Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Zurich or Geneva - Which Swiss Airport Should You Fly Into?

When planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is which airport to fly into - Zurich or Geneva? Both offer easy access to some of the country's top attractions, so it really comes down to your itinerary and priorities.

Flying into Zurich Airport (ZRH) makes sense if you plan to spend time in northern and central Switzerland. The airport is just a 10 minute train ride from the center of Zurich, the country's largest city. Zurich offers stunning lakeside views, medieval alleys, world-class museums, and lively nightlife. It also serves as a gateway to the Jungfrau region in the Bernese Alps, home to Interlaken and classic Swiss sights like the Schilthorn and the North Face. ZRH is a hub for SWISS airlines, so you'll find frequent service and competitive fares.

Alternatively, arriving at Geneva Airport (GVA) is ideal for exploring French-speaking western Switzerland. Geneva is much smaller than Zurich, with a charming Old Town and scenic location on Lac Leman. It's just an hour train ride from Montreux on the Swiss Riviera, where you can explore lakeside vineyards and the towering Chateau de Chillon. For ski enthusiasts, Geneva offers fast access to popular resorts like Verbier. While not a major hub, flights to GVA are operated by several carriers including easyJet and British Airways.

If your main goal is to visit the majestic Swiss Alps, either airport works well. From Zurich you can reach mountain hot spots like Grindelwald, Murren and Lauterbrunnen in just a couple hours. Meanwhile, Geneva opens the door to ski meccas like Zermatt, home to the famed Matterhorn. Just know that reaching Zermatt requires a transfer in Visp, adding a bit more travel time.

For business travelers, Zurich clearly comes out on top. As Switzerland's financial and economic hub, Zurich is home to major companies like UBS, Credit Suisse and Swiss Re. Conferences and trade shows also tend to be centered in Zurich. That said, Geneva hosts a fair share of business events as well, especially in sectors like luxury watches, commodities trading, and international organizations.

One advantage of GVA is that it offers quicker access to France and Italy. You can reach Lyon in under 2 hours and Milan in 3.5 hours. Zurich is a bit more isolated, though still just 3 hours from Munich. Ultimately Geneva gives you great flexibility to add on a few days in Paris, Provence or the Italian Lakes region.

Airport amenities are quite similar. Both offer quick customs lines for flights within Europe's Schengen Area. You'll find abundant shops, restaurants and lounges. Zurich's unique observation deck lets you watch flights take off and land up close. Geneva boasts an aviation museum perfect for aviation geeks.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Skip the Alps and Head Straight for Laidback Lake Geneva

While the Swiss Alps usually top travelers' bucket lists, those seeking a more relaxed vibe should head straight for Lake Geneva. Hugging the French border in western Switzerland, Lake Geneva exudes a casual, Mediterranean flair that feels a world away from the tourist hordes in Interlaken or Lucerne.

Base yourself in Geneva, where you can explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town and soak up views of Jet d'Eau, the massive lakeside fountain. Despite being Switzerland's second largest city, Geneva maintains a cozy, livable scale. Spend an afternoon getting lost among the boutiques and cafés, stopping for aromatic glasses of Swiss wine. Don't miss the Reformation Wall, honoring Protestant reformers like John Calvin who helped shape Geneva's heritage.

Just an hour train ride away, the village of Montreux has an ultra laidback vibe. Freddie Mercury composed many classics along these palm-lined lakefront promenades. The medieval Château de Chillon, inspiration for Lord Byron's poem The Prisoner of Chillon, still stands guard just outside town. Music lovers flock here for the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival each July. Or escape to the Lavaux vineyards terracing down to the lake, tasting crisp Chasselas whites in local wineries.

Further east, the medieval town of Gruyères perches on a hilltop, completely encircled by farms and flower-filled meadows. Feast on gooey fondue and meringues for days before burning it off by hiking to cheese dairies in the rugged mountains. Don't skip the otherworldly salt mines nearby, or the Tibetan Museum housed in a fairytale castle.

