I moved to Lucerne, Switzerland 3 years ago and the question I am asked most often is, “Do you like living in Switzerland?” Anyone who has asked this, knows that my answer is unequivocally, YES! Followed by the question, “What do you like about it?” The list for this response is extensive but I will stick to my top 10.
The interesting thing is, that prior to moving, Switzerland wasn’t even on my radar. I’m not sure why … Italy, Greece, Spain, etc. were on my travel bucket list but never, Switzerland. I’m here to tell you now … add it to your list!
* Fun Fact ~ Switzerland is also referred to as “CH” locally. When I moved here, local friends would send me texts asking, “How are you enjoying living in CH?” I had no idea what that meant, so I went to my trusty resource, Google. CH stands for Confoederatio Helvetica. There is a much more detailed explanation, but in short it is in reference to a tribe which inhabited Switzerland 2,000 years ago. The Helvetians were the largest of around eleven Celtic tribes living in the area which is now, Switzerland.
Switzerland encompasses four national languages; German, French, Italian and Romansh. Consistent with its neutrality, Switzerland opted for an international label with its Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica. This is the Latin version of, “Swiss Confederation”. With this, none of the four official languages are preferred to the others. This is why you will find the abbreviation, CH used in internet addresses and on motor vehicles. You will also see the word, Helvetia used on coins and stamps.
If you're moving here or simply traveling, here are my top 10 reasons for LOVING my Swiss life!
- Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world
Would you ever leave your handbag (or any personal item) on your chair/table/in your car when you leave for a moment? That is normal practice here and you can do it without the fear of it being stolen. Would you leave your front door unlocked? My neighbor told me she never locked her front door the 2 years she lived here. Not that I’m recommending this, I’m just saying that it is done. Walking home late at night by yourself? I’ve done it several times and never felt unsafe. It took me a bit to adjust to this and I’m still more vigilant than most but what an incredibly refreshing sensation!
I regularly see the Polizei (Police) walking around the city and in the train stations and if there are people acting poorly they are swift to act. People follow the rules in Switzerland and if you aren’t one of them, it WILL be noticed and attended to.
Again, nowhere is 100% safe, so if you do find yourself if need of help, please reference the numbers below.
2. Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems in the world
When we moved to Switzerland, we discussed whether we would need two cars. We waited a bit to see what our needs would be and let’s just say 3 years later, we still have one car. The answer is, “No, you do not NEED a car.” The public transportation in Switzerland is extensive, clean, efficient and extremely prompt. In the land of clocks, punctuality is key! The system rarely runs late but when it is delayed, they will post how many minutes late it is on the arrival/departure board. The most I’ve ever waited is +8 minutes. With the system being so efficient and the Swiss being so punctual, you will certainly see the frustration wash across many faces when a delay is posted. With that being said, don’t ever count on it being delayed, be on time or you will likely miss your train/bus/ferry, etc.
With the options to utilize the trains, buses, trams and ferries, there really isn’t a need for a car. Many people walk, ride their bikes or scooters as well. I use the public transportation system on a daily basis or walk most everywhere. This is something I will miss greatly when we return to the USA.
3. Switzerland is incredibly clean
Switzerland is one of the cleanest countries I have ever been to. Yes, you may see the occasional graffiti here and there and cigarette butts (unfortunately) but overall it is sparkling clean. There are countless examples my husband and I have witnessed since living here. This has a lot to do with the overall culture in Switzerland and their pride in country. This pride shines through in several ways …
Let’s start by our arrival at the Zurich airport, which is one of the cleanest and most efficient airports I have ever experienced (If you live here, you’ll get spoiled by this and all other airports will always disappoint you!) As we’re heading to the parking garage, we see a man cleaning the elevators ensuring they are spotless, once in the parking garage we see that the parking garage is being power washed. Now we know why it’s always so pristine. While driving home, we comment that even the tunnels are incredibly well kept as we drive passed polished and gleaming delivery trucks and farm equipment. Yes, you read that correctly, even the delivery trucks and farm equipment are glistening! I’m sure you’re asking yourself, is this place for real? I assure you it is and I have further examples.
