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Sustainable Switzerland: My Kind Traveler Journey

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By Jessica Blotter  •  Posted on Jun 16, 2023

From endless Alpine forests and mystical mountain ranges to UNESCO World Heritage sites, ice palaces, and more, come along my Switzerland train journey exploring the quaint Swiss villages of Andermatt, Adelboden, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and more. 

Why Switzerland? 

Just over a year ago, Kind Traveler was invited to participate and speak at the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s (WTFL) Innovation Festival in Andermatt, Switzerland, as one of 15 startups to become a finalist in the WTFL Innovation Camp. The opportunity and invitation to visit Switzerland filled our entire hearts with joy, knowing that we would not only have a chance to share Kind Traveler on an international stage with an audience who valued startup innovation and sustainable development – but also have a chance to explore a country who also values sustainable tourism. Because of this unique opportunity, we’d also have the chance to lay the tracks down for new opportunities to ‘travel kindly’ in Switzerland through our efforts in building Kind Traveler. Off to Switzerland, we go!

A Kind Destination – Swisstainable

Switzerland is synonymous with endless mountain ranges and mystical forests. They recognize and have embraced their natural resources and aim to preserve what makes their country so special for future destinations. After learning more about the Swisstainable brand and its new approach to travel, it provided the perfect value alignment for our efforts with Kind Traveler and expanding our presence in Europe with Switzerland as a launch pad.

Related: 3 Winter Wellness Journeys in the Bavarian Alps 
The Swisstainable brand values travel that creates maximum relaxation in a natural setting and embraces four pillars: 
  1. Enjoy nature up close and at first hand 
  2. Experience the local culture in an authentic way
  3. Consume regional products 
  4. Stay for longer and delve deeper 

Some of the notable features that make Switzerland a sustainable destination include: 

  • An extensive railway network with 9,600 trains traveling daily allowing access to small and remote locations, powered mostly by local hydropower sources 
  • With 1,500 lakes, Switzerland invites you to swim in the middle of its cities
  • For the past 125 years, the Swiss Forest Act ensures 30% of Switzerland remains forested and this number is rising; currently they have 10 Swiss parks 
  • Excellent air quality 
  • Compared to international counterparts, they consume the most organic products per capita
  • Leaders in recycling 
World Tourism Forum Lucerne Innovation Festival: Andermatt

The WTFL Innovation Festival is dubbed as a place ‘where global leaders in travel, tourism and hospitality meet the next generation’ and would provide the selected startups/finalists with mentorship and educational sessions to help scale and grow their businesses. At the forum itself, we also had the chance to present Kind Traveler at the WTFL Innovation Fest and were so honored to win the “Audience Choice” Award. 

Months before coming to Andermatt as part of the Innovation Camp, Kind Traveler partnered with a group of four graduate students from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Nila Hakimi, Franka Ebai, Ana Cristina Perez, and Lucas Guidetti. We created a simple goal as part of our project together: to create new pathways for travelers to ‘travel kindly’ in Switzerland through Kind Traveler’s Give + Get hotel booking and education platform. With Kind Traveler’s mission to empower travelers to make a positive impact in the places they visit through giving back to destination-specific charities, our goal was to create our very first hotel and charity partnerships in Switzerland and add Switzerland as a Kind Destination on KindTraveler.com.
Kind Traveler’s First Swiss Hotel & Charity Partner

Within a few weeks of working with the students from the WTFL Innovation Camp, we created our first hotel partnership in Switzerland with CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, and our first charity partnership with Atelier Manus, a nonprofit working to promote the professional and social integration of people with disabilities. Our efforts also resulted in a partnership with the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, also in Zermatt.

The students helped to facilitate Kind Traveler’s first tourism board partnership with Arosa Tourism which led to partnering with Valsana Hotel Arosa. Even more importantly, we’d create an opportunity for travelers to make a meaningful positive impact by supporting the Arosa Bear Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization committed to providing suitable homes to bears rescued from poor conditions. 

Today, you can see the results of our efforts: Travel Kindly to Switzerland with Kind Traveler 
Swiss Train Travel: Sustainable & Efficient  

The most sustainable, cost-effective, and easiest way to travel around Switzerland is to buy a Swiss Travel Pass for up to 15 days of travel for unlimited use on the Swiss Railway Network. There is no pre-booking, you simply turn up, glance at the departure board, and hop on your train. The trains work like clockwork and the country is covered in an efficient train network that’s the densest rail network in Europe. Swiss residents also love the train and take great pride in its extensive network. 