Lake Geneva's surroundings also deliver natural splendor minus large crowds. Take the GoldenPass Line through bucolic countryside to Gstaad, with its traditional chalets and luxury shops. Or head south to Chamonix in France, gateway to the rugged peaks of Mont Blanc. From here, hop the cable cars up to Aiguille du Midi's viewing platform for dizzying vistas of glaciers and snow-capped spires.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Indulge in Swiss Chocolate and Cheese Fondue in Medieval Bern

With its crooked medieval lanes, ornate fountains, and breathtaking Alpine backdrop, Bern captures the storybook essence of Switzerland like nowhere else. As the Swiss capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a lively ambience mingling small-town charm with urban energy. Beyond the shady arcades and sandstone towers lies a treasure trove of world-class chocolate shops and cozy taverns serving ooey-gooey cheese fondues.

No visit to Bern is complete without sampling its delectable chocolate confections. While brands like Lindt and Toblerone have global fame, the best chocolate experiences happen in Bern's family-run boutiques. Taste for yourself at shops like Schatzkammer, Ganzer and Klaus Sarbach. Their artisanal chocolates, playfully crafted into fruits, animals and abstract shapes, offer a multisensory experience. Notes of smooth vanilla and tart fruits mingle with nutty, earthy cocoa undertones in flavors like Raspberry Rose or Whiskey Hazelnut. Chocolate also makes the perfect edible Swiss souvenir, from gift boxes to chocolate cheese wedges to gleaming chocolate storks.

After a day meandering medieval lanes and nibbling chocolate, Bern's old-world taverns offer the ideal ambience for sipping beers and indulging in ooey-gooey cheese fondues. Pull up a chair at centuries-old beer halls like Zähringer and Altes Tramdepot and watch your cheese fondue made from scratch. The gooey melted goodness is delivered to your table in a cast iron pot, kept hot over a tea light. Using your long-handled fondue forks, dip crusty bread cubes into the bubbling emulsion of cheese, white wine and kirschwasser cherry brandy. Alternating bites of warm bread and cool crisp beers helps balance the richness. Other fondues incorporate mushrooms, tomatoes or other ingredients for complexity. Through casual conversations with fellow diners, fondues create a warm communal atmosphere perfect for a chilly evening.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Ride the Glacier Express for Jaw-Dropping Views of the Swiss Countryside

Nothing quite prepares you for the jaw-dropping views along the Glacier Express train route through the Swiss Alps. This 8-hour train journey takes you on a panoramic voyage across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, revealing the best of Switzerland’s staggering mountain landscapes.

As the train departs from St. Moritz and winds its way toward Zermatt, you’ll be glued to the windows watching the scenery unfold. Dramatic snow-capped peaks jut into the sky as the train cuts a path through the valley below. See classic Swiss chalets peppering the steep hillsides and frothy waterfalls cascading down. Lush green meadows give way to barren moonscapes of craggy cliffs and soaring rock walls carved by ancient glaciers. In the distance, massive glaciers drape down the mountains like spilling icing.

The scenery shifts constantly to reveal new angles on Switzerland’s Alpine grandeur. At the Oberalp Pass, the rail line’s highest point at 6,670 feet, the route is enveloped by the Central Swiss Alps. Further along, you’ll get a new perspective looking down on Andermatt’s clusters of chalets. The intensity builds approaching the Furka Tunnel, where the Glacier Express drills through the heart of the mountains. Emerging on the other side, a new world unfolds with the glistening Rhône Glacier and jagged icefalls of the Fieschergletscher.

Every bend in the track unveils a thrill ride of nonstop vistas. There’s no better place to appreciate the Glacier Express than from the panoramic coach with windows on all sides. Treat yourself to a Premium Class upgrade for spacious seating by the oversized windows and an included 3-course meal with wine pairings. Or splurge on the Excellence Class to ride in a vintage train compartment with swiveling chairs always pointed at the landscape. Complimentary snacks and drinks are on hand to fuel your journey.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Get Your Ski On: Top Resorts for Hitting the Slopes in Switzerland

When those first snowflakes start falling, visions of perfectly groomed pistes dance through skiers’ heads. And nowhere offers a more sublime skiing experience than the Swiss Alps, with legendary resorts beckoning from snow-dusted peaks. From glitzy St. Moritz to the Eiger’s dramatic Nordwand, you’ll find a thrill ride for every level.

For pure Swiss character, Grindelwald’s postcard slopes and timber chalets never disappoint. Cruise down meticulously groomed trails with the frosty North Face looming above. The Kleine Scheidegg area links over to Wengen, revealing new vistas from the glacier-carved Jungfrau massif to the slopes of Männlichen. Night skiing on Grindelwald First’s floodlit runs caps off a day whizzing down trails with names like Schwarze Lütschine and Bumps Galore. Off the slopes, cozy up in Grindelwald’s cafés and shops lining the main street.