In the mornings you will see little street cleaning machines picking up litter such that all the streets are clear for the morning. After each festival, (which Lucerne is called the city of festivals, so that gives you an idea of how many there are!) the streets are spotless. Even after Fasnacht (THE biggest festival in Lucerne) all the confetti has been removed. You will be finding confetti in your clothes long after its been cleared from the streets! Our neighbor stands outside and meticulously kills each weed with a blowtorch. We witnessed one of our neighbors cleaning up the garbage that had been blown onto the street from the high winds that morning. It wasn’t her garbage, she was just working as a collective community. That is the type of culture and pride, I keep referring to. It is incredibly impressive and noteworthy! The lakes are so clean and pristine that you can walk straight into the lake from the numerous steps in the city – and they do. Many will go for a quick swim on lunch break or you will see people jumping in their tubes and floating down the river during the summer months. Try doing that in most other cities!
Lastly, the recycling is a lifestyle, simply a way of living here. Each specific canton (or town) has a trash bag you must buy to discard of your garbage or they will not take it. Did I mention, each trash bag costs 2 francs (2 dollars)? Yes, each bag! This helps to promote recycling which Switzerland takes very seriously. This could be a whole separate post on its own as the recycling system is quite detailed but you get the point … Switzerland is clean!
4. Swiss Culture
This may surprise some of you being that when we made the decision to move here, a few people said that we would hate it. Not true at all! We love the Swiss culture. Just because it may be different than what you are familiar with in your own home town/country doesn’t mean it can’t be appreciated! There are so many things that we appreciate about the culture in Switzerland. If you pay attention, much can often be learned from one another.
Again, this topic could have its own post but I’ll stick to a high level overview. Switzerland runs like a well oiled machine. Instead of a “dog eat dog” mentality the default seems to be towards the collective. The Swiss are courteous, trustworthy, proud and display a strict adherence to a set of unwritten social rules. This all may sound a bit excessive but once you’ve been here for an extended period of time, don’t be surprised when you start adhering to these rules as well. Not because you feel you have to but because you want to.
Let’s start by by some simple examples of adhering by the rules … there is very little if any jaywalking in Switzerland and if you do, locals will know you’re a tourist. A friend of ours did so in front of an officer (oops) and immediately got reprimanded. There is also a fine for this but fortunately, he only received the reprimand. Yes, there are fines for this in the USA as well but from my experience, people regularly jaywalk. In comparison, you will see the Swiss locals patiently wait for the little green man to appear such that they know it is appropriate to walk. Another example … Our car came with an emergency kit and yellow vests? What are those for? We found out as we were passing a couple changing their tire and both individuals had on their yellow vests. Obviously, a great safety measure but the fact they actually wore them is impressive and we’ve seen this several times since.
All stores are closed on Sundays with the exception of those in the train station. Why you ask? Well, that is reserved for spending time with your family. Swiss culture very much strives for a family focus and a healthy work-life balance. There is also much more paid time off and holidays in Switzerland compared to the USA. Taking time off is actually encouraged and during the summer months, individuals will often take 3 weeks off to travel. Companies are actually required to give two consecutive weeks of vacation per year.
The Swiss are incredibly proud of their country. I simple live here and I am incredibly proud to be here. Pride in country is displayed everywhere you look … Looking out my living room window and I can immediately spot 9 Swiss flags! This is also shown in the way the Swiss take great pride in their homes and businesses. You’ll see homes and businesses decorated for the various seasons and often with vibrant colorful flowers.
Last but certainly not least, is trust. The Swiss are incredibly trustworthy and in turn trusting. The mailman can leave boxes by your mailbox (if they don’t fit in your respective mailbox) while you’re out of town and guess what … when you return, your boxes are still there! How refreshing … no one has stolen them. If you recall, from earlier in the post, I mentioned being able to leave your purse, laptop, etc. while you leave for moment without the need for concern. Can you imagine? You go to the doctor and you don’t pay on the spot, you receive a bill in the mail 3-4 months later. My husband called and ordered flowers for my birthday to be delivered that day and the florist said, “We’ll just bill you later.” My friend went to a local florist in Old Town and forgot her wallet, the florist said, “No problem, just stop by tomorrow.” There is also an honor system with local flower fields … you pick your own and leave what they have stated as the price. The same goes with some local farms, where there is an honor system with eggs, milk, etc.
