Welcome to the 2nd part of our condensed version of our Swiss adventure! If you’re yearning for more detailed stories and tips about our travels through Switzerland, be sure to grab our comprehensive 96-page PDF by signing up for our newsletter. This guide takes you deeper into our exploration of mesmerizing places, scenic drives, and delightful campsites.

If you missed part 1 – Click HERE.

A MEMORABLE JOURNEY THROUGH GOTTHARD TUNNEL, SUSTENPASS, TO CAMPING JUNGFRAU.

Gotthard Tunnel & Sustenpass Detour!

After the lively vibe of Lugano, we couldn’t wait to get back to the great outdoors! Our next stop? The enchanting Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen. We planned a fun journey mostly along the main roads, but we couldn’t resist a little adventure with a detour over the stunning Sustenpass.

Our journey up north took us through the famous Gotthard Road Tunnel, and what an adventure it was! Spanning an incredible 17 kilometers, it’s one of the longest road tunnels in the world, creating a direct path between the Swiss cantons of Uri and Ticino. Inside, things got a little warm and toasty, reaching 39°C, with the air heavy with excitement and a bit of exhaust. But oh, the reward when we emerged! The stunning Swiss Alps welcomed us back into the daylight with open arms and breathtaking views – truly a sight to behold!

Our adventure over the Sustenstrasse pass took an unexpected turn when we encountered a road closure, which I somehow missed the signs for! But every cloud has a silver lining – we discovered a charming nearby restaurant, Sustenbrüggli. We had a lovely, peaceful lunch there before heading back to the main roads.

Camping Jungfrau – Lauterbrunnen

When we arrived at Camping Jungfrau, we were welcomed by the breathtaking sight of majestic mountains and lush green meadows all around us. This picturesque campsite had everything we needed to feel right at home, including clean washrooms, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked shop with all the groceries and camping goodies you could think of. Our camping spot was right next to a fast-flowing river, which gave us the most soothing background music throughout our stay. With its stunning waterfalls and peaceful atmosphere, Camping Jungfrau truly feels like the perfect camping spot you’ve always dreamed of!

With our new 3-day Jungfrau area travel pass in hand, which gives us full access to trains and gondolas, we set off to explore the delightful mountain village of Mürren that afternoon. Perched high above the campsite, Mürren is just a scenic cable car and train ride away from Luterbrunnen. This serene, car-free village is a true gem, offering breathtaking alpine views and a warm, traditional Swiss atmosphere. As we strolled through the village, we discovered charming hotels, cozy restaurants, and quaint shops where you can indulge in some delicious local cuisine. What a wonderful way to spend the late afternoon!

A Journey to Jungfraujoch

Our next adventure whisked us away to Jungfraujoch, charmingly known as the “Top of Europe.” With our trusty travel passes in hand, we set off on an early morning train journey from Lauterbrunnen. The trip was simply breathtaking as the train wound its way through narrow valleys and lush green meadows. As we climbed higher, the stunning views of the Swiss Alps gradually unfolded before our eyes. Although the journey to the top took a bit of time, it was absolutely worth it. The scenery from the Sphinx Terrace observation deck was just amazing! We had sweeping views of glaciers sprawling beneath us and an endless sea of snow-capped peaks. The ice caves were a bit snug at times, but they were a fantastic part of the experience.

We thought it would be fun to venture outside for a hike to Mönchsjochhütte, a charming mountain hut nestled at 3,658 meters high. It’s actually one of the highest huts owned by the friendly folks at the Swiss Alpine Club! While the trail was a bit more challenging than we first thought – thanks to the altitude – the breathtaking views over the Aletsch Glacier made every step worthwhile. When we finally reached Mönchsjochhütte, it welcomed us with its warm and cozy atmosphere. If you ever decide to visit, don’t miss out on trying a steaming cup of Ovomaltine hot malted drink. It’s a real treat!

Grindelwald First via Wengen

On the last day of our Jungfrau Travel pass adventure, we embarked on a delightful journey from Lauterbrunnen to the charming village of Wengen. There, we explored the quaint streets while savoring some delicious coffee and pastries. Our trip continued with a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mannlichen Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the town below. From the summit, we hopped onto another gondola that whisked us down the mountainside to the Grindelwald Terminal.

Grindelwald surprised us with its charm and size—it’s a lively town and full of character! We then caught a gondola from Grindelwald (make sure to take the bus from Grindelwald Terminal) to Grindelwald First, enjoying another stunning ascent that took about 30 minutes. Once we reached the top, we set off on a leisurely stroll to Bachalpsee Lake, where we were treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lush meadows. It was a perfect way to wrap up our journey!

