Languages open doors to new places, perspectives, connections, and possibilities. But learning a language is tough—especially without daily exposure, like through family or work. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to learning a language. In addition to more common learning methods, you can spice up the learning by combining your interests. How about singing karaoke…
Category: Switzerland
Our Overnight Stay in a Traditional Mountain Lodge in The Alps
The Spitzmeilenhütte stands at 2087 meters above sea level in St. Gallen, Switzerland, about 70 km from Zurich as the crow flies. It’s a bit better equipped than many other mountain huts but still offers the experience of staying in ascetic setting surrounded by mountains. We booked our stay there already in the spring for…
Diving Into the See of Wanderlust
The term Wanderlust originates from the German words wandern (to hike) and Lust (desire). Today it’s mostly used in connection with traveling – however, Wanderlust can have much broader and deeper meanings, and it can even serve as a life philosophy. Here are some examples of what and how. Upside Down artwork by Sibylla Walpen. The Bernese Alps in…
What do a hike and a design project have in common, and how to prepare for both?
I love hiking and I love designing. Their processes resemble each other. Sometimes a hike or a project can be so simple that not much planning is needed, but if it’s a bit more demanding work/route, the journey might go as described below. Photo of me in the mountains taken by Mirta Kess The different…
25 ideas to brighten up the grayer days (that don’t look like these photos)
“What makes you happy in the rainy and dark autumn days?” a fellow nature-lover asked on Instagram. She mentioned photography and creativity as examples, and we agreed to make a list of things that bring us joy during this season. Of course, there is no one way to “do autumn”. Some take a more stoic approach, running in…
Taking a swim for a fresher feeling + testing 17 outdoor swimming places in Zurich
Because I come from ‘the country of thousands of lakes’ = Finland, I’m used to swimming in natural waters. The water wasn’t often that warm but there were saunas for warming up when needed. The recipe for a perfect summer day in my childhood: First to the sauna, then to the lake, then back to the…
Day 2 in Engadin: The Lake St. Moritz and the UNESCO World Heritage railway trail
Join the two-days trip to the eastern Swiss Alps! Read the first day of the trip (if you haven’t already). After the breakfast and leaving the little hotel nestled in the wooded mountains, I almost jumped on the wrong train because my train was late – which is rather rare in Switzerland. The couple waiting with…
Day 1 of a trip to Engadin: Buildings full of stories and horse riding along the rivers
Join me on a two-day trip to the eastern Swiss Alps! The train travel from Zurich to Zuoz took about 2.5 hours, and was full of gorgeous views of mountains, rivers and towns. Lake Walen, Heidiland, Klosters and other places passed by, until the train turned towards the valleys of Engadin. I got off the…
Go solo – why some trips are better alone?
Traveling with family or friends is fun but sometimes it’s good to go to places alone too. Even a day trip can do wonders! Here you can read five positive perspectives of solo travel: 1. SIMPLICITY The trip will be simpler to plan and execute as you don’t need to negotiate with anyone. You are…
15+ Sunny Sides of Switzerland That Make You Want to Stay
Jump directly to the part “The Zurich Coffee Place Recommendations”, updated 29.5.2025 What are the best things about where you live? By listing the positives of your living place, you gain a helpful perspective that lets you see the good around you. The list can be especially useful when you’re struggling with your current location,…
Abroadland 