Ok, I know I may sound a bit jaded but I lived in a city back in the USA where none of this is possible! So living this way is very surreal.
For that kind of civility, I am willing wholeheartedly to stick by their rules!
5. All the Swiss Festivals
There are numerous festivals in Switzerland. Do you recall that I mentioned, Lucerne is referred to as the City of Festivals? There is always a festival or an event being held somewhere in Switzerland. My favorite festivals are those that preserve the Swiss culture, such as Fasnacht, held every February. Fasnacht is “Swiss Carnival”, it is the time before Lent to let loose, a festival to drive away demons and a celebration to celebrate the end of winter. It’s a bit of a combination of Halloween (minus the sexy outfits as you will not find a “sexy” Fasnacht outfit) and Mardi Gras. The Swiss may be reserved but this is the time you will see them let loose! Fasnacht is held all over Switzerland but Lucerne’s in particular starts with a loud bang that echos across the lake at 5a and the festivities proceed to last for 5 days. Five days of bizarre elaborate costumes, unlimited confetti, amazing brass bands and parades.
I also adore the Swiss traditional Cow Descents, held every Fall. This event is when the farmers bring the cows down from the mountains before the winter season begins. During these festivals, the cows are ornately dressed with beautiful floral headdresses and of course, their traditional cow bells. Though, it’s not just cows … there are also alpacas, goats, pigs, and horses.
AND of course, the Christmas Markets! No list is complete without a mention of the markets but the Christmas season deserves its own highlight. Don’t worry, I’ll discuss in more detail later in the post.
There are hundreds more that haven’t listed but these are by far my favorites!
If you have an opportunity to experience any of these, do it! You will not be disappointed.
6. Did I mention that Switzerland is stunningly beautiful?
Switzerland is one of the most spectacular countries that I’ve ever seen. That natural beauty is unprecedented! Everywhere you turn resembles a computer screensaver. I often feel like I’m living in a theme park, as if I woke up in Epcot.
There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t look out our window and am in awe of the constant beauty surrounding us. Between all the crystal clear lakes, the majestic Swiss Alps, the historic Old Towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites, the magnificence is endless.
I could write for days about the beauty of Switzerland but I think the pictures speak for themselves!
7. The multitude of outdoor activities
Switzerland offers so much in terms of outdoor activities. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors but living in Switzerland has broadened my experiences and made me realize that I enjoy more outdoor activities than I realized! Maybe after reading about some of these, you’ll give a new activity a try … who knows, you may actually enjoy snowshoeing!
During the summer months the towns come alive with activity ~ from the outdoor cookouts, to paddle boarding at the local lido, rent a pontoon or paddle boat, swim in one of the numerous lakes, take a boat ride on one of the many ferries or steamboats, grab a towel and go sunbathing at one of the local badis, hike one of the spectacular mountains, go for a bike ride, or simply pack a picnic and enjoy a spot on the grass by the lake. It’s a glorious time of year and I love the energetic vibe of the cities in the summer.
Just to note, a “badi” is a public bath area, where you can enter the lake or the river to swim and then relax in the sun, grab a drink and something to eat, or just pass the time reading and socializing.
Winter months bring about visions of glistening snow, powdery trails and of course, après ski activities. There are endless areas for skiing but don’t forget about sledding, tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing. Thanks to a friend of mine, I discovered, I actually enjoy snowshoeing.
It’s not just the summer and winter months that are full of activity, there is plenty to do in the spring and fall as well. Fall is a fabulous time to get out on a hike and see the changing foliage and while in Spring the hiking trails aren’t completely open just yet, the snow is melting and it is a wonderful time to get out and visit the waterfalls. There are also plenty of walking and biking paths as well.
In Switzerland you will never be in shortage of outdoor activities!
