple of days in Basel, ahead of heading out on a river cruise. Did you know that Basel is split between three countries? Yup. You can be in Germany, France, and Switzerland within a half-hour walk.

What makes Switzerland special?

Switzerland sits on the European continent surrounded by France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Italy, and Austria. It is a land that is defined by its mountains, lakes, rivers, and stunning views. The mountains and the water help to shape daily life in Switzerland, and it is a part of how people conduct their lives.

Switzerland is a unique country when it comes to its politics. It is not a member of the European Union, nor is it a member of NATO. It is considered an armed neutral country. It didn't play any role in either of the World Wars. It is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations.

In Basel, Switzerland waiting to embark on AmaWaterways's Christmas Market River Cruise

Bucket List Things To Do While in Switzerland

• The Matterhorn

• The Rhine Falls

• The Aletsch Alpine Glacier

• Chillon Castle

• Bernina Express

• Museum of Transportation

• Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory

• Doll Museum

• Papa Moll Land

• Splash and Spa Aqua Park

• Lido Locarno

• Boat Tour on the Rhine

• Blonay-Chamby Museum Railway

• GWunderwald

Foods to try

• Fondue

• All the cheeses (I mean really - all the cheeses)

• Leeks with potatoes and sausage

• Rosti

• Basel-style roasted flour soup

• Raclette

• Polenta and braised beef

• Veal and Mushroom Ragout

• Vacherin Mont D’Or

• Chocolate

Drinks to try

• Swiss Beer

• Swiss Wine (many of them are white because they are served with Fondue and other cheese dishes)

• Ramseier (carbonated apple juice)

• Rivella (soft drink)

Souvenirs To Buy (and usually the least expensive purchases you can make)

• Chocolate

• Swiss Army Knife

• Watches

• Cowbells

• Cheese

• Cuckoo Clocks

Have you been to Switzerland? What did you like the most? And did you try the cheeses and cheeses? It is a great country to visit as an add on to a river cruise, or a quick stop from a land tour. I would certainly love to visit again and cross off a few more things from these lists.

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