Switzerland was another one of our early digital nomad experiments, and one of the first places where we realized just how different "living somewhere" feels compared to simply passing through as a tourist.
We split our time between Zurich and Lucerne, using both cities as bases while figuring out our routine of remote work during the day and exploring in the evenings and on weekends. One thing I remember very clearly: Switzerland was shockingly expensive to us at the time. I still remember looking at menu prices and mentally converting everything back into dollars with increasing concern.
At the same time, it's hard to stay too bothered about costs when the backdrop looks like Switzerland.
Lucerne ended up being our favorite base. The lake, the bridges, the mountains surrounding the city — it somehow felt both dramatic and peaceful at the same time. Zurich was more polished and business-oriented, while Lucerne felt more atmospheric and distinctly Swiss in the way we'd imagined before arriving.
The real highlight, though, was heading up into the Alps.
Even now, it's one of the more visually impressive experiences we've had anywhere in the world. The trains and cable cars climbing into the mountains, the snow-covered peaks surrounding you in every direction, the tiny villages somehow built into impossible landscapes — photos genuinely don't do it justice.
I still remember sitting outside bundled under thick wool blankets in freezing temperatures, sharing beers while staring out at the mountains wondering how places like this actually exist. At certain points the mountain trams felt like they were driving directly into the side of a cliff, which probably added to the experience.
Like a lot of our early digital nomad stays, Switzerland also became tied to that phase of life where we were figuring things out as we went. Morning coffee, work during the day, grocery store runs, figuring out trains, hiking on weekends, repeat. Looking back, those routines are honestly what I remember most fondly.
What stood out most about Switzerland overall was how efficient and orderly everything felt while still being overwhelmingly beautiful. Usually places are one or the other. Switzerland somehow manages to be both.
It's definitely not a budget destination, but it's one of the few countries where the scenery consistently feels even more impressive than the photos you've seen beforehand.