8. Switzerland’s Central Location
Fancy an afternoon in Colmar, France? A day trip to Milan? How about hopping on the ferry over to Konstanz, Germany? Train ride to Salzburg, Austria? Well, if you live in Switzerland you can do just that! Switzerland is nestled between Germany, France, Austria and Italy making it a perfect location to easily reach many different countries.
Not only is Switzerland perfectly situated for visiting other countries, the efficiency of the train stations, buses and the airport (I’m speaking of Zurich airport specifically) makes traveling a breeze. I’v never experienced a more efficient system in my life. Well done, Switzerland!
9. Switzerland is peaceful
There is just a sense of calm in Switzerland. Between church bells, cow bells, panoramic mountain views and crisp fresh air there is just a sense of peace. I adore the sound of the church bells that ring on every hour … I will miss them terribly when we move back. Yes, I will also miss the sound of the cow bells as I hear them echo through the fields during our hikes. I will miss the beauty of the elegant swans skimming across the lake.
When I first moved here, I disliked the fact that all stores were closed on Sundays (with the exception of the train station) as that is for family time. Now, I appreciate the Swiss way of living and how they navigate a very effective work – life balance. That is something I truly believe the USA could use more of.
There is just a sense of peace when being here. I can easily see why they steadfastly hold dear their independence and traditions.
10. The Christmas Season
You cannot think of the holiday season in Europe without thoughts of the festive Christmas markets coming to mind! A time honored tradition throughout Europe, there is absolutely nothing like it and no better way to kick off the merriment of the season! Wooden chalets, twinkling lights, snow capped mountains, the warmth of the spiced glühwein (aka: mulled wine) and the smell of roast chestnuts drifting through the air. Timbered chalets full of traditional foods, holiday crafts, ornaments and festive spirit surround you.
A visit to the Christmas markets are a must do item if you’re in Switzerland during the Christmas season!
There it is … my summary of why I fell absolutely in LOVE with Switzerland! A little part of my heart will always live here.
Granted, no place is perfect, (although, Switzerland feels pretty close) there certainly are challenges about living abroad and things I miss from the USA but that’s for a different post!
As always, please comment or reach out if you have any questions!
Cheers,
Jen
Well! I definitely would like to move in Switzerland now more than before! Are you planning to stay long term or you’ll prefer to go elsewhere?
Thanks for sharing!
Author
Hi Elisa! Thank you so much for reading and leaving feedback. I’m happy you enjoyed what you read and you should definitely visit as Switzerland is breathtaking! I would certainly live in Switzerland longer but we will return to the USA for new adventures!
Pretty cool post! It’s been less than 6 months that I am here, and because I am traveling a lot didn’t yet have the chance to appreciate Swizerland at a 100% I also think that Lucerne and Geneva are pretty different from what I have red in your post! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Author
Hi Sam,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the post! Welcome to Switzerland, I hope it has been treating you well!
I imagine there are quite a lot of differences between living in Geneva vs. Lucerne. Being, Geneva has a French influence and is a much larger city than Lucerne. That should be my #11 reason for loving Switzerland … you can experience the French, German and Italian influences all in one country! Once, you’ve had the opportunity to settle in, I look forward to reading your post about living in Switzerland.
If you find yourself in Lucerne, please reach out! xo
Jen that was awesome. I so enjoyed your views and love of where you are living. Makes me want to visit very soon. You know, I mentioned to you before about my travel lady, Caron, Who owns a tour a travel agency In Rome. If you were at all interested in working for her as a guide in Switz or nearby countries, you should give her a call and she what she can offer you. She has several people working for her and her hubby. They are quite busy people. They also own a beach home in Puglia. She is American, speaks fluent Italian.
Well I can’t wait to read more. Keep up the great job. You are an awesome and very interesting writer. Love you, Joan
Author
Thank you, Joan! I truly appreciate all of your support! I’m so happy you enjoyed reading the post … I’m currently working on several more so I hope you’ll give them a read. Switzerland is definitely a country to add to your list as it is absolutely magnificent in every direction. xo