It was a calm, clear Friday evening in Lucerne, Switzerland as I sat in a park overlooking Lake Lucerne. A gentle breeze rustled the trees. Groups of university students had picnics set up to watch the picturesque sunset.

Over the last few days, I’d grown fond of this park. A two-minute walk from my hostel, it boasted a nice running trail, the outdoor gym for that day’s calisthenics workout, and–most unusually–free WiFi.

I had been knee-deep in my remote work for a few weeks, and today was no different. But today, thanks to the outdoor WiFi, I didn’t have to sacrifice my travels at the expense of my work.

As the day turned to night and my laptop’s battery drained, I stopped working and fully took in the lake’s backdrop, a set of mountains turning a calming shade of purple with the sunset.

I couldn’t help but ask myself: Is Switzerland the best country in the world?

Is it?

According to this 2024 ranking, it is. But that doesn’t tell the full story.

I spent 9 days in Switzerland and developed my opinion on the issue.

What does it mean to be the best country in the world?

For the sake of this post, let’s just simplify that to the country offering the highest quality of life. By that metric, I can emphatically say that Switzerland is the best country I’ve ever visited.

Having it all

Between its political neutrality, direct democracy, and reputation as an international banking hub, Switzerland is one of the most stable countries on Earth.

It boasts stunning nature, frictionless public transport, and a healthcare system that works, according to friends living there.

Oh, and let’s not forget free WiFi in a park.

It’s the sort of perk that would only be available once every real problem has been solved and a city government has enough bandwidth, and money, to begin offering nice-to-haves.

Walking around the park, seeing families push baby strollers and kids riding their bikes, one prevailing thought kept coming to mind.

Life is just easier here.

You get what you pay for

Life may be easier, but it definitely isn’t cheaper. Switzerland isn’t a backpacker country–rather more of a luxury family trip destination.

My hostel near Lake Lucerne was the most expensive place I’ve booked in the last 9 months. I ate at the same restaurant–a kebab spot–four meals in a row because it was the only reasonably priced place within a 30-minute walk.

Prices in Switzerland were tough to swallow as a budget backpacker but I found that you’d get what you paid for.

Accommodation costs are steep, but living in Switzerland grants access to the world’s most revered beauty and outdoor activities galore. 

Food prices are devastating, but the portions made even a hungry American happy.

Intimidatingly Good

Speaking of being a hungry American, I kept comparing Switzerland to the US, the country I believe to be the best place for me.

What were some things that the US does better than Switzerland?

I struggled with this. I thought the easy answer would be innovation, but I met people studying at ETH Zürich who forced me to concede that Switzerland isn't lacking innovation.

I thought the answer might lie in defense, but Switzerland's neutrality is arguably a better deterrent than having the world's most powerful military.

That's when I gave up and realized that Switzerland had everything figured out. I now understand why it's considered the best country in the world.

That's what happens when you have no weaknesses.

Genuine Admiration

It was now 1:00 AM and Lucerne was dark and desolate. Even on a Friday, nightlife wasn't on display the way it is in other European cities.

But it countered that with a feeling of tranquility that you can't find elsewhere. As my dad put it, Lucerne is "probably the safest place on Earth."

I could wander around in the dead of night and soak it all in.

I could contemplate what Switzerland does that other countries can learn from.

I could appreciate the country's stunning scenery, safe streets, and quality of life that puts the rest of the world to shame.

Switzerland knows what it's doing. For once, I gave up trying to think the US was better.

Instead, I basked in the appreciation that a place like this exists at all.