This story is featured in the May/June 2025 issue of ESSENCE.
Despite being renowned for its jaw-dropping landscapes, tasty chocolates, variety of cheeses and overall opulence, Switzerland may not be the first destination Black women think of when planning a getaway to Europe. But as someone who has visited, I can say it’s a place where we deserve to take up space. Not to mention, it’s where the late Tina Turner lived for nearly three decades.
“I’ve been to Switzerland twice, and I felt safer there than in most countries I’ve visited,” says frequent traveler Bre Williams. “The people were welcoming and helpful, even when there were language barriers.”
The Swiss Alps come alive with snow-capped peaks in colder months, but summer and fall are also great times to visit the country. You’ll be met with good weather, lots of greenery and beautiful blue waters in places like Lake Lucerne.
It is best to start your visit in one of the major cities, like Geneva or Zürich. Spend a few days perusing local boutiques and designer stores, eating your weight in chocolate (with help from locally made brands) and making time to go museum hopping. You also can’t leave Switzerland without trying at least one fondue restaurant. The restaurant Le Chalet du Mont-Pèlerin, just outside of Geneva’s city limits, has delectable fondue options like mushroom with truffle, plus amazing views, and it is home to a Black sommelier: Jérôme Aké Beda.
Let us help you explore even more ways to enjoy some of the finest experiences the European nation has to offer. Here are three tips for living your best life in “the Land of Milk and Honey.”
Take a luxe train ride.
Traveling by train is a way of life for the Swiss. The public rail system is the most efficient way to get around, especially when you’re moving between different cities and regions. There are also luxury train excursions that deliver glimpses of the country’s stunning vistas while you’re sipping wine and indulging in a multicourse meal.
“The Glacier Express was the perfect backdrop for a memorable girls’ trip filled with luxury, laughter and friendship,” says travel content creator Tomiko Harvey about the country’s panoramic train route. “As Black women, we deserve moments like this to prioritize joy, connection and unapologetic indulgence.”
Support Black and African-owned businesses.
The African diaspora is well represented in Switzerland. If you happen to stop in Geneva, be sure to have dinner at Black-owned Zanzibar African Cuisine & Lounge Bar. The giant prawns will change your life. And for a cultural mix, check out Geneva’s annual Afrodyssée, which typically takes place in late May or early June; it highlights African-born fashion designers and other vendors. For the art lovers, Spelman grad Kendra Jayne Patrick runs an eponymous art gallery in the city of Bern.
Pamper yourself, because you deserve it.
It’s only right that you indulge in a little self-care. Hop on the train to the remote town of Vals for a Michelin Key experience at the stunning 7132 Hotel. Be sure to pack your bathing suit to take full advantage of the thermal baths offered, and you can partake in a nighttime soak on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday nights, when you get to look up at the stars beyond silhouettes of the Alps that outline the horizon.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in the heart of Europe, Switzerland promises an irresistible blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, vibrant cities and unmatched luxury—making it an ultimate destination for Black women in search of adventure, delight and first-class pampering.