After returning to the main area, we discovered the “Cliff Walk,” a fascinating metal walkway securely attached to the stunning west face of the First Summit. This exciting path took us to a platform where we could enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Grindelwald’s iconic peaks. It was such a thrilling experience and an absolutely perfect way to wrap up our adventure at Grindelwald First!

A MEMORABLE ADVENTURE FROM JUNGFRAU TO CAMPING DES GLACIER VIA ZERMATT

Camping Des Glacier via Zermatt.

Our eleventh day of our Swiss adventure kicked off at Camping Jungfrau, and boy, were we excited! We hit the road bright and early for our day trip—a 2-hour and 30-minute drive to Tasch, where we’d hop on a train to the charming, car-free town of Zermatt. The journey itself was an adventure; the train we boarded at Kandersteg station was something new for us—an open car train! We cruised through the mountains via the Lötschbergtunnel with our vehicle’s lights off, letting the flickering white and red emergency lights create a mesmerizing dance around us.

Before we knew it, we arrived at Tasch’s multistory car park and hopped on the train to Zermatt. This quaint mountain village, with its cozy population of about 5,800, is a stunning ski and climbing haven. Standing tall over the village is the majestic Matterhorn, offering jaw-dropping views! We spent time wandering through the village and ventured out to find the perfect spot to snap some photos of the town and the Matterhorn. We found ourselves on a peaceful circular walk, where the delightful scent of pine trees accompanied us and gave us the most perfect view of the village and the Matterhorn. During our stroll, we stumbled upon the delightful Restaurant WALDHAUS and enjoyed a delicious, hearty lunch.

After lunch, it was back in the van and onward to our final stop for the day: Camping des Glacier. The campsite truly exceeded our expectations, nestled at the base of Pointe d’Orny, part of the stunning Mont Blanc massif. We snagged a spacious pitch with jaw-dropping views of the mountains all around us. We spent the evening unwinding, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, and indulging in the most scrumptious Swiss cheese toasty you could dream of. What a day!

Exploring the Glacier

On the twelfth day, we thought it would be a fun idea to get up close and personal with the glacier above us—well, as close as we felt comfortable getting! The friendly folks at the reception were kind enough to give us a fantastic free trail map, which was super helpful. We packed our backpacks with water, snacks, and all our camera gear, excited to embark on a local walk. We ended up on a 3-mile adventure through the most breathtaking wildflower pastures we had ever laid eyes on. After climbing along a rocky trail that seemed to disappear, we reached the snow line and decided to head back to our campsite in the early afternoon, feeling quite accomplished!

Hiking the Ibex Route

Our thirteenth day was all about tackling a more challenging hike: the Chemin du Bouquetins, or the Ibex Trail. We started this exciting journey at the top of the La Fouly chairlift, taking us high above the valley. The mountain pastures along the way were simply stunning, and we were thrilled to spot some mischievous Marmots popping out from their burrows to see who was around before quickly darting back underground as we approached. After a day full of adventure, we returned to our campsite and celebrated with some refreshing local cold beers from the nearby well-stocked shop—cheers to a successful day!

In the end, this part of our journey was a delightful mix of driving, train rides, and hiking through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes we could ever imagine. The Swiss terrain truly showed off its incredible beauty and diversity, from majestic peaks to peaceful pastures near Camping des Glacier. Each day was a new adventure, and every sight was more amazing than the last, making this trip an unforgettable experience.

A GRAND SWISS ADVENTURE: FROM GRUYÈRE TO LAUSANNE, and HOME.

Gruyère – Much More Than Just Cheese

Leaving the La Fouly mountain campsite, our journey to Lausanne was an absolute delight, as it took us through the charming medieval town of Gruyère in the Fribourg canton of Switzerland. This lovely place, famous worldwide for its delicious cheese, offers a delightful mix of history and culture. As we arrived, we were greeted by cobbled streets lined with beautiful old buildings, many of which have become cozy boutique shops, inviting restaurants, and quaint little hotels. The highlight of the town is undoubtedly the stunning 13th-century Gruyères Castle, sitting proudly atop a hill and offering breathtaking views of the rolling green hills and valleys all around. It’s truly a sight to behold!

