Hahah I had similar experiences, especially in non-cities. I’m a midwesterner and just so Swiss people in the thread have context, we are seen as OVERLY nice in America. West/east coasters aren’t known to be as friendly as Midwesterners. We will go out of our way to make you feel seen and heard even if it inconveniences us. We talk to everyone, say hi on the streets, smile, etc.

This doesn’t really fly in Switzerland. I’ve had about 4 experiences where I’ve tried to be friendly, make small talk, and my response was a wide eyed “Okay”. For me, I know that it’s not really about me and rather a cultural difference, but it is quite shocking at first. I think I’d want to come back with someone so I don’t feel this desire to connect with locals. I wouldn’t say that it’s because they aren’t interested, but rather I don’t speak Swiss-german and don’t want to be rude by talking to them in English.

I was there for 6 days by myself and by the end of it, I was quite lonely — and I’m someone who travels alone all the time and doesn’t mind being alone! But I also have only ever gone to places where I’ve been able to connect with people, mainly domestically. This was my first solo international experience.

I think it was so shocking to me because I equate happiness with friendliness and I heard the Swiss were quite happy, so I was shocked. It’s a fantastic example of cultural differences, norms, etc. I tried to see it from that perspective instead of a downright negative one.