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Following Euros travel tips from Switzerland and Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti

Switzerland's Lia Wälti: Navigating Travel, Team Dynamics, and High Hopes for the Home Euros

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, where precision and resilience define the national ethos, Lia Wälti stands as a beacon for Swiss women's football. As the captain of the Swiss national team and a stalwart midfielder for Arsenal in the Women's Super League, Wälti's journey to the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro—hosted on home soil—has been one marked by meticulous preparation, personal growth, and the unique challenges of international travel. This tournament, set to kick off in just days, represents not only a pinnacle for Swiss football but a personal milestone for Wälti, who has traversed continents and cultures to hone her craft. In an exclusive interview, Wälti opens up about the rigors of travel, the evolution of the Swiss squad, and the electric anticipation of competing in front of home crowds.

Wälti's story begins far from the glamour of European stadiums. Born in Langnau im Emmental, a quaint village in central Switzerland, she grew up idolizing the likes of Swiss legends while dreaming of representing her country. Her professional path took her abroad early: first to Germany with Turbine Potsdam, then to England with Arsenal in 2018. This nomadic existence has made travel an intrinsic part of her life, a double-edged sword that builds character but tests endurance. "Travel is the unseen grind of football," Wälti reflects. "You're not just moving your body; you're adapting your mind to new time zones, cultures, and expectations. For the Euros, it's different—it's home. No jet lag, just pure focus."

The 2025 Euros mark a historic moment for Switzerland, the first time the nation hosts a major women's football tournament. With matches spread across iconic venues like Basel's St. Jakob-Park, Zurich's Letzigrund, and Bern's Wankdorf Stadium, the logistics of travel within the country become a strategic advantage for the hosts. Wälti emphasizes how this home advantage alleviates the burdens that plagued previous campaigns. Recall the 2022 Euros in England, where Switzerland exited in the group stage after grueling travels and adaptation issues. "In 2022, we flew in from various clubs across Europe—some from the US, others from Scandinavia. By the time we gelled, it was too late," she says. Now, with the tournament in their backyard, the team can train cohesively without the fatigue of long-haul flights.

But travel's impact extends beyond physical tolls. Wälti delves into the psychological aspects, drawing from her experiences shuttling between London and Swiss training camps. "As a player based abroad, you're always balancing club and country. Arsenal's schedule is relentless—Champions League trips to Sweden or Spain, then straight to national duty. It teaches you resilience, but it can isolate you." She recounts a particularly arduous journey last year: a midweek match in Barcelona, followed by an overnight flight to Zurich for a friendly against Italy. "I arrived exhausted, but that's when leadership kicks in. You push through for the team." For the Euros, Switzerland's federation has prioritized recovery, implementing localized camps in the lead-up to minimize disruptions.

Wälti's role as captain amplifies these challenges. At 32, she's the elder stateswoman in a squad blending youth and experience. Young talents like Alisha Lehmann, now at Aston Villa, and Ramona Bachmann, with her wealth of caps, look to Wälti for guidance. "Travel bonds us," she notes. "Shared flights, bus rides—they're where stories are told, strategies formed. We've got players from the NWSL, like Luana Bühler in the US, who bring that transatlantic energy. It's about integrating those perspectives." The Swiss team's diversity, with players scattered across leagues in England, Germany, France, and beyond, mirrors the global nature of women's football. Wälti credits this diaspora for elevating the squad's quality, but it demands smart management of travel logistics to maintain peak performance.

Looking ahead to the tournament, Switzerland finds itself in Group A alongside formidable opponents: Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands. Wälti is optimistic, citing recent form—including a strong showing in the Nations League— as evidence of progress. "Hosting gives us an edge, but we can't rely on that alone. Our travel prep has been key: simulated high-altitude sessions in the Alps to build stamina, virtual meetings to align tactics without unnecessary trips." She highlights the environmental angle too, a nod to Switