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ZENWANDER • Travel Tips & Guides • Switzerland & beyond

@zenwander

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𖤣 Switzerland🇨🇭

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🇫🇷 6 beautiful places in Alsace to visit this autumn

🏘️ Obernai
A lively medieval town with a beautiful market square, historic buildings and a charming old centre. Plenty of cafés, little shops and wine bars to explore.
🍇Barr
A charming wine town surrounded by vineyards, with colourful houses, narrow streets and a lovely historic square. Less touristy than its famous neighbours.
🌸 Colmar
Famous for its Little Venice district, flower-lined canals and beautifully preserved old town. One of Alsace’s most picturesque towns, with plenty to explore beyond its famous postcard views.

🏡 Ribeauvillé
Pastel half-timbered houses, cobblestones, and castle ruins overlooking the village. A little livelier, with cafés and wine shops to explore.

🍇 Hunawihr
Tiny and peaceful, with a fortified church surrounded by endless vineyards. It feels like stepping back in time.

🌸 Bergheim
One of the prettiest walled villages, where every corner is filled with flowers and medieval charm. Quieter and very atmospheric.

🍂 In autumn, the vineyards around Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé glow golden, making the landscapes even more magical.

🎄 In winter, Ribeauvillé is famous for its medieval-style Christmas market.

🌸 Spring and summer bring overflowing flower displays, especially in Bergheim.

📍Alsace, France🇫🇷

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#alsace #franceroadtrip #ribeauville #bergheim #hunawihr hiddengems alsacelovers visitalsace europeansummer travelguide beautifuldestinations francesummer roadtripfrance fairytalevillages taken in Alsace, France by @zenwander

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26 minutes ago

🇨🇭Which of these 12 amazing locations in Switzerland would you like to visit this October?

✨Every time I explore Switzerland in October, I discover more breathtaking spots. I’m excited to share a few of my top Swiss picks for this season to help you plan an unforgettable autumn. These are just a few of the magical places in Switzerland with incredible fall foliage.

📍Switzerland

📌Save This For Your Next Trip To Switzerland.

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#switzerland_destinations #lauterbrunnen #interlaken #switzerland_vacations #switzerland_destinations swiss schweiz suíça suisse switzerland bestofswitzerland jungfrau jungfrauregion berneroberland visitswitzerland exploreswitzerland inlovewithswitzerland ineedswitzerland engadin zermatt october bestofswitzerland beautifulswitzerland myswitzerland beautifulnature swissalps 2026travel europetravel taken in Switzerland, Swiss by @zenwander

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a day ago

🇮🇹The 3 most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites

For the exact locations, plus many more of our favourite spots in the Dolomites, you’ll find our Google Map linked in bio.

🌊 Lake Sorapis, Lake Braies, and Lake Carezza each offer unique views and experiences. While Sorapis requires a hike to access, Braies and Carezza are easily reachable by car. Secure your access ticket early for Lake Braies to avoid missing out!

✨Why you should visit:
💎Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee) - Known for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, Lake Braies is one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. It’s perfect for a leisurely boat ride or a scenic walk around the lake.

💎Lake Carezza (Karersee) - Famous for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the colors of the rainbow and the Latemar mountain range, Lake Carezza is often referred to as the “Rainbow Lake.”

💎Lago di Sorapiss - This lake is a bit more secluded, accessed through a more challenging hike, but it rewards visitors with its striking milky turquoise water contrasted against the stark rugged mountains.

📍Base Suggestions:
• Cortina d’Ampezzo for Sorapis & Braies
• Ortisei for Carezza, close to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi

🔍 Stunning places to see close to Lake Sorapis & Lake Braies:
✨Tre Cime di Lavaredo for breathtaking views
✨Cadini di Misurina for a serene escape
✨Cinque Torri for a historical hike
✨Cortina d’Ampezzo for a taste of Alpine charm

🏔️Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Dolomites!

