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Fondue on the Lake: Floating Supper on the Waters of Brienz
After a long travel day from the UK, Martin Hesp heads straight out onto the tranquil waters of Lake Brienz near Interlaken for supper aboard a wooden raft—settling in with warm blankets, crisp Swiss wine, and a bubbling pot of traditional cheese fondue under the alpine twilight.
Martin Hesp
6 hours ago3 min read


The Symphony of Lake Biel: Vineyards, Medieval Alleys, and the Watchmaking Soul of Biel/Bienne
A journey across Lake Biel from the sun-drenched vineyards of Ligerz and Twann to the bilingual watchmaking city of Biel/Bienne, exploring its unspoilt medieval Old Town and seasonal dining at Restaurant Écluse.
Martin Hesp
Oct 265 min read


Touring Switzerland by Public Transport: Ultimate Joined-Up Swiss Pass Travel Experience
How good can public transport really be? Martin Hesp spends five days putting Switzerland’s famously integrated travel system to the test with the Swiss Travel Pass - taking in panoramic Alpine railways, Lake Biel vineyards, and steamer cruises on Lake Lucerne.
Martin Hesp
Oct 258 min read


Across Switzerland by Train, Steamer and Bus - and a Magic Ticket on my Phone Screen
Martin Hesp tests the all-conquering Swiss Travel Pass on a whirlwind five-day journey across the Bernese Oberland and Lake Lucerne by rail, boat, and cable car. Watch the exclusive 12-minute travel film.
Martin Hesp
Oct 214 min read


Peak perfection takes scenic Switzerland to another amazing level
Travel writer Chris Pages explores the spectacular Vaud region of Switzerland, from Glacier 3000 and Rougemont to mountain railways, historic castles, cheese, wine and Alpine dining.

Chris Page
Oct 87 min read


Switzerland Travel Guide: Unspunnen, Alpine Culture, Historic Rails & Mountain Flavours
Switzerland is far more than high-priced ski resorts and glossy brochures. From the 12-yearly Unspunnen festival and 40-cow alpine dairies to historic mountain railways and lakeside Christmas markets, discover the authentic heart and living traditions of the Swiss cantons with travel writer Martin Hesp.
Martin Hesp
Aug 244 min read


Christmas in Bern: Exploring Switzerland’s Magical Festive Capital
Bern is magical at Christmas, when its medieval Old Town fills with Christmas markets, festive lights and the delicious smells of Swiss food. Explore Bern's Christmas markets, historic streets and traditional festive treats.
Martin Hesp
Dec 12, 20254 min read


Discover the Magic of Swiss Christmas Markets
Switzerland's Christmas markets are among Europe's most atmospheric, from snowy Geneva and magical Bern to the spectacular market in Basel. Discover Swiss Christmas traditions, festive food, Glühwein, fondue and more.
Martin Hesp
Dec 3, 20248 min read


Exploring the Swiss Historic Hotels: A Scholarly Journey Back in Time 🌅⛰️
Switzerland is famous for its mountains, lakes and immaculate towns, but it also has a remarkable collection of historic hotels. On a journey through the country I discovered some wonderfully atmospheric places to stay, from grand lakeside hotels to remote mountain retreats. These are the Swiss Historic Hotels that took me back into another era of travel.
Martin Hesp
Nov 6, 20248 min read


Bernina Express Review: Riding Switzerland's Iconic Alpine Railway
From the icy glaciers of the High Alps to the sun-drenched palm trees of northern Italy, the Bernina Express is widely regarded as one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys. Here is what it's really like to ride this UNESCO-listed engineering marve
Martin Hesp
Apr 25, 20246 min read


St Moritz & The Higher Engadine: Finding the Real Story Behind the Glitz
Explore St Moritz and the higher Engadine in Switzerland, from the famous 1864 wager that created its winter reputation to its Alpine scenery, skiing, sunshine and White Turf horse racing.
Martin Hesp
Apr 25, 202410 min read


Jungfrau - To the Top of Europe by Train
Ascending through the solid rock of the Eiger and Mönch, the Jungfrau Railway is one of the world's crowning engineering triumphs. Step aboard from Kleine Scheidegg to reach the Top of Europe at 3,454 metres, overlooking the frozen expanse of the great Aletsch Glacier.
Martin Hesp
Mar 25, 20242 min read


The Zytglogge Clock Tower and Einstein's Apartment, both in Berne's Old Town
A visit to Bern's historic Old Town reveals two fascinating landmarks: the medieval Zytglogge Clock Tower and the modest apartment where Albert Einstein lived during his remarkable years in Switzerland.
Martin Hesp
Dec 30, 20236 min read


Emmental Cheese - Learning About its History and How to Make it
Discover the fascinating history of Emmental cheese in Switzerland, visit the Emmentaler Visitor Centre and learn how the famous holes are created and how this traditional cheese is made.
Martin Hesp
Dec 17, 20239 min read


Engineless Foot Ferries Cross the Rhone in Basel
Basel's remarkable Rhine ferries cross the river without engines, using nothing but the current and a steel cable. Martin Hesp takes a memorable winter journey across the Rhine.
Martin Hesp
Dec 17, 20233 min read


Switzerland Christmas - Basel Christmas Market
Basel has one of Europe's most atmospheric Christmas markets, filling the city's medieval centre with festive lights, traditional Swiss food and more than 180 stalls. Discover the market, Münsterplatz and the extraordinary Johan Wanner Christmas Shop.
Martin Hesp
Dec 16, 20233 min read


The Lemon Tree Forest
An epic travel novel that begins in the wild hills of Exmoor before sweeping through Greece, northern Italy and Switzerland in a compelling story of love, mystery and redemption.
Martin Hesp
Apr 21, 20233 min read
More Than 20 Years of Walks
<p class="">English journalist looks back on over 20 years of walks writing</p>
Martin Hesp
Dec 31, 20226 min read


Lucerne and the Swiss Mountains
A winter journey through Lucerne and the Swiss mountains, taking in the Lilu Festival, Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, Vitznau, Weggis and spectacular Alpine scenery.
Martin Hesp
Dec 28, 20216 min read


Visiting Switzerland With Dartmoor Farmers
Martin Hesp recalls the time he joined a group of Dartmoor farmers on a trip to the Simmental in Switzerland
Martin Hesp
Feb 2, 20218 min read
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