Zurich, Switzerland - A Journey of Discomfort in a Beautiful City
When the Dream Arrives Differently: My Faith-Led Solo Journey to Zurich
A journey that began in my heart and mind over ten years ago was finally coming to fruition. I had been dreaming of visiting Switzerland for a long time. In June of 2025, I began praying, asking God for guidance. I needed to know, deep in my soul, that traveling alone, across an ocean and over five thousand miles away, was truly part of my journey.
In September, while I was doing my solo trip in the north-eastern part of Canada, I began praying and fasting. Very quickly, I perceived confirmation from the Holy Spirit that my trip to Switzerland would be a great and blessed experience. With a peaceful heart, I booked my airfare and began planning a six-week itinerary across the country I had longed to visit.
Jump to a section below: Getting There · Where to Stay · Culture & Safety · Things to Do · Know Before You Go · FAQs
Getting to Zurich
Leaving for the Journey: From Vermont to Zurich & The Journey Begins
On the morning of October 24th, I began the six-hour drive from Burlington, Vermont, to Newark Liberty International Airport. The autumn scenery was absolutely stunning, with crisp air, golden leaves, and peaceful roads. It was the perfect start to a travel day. Three hours after arriving at the airport, I boarded a twelve-hour flight bound for Zurich, Switzerland. This long-anticipated city would be the first stop in my Swiss adventure.
I landed in Zurich on the morning of October 25th. I had arranged a private transfer to my hotel, the AMERON Zurich Bellerive au Lac, a beautiful property situated right along the banks of Lake Zurich.
Best Places to Stay in Zurich
First Impressions of Zurich: Beauty with Complexity
Hotel AMERON was everything I hoped for: charming, elegant, and ideally located. The staff was professional and welcoming. Upon check-in, the gentleman at the front desk generously shared recommendations and guidance on Zurich, which I greatly appreciated. I only had three nights in the city, and to my disappointment, it rained during two of them.
Still, my heart was full of joy. I had arrived in Zurich! I was expecting beauty, ease, and a smooth start to my journey. And while the city absolutely delivered on scenic charm and elegance, my first afternoon caught me off guard. There was an emotional heaviness I couldn’t quite shake. Sometimes travel doesn’t go “wrong” in any dramatic way; it just feels… off. Unfamiliar. Unmoored. This was one of those experiences: visually stunning, but internally disorienting.
I started to wonder: Had I misunderstood God’s direction? Had I misheard the voice of the Holy Spirit?
Understanding Zurich’s Reserved Culture
An Unexpected Challenge: Cultural Discomfort Amidst Borders, Languages, and Regions
Despite the rain, I ventured out that first afternoon with an umbrella provided by the hotel. As I walked along Lake Zurich and through the historic old town, I began reflecting on Switzerland’s unique geography and cultural blend. Bordered by Germany, Austria, Italy, and France, Switzerland reflects all four in language and influence. The country is multilingual, and what you hear depends on where you are. Zurich, located in the northeast, is deeply influenced by the German language and culture.
This is where my discomfort began.
Having traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Central America, France, England, Greece, and Italy, I’ve experienced a wide variety of cultural norms. I was used to warmth, friendliness, and open gestures. So, the Swiss-German directness, which came without softness, small talk, or expressiveness, took me by surprise. There was no performative friendliness. No smiles at strangers. No casual conversation. And certainly no visible enthusiasm.
As a solo female traveler, I’m often quiet, but I do try to engage with kindness and curiosity wherever I go. I tend to ask questions, learn local customs, and always express gratitude. But in Zurich, I found myself met with bluntness and detachment. Combined with the language barrier and cultural norms, it left me feeling isolated and, honestly, hurt.
I began longing for home almost immediately. I questioned whether I had made the right decision. My first two days were undeniably challenging, not because of any danger or failure but because the cultural gap was larger than I anticipated. It may not have been intentional unkindness, but it was hard to navigate nonetheless.