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#italiandolomites #valgardenadolomites #dolomiti #italian_places #southtyrol dolomites dolomitiunesco visititaly belluno veneto altoadige dolomitesitaly dolomitiunesco thedolomites sorapis lakecarezza braies travelitaly südtirol seiseralm lagodibraies carezzalake taken in Dolomites, Italy by @zenwander

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2 days ago

🇨🇭 Switzerland Christmas Must-Sees 2026

Here’s everything you need to see this season:
🧚 Märlitram (Zürich) – Nov 20 to Dec 23
A fairy-tale tram ride through Zürich for kids, led by Santa and angels.

🎶 Singing Christmas Tree (Zürich) – Nov 19 to Dec 23
Choirs perform live on a tree-shaped stage at Werdmühleplatz.

🎅 Flying Santa (Montreux) – Nov 20 to Dec 24
Watch Santa fly over the lakeside Christmas market on his sleigh.

✨ Lucy Christmas Lights switch-on (Zürich) – Nov 19 at 6 PM
Watch Zürich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse light up with 11,550 sparkling crystals.

🚂 Churchill Christmas Bistro (Zürich) – Dec 3–4 & 10–11
Enjoy mulled wine and festive treats aboard a historic train decorated for Christmas.

🧀 Fondue Gondola (Zürich) - Late Nov through winter
A cozy fondue dinner inside a cable car. Book early!

✨ Bellevue Noël (Zürich) – Nov 19 to Dec 23
Formerly Wienachtsdorf, this Christmas market at Sechseläutenplatz features a giant walkable Christmas wreath, festive stalls and a fondue chalet.

💡 Illuminarium (Zürich) – Nov 5 to Dec 30
Closed Dec 24–25
Immersive light shows in the courtyard of the Swiss National Museum.

🎁 Münsterhof Christmas Market (Zürich) – Nov 19 to Dec 24
A beautiful Christmas market featuring Swiss design, local gifts and food stalls surrounded by historic buildings.

🎄 Polarzauber Christmas Market (Zürich) – Nov 19 to Dec 24
A Christmas market inside Zürich’s main train station, with over 100 stalls and a giant Lindt Christmas tree beneath the station’s historic arches.

🎄 Zürcher Weihnachtsallee (Zürich) – Nov 19 to Dec 23
A Christmas market near Zürich’s main train station, with around 80 rotating stalls, international street food, a fondue chalet and a cosy mulled wine bar.

📌Save this list for your Christmas trip to Switzerland!

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#switzerlandchristmas #switzerlandtravel #christmasmarkets #zurichchristmas #montreuxnoel taken in Switzerland, Swiss by @zenwander

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3 days ago

🇮🇹 ONE DAY ITINERARY👇

🌳 Hey there! Let me share a little about this incredible day trip we had in spring in Italy. We visited the famous Villa del Balbianello, indulged in the most delicious Italian lunch, and treated ourselves to some refreshing gelato. Plus, we even hopped on a ferry, all in just one day! And you won’t believe it, but it’s only a 3-hour drive from Zurich and less than 2 hours from Milan! Check out the full itinerary below.

🇮🇹 ONE DAY ITINERARY AT LAKE COMO:
👉 Start with a visit at Villa del Balbianello
👉 Take the ferry from Cadenabbia to Bellagio (we left the car in the parking of the ferry station).
💡Tip: Buy a day ticket and avoid staying in queue for tickets the rest of the day
‼️In 2026 the ferry station was in construction so we had to use the one in Menaggio so check the online information.
👉 Visit Bellagio and have lunch with a view on the many restaurants.
💡Tip: Don’t miss Salita Serbelloni, a picture perfect spot. If you have time, also visit Porto Pescallo, it’s quieter and has beautiful views and ivy covered buildings.
👉 Take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna
👉 Visit Varrena’s old town and Villa Monastero. Enjoy a gelato!
👉 Head back with the ferry to Bellagio and then back to Cadenabbia (there is no direct ferry)

📍 Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy

📌Save This For Your Next Trip To Europe.