Powered by electricity, 90% of the power comes from clean hydropower, making Switzerland’s rail network one of the most energy-efficient in the world. (Source: Global Railway Review). It’s also important to note that traveling by train uses four times less energy than driving a car. 
ZERMATT – A CAR-FREE TOWN 

After the WTFL Innovation Fest wrapped up in Andermatt, we hopped on the train to Zermatt to stay with Kind Traveler’s first Swiss hotel: CERVO Mountain Resort. As a car-free town (a decision that was made in 1966 to prevent the views of the Matterhorn from being obstructed by air pollution), traveling by train is the easiest way to access Zermatt in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton. Those who travel by car will be required to park in the nearby town of Tasch. Electric taxis and buses transport visitors and residents throughout the village. Along with being a city highly committed to recycling, Zermatt’s drinking water is 100% pure spring water drawn from 141 springs nearby.

With history dating back to the 13th century, Zermatt is known as one of the great ski and climbing village of the world and is home to the Matterhorn, the tenth highest mountain in Switzerland sitting 14,692 ft above sea level. As the most photographed mountain in the world with 100 million pictures taken annually, its majesty and magic draw you into its charmed existence where its towering views can be seen from almost any spot in Zermatt. From the moment you step off the train and walk on the cobbled streets dotted with ancient barns and chalets, breathe the clean air, and catch a glimpse of the Matterhorn, you know you’ve arrived someplace special. 
CERVO Mountain Resort: A Kind Hotel in Zermatt 

We were over the moon to visit the first Kind Traveler hotel in Switzerland: CERVO Mountain Resort. Minutes after stepping off the train, CERVO’s electric taxi picked us up and shuttled us up the mountain just a few minutes away to the resort. Central to the village and epic Matterhorn views, CERVO glimmers on its own, standing out amongst the rest of the nearby building structures with its contemporary, modern design mixed with alpine vibes. 

With 54 rooms and suites across seven lodges, every detail and art curation captivate with thoughtful touches of natural materials and warm colors. Like the feeling of arriving in Zermatt and knowing you’re somewhere special, CERVO extends this sentiment and provides a basecamp where you feel enveloped in magical mountain beauty and kindhearted luxury rooted in local authenticity. 

Embracing Sustainability & Regeneration 

Kind travelers will be satisfied knowing that CERVO shares an ethos of both sustainability and regeneration that’s reflected in its building design, focus on local engagement, sustainable supply chain and energy commitment, and through partnerships and certifications that further social responsibility. 

A few standout ‘Kind Factors’ we adore include: 

  • 95% of CERVO’s energy requirements are covered by geothermal energy; for the remaining 5%, natural gas is used as they transition to biogas. Their long-term goal is to achieve 100% CO2 neutral energy production for heating and hot water. 
  • All partners & suppliers share a social or ecological commitment 
  • Products for the kitchen, equipment or services are sourced from local suppliers within around 90 miles of the property to avoid long transport routes and a waste of resources but also to ensure authentic, regional experiences for guests 

Bazaar: A Plant Lover’s Dream 

When you stay with CERVO, your stay includes daily breakfast at Bazaar, a mostly vegetarian restaurant, and use of the Mountain Ashram Spa, both profound experiences that will enrich your stay with thoughtfully curated detail and locally sourced delights. Inspired by the lively markets of the East and the colorful world of spices and oriental dishes, cozy up next to its cozy fireplace and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with inspired views of the Matterhorn thanks to a wrap-around glass wall that invites an indoor-outdoor feel. The breakfast at Bazaar enchants as your eyes take feast on the artistic buffet display of honey, grains, seeds, vegetables and fruits sourced locally from Zermatt and nearby towns. Furthermore, the breads at Bazaar are made from 100% organic flour and baked on property. 

As the night falls, Bazaar transforms into a moody candlelit dinner experience with Eastern-inspired dishes from veggie-based dim sum to baba ganush, sweet potato hummus and other vegan and vegetarian pleasures that are sure to wow. And if it could get any better: they donate 10% of all earnings from water sales to WIR – Water is Right, a nonprofit advocating to make access to clean and affordable drinking water and sanitation worldwide.

