Clean Eats, Healthy Living —Switzerland
My Switzerland Finds on an Animal-Based Diet:
Where to Eat, Shop, Train & Recharge
Traveling while maintaining a clean, intentional way of eating—like an Animal-Based Diet—can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s totally doable. Before heading to my most recent trip to Switzerland, I planned ahead by packing snacks and meals to avoid relying on airport food or whatever was most convenient.
I shared specific travel hacks in my last blog to help you navigate travel days with ease—be sure to check it out! Prepping before a trip always makes a huge difference. It helps me stay on track with how I want to feel while allowing me to enjoy my trip without stressing over food options. Just bookmark your go-to spots in Google Maps, and boom—you’ve got them ready to go when you arrive.
That said, I’m always open to local recommendations that align with my preferences—sometimes, they end up being even better than my finds! So don’t forget to explore while traveling, too!
Arrival in Bern: Organic Coffee, Grocery Finds & a Local Butcher
After landing in Zurich, my friend met me, and we headed straight to her area in Bern—a charming local town. I tend to avoid big cities and look for more authentic experiences, and Bern was perfect for that. The first thing I did once we got settled? Grabbed a latte at Apfel Gold, an amazing organic coffee shop. It’s a small, high-quality café with a real focus on clean ingredients, which I appreciate.
That same day, I visited Alnatura, a grocery store with multiple locations across Switzerland. It’s a great spot for finding clean, organic products. While I still checked labels (as I always do), most of the store is stocked with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients—something that’s not always easy to find, even at home!
From there, I walked over to La Boulotte, an organic butcher shop where I picked up high-quality meats for the next few days. I love checking out local butchers when I travel since it gives me a better sense of how people in that area source their food. Once I had everything I needed, I made some bone broth from their fresh bones I picked up—such a simple way to stay nourished while on the road.
The Local Farmers Market & Swiss Wild-Caught Fish
One of my favorite finds in Bern (and in many places I visit) was the Saturday market at Bundesplatz, called Stettler Obst. This market has everything—cheeses, meats, fresh produce, and handcrafted goods from local artisans. While not everything is organic, most products are clean, locally sourced, and minimally processed, making it easy to find high-quality, nutrient-dense food straight from the source.
A standout for me was a local fishery stand offering wild-caught fish from Switzerland’s lakes. I picked up some Swiss bass—an unexpected but incredible find. It was fresh, flavorful, and a great way to experience the region’s local offerings. I also stocked up on local honey, cheese, and produce, plus a pair of 100% wool slippers. They were so comfortable that I wore them for the rest of the trip—and honestly, I’m not sure how I ever lived without them.
Training While Traveling: NRG Gym & Fitness Bern
For staying active, I found NRG Gym in Bern, a solid option with a clean, well-equipped space. Loved the vibe and super friendly people. They offer a free trial for your first visit, and after that, it’s about 20 Swiss francs per visit—pretty reasonable for a well-maintained gym while traveling.
I also found Fitness Bern Marktgasse, another great gym with a free trial for your first visit and they offered me flexible options for drop-ins or visitor passes — just ask! Both were great spots to keep up with my training while on the go.
Beyond stand alone gyms, I always make sure the hotels I stay at have a gym setup, and I prioritize staying in walkable areas so movement is naturally built into my day. Exploring on foot isn’t just about staying active—it’s the best way to discover new places, take unexpected detours, and fully experience a city. A strong body and a clear mind lead to a richer travel experience!
Recovery & Contrast Therapy: Sauna Lorrainebad
Beyond training, there’s an excellent spot for recovery —Sauna Lorrainebad in Bern. This outdoor sauna has a $25 drop-in fee and is located near a cold river, making it perfect for contrast therapy—warming up in the sauna and then cooling down in the river. Though I didn’t get the chance to experience it myself (though I made up for it in other parts of Switzerland), this was a hot tip from my friend, and I love sharing unique spots like this. They’re not only great for recovery but also an awesome way to meet people! I’ll definitely be back and can’t wait to experience it next time.
FYI: Swiss sauna culture is a bit different from what many Americans are used to. Nudity is the norm, though some people opt for a wrap towel. Just a heads-up! I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant at first since it’s not something I was used to, but after a couple of sessions, I fully embraced it—it’s just a different culture, and honestly, it felt completely primal.
When I don’t have access to a spot like this, I definitely notice it. At home, I use the Bon Charge sauna blanket (code: BAE15), which has been worth every penny. I’d love to get a full sauna eventually, but for now, the blanket is like my security blanket—I couldn’t be happier with it. That’s why I’m always intentional about finding local saunas when I travel. The benefits for skin, recovery, and overall physical and mental wellness are incredible.
Mountain Activities & Sustainable Stay in Grindelwald
After my time in Bern, I headed to Grindelwald for some skiing. The fresh mountain air and outdoor activities made every moment incredible. This is also a great spot for summer activities!
I stayed at Bergwelt Grindelwald Hotel, which offers a sustainable stay and great food! I usually avoid hotel breakfasts (especially in the U.S.), but this one was an exception. They sourced homemade, high-quality meats, fresh fish, eggs, cottage cheese, raw cheeses, and local honey—everything thoughtfully curated with clean, quality ingredients. The restaurant also had a solid menu. I ordered the tenderloin with herbed butter, and it was outstanding. As someone who follows an Animal-Based Diet and knows how to cook a great steak, it’s rare to find one that rivals my own—but this one did. It was so good that I ordered it again the next night!