Finding Peace in the Middle of Harder Travel Days: Old Town and Lake Zurich
I share this part of my experience not to cast judgment, but to be honest about how cultural differences can deeply impact the way we experience a place. Zurich is breathtaking. The architecture, the cobbled streets, the serenity of Lake Zurich, it’s all deeply beautiful. And yet, emotional alignment doesn’t always accompany physical beauty.
Not every journey feels warm, but every journey teaches.
Zurich reminded me that not all hard moments are mistakes. Some are revelations. Some are simply part of the process. Even in discomfort, God is near. Elohim Li God is for me.
Is Zurich Safe?
Yes. Zurich is considered very safe, even for women traveling alone. The challenges I experienced were cultural and emotional, not related to safety.
Things to do in Zurich
Old-World Beauty at Its Finest: The Highlights That Shone Through
The beauty of Zurich’s Old Town, its iconic churches, Lake Zurich, and Lindenhof Hill is old-world beauty at its finest. Despite the emotional challenges, Zurich’s highlights still left a lasting impression. I carved out moments of joy, even in the quiet tension. I learned that this city, while culturally different from what I’m used to, still had gifts to offer.
Zurich is a place that, I believe, is best experienced with careful research, open-mindedness, and a willingness to understand its cultural nuances. For those considering a visit, I’ve curated additional personal insights, travel tips, and architectural highlights in my Zurich Travel Guide, linked here.
What to Know Before Visiting Zurich
Prepare for a reserved culture. Zurich is polite but emotionally reserved, especially compared to Southern Europe or North America. Don’t mistake directness or lack of small talk for rudeness.
Expect cultural differences, not danger. Zurich felt very safe, even as a solo female traveler, but the emotional adjustment to Swiss-German norms can be challenging if you’re used to warmth and expressiveness.
English is widely spoken, but not always warmly. Most people speak excellent English, especially in hotels and tourist areas, though conversations tend to be efficient rather than conversational.
Bring layers and rain gear. Weather can shift quickly, especially in autumn. An umbrella and waterproof jacket will help you enjoy Lake Zurich and Old Town even on rainy days.
Choose a well-located hotel. Staying near Lake Zurich or Old Town makes it easy to explore on foot and gives you peaceful places to retreat if the city feels overwhelming.
Slow down and walk the city. Zurich is best experienced by walking—along the lake, through Old Town, and up to Lindenhof Hill for quiet reflection and views.
Research cultural norms ahead of time. Understanding Switzerland’s multilingual regions and Swiss-German influence helps set realistic expectations and prevents culture shock.
Don’t expect immediate emotional comfort. Zurich may feel distant at first; allow yourself time to observe, adjust, and find your own rhythm in the city.
Use moments of solitude intentionally. Lake Zurich, cobblestone streets, and historic viewpoints offer space for reflection, prayer, and grounding during solo travel.
Let the experience unfold without forcing it. Not every destination feels warm right away. Zurich rewards patience, openness, and a willingness to learn from discomfort.
Final Thoughts For Your Trip: Zurich Travel Guide
This was not the start I expected to my Switzerland journey, but it was the one I was meant to have. Sometimes the greatest stretching happens at the beginning. I trust the process. I trust God’s timing. And I’m grateful for the way even a difficult start can lead to deeper reflection.
Elohim Li, always! Even in the discomfort some journeys may bring.
xoxo,
Karen
Zurich Female Travel FAQs
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Yes. Zurich is considered one of the safest cities in Europe for solo travelers. It has low crime rates, excellent public transportation, and a strong police presence, making it easy to explore independently.
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The primary language in Zurich is Swiss German, though English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
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Zurich is best for solo travelers who enjoy structure, calm environments, and cultural research. It may feel reserved compared to more expressive European cities.
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Zurich uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). While some businesses may accept euros, paying in CHF is recommended, and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the city.