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#italy #discovernature #naturelovers #nature_perfection #landscape_captures traveltips travelguide bellaitalia visititaly travelitaly europe_vacations ig_europe europestyle_ voyaged map_of_europe laculcomo bbctravel cnntravel huffpostgram forbestravelguide lagodicomo villadelbalbianello visitcomo comolake lakecomo travelitinerarylakecomo taken in Villa Del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy by @zenwander

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4 days ago

🇫🇷 2 weeks itinerary • South of France

After visiting this beautiful region multiple times, here’s how I’d spend 14 days exploring Provence. For our favourite spots in Provence, you can find our Google Map linked in bio.

☀️ Day 1: Gorges du Verdon & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
• Rent a boat to explore the turquoise gorge, then wander through Moustiers’ cobbled streets.

☀️ Day 2: Valensole
• Cycle through lavender fields and stop for lunch in Valensole. Early July is usually best for peak bloom.

☀️ Day 3: Lourmarin & Cucuron
• Explore Lourmarin’s charming streets, then visit Cucuron’s historic centre and beautiful pond.

☀️ Day 4: Roussillon & Saignon
• Discover Roussillon’s colourful ochre cliffs, then enjoy panoramic Luberon views from Saignon.

☀️ Day 5: Gordes, Sénanque Abbey & Bonnieux
• Explore Gordes, visit Sénanque Abbey’s lavender fields and catch the sunset in Bonnieux.

☀️ Day 6: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue & Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
• Browse antique shops along the canals, then follow the emerald-green river to its source.

☀️ Day 7: Venasque & Séguret
• Explore Venasque’s medieval streets, then wander through Séguret’s stone lanes overlooking the vineyards.

☀️ Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine & Crestet
• Visit Vaison’s Roman ruins and medieval old town, then explore tiny Crestet with views of Mont Ventoux.

☀️ Day 9: Avignon
• Visit the Palais des Papes and Pont d’Avignon, then explore the historic centre.

☀️ Day 10: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence & Les Baux-de-Provence
• Explore Saint-Rémy’s art-filled streets, visit Les Baux’s hilltop ruins and don’t miss Carrières des Lumières.

☀️ Day 11: Aix-en-Provence
• Wander through Aix’s lively markets, elegant streets and beautiful fountains.

☀️ Day 12: Cassis & Calanques National Park
• Hike or take a boat trip along the Calanques, then enjoy Cassis’s colourful harbour.

☀️ Days 13–14: Hyères & Porquerolles
• Take the ferry to Porquerolles to cycle around the island and swim at Plage Notre-Dame. Explore Hyeres and relax.

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.

#frenchriviera #southoffrance #travelfrance taken in South of France by @zenwander

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5 days ago

Send this to someone who wants to visit the Christmas Markets in Europe

These are some of the most beautiful and unique Christmas markets across Europe!

📌 Save this post and check back for updates! I’ll keep adding the latest dates and any schedule changes here as they’re announced.

‼️UPDATES:
🇩🇪Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 20.11 - 23.12.2026 (closed on 23.11)
🇳🇱 Valkenburg: 13.11.2026- 3.01.2027 (closed on 25.12) Cave markets opened only until 30.12

Which Christmas market is on your list this year?

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#christmasmarkets #christmas2026 #europechristmasmarkets #christmasineurope #christmasmarket
European Christmas markets 2026 | Christmas market dates 2026 | Best Christmas markets in Europe | Europe Christmas travel guide| Christmas Markets schedule taken in Colmar, France by @zenwander

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7 days ago

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿14 stops for the perfect Cotswolds road trip 🗺️Map at the end

We explored the Cotswolds by car and it’s still my favourite UK road trip. What I loved most was the mix of beautiful villages, countryside views and how much history and character there is packed into such a small area. Some stops are perfect for a quick wander, while others are worth staying longer for riverside walks and trails through the surrounding countryside. My main tip is to start early for the more popular villages and bring comfortable shoes because you’ll probably end up walking much more than planned.