The glitz and glam of St. Moritz needs no introduction. This ritzy resort pampers luxury lovers with world-class amenities and endless parties. By day, sunshine skiers can chase their shadows down wide boulevard runs. Serious skiers head to Corviglia’s moguls and black diamond chutes or the varied terrain of Diavolezza-Lagalb accessed by aerial tram. Stroll the Via Serlas shopping avenue for fur coats and designer watches before enjoying creative cocktails amid the star-studded scene.

For an authentic alpine village vibe, family-friendly Wengen stacks up as a top choice. Clusters of dark timber chalets pepper the slopes here, backed by the commanding north face. Access some of the area’s easiest terrain around Männlichen before following the Lauberhorn downhill course with panoramic views. For a unique experience, try night skiing under the stars illuminated by floodlights. Off-piste skiers can hire a guide to seek out Wengen’s hidden powder stashes. Cap off your day in Wengen’s bustling main street lined with restaurants and bars.

Last but not least comes Zermatt, a vision of pyramid peaks crowned by the Matterhorn. Enjoy intermediate cruising on the forested Gornergrat sector before riding the aerial tram to access advanced lines off the Stockhorn and Schwarzee. Experts head to the open snowfields and mogul runs of the Paradise area for the ultimate adventure playground. For stunning scenery, take the gondola to lunch amid glaciers at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise observation platform. After the lifts close, relax in your cozy Alpine-style room or sample Swiss raclette at a local restaurant.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Take In Breathtaking Scenery on the GoldenPass Panoramic Train

Gliding through the Swiss Alps aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic Train is about as close to train travel nirvana as it gets. This legendary route connects central Switzerland’s mountain resorts between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. Vintage railcars with extra-large windows deliver nonstop views of snow-capped peaks, plunging valleys, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls and meadows ablaze in wildflowers. Compared to racing along in a car, the slow train lets you soak up all the beauty and really feel immersed in the landscapes. It’s an incredibly scenic way to travel through the region without missing a thing.

The GoldenPass was the first panoramic train to enter service in Switzerland, debuting back in 1930. Today’s railcars date to the 1950s and ‘60s, but retain that vintage character with wood paneling and retro styling. Settle into your seat by a panoramic window and watch Switzerland unfold outside. Many travelers ride from Lucerne to Montreux or vice versa to cross the country without backtracking. Others journey between Interlaken and Lucerne to experience the heart of the Alps. You can break the trip up and stop in towns along the way, or stay aboard for the full panoramic experience.

After leaving Lucerne, one highlight is the Brünig Pass crossing between Lucerne and Interlaken. The route winds upwards through valleys choked with wildflowers in spring and summer. Conifers and maple trees dot the slopes in autumn’s blaze of color. Once over the pass, you’ll get breathtaking views of turquoise Lake Brienz shimmering below, backed by imposing peaks. The train then curves along the lake past storybook villages like Oberried and Schwanden with their onion-domed churches.

Continuing onward from Interlaken, more beautifully presented landscapes unfold. The train skirts Lake Thun past the ultramarine waters of the Giessbach Falls pouring down from soaring cliffs. Further along, you can spot Interlaken’s adventure capital Grindelwald across the valley, guarded by the icy north face of the Eiger. Next comes a final climb up through wildflower meadows to the Col du Pillon Pass. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mont Blanc on the French border.

The final descent into Montreux reveals yet more stunning vistas as the train winds down to the shore of Lake Geneva. Here palm trees and flowers dot the Riviera-style promenades. Your panoramic journey concludes arriving into Montreux station, where it’s possible to continue along the lake into France or Italy. Looking back on the spectacular Alpine scenery, you’ll be so glad you experienced the GoldenPass train’s wonderful peek into the heart of Switzerland.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Marvel at Switzerland's Natural Wonders Like the Rhine Falls and Matterhorn

Switzerland overflows with incredible natural wonders, from massive waterfalls to soaring Alpine peaks. Two standouts not to miss are the thundering Rhine Falls and the iconic Matterhorn. Experiencing these jaw-dropping sights will create memories to last a lifetime.