The hotel also had a wellness area with a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, and gym, which became part of my daily routine after skiing. I even indulged in a massage, and what I loved most was that they used olive oil instead of chemical-laden massage oils—a small but meaningful detail.
Exploring Grindelwald on Foot & A Butcher Shop Find
Beyond skiing, I explored Grindelwald on foot. Walking through town, especially with the elevation, was a great way to balance out all the cheese I was enjoying. If you walk a little way down towards the Glacier Canyon from the main street or hotel, you’ll find a place that makes local cheeses on the way—unfortunately, I forgot the name, but you’ll start to smell the cows and eventually see them!
As someone who eats nose-to-tail—meaning I include both organ meats and muscle meats while doing my best to utilize the whole animal—one of my favorite discoveries was Dorfmetzg Grindelwald, a local butcher shop offering fresh meats, organ cuts, and even a meat bouquet for the slopes—a perfect protein-packed snack for long ski days. I also took a raw liver shot from them!
Because I wanted to switch it up from my hotel for dining one night, I ate at Petit Glacier, where I had local perch—another high-quality find. Their extensive wine list was impressive including organic, local and biodynamic finds, and I treated myself to a glass of Pontet-Canet.
Basel: Meditation, Local Eats & Fresh Air at Joe Dispenza’s Retreat
After Grindelwald, I returned to Bern for a night to reset before heading to Basel for Joe Dispenza’s retreat. I was asked several times why I traveled to Switzerland for his retreat when he offers them in the U.S., and my answer was simple: I came to visit a friend I met on a hunting trip I coordinated in the U.S. We immediately clicked, stayed in touch via Marco Polo, and I knew I wanted to visit her. I love incorporating meaningful connections into my travels because, for me, it’s not just about city-hopping, eating, and drinking.
While I usually attend retreats solo, this time it was special to share the experience with her. We got to talk through the experience together, and I truly enjoyed the companionship throughout the retreat. It reminded me that relationships and connecting with like-minded individuals is a key part of health—something that’s often overlooked.
We dined out one night in Basel, the night before the retreat, at Bohemia Basel, where I had a local veal dish. It’s a traditional Swiss dish and animal-based, so I definitely had to try it. We also stopped by another Alnatura to grab some organic foods like cottage cheese, fruits, canned fish, cured meats, and cheese to bring to the convention center for the weekend, as well as some Swiss chocolate for a treat. Most of the Swiss chocolate in this store likely won’t exceed four ingredients—so clean and simple!
The retreat kicked off on Friday night with an introduction, followed by two full days of learning and deep meditation. While the event involved a lot of sitting, I made sure to take full advantage of breaks by going for walks, soaking up the sunshine, and eating outside. I’d planned ahead and brought my own food, sticking to my animal-based diet, which was crucial since the retreat’s options weren’t ideal for my dietary needs and quality preferences. Having familiar, nourishing meals kept me feeling my best throughout the entire experience.
As for the retreat experience—it was incredible and I’m still letting it sink in. I’ll save that for another blog post, but I’ll just say that the mindful practices and the ability to seek out events in the area really enhanced mental health while traveling!
Flims—Laax: Back to the Slopes
After the retreat, I wasn’t ready to leave the mountains, so I headed to Flims, Laax for more skiing. Before leaving Basel, I stocked up on high-quality groceries at Alnatura, as Flims doesn’t have many clean organice stores from my research (I checked ahead of time).
I stayed at Hotel Adula, another wellness-focused hotel with saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and a fitness center—perfect for recovery after long ski days. The food was good, making it easy to fuel properly. While it wasn’t the best I’ve had, there were definitely options for an animal-based diet, and I appreciated their intentional sourcing.
I hit the slopes and was lucky to have beautiful weather with clear skis for the next two days. Between the jacuzzi and being on the mountain all day, I definitely got my fair share of vitamin D, which was wonderful. I also linked up with a guide who happened to be all about Joe Dispenza, and we got to talking and spontaneously went to the mountainside for a quick 15-minute meditation session. It was such a cool experience!
After a two-night stay, I was feeling great and ready to head back to Zurich for my flight the next day. In Zurich, I didn’t do much sightseeing, but I did find a hotel at the airport that included a sauna and gym. So, I made sure to get in some more movement and sweat sessions before departing for the States!
Switzerland’s Water: A Simple Luxury We Should All Have
The water in Switzerland—straight from the tap—is some of the tastiest and purest clean water I’ve ever had. While it may not be absolutely perfect in purity, just having access to such clean water was incredibly relieving. It made me realize that clean, accessible water should absolutely be a fundamental human right. I truly hope that, one day, we see this same standard in the U.S. and around the world.
Here’s a tip if you’re eating out in Switzerland: always ask for tap water. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself paying quite a lot for bottled still or sparkling water. Trust me, it can get pricey! So, make sure to enjoy that crisp, refreshing tap water—it’s not only clean, but it’s also a way to save a little extra.
Final Thoughts
This trip was an incredible blend of adventure, nourishment, inspiration and self-care. From skiing to meditation, local markets to butcher shops, Switzerland had so much to offer for staying on track with an animal-based diet while fully enjoying the experience. I already have a list of spots bookmarked for next time!
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