📍 Castle Combe - postcard-perfect streets with scenic walking routes into the surrounding countryside, often called the pretties village in England | 📸 2
📍 Lacock - a must for Harry Potter fans, with Lacock Abbey used as Hogwarts | 📸 3
📍 Cirencester - Roman history, the Corinium Museum and remains of a Roman amphitheatre | 📸 4
📍 Bibury - home to the iconic Arlington Row; best visited early | 📸 1, 5
📍 Stow-on-the-Wold - market town charm and the famous Tolkien-like door at St Edward’s Church | 📸 6
📍 Lower Slaughter - walk by the River Eye and continue on foot to Upper Slaughter | 📸 7 - 8
📍 Upper Slaughter - a tiny, peaceful village connected to Lower Slaughter by a beautiful countryside walk | 📸 9
📍 Bourton-on-the-Water - The Venice of the Cotswolds with riverside views and a great starting point for walks towards the Slaughters | 📸 10
📍 Naunton - River Windrush views, water meadows and its historic dovecote | 📸 11
📍 Cotswold Lavender - rows of purple fields in summer; check opening dates before planning your visit | 📸 12
📍 Snowshill - a hilltop village with beautiful views and countryside trails nearby | 📸 13
📍 Broadway - walk up to Broadway Tower for one of the best views in the Cotswolds | 📸 14
📍 Stanton - one of the prettiest villages on the Cotswold Way | 📸 15
📍 Painswick - historic streets, the Rococo Garden and easy access to the Cotswold Way | 📸 16

📌Save this for your next Cotswolds road trip

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips
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#CotswoldsRoadTrip #CotswoldsTravel #UKRoadTrip #EnglandTravel #UKTravelGuide taken in The Cotswolds , England by @zenwander

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9 days ago

🇨🇭Save this train route in Switzerland

ZERMATT
• 5 Lakes Hike: Matterhorn reflections and golden larches make this especially beautiful in autumn. Check trail conditions and lift operating dates, as some services start closing in October.
• No hiking? Try Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise or Gorner Gorge.

🚂Zermatt → Bettmeralp Talstation (1h46m)

ALETSCH GLACIER
• Cable car to Bettmeralp → Bettmerhorn for incredible glacier views.
• If you want to walk more, hike towards Moosfluh and descend towards Riederalp.
• In autumn, the alpine vegetation turns deep red and burgundy against the glacier.

🚂Bettmeralp Talstation → Kleine Scheidegg (2h51m)

KLEINE SCHEIDEGG
• Lauterbrunnen: valley and waterfalls
• Wengen: mountain village with views over the valley
• Kleine Scheidegg: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau views

🚂Kleine Scheidegg → Lucerne (3h11m)

LUCERNE
• Chapel Bridge and old town
• Climb the Musegg Wall towers for panoramic views
• Take a boat on Lake Lucerne
• Staying longer? Add a day trip to Mount Pilatus

🚂Lucerne → Pontresina (4h20m)

PONTRESINA
• St. Moritz: around 10 min by train
• Easy walks around Lej da Staz, Lej Nair, Lake Silvaplana
• Julier–Silvaplana viewpoint
• Muottas Muragl for panoramic views over the Engadin lakes

🚂Pontresina → Morteratsch (9m)

MORTERATSCH GLACIER
• Walk the glacier trail directly from the station, around 50 min each way
• Markers along the trail show how far the glacier has retreated
• Respect the warning signs near the glacier, the final section can be dangerous

🚂Morteratsch → Alp Grüm (29m)

ALP GRÜM
This is my favourite train stop of the trip because of the golden larches, glacier views and the blue lake below
• Walk around 30 min down to Lagh da Palü
• You can opt for Bernina Express and extend the journey, it’s part of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway route

TIP: Use the SBB app for connections and take your time to enjoy the ride

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#switzerlandtravel #switzerlandbytrain #autumninswitzerland #swissalps #visitswitzerland taken in Switzerland, Swiss by @zenwander

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12 days ago

🇮🇹One-day itinerary • Provence

10:00 AVIGNON
☕ Start with coffee inside the old city walls
→ Palais des Papes
→ Pont Saint-Bénézet
→ Walk across Pont Édouard Daladier for one of the best views towards Avignon
→ Continue on Chemin des Bergers for another view of the bridge and city
If you want to properly visit the Palais des Papes inside, I’d start earlier.

