Photo Tour Switzerland | September 2025 | 2/2
- Kathrin Federer
- 28. Dez. 2025
- 6 Min. Lesezeit
Part 2 / September 5–7, 2025
A photographic adventure from our photo tour through the Bernese Oberland and Central Switzerland
After the intense first few days in the Alps, the rhythm of the Photo Tour Switzerland shifted.
Part 2 of the Photo Tour tells of the conscious slowing down, the space between the highlights – and how the landscape, group and perspective evolved.
From the Bernese Oberland, through iconic natural sites, and back to the city, the journey became quieter, yet more mature. No less impressive – but deeper.
Note: I took all the pictures with my mobile phone, edited them on the go with the same phone in Lightroom, and greatly reduced their size for this blog.
Part 2 picks up where the first days of the Photo Tour left off.
If you'd like to read about the beginning of the trip, you can find it here:
Day 5 – Consciously slowing down
The sixth day began rainy and calm. Low clouds hung over Grindelwald, the light was soft, and the pace automatically slowed. Instead of fighting against the conditions, we consciously opted for a lazy day.
Everyone used this time in their own way: sleeping in, strolling through the village, looking at photos, calling loved ones back home, or simply doing nothing. Especially after intense days of travel, this free time was noticeably beneficial.
I spontaneously offered to hold a joint editing session for anyone interested. No obligation, no fixed program. Anyone who wanted to come along at the agreed time, brought their own pictures – and we worked on them together.
For one to two hours, we discussed specific questions, my personal workflow, little tricks, and decisions that often make all the difference in image editing. It wasn't a typical workshop, but rather an open exchange on equal footing – focused, practical, and perfectly timed for my journey.
This blend of retreat and deliberate reflection was perfectly suited to the day. It demonstrated once again that this journey thrived not only on the physical movement itself, but also on consciously pausing and sharing knowledge.
Day 6 – When the wait is worth it
The next morning, Grindelwald showed itself in its best light. The clouds had disappeared, the mountains were clearly defined, the light calm and precise. Just the right moment for the Grindelwald First.
We drove up, with that mixture of anticipation and concentration that comes when you know: Today will be good. Once at the top, the space opened up. Vastness, depth, lines – a place that offers almost too much photographically and therefore demands all the more attention.
A small incident brought a smile to everyone's face: One participant had briefly forgotten what time we were supposed to regroup – and was already mentally at the start of a hike. Meanwhile, the rest of the group was already heading back down into the valley. It was one of those moments that shows how easily one can lose oneself in this landscape. Everything resolved itself calmly, smoothly, and with a smile. No one waited unnecessarily, no one felt rushed. Exactly as it should be.
After First, the group continued on to the St. Beatus Caves. While they explored and photographed the caves, the driver returned to the First valley station to pick up the participant. The timing was perfect – everyone was happy, relaxed, and in the zone.
The caves themselves formed a striking contrast to the open mountain panorama: darkness, structure, dampness. A place that demands concentration and requires entirely different photographic decisions.
Interlaken, Brienz & Giesbach – iconic Switzerland
After the caves, we continued on to Interlaken. Classic, iconic, almost cinematic. We strolled through the beautiful garden at the Casino Interlaken, discovered the statue of Yash Chopra, framed by greenery, mountains, and meticulous symmetry. A place that demonstrates how nature and design have been intertwined here for decades.
We made a short, informal stop in Brienz. A quick shop at the supermarket, then down to the lake. Water, light, peace. Nobody talked much. It was one of those quiet moments that often produce the most powerful images.
The group then proceeded to the Giessbach Falls and the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. The forest, the paths, the sound of the rushing water – a place that invites you to get lost. Some in the group took a little longer to find their way back. Not because they were disorganized, but because the waterfalls had a magnetic pull. Cameras were unpacked, tripods set up, and long exposures taken. No one wanted to rush the moment.
The last evening together
Upon arriving at Paxmontana, it was immediately clear: this place is iconic.
Barely arrived at Paxmontana, it was immediately apparent that this place was different. Even before the group had properly settled in, two participants briefly disappeared into their rooms – only to reappear a short time later with their drones. No fuss, no hectic preparations. Just that quiet, almost meditative hum that slowly settled over the landscape.
I watched the whole thing from my balcony. The sun was low, the light softened, becoming golden, almost weightless. The drones moved calmly, precisely, as if respecting the silence that surrounded this place. No wind, no noise – just these floating points in the sky and an incredible tranquility spreading throughout.
It was one of those rare moments when everything comes together: architecture, landscape, light, and concentration. No need to speak, to hold on to anything but the moment itself. That's precisely why the Paxmontana was the perfect place for this part of the journey – not just as a hotel, but as a space to arrive, breathe, and see.
We had a private dinner just for ourselves, lovingly prepared, tastefully decorated, and peaceful. It was the group's last evening together. There was a lot of talking, a lot of laughter, and some reflection. No grand conclusion, no official end – just a shared moment of reflection.
It felt complete. And at the same time, open. Because we knew: The journey wasn't quite over yet. But this evening marked something special – a transition.
Day 7 – From the summit view back to the city
The last day began with another real highlight: the Stanserhorn. Even the journey there was special. First, we boarded a historic cogwheel train – open, nostalgic, with those old cardboard tickets that you hardly ever see anymore.
The conductor, in his cap and uniform, seemed almost like he'd stepped out of another era. Everything was superbly organized, almost private. Our group had its own slot, no crowds, no stress – just pure anticipation.
Once we reached the top, we transferred to the famous CabriO gondola. Open, airy, light – a feeling that's hard to describe. The view slowly opened up, with every meter of altitude revealing more space, more light, more air.
Once we reached the top, we transferred to the famous CabriO gondola. Open, airy, light – a feeling that's hard to describe. The view slowly opened up, with every meter of altitude revealing more space, more light, more air.
The summit offered an incredible array of experiences: alphorn players perfectly capturing the moment, marmots appearing among the rocks, and numerous information stations inviting exploration. There were small paths, short walks, and diverse perspectives – no checkpoints to tick off. Those who wished could simply sit, observe, take photos, or stop at the restaurant. This place offered space. And that's precisely what made it so special.
After this intense yet surprisingly relaxing morning, we continued on towards Lucerne. The contrast to the mountains was refreshing. The city welcomed us with perfect weather, lively but not hectic. We strolled through the narrow streets, photographing the famous Chapel Bridge, the water, the facades – classic motifs that still work time and time again if you take your time. And that's exactly what we had.
It was that rare luxury of travel: no time pressure, no feeling of "having to see something else." Instead, a peaceful arrival in the city, conversations, laughter, final photos.
On our way back towards Zurich, we made a stop at the Dolder Grand. Some participants took the opportunity to explore the hotel's interior – impressed by the architecture, the atmosphere, and the special tranquility overlooking the city. A final, very fitting touch to conclude the day.
Back at Allegra Lodge, the moment of parting arrived. Hugs, final conversations, gratitude – and also a touch of melancholy. After such intense days, a group of strangers had become something familiar.
It was one of those farewells where you know: This wasn't just a journey. This was a shared experience.
It's unbelievable how much of my home country, Switzerland, we've seen and experienced in such a short time.
Let's take another look at the entire tour on the map.
This trip wasn't about ticking places off a list. It was a consciously curated experience – with space for photography, conversations, silence, and genuine moments.
Photo Tour 2027
The Photography Switzerland Tour will take place again in 2027. With the same ambition, the same attitude, and deliberately limited places to preserve depth and quality.
Want to read the journey from the beginning? → Part 1 of the Photography Switzerland Tour