Picture this: You’re gliding through snow-capped mountains on a train so scenic it makes Instagram filters obsolete, sipping champagne while the Matterhorn poses for your camera. This isn’t a dream – it’s just Tuesday in Switzerland and Austria.

Why These Two Countries Will Ruin You for All Other Travel

I’m going to be honest with you… after experiencing the seamless blend of Austrian charm and Swiss precision, every other destination feels like it’s trying too hard. Austria is better if you want a more diverse itinerary with cities, art, history, culture, and nature. If you want to spend most of your time in nature, enjoying hiking, breathtaking views, excursions, and panoramic train rides, visit Switzerland.

But here’s the thing: why choose when you can have both?

The Perfect Route: Vienna to Geneva (The Scenic Way)

Forget flying between cities like a tourist. The real magic happens on the rails:

Vienna → Salzburg → Zurich → Zermatt → Glacier Express → St. Moritz → Geneva

This route isn’t just transportation – it’s a moving meditation through some of Europe’s most pristine landscapes.

Salzburg: Where Mozart Meets Magic

Let’s start in Salzburg, because honestly, if you don’t fall in love with this city, check your pulse. Both countries are great for families. Each offers exciting activities and diverse things to do. In terms of prices, Switzerland gives you better value than Austria. You can get a family travel pass, and your children can travel for free.

Getting There: The Semmering Railway Secret

Most people take the direct 2.5-hour train from Vienna. But if you want views that’ll make you forget about your phone for five minutes, take the Semmering Railway route via Bruck an der Mur. Yes, it adds 2 hours to your journey. No, you won’t regret it.

This UNESCO World Heritage route winds through the Austrian Alps with views so dramatic, they almost seem fake. Almost.

Where to Stay: Views That Don’t Quit

• Hotel Schloss Mönchstein: Perched on Mönchsberg with panoramic views that make you question why you ever stayed at chain hotels
• Hotel Goldener Hirsch: Smack in Old Town’s heart – wake up to church bells instead of traffic horns

What to Do (Beyond the Obvious)

Sure, everyone tells you to do the Sound of Music tour. And yes, it’s actually fun (I’m as surprised as you are). But here’s what the guidebooks don’t tell you:

• Paul Stube: This cozy pub feels like drinking in someone’s grandfather’s study – in the best way possible
• Augustiner: An outdoor/indoor beer hall where locals actually go. Revolutionary concept, I know.
• Hanger 7: Part art space, part restaurant, part excuse to drink really good cocktails

Switzerland: Where Your Bank Account Goes to Die (But Your Soul Lives Forever)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Switzerland is expensive. Like, “Did I just pay $25 for a sandwich?” expensive. But here’s why it’s worth every painful credit card swipe.

Geneva: Chocolate and Culture Collide

Start your Swiss adventure in Geneva, where international diplomacy meets divine chocolate.

Must-Do: The best romantic places for honeymoon in Switzerland are – Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva, Lugano, Lausanne, St. Moritz, and Montreux. But Geneva’s charm isn’t just romantic – it’s accessible.

• Chocolate tasting that’ll ruin grocery store candy bars forever
• Geneva boat tours because Lake Geneva from the water hits different
• Old Town wandering for when you need to walk off all that chocolate

The Glacier Express: The World’s Slowest Express Train

At 8 hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz, calling it “express” is Switzerland’s idea of humor. But trust me on this – it’s the most beautiful 8 hours you’ll ever spend sitting down.

Pro Tips for Maximum Awesomeness:

• Book Excellence Class if you’re feeling fancy (guaranteed window seat, fine dining, the works)
• Sit on the right side westbound for Matterhorn and Rhine Gorge views
• Bring a camera with a full battery and empty memory card

The views change every five minutes: glaciers give way to vineyards, medieval villages pop up like something from a fairy tale, and the Rhine Gorge (aka the Swiss Grand Canyon) will make you understand why people write poetry about landscapes.

