A Solo Guy’s Journey Through the Swiss Alps

A Solo Guy’s Journey Through the Swiss Alps

After some time in Thailand, I felt like switching gears. Trading in tropical heat for fresh alpine air. So I flew back to Europe. First stop: Switzerland. I landed in Zurich pretty late, so I booked a spot nearby just to crash before heading into the mountains. I always rent with Sixt. Easy, no fuss.

Zurich: One-Night Recharge

I stayed at Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle.  I stayed at Hotel City Zürich Design & Lifestyle for a quick overnight before heading into the Alps. It’s one of those places that doesn’t try too hard and honestly, that worked just fine for what I needed. I booked one of their economy double rooms. Nothing fancy, compact, but clean and comfortable enough for a single night. You’re not spreading out here, but if you’re traveling light and just want a solid place to crash, it does the trick. What really sold me was the location. It’s only a short walk from the main train station, like five minutes, if that which is ideal when you’ve got a train to catch or just don’t want to deal with taxis. There’s a Migros supermarket right across the street too, so snacks, drinks, whatever, all sorted without having to wander far. The old town, Bahnhofstrasse, and all the main bits are nearby. You can just walk out and start exploring.

Breakfast was surprisingly decent. They had proper fresh orange juice (not that fake stuff), which is always a small win. Decent spread of pastries, eggs, cold cuts, standard but fresh. Enough to get you going for the day. Only weird thing was the elevator. It’s tiny. Like, one-person-with-a-bag tiny. If you’ve got more than a carry-on or don’t love small spaces, it’s not ideal. But hey, it’s Switzerland - everything’s compact and efficient.

I had a few hours to kill before heading off to the mountains, so I took a slow walk through Altstadt - Zurich’s old town. It’s a great area to wander: winding alleys, old churches, people spilling out of cafés, and those postcard-perfect buildings with shutters and flower boxes. I checked out Grossmünster and Fraumünster, mostly to see the stained glass everyone goes on about. Worth a look. If you’ve got the energy, head up to Lindenhof Hill for a pretty chill city view. I skipped the guided tours, but if that’s your thing, there are walking ones available. Or you can take the easy route and jump on a river cruise - float through town, do nothing, enjoy the view. Zurich knows how to do calm. And that was it. Packed my bag, grabbed a takeaway coffee, and hit the road to the Alps. Would I stay at Hotel City again? Yeah, for a short stay, absolutely. It’s not a destination hotel, but it’s practical, well-located, and just easy. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Before heading up into the Alps, I had a few hours to kill so I wandered around Zurich’s old town, or Altstadt. It’s a cool area with a mix of old churches, cute alleys, and busy little streets. I checked out Grossmünster and Fraumünster, saw the stained glass windows everyone talks about. If you’re up for it, walk up to Lindenhof Hill for a nice city view. I didn’t do a tour, but there are walking tours if you want more context. Or just hop on a river cruise and float through town. Then it was time to drive out.

Adelboden: The Alps Are Something Else

After a couple of days in Zurich, I rented a car and drove a couple of hours south to Adelboden. The drive alone was unreal, winding roads, green hills that look like someone turned the saturation all the way up, and mountain air that makes you want to roll the windows down and just breathe it in. That road trip was half the experience.

I checked into The Cambrian, which honestly blew me away. From the second I walked in, I knew I was in for something different. The design is sleek but warm, not overdone, just stylish in that “someone with actual taste put this together” kind of way. But the story behind the place is what really stuck with me.

Turns out, the hotel used to be one of those big, classic Swiss mountain hotels - all Belle Époque and grandeur. But the twist is this: two Welsh brothers who used to stay in a literal bunker underneath a nearby guesthouse back in the ’80s (because they couldn’t afford the fancy hotels) ended up buying and renovating this place years later. Same building they probably stared at from the cheap beds. There’s still a bunker in the basement - a little nod to where they came from. Wild. The rooms? Super comfortable. Clean lines, good lighting, big windows that frame the valley like a painting. They clearly put a lot of thought into the layout, nothing felt cluttered, just really calming. That’s probably the word that sums up this place best: calm. The kind that slowly settles into your body after a few hours of being there. The views are a whole thing on their own. Just endless valley and mountain scenery from basically every angle. The spa area is insane too heated outdoor pool with jaw-dropping views, sauna, all that. Didn’t go full wellness-mode but dipped into the pool and didn’t want to leave. Could’ve spent an entire day just floating there staring at the Alps.

There’s a ton to do around Adelboden depending on the season. In the winter it’s full-on ski town energy, but not in a loud, touristy way. More relaxed. You can also go ice climbing, snowboarding, or just hike and get lost in the quiet. In summer it flips - biking, longboarding, paragliding, mountain lakes if you're up for a cold swim. You don’t need to try hard to find stuff to do. It’s all right there. Staff were cool too. Friendly, casual, no fake formality. Just good service from people who seem to actually like where they work. Would I go back? No doubt. Probably for longer next time. So yeah, if you ever find yourself craving proper nature without giving up hot showers and good beds, The Cambrian is one to save. And knowing it used to be a dream for two broke travelers makes it feel even better staying there. Full circle stuff.

Basel: Wrapping Things Up Before Flying Out

Before flying out to Croatia, I spent a night in Basel and stayed at Hotel Märthof. It’s right in the old town, at Marktplatz. Couldn’t be more central. I stayed in a Superior Room. Super clean, modern, and the rooftop view was next level. The hotel gives you a BaselCard, which gets you free public transport and discounts around the city. Small things, but they add up. Staff were great, food was solid, and the vibe was relaxed but professional. Only small downside: the gym’s a bit small, but I wasn’t planning to work out anyway.

Basel’s old town is a mix of old and new. It’s not this frozen-in-time fairytale vibe, but more of a blend between old and new. You’ve got modern buildings next to old ones, all along cobbled lanes. It’s still really charming. Clean, organized, and surprisingly lively.

Final Thoughts

This trip was short but packed with variety. City, mountains, and then one last stylish stop before leaving. Everything just worked. Switzerland is kind of magical like that. Clean, peaceful, no drama. If you’re thinking about doing a solo trip somewhere scenic, safe, and just a bit luxurious, this one’s easy to recommend. Especially if you like a bit of nature mixed in with some nice design and a good breakfast juice.