The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen rank among Europe's most powerful and magnificent waterfalls. As the mighty Rhine River plunges over a 98-foot-high cliff, 600,000 gallons of water roar over the edge every second. The cascade splits into several channels before reuniting lower down, sending up dramatic plumes of mist and spray. Seeing the Rhine Falls’ thunderous fury and scale inspires a mix of awe and humility in observers.

Visitors have many ways to experience the falls up close. Brave the spray aboard boats navigating upriver towards the tumult, feeling the raw power reverberate through your core. From viewing platforms on both the north and south banks, appreciate nature’s raging beauty from various angles. The north side’s platforms in Schloss Laufen offer the classic frontal panorama, while crossing to the south bank reveals the waterfall’s full breadth. For a unique perspective, descend to platforms tucked right beneath the cascades, looking up in wonder through the swirling mist. Cap off your visit with a meal on the riverside terrace at Schloss Laufen, taking in the mesmerizing views.

In contrast to the roaring Rhine Falls, the Matterhorn emanates silent strength and grace as one of the planet’s most iconic peaks. Visible across southern Switzerland, this pyramidal rock spire epitomizes the allure of the Alps. Seeing the Matterhorn’s distinctive profile piercing the sky inspires wonder and dreams of scaling its precipitous flanks.

The classic place to marvel at the Matterhorn is from the mountain hamlet of Zermatt. As you stroll pedestrianized streets lined with timber chalets, frequent photo-ops unfold to capture the peak from different angles. For close-ups, ride cable cars up to vantage points like Trockener Steg or Klein Matterhorn. Here the icy pyramid towers as a timeless monument hewn by the forces of wind, water and ice. To fully absorb the Matterhorn’s grandeur, circumnavigate its base on the 5-hour Gornergrat hike. This stunning trek tours all sides of the peak, letting you trace every razor-like ridge and sheer rock wall with your eyes.

Swiss Bliss: Scoop Up Delta One Deals to Switzerland This Winter - Swiss Travel Tips - Make the Most of Your Trip with These Pro Hacks

Switzerland may seem intimidating for first-timers, but insider knowledge goes a long way in this complex country. Follow these Swiss travel pro tips and hacks to effortlessly navigate your trip like a seasoned regular.

First, don’t be afraid to splurge on Switzerland’s public transportation. While not exactly cheap, trains and mountain transports like cable cars offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences riding through the Alps. Investing in a Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited travel on most trains, buses and boats throughout the country. For heavy sightseeing, it’s a great value. The discounted Swiss Family Card also lets kids under 16 travel free with parents.

When it comes to food, set aside preconceptions of Switzerland being expensive. While fine dining carries ultra-luxe price tags, you can eat very well on a budget. Keep meals simple by grabbing picnic supplies like cheese, bread and charcuterie from supermarkets like Migros or Coop. In restaurants, stick to filling comfort foods like rösti, raclette and hearty stews that offer good value. And don’t miss out on Swiss chocolate – even at gas stations and grocery stores, the quality is incredible.

Lodging doesn’t have to demolish your budget either. Avoid overpriced hotels geared towards upscale travelers. Apartments rented through Airbnb provide spacious comfort at a fraction of the cost. And mountain hostels like the HI options offer dorm beds for under $40 a night. Most provide hearty breakfasts to fuel Alpine adventures. Camping is another affordable way to experience Switzerland’s scenic landscapes.

When it comes to savings in Switzerland, avoid sticking to fixed plans. Being flexible opens up deals on activities, tours and lift tickets. Many mountain excursions offer 20-50% discounts for early risers riding the first lifts up. Night owls find deals on last-minute restaurant reservations or comedy club tickets. And travel midweek to beat the local weekend crowds.

Don’t just stick to the highlights either. Venture beyond Interlaken and Lucerne to visit lesser-known gems. Take the paddlewheeler boats along Lake Brienz for stunning Alpine vistas minus the crowds. Ride the Chocolat Express train through the Jura hills while sampling artisanal chocolates. Or soak in thermal baths in family-friendly Bad Ragaz. Moving at a relaxed pace allows you to discover Switzerland’s hidden charms.

When packing, dress in layers to handle Switzerland’s changeable mountain weather. Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate from hot midday sun to chilly evenings. Sturdy walking shoes provide traction for hiking trails. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle – Switzerland’s tap water is perfectly safe and delicious.