Photo Tour Switzerland | September 2025
- Kathrin Federer
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Part 1
A photographic adventure from our photo tour through the Swiss Alps
This trip was not a classic tour through Switzerland. It was a conscious immersion in landscape, light and rhythm – with time for observation, photography and reflection.
The Photo Tour Switzerland took an international group across the Alps, beyond iconic locations to moments that cannot be planned: fleeting light, unexpected encounters, quiet moments between two stops.
Part 1 of this blog series recounts the first few days – from the start near Zurich to Zermatt in the heart of the Alps and on to the Bernese Oberland. It's a personal travelogue: honest, visually driven, and from the perspective of a photographer who knows Switzerland – and yet keeps rediscovering it.
Note: I took all the pictures with my mobile phone, edited them in Lightroom using the same phone, and significantly reduced their size for this blog.
Day 1 – From Zurich to the heart of Switzerland
Our journey began on September 1st at the Allegra Lodge, where our driver Olaf picked us up in a comfortable bus. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation – a group of international participants, all with the same passion: to experience Switzerland through the lens.
Our first destination was Einsiedeln, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Switzerland. As luck would have it, a market was taking place in the narrow streets that day, and its colorful stalls, scents, and sounds provided the perfect backdrop for authentic street photography.
We met the charismatic Raffi, who attracted a lot of attention with his steam-powered steampunk coffee machine, delighting not only kids.
The interior of the monastery was impressive – baroque, quiet, and awe-inspiring.
We continued through the Zurich Oberland towards Heidiland, where we stopped for lunch. The landscape opened up, with vineyards alternating with rolling hills. It was one of those classic Swiss panoramic routes that you can hardly drive without stopping for photos.
In the afternoon we reached the legendary Landwasser Viaduct. There was a palpable sense of excitement – we were all desperate to photograph the Glacier Express as it crossed the sweeping stone bridge. We practically ran to reach the upper viewing platform in time. The moment the train actually arrived was pure photographic bliss – timing, light, composition, everything was perfect.
In the evening we continued on to Bergün, where we spent the night at the historic Kurhaus Bergün. A house steeped in history, with creaking wooden floors, but incredibly charming. During our shared dinner, it felt as if the group was slowly growing together like a small family.
Day 2 – Over the Alpine passes to Zermatt
After a hearty breakfast, we set off early. Our new driver, Krisztian, took the wheel – a real stroke of luck. Warm, helpful, and humorous – by the end of the trip, he was more of a friend than a chauffeur.
The route over the Oberalp Pass was spectacular: rugged cliffs, deep valleys, lakes with turquoise surfaces. It was one of those days when you'd want to stop every few minutes to take photos.
We continued our journey over the Furka Pass, accompanied by brilliant weather and crystal-clear visibility. The atmosphere on the bus was exuberant; everyone was pressed against the windows to capture the panorama. We naturally made a stop at the Hotel Belvedere – the view over the winding road is legendary.
Finally, we reached Zermatt. To our surprise, we didn't have to change buses in Täsch, but were able to take the bus directly into the town – a rare stroke of luck. In Zermatt, one of the charming electric taxis picked us up and took us to the Hotel Matthiol, located just outside the town in a quiet area with a magnificent view of the surrounding nature.
In the evening, some of us went to the China Garden restaurant – an unexpectedly bad Chinese restaurant in the middle of a mountain village. But the food couldn't spoil the fascinating conversations about photography, light, technology, and of course, the Matterhorn.
Day 3 – The Matterhorn in all its splendor
The next morning we set off early – taking the first cable car up to the Gornergrat. It was bitterly cold, but the light was perfect. We stopped at Riffelsee to photograph the Matterhorn in its iconic reflection. The group worked almost silently, each person focused on their composition.
At the top of the Gornergrat: clear air, endless views, a feeling of freedom. We stayed for a long time before heading back down. Later, I went with two participants to the Klein Matterhorn , where we visited the glacier area and the viewing platform.
In the afternoon we strolled through Zermatt's narrow streets – these typical old chalets with flower-adorned windows are simply a photographer's dream. In the evening, we treated ourselves to fine Japanese cuisine at the Shogun restaurant – a wonderful end to this eventful day.
After breakfast, it was time to say goodbye to Zermatt. A new driver took over and drove us through the Rhone Valley to Goppenstein, where we waited briefly for the car shuttle – a real highlight for our American guests!
After the spectacular train journey through the Lötschberg Tunnel, we reached Kandersteg and set off for Lake Oeschinen. The weather was changeable but photogenic – dramatic clouds, soft scattered light, a perfect atmosphere for landscape photography. At the top, we even encountered a wedding party – a magical moment between the mountain lake and the wisps of mist.
Later we continued on to the Staubbach Falls, or rather to Lauterbrunnen – a classic that you can never see enough of. The evening light painted the rocks in warm tones, and water rushed everywhere.
We ended the day at the Eiger Lodge in Grindelwald, where we treated ourselves to dinner at the Kreuz & Post – excellent cuisine, authentic and welcoming.
After four intense days, it was clear: This trip wasn't just about spectacular locations, but about the transitions between them. About bus rides, conversations, spontaneous decisions – and about the deliberate pace.
Part 1 ends in Grindelwald , leaving behind a sense of grounding and tranquility. In the second part, the journey becomes quieter again, then expansive and surprising once more: lakes, caves, historic hotels, open gondolas, city moments – and a gentle conclusion back in Zurich.
This journey was more than a route – it was a rhythm.
That is precisely why the PHOTO TOUR SWITZERLAND will take place again in 2027 .
A curated journey for people who don't want to collect photography, but rather experience it.
Learn more about the next edition in the second part of this blog series – being published on December 28, 2025. 📌
