Premise
Switzerland is known for its serene landscapes, variety of mountain lakes and steep prices. Let’s get on this journey, together.
So when I was invited by my older sister to visit Switzerland in late Summer of 2021, I was excited. Back then my older sister was living in a small village, close to the city of Spiez, which in turn is located in the canton of Bern.
The Journey
I embarked on my journey to Switzerland started early at about 8 o’clock and the plan was to embark on this 5-hour journey. But guess what, there is no such thing as punctual, with the German Railway. I got to the train station on time, however my train from Heidelberg to Mannheim, very much did not. When it finally arrived, we were about 10 minutes behind schedule. Exactly, 10 minutes that were planned in for me switching trains. I made it just in time to the platform to see my high-speed train wave me goodbye. Thank God, I was a bit fitter back then because I actually bothered to run. By the way, don’t you hate missing trains and seeing leave the train station? Awful.
After that I had to look for alternative connections. Best one. Going from there with a regional train to Strasbourg and from Strasbourg to Basel and then change train to Spiez. Perfect. That journey, obviously, was much longer than the original one I booked.
So, I used the little donkey train to France and in Strasbourg was directed to the platform. And then I waited, and waited and waited and waited for half an hour. Nice, right?
The train arrived – and the fighting began – I had to fight to find a seat. I won the Olympian seat games and finally made my way to Switzerland. It only took about 6 hours. And I still wasn’t at my destination.
Basel
Basel main station is… BEAUTIFUL. Gone was the urine-filled air that is so common for Germany. Gone was the dirty station. What was there cleanliness I never saw in at any German station. Anyway, I made my way to a shop and bought a sandwich and a drink. Guess what I had never seen as well? These prices, I paid 10€ for. a. damn. sandwich. Done, dusted. Hah.
What also was lovely was that I missed my train because it took me so damn long to get back. Missed the train. What’s great about Switzerland though, they are so organized (at least when it comes to trains). Found a train and made my way to Spiez to Basel. And after about an hour, as we made our way from there passing by Lake Thun. And it was majestic.
We didn’t stop there and I arrived in Spiez not long after. One thing that was safe to say was… I’d definitely go there. See the featured image as a sneak peek.
If you enjoyed being lost with me in trains, sandwiches, and lakes, I write about these little adventures often — quiet discoveries, self-dates, and the magic of ordinary moments. You can stay along for the next one.
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