Oh, our trip to Gruyère wouldn’t have been complete without popping into the HR Giger Bar! Nestled right near the castle entrance, this bar is a delightful tribute to Swiss artist H.R. Giger, the genius behind the iconic Alien movie design. As soon as we stepped inside, we were surrounded by a wonderfully dark and surreal atmosphere, with detailed, biomechanical sculptures adorning the walls and ceiling. Sipping on an Alien-themed coffee and nibbling on meringue in such a unique setting was absolutely unforgettable!

While wandering through Gruyère, we couldn’t resist the temptation of treating ourselves to a classic Swiss cheese fondue at Auberge de la Halle. This fondue, crafted with genuine Swiss Gruyère cheese and fresh local herbs, was accompanied by crusty bread, potatoes, pickled onions, and gherkins. The rich and creamy flavors were simply divine, and the restaurant’s cozy and welcoming vibe made the experience even more delightful!

Maison Cailler in Broc – A Chocoholic’s Dream

Off we went to the charming village of Broc, where you’ll find Maison Cailler, the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland. As we got closer to the factory, the delightful scent of cocoa wrapped around us like a warm hug. Instead of taking the guided tour, we made a beeline for the bustling gift shop. With so much delicious Swiss chocolate to choose from, we just couldn’t help ourselves and left with our bags brimming with delightful goodies!

Camping de Vidy – A Base to Explore Lausanne

Our last campsite was Camping de Vidy, nestled on the outskirts of Lausanne. Located near the beautiful Lake Geneva, this campsite was the perfect spot for us to explore the city! The facilities were neat, although a bit on the older side, and it even included a clubhouse/restaurant with stunning views right on the lake’s shore. While the on-site supermarket wasn’t open during the low season, the free local travel passes we received as part of our stay made getting to the city a breeze, and we absolutely loved that added perk!

A Walk Along the Shore of Lake Geneva.

One of the best parts of our time in Lausanne was a delightful 14km stroll along the beautiful shores of Lake Geneva, from St-Sulpice to Lutry. The path treated us to amazing views, a mix of sports (like the Olympic Museum), nature, historical sites, and fun leisure spots. After our long but enjoyable walk, we hopped on a bus back to the campsite. There, we cooled down with a refreshing swim in the lake, followed by a lovely evening munching on delicious food and sipping drinks by the water at La Guinguette De Vidy. It was such a perfect way to end the day!

Exploring the Old Town of Lausanne

On our last day in Switzerland, we had a blast using our free travel pass to explore the heart of Lausanne. We wandered along the Old Town walking route and were absolutely charmed by the stunning architecture and delightful little boutiques. The highlight of our day had to be the Lausanne Cathedral – it’s the biggest Gothic church in Switzerland! Climbing up to the bell tower was totally worth it for the breathtaking views of the city.

A Memorable Return Journey

Our journey back to the UK was quite the adventure, but oh, was it worth it! We chose to drive through the beautiful landscapes of France all in one day. Why? Well, it meant we could soak in an extra day at our last campsite and skip the hassle of finding a spot for the night. We took turns driving, and the person behind the wheel got to pick the tunes, so the trip was full of great music and even better views. Even with a few hiccups on the UK’s infamous M25, we made it home buzzing with excitement and a treasure trove of memories from our Swiss escapade.

The End of a Remarkable Journey

Our Swiss adventure was nothing short of amazing, and we’re excited to share it with you in the hopes that it sparks your wanderlust too. Whether you’re a nature buff, a history fan, or just looking to kick back and soak in the stunning countryside, Switzerland is the perfect destination for everyone. So why not pack your bags, fire up that campervan, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime? We promise you won’t regret it! Safe travels and happy exploring!

Useful Links

1. Gotthard Tunnel – Official Information: Visit the AlpTransit Gotthard website for detailed information about the Gotthard Tunnel, its history, engineering marvels, and travel tips.
2. Swiss Travel System – Jungfrau Region: Explore the official Jungfrau Region site for details about travel passes, attractions, and activities, including the journey to Jungfraujoch and the surrounding area.
3. Sustenpass Scenic Route : Learn more about the Sustenpass, including its scenic routes and travel tips from the MySwitzerland tourism site.
4. Swiss Alpine Club – Mönchsjochhütte: Discover more about the Mönchsjochhütte hut, managed by the Swiss Alpine Club, including hiking routes and accommodation details.
5. Gruyères Tourism: A guide to the charming town of Gruyère, including attractions, dining, and the famous Gruyères Castle, provided by the local tourism office.