🚗 Avignon → Crestet: ~50 min

13:00 LUNCH + CRESTET
🍽️ Stop for lunch at L’Épine, or La Table du Ventoux
Then head into tiny Crestet:
→ Walk the steep calades and vaulted passages
→ Pass the old fountain and washhouse
→ Continue up to the castle ruins
→ Views over Mont Ventoux + Dentelles de Montmirail
⏱️ Around 1 hour is enough to explore.

🚗 Crestet → Fontaine-de-Vaucluse: ~1 hr

16:00 FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE
→ Walk along the Sorgue towards the source beneath the huge limestone cliff
→ Stop at Moulin à Papier Vallis Clausa, the last working paper mill in the village
→ Give yourself time for a drink or ice cream by the river before leaving

🚗 Fontaine-de-Vaucluse → Bonnieux: ~50 min

19:00 BONNIEUX
→ Wander through the lower village
→ Walk up the 86 stone steps towards the Vieille Église
→ Stop at the viewpoints over the Luberon and neighbouring villages
→ Come down in time for dinner

20:00 DINNER & SUNSET IN BONNIEUX
🍽️Book somewhere with a terrace if you can and finish the day here.

🚗 Total driving: around 3 hours

Tip: this is definitely a car itinerary, and in summer I’d book both lunch and dinner ahead.

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#provence #southoffrance #provencefrance #luberon #francetravel taken in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France by @zenwander

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14 days ago

🇫🇷11 picturesque villages on the South of France you probably haven’t heard of 📌 Save for later

This list brings together some of the places that made me fall in love with this region. If you’re craving a slower, more authentic side of the South of France, you’ll love these villages.

For our favourite spots on the South of France, you can find our Google Maps linked in bio.

📸1 - 2 SÉGURET: The village still feels very tied to its medieval past, with old gates, steep stone lanes and vineyards stretching out below.

📸3 BONNIEUX: Built up the side of the Luberon, with the old church right at the top. The climb is worth it for the views alone.

📸4 - 5 FONTAINE-DE-VAUCLUSE: The Sorgue begins here, emerging from a huge natural spring beneath the cliffs.

📸6 - 7 TOURRETTES-SUR-LOUP: Best known for violets, which have been grown here for generations and still show up in local sweets, perfume and products around the village.

📸8 - 9 L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE: Famous for its canals and waterwheels, but I think the antiques scene is what really gives the town its personality, especially on market days.

📸10 - 11 CUCURON: The village centres around its long rectangular pond, shaded by huge plane trees and surrounded by cafés.

📸12 - 13 MOUGINS: Picasso spent the last years of his life here, and art is still a big part of the village today. I’d come later in the day and stay for dinner.

📸14 - 15 CRESTET: Tiny, steep and quieter than popular villages. Walk up through the old lanes towards the castle ruins for views over the surrounding countryside.

📸16 - 17 HAUT-DE-CAGNES: Once a favourite of artists like Soutine and Modigliani, with Château Grimaldi still overlooking the village.

📸18 GRASSE: Perfume is still very much part of everyday life here. You can visit the historic perfume houses and learn how fragrances are actually made.

📸19 - 20 VAISON-LA-ROMAINE: One of the most interesting combinations on this list: extensive Roman ruins on one side of the river and a fortified medieval upper town on the other.

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips

#frenchriviera #southoffrance #travelfrance #frenchrivieralife #provencevillages taken in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France by @zenwander

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16 days ago

🇨🇭You can still catch the cow parades this season in:
• Seewis im Prättigau - October 3rd 2026
• Elm - October 4th 2026
• Lenk - October 10th 2026

The Alpabzug / Désalpe is one of my favourite Swiss traditions. At the end of summer, the cows come down from the alpine pastures decorated with flowers and huge bells, while the whole village comes out to watch. It’s loud, colourful and a little chaotic in the best way. There are usually food stalls, local cheese and produce, music, traditional outfits and little markets, each village adding its own traditions.

If you’re in Switzerland in early autumn, this is such a fun tradition to experience

👇Follow @zenwander for more travel tips.
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#alpabzug #cowparade #switzerlandtravel #switzerland taken in Switzerland, Swiss by @zenwander

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18 days ago