Zermatt: The Matterhorn’s Home Base

The Matterhorn isn’t just a mountain – it’s Switzerland’s logo come to life. And Zermatt, its charming village base, is everything a Swiss resort town should be: no cars, horse-drawn carriages, and restaurants where the fondue actually lives up to the hype.

Stay: Riffelalp Resort 2222m – Europe’s highest outdoor pool with Matterhorn views. Because regular hotel pools are for amateurs.

St. Moritz: Luxury That Doesn’t Apologize

St. Moritz doesn’t try to be subtle about its wealth. It’s where Russian oligarchs vacation next to tech billionaires, and somehow, it works.

The Kulm Hotel overlooks Lake St. Moritz like a castle overlooking its kingdom. The spa treatments cost more than most people’s rent, but when you’re watching the sun set over the Engadine Valley from an infinity pool, economics suddenly seem less important.

The Spa Experiences: Because Self-Care is Travel Care

Switzerland takes wellness seriously. Like, “we have thermal springs older than most countries” seriously.

The Chedi Andermatt

This isn’t just a hotel – it’s a zen experience wrapped in Swiss-Asian luxury. Multiple pools, treatment rooms, and relaxation areas make it impossible to be stressed. And it’s right on the Glacier Express route, because efficiency.

Riffelalp Resort

Swimming in Europe’s highest outdoor pool while staring at the Matterhorn? This is the kind of absurd luxury that makes you question your life choices in the best way.

Hidden Gems: The Instagram Accounts Don’t Know About These

Lavertezzo: The Swiss Secret

Two hours by train from Zurich to what locals call “the Maldives of Switzerland.” Clear turquoise water, ancient stone bridges, and approximately zero crowds if you go midweek. You’re welcome.

Money-Saving Hacks (Because Your Accountant Will Thank You)

• Swiss Travel Pass: Expensive upfront, but covers trains, boats, and museum entries. Do the math – it usually pays for itself.
• Tap water: Those beautiful Swiss fountains? The water’s free and tastes better than most bottled water.
• Pack snacks: Because $15 train station sandwiches are nobody’s friend.

The Real Talk: Why This Trip Changes You

Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Singapore, Slovenia and Japan are not only leaders in safety but also in shaping the future of global sustainable tourism. This matters more than you might think.

Traveling through Switzerland and Austria isn’t just about collecting passport stamps or Instagram likes. These countries have mastered something most places haven’t: the art of existing beautifully. Their trains run on time, their mountains are pristine, their cities blend history with innovation seamlessly.

You’ll return home with impossibly high standards for public transportation, an appreciation for landscapes that haven’t been Instagram-ized to death, and probably a mild addiction to real Swiss chocolate.

Your 12-Day “See Everything” Itinerary (That Actually Works)

Days 1-3: Vienna – Palaces, coffee culture, and getting your cultural bearings Days 4-5: Salzburg – Mozart, mountains, and Sound of Music (yes, really) Day 6: Zurich – Urban sophistication before mountain madness
Days 7-8: Zermatt – Matterhorn magic and alpine luxury Day 9: Glacier Express – The most beautiful day of sitting still ever Days 10-11: St. Moritz – Luxury lake life and spa indulgence Day 12: Geneva – Chocolate, culture, and flight connections

The Bottom Line

Switzerland and Austria don’t just offer vacations – they offer upgrades to your entire understanding of how countries can function. The trains work. The views are real. The chocolate is life-changing.

Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’ll ruin other destinations for you. And yes, you’ll already be planning your return trip before you’ve left.

Some experiences are worth the splurge. This is one of them.

Ready to trade tourist traps for alpine dreams? I specialize in crafting luxury European adventures that maximize your time and budget. Email me at sarah.fitzgerald1@fora.travel to start planning your Swiss-Austrian love affair.

Let’s make your fairy tale happen – minus the talking animals, plus the luxury trains.