Related: How to Plan a Vegan Trip 

Mountain Ashram Spa

As a dedicated yogi practicing yoga daily for almost 15 years, when I learned about CERVO’s Mountain Ashram Spa and daily yoga and meditation classes, my travel journey and heart felt fully rested and complete knowing I would find the peace and relaxation needed to make any yogi-traveler and wellness-seeker fulfilled. Inspired by Japanese onsen, Bhutanese hot stone baths and the Northern European art of sauna, you’ll find centuries-old traditions, treatments and rituals to discover within the Zermatt mountain landscape. The spa experiences are spread out through various structures including a tea yurt and ritual room.

Beyond the sauna and soaking experiences, I opted for a Swiss Pine Wood Massage where warm, fragrant Swiss pine woods and pine oil is used to relieve deep-seated tension. Other intriguing treatments I would recommend exploring include the Tibetan Honey Treatment, a Singing Bowl Sound Body Experience, and the Apricot Sensation Facial Treatment.

One small moment I’ll never forget that reflected such kindness in hospitality is one spent relaxing in the yoga and meditation room. When classes are not in session, guests are welcome to quietly enjoy the space. Beautiful, meditative music filled the air, and the glow of warm candlelight surrounded me as I peacefully rested on my yoga mat. As the only one in the room then, one of the spa employees came in and lit incense for me to enjoy. His small act of kindness was such a simple gesture – but this act of caring and thoughtfulness made a lasting impression.
Matterhorn Ski Paradise 

Skiers and snowboarders will love CERVO’s easy access to Matterhorn Ski Paradise. Whether exploring the village of Zermatt or taking a trip to the mountain itself, all activities can be accessed by foot or a quick shuttle ride. Known as the highest winter sports area in the Alps with 365 days a year snow conditions, Matterhorn Ski Paradise is situated astride the border between Switzerland and Italy at 13,000 feet above sea level (the highest ski area in the Alps). With 54 lifts and 148 slopes between Zermatt-Matterhorn and Breuil-Cervinia (Italy), you’ll find many mountain restaurants and huts offering a vibrant culinary arts scene.  

Growing up as a skier and getting comfortable with the sport in the Colorado Rockies, I was no stranger to mountain ski adventures. But this Alpine paradise was different. After taking several gondolas (closed cabin lifts) to the top, we found ourselves at Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and a 360-degree viewing platform where we could see 38 peaks (above 4,000 meters or 13,000 ft above sea level) and 14 glaciers. 
 

After skiing continuously for an hour or two on what felt like one of the longest runs in Europe, only then were we about half-way down the mountain! Conveniently, we made a stop for lunch at an Italian café on the mountain and it turned out that we were actually in ITALY and didn’t realize we had crossed to the other side. Saluti! Not to be cliché, but we had the best pizza of our lives – the crust, fresh basil and olive oil were from another world. After hours of skiing just before, we worked hard for that pizza – a pie with mountain views we will never forget.
ADVENTURE TO ADELBODEN 

After spending four days in Zermatt, we were ready for the next adventure and started our train journey to the Bernese Oberland region (about a 3-hour train ride) with our first stop in the traditional Swiss mountain village of Adelboden (canton of Bern). The Bernese Oberland region, the birthplace of skiing, was calling us as its not only home to countless mountain views, unspoiled nature, and 800 lakes – but it’s also home to some of the most impressive and unique views from mountains like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. 

Known for its skiing, the village of Adelboden is quaint and dotted with locally owned boutiques, cafes, and coffee shops. Nature lovers will appreciate access to the Engstiligen Falls and mountain views offered from almost any spot in Adelboden. The Engstiligen Falls is the second longest waterfall in Switzerland set amongst wide meadowland views with historic chalets dotted across the mountain setting. A circular trail takes you to the waterfall, past bubbling mountain streams, and through a beautiful pine forest.
The Cambrian: Alpine Goodness

We were intrigued by The Cambrian with its historical architecture and views onto one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes in Adelboden. The Cambrian combines modern alpine design with innovative uses of natural, local materials across 71 rooms and suites. After spending a few days exploring the wild, we enjoyed settling in at The Cambrian and soaking in its heated indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, and steam bath. 

For breakfast, we loved the extensive buffet inspired by Bryn Williams informed by the chef’s culinary journeys in London and Wales. The best part of breakfast was sitting on the outside terrace facing the stunning mountain and valley backdrop of Swiss bliss. I was thrilled to also notice thoughtfully curated dinner menus for vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and lactose-free travelers. 

