With its world-class rail network and breathtaking alpine landscapes, Switzerland has long been considered a top destination for scenic train travel. For time-pressed travelers, however, the logistics of planning routes, connections, and accommodations can be daunting. That’s where guided rail tours, such as Intrepid Travel’s Best of Switzerland trip, are proving to be a popular solution.

Joining a small group of fellow travelers, writer Vicky Smith recently experienced the benefits of such a trip firsthand. Over eight days, she and her group journeyed by train from Zurich to Lucerne, through the Jungfrau region, and on to the cheese capital of Gruyères and the historic city of Bern—all under the expert leadership of Silvia, an Italian guide based in Central Europe.

The adventure began with a short stay in Zurich, where travelers were encouraged to arrive early and explore the city’s vibrant Old Town, museums, and lakeside promenades. The following day, the group boarded their first train to Lucerne, a city known for its medieval charm and iconic wooden bridges. A scenic “golden round trip” to Mount Pilatus—including a lake cruise, cogwheel railway, and gondola—offered panoramic views, though mountain fog occasionally obscured the vistas.

Next came the highlight of the journey: the Jungfrau region. Traveling by the Eiger Express and Jungfrau Railway, the group reached Jungfraujoch—nicknamed the “Top of Europe”—where wintry conditions and indoor attractions like an ice palace made for a memorable visit. Free time in the region allowed for side trips to stunning natural sites like Trümmelbach Falls, nestled among alpine meadows.

The itinerary continued to the French-speaking canton of Fribourg, where travelers stopped in the town of Bulle and the storybook village of Gruyères. Here, visits to a cheese factory and an artisanal chocolatier provided rich cultural and culinary experiences. A final stop in Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, capped off the trip with a behind-the-scenes tour of its famous medieval clock tower.

Priced from €3,050, the tour offers convenience and camaraderie in one package. While the group skewed older, participants bonded over shared experiences—and the advantage of skipping the travel planning was clear.

“I saved days of research,” Smith said, adding that the balance of guided activities and free time made it “a relaxed, well-paced introduction to Switzerland’s beauty and culture.”

For those seeking a seamless, scenic rail adventure, tours like Intrepid’s may indeed be just the ticket.

Travellers planning to fly through Switzerland this summer may face unexpected disruptions as Swiss International Air Lines, the country’s national carrier, confirmed it will cancel approximately 1,400 flights between now and October due to an ongoing shortage of pilots.

The airline announced that the schedule reductions will impact numerous short-haul routes departing from Zurich and Geneva, with several long-haul services—such as those to Chicago and Shanghai—also being scaled back. Seasonal routes, including summer flights to Hurghada in Egypt, have been suspended entirely.

In a statement, Swiss said it “deeply regrets” the cancellations and is implementing a series of short-term measures to mitigate the pilot shortfall. These include a voluntary retirement deferral programme, a vacation buyback scheme, and an appeal for part-time pilots to increase their hours. The airline is also collaborating with its pilot union, Aeropers, to improve roster flexibility and reduce fatigue-related last-minute absences.

Swiss estimates it needs around 70 additional full-time pilots to meet current demand. The airline has pledged to notify affected passengers as early as possible. Rebookings will be offered across Swiss, the wider Lufthansa Group, and Star Alliance partners—or on any available carrier if necessary. Full refunds are also being offered.

The announcement comes as several European airlines grapple with similar staffing constraints, raising concerns that this summer could see widespread flight disruptions across the continent.

KLM, the Dutch national carrier, recently revealed it is struggling to staff long-haul flights despite having a record number of pilots on its roster. In response, some Air France pilots are temporarily flying select KLM routes, including the busy Amsterdam–New York corridor, from July through October.

Meanwhile, British Airways and easyJet are actively recruiting and offering competitive packages to attract new pilots. British Airways has even pledged to cover pilot training costs—up to €100,000—for up to 60 candidates annually, as part of efforts to expand its ranks.

The pilot shortage has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused new training and prompted many pilots to retire early. The industry has yet to fully recover. According to consulting firm Oliver Wyman, the global aviation sector could face a shortfall of nearly 80,000 pilots by 2032. In Europe alone, the deficit may reach 19,000.

With summer travel demand rising, experts advise passengers to book early, prepare for potential schedule changes, and monitor airline communications closely to secure the best alternatives in case of cancellations or delays.

The city of Basel is set to take centre stage next week as it hosts the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. From 13 to 17 May, 37 countries will compete at the St. Jakobshalle arena, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and turning the Swiss city into a global hotspot for music and celebration.

This year marks the first time Switzerland has hosted the contest since 1989, and anticipation is running high. Organisers report that fans from 80 different countries will be present for the live shows, with a total crowd of up to 50,000 expected to arrive in the coming days.

Swiss fans have purchased the highest number of tickets, eager to welcome the event back home. Germany follows closely behind, with large contingents also coming from the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. The contest remains a powerful draw across Europe and beyond, known for its extravagant performances and electric atmosphere.

As the city prepares for the influx, accommodation prices have surged dramatically. An analysis by sports news outlet Wettfreunde.net, which examined over 1,000 listings on Booking.com and Airbnb, reveals steep increases in lodging costs during the contest week.

For a six-night stay from 12 to 18 May, Booking.com listings average €6,024 — a 139% jump compared to the week before and a 137% rise over the week after. Airbnb prices are also up significantly, with an average cost of €1,804, representing a 130% and 164% increase respectively.

Some listings have reached eye-watering levels. The most expensive property on Airbnb is a loft just 2.5 kilometres from the venue, priced at €67,369 for six nights. On Booking.com, a studio apartment eight kilometres from the arena is listed at €21,906 for the same period.

Despite the soaring rates, budget options do exist — though they remain costly by regular standards. The cheapest available room on Booking.com is a double in a capsule hotel near the venue for €1,178, while Airbnb’s least expensive listing is a €252 apartment located 30 kilometres away.

With the stage nearly set, Basel is bracing for a week of music, spectacle, and international flair as Eurovision fever sweeps the city once more.

Will you be tuning in to the contest or following the excitement from afar?