The Queen in Switzerland

3 October 2018

The year 2018 marks the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s (1819-1901) visit to Switzerland. The Queen spent five weeks in the country from August 7 to September 9, 1868.

The queen withdrew from public life after the death of her husband, Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1819-1861). She embarked on this journey in memory of her late husband, who had been enthusiastic about Switzerland.

It made a significant contribution to her recovery. Although she travelled with a small court and incognito, half of Europe was aware of the trip. She visited Lucerne and its surrounding destinations, including the Rigi and Pilatus. The highlight was the three-day excursion to the Furka Pass and the Rhone Glacier.

She kept a diary and recorded her impressions in watercolours. The journey of the most powerful woman in the world was the beginning of the boom of the (British) tourist industry in Central Switzerland.