While not yet a Kind Traveler hotel, we hope to be able to offer The Cambrian on the Kind Traveler platform in the near future. 
 
JOURNEY TO GRINDELWALD 

From Adelboden, we made our way into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald (a 2.5-hour train ride) so we could easily access the Jungfrau Region. Jungfrauroch, klnown as the ‘Top of Europe’ and Europe’s highest railway station, we were ready for our next adventure to visit this world-renowned excursion destination with permanent snow and ice. We were also looking forward to accessing some of the other unique Swiss mountain villages in the Jungfrau Region – Wengen, Mürren and Lauterbrunnen.
Sunstar Grindelwald 

The Eiger village of Grindelwald lies in a welcoming green hollow with commanding mountain landscapes with the Eiger north face and the Wetterhorn. With the Eiger on proud display, we chose to stay at Sunstar Grindelwald – not only for its majestic views of the Eiger – but also for its commitment to sustainability and focus on wellness complete with a Finnish sauna and Roman-Irish baths. We also enjoyed being able to walk to the train station to access the nearby villages and easily access the entry point to Jungfraujoch. The resort location was also convenient as we could easily walk through the village of Grindelwald from the hotel to enjoy its local Swiss boutiques and mom and pop cafes and restaurants.
 JUNGFRAUJOCH – TOP OF EUROPE  - UNESCO World Heritage Site

You won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland (with snow and ice guaranteed 365 days a year) that’s also the highest railway station in Europe with 360-degree views of some of the tallest peaks in Switzerland. You’ll also find a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s the longest glacier in the Alps facing Italy, France and Germany. 

Getting There 

From the Grindelwald Terminal, you can access Jungfraujoch in just 45 minutes. Take the new Eiger Express tricable gondola to the Eiger Glacier and from there continue to Europe’s highest railway station on the Jungfrau Railway.

Ice Palace 

In the 1930’s, mountain guides created aisles and halls cut through solid ice with picks and saws in the middle of the Jungfraufirn mountain. Today, you can have your own re-enactment of a scene from the movie Frozen thanks to artists who have created stunning ice sculptures that guide you through an ice maze full of intricate nooks and crannies to discover. 

Multimedia Experience, Unique History & Chocolate Making

While you’re at the top, there’s several experiences to discover from a multimedia journey back in time through over 100 years of hard-won history of the Jungfrau Railway to the highest Lindt shop in the world providing exciting insights into chocolate production.

Jungfrau Railways Sustainability

Ever since the Jungfrau Railway was built more than 100 years ago, they’ve considered environmental and social concerns. A few highlights include:

  • The Eiger Express tri-cable gondola was built in a way that utilizes three-cable technology, which means no forest aisle had to be cut creating harmony with the environment 
  • Jungfrau Railways utilizes its own hydroelectric power plant along with regenerative braking 
  • They are a member of the High Alpine Research Station with its own research station at the top of the mountain. They research station focuses on climate science and measurement of CO2 and other sustainability projects.
Back To Zurich & The Oldest Vegetarian Restaurant in the World 

While we sadly didn’t have much time to spent in Zurich before catching our flight home, we were able to experience the culinary delihts of the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world – Haus Hiltl. Built in 1898 in the heart of Zurich, Haus Hilti has a memorable vibe that lets you know you’ve arrived somewhere unique, on-point and values-aligned. You’ll find a hybrid experience of coffee and croissants, a buffet, an à la carte restaurant, patisserie, bar and bistro and an academy. I can’t wait to spend more time in Zurich the next time around – the city is fresh with a vibe that values innovation, sustainability, and culture.
Travel Kindly in Switzerland with Kind Traveler:

Through Kind Traveler’s Give + Get hotel booking & education platform, a $10 donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community you are visiting, or a charity of choice, unlocks exclusive rates & perks from participating Kind Hotels. 100% of donations go to charity. Learn more.

Thanks for reading about our Switzerland journey. We can’t wait to continue building our efforts in Switzerland and beyond! Please email me if you’d like to learn more about our work in Switzerland, Europe and beyond: [email protected]. 

 

Author Bio: Jessica Blotter, CEO & Co-Founder of Kind Traveler, is a kindness curator who dreams of a world where people, animals, and the environment are treated with love and compassion. Follow her to discover where kindness can take you and insights into what it means to travel kindly. Follow along Jessica's journey over on Instagram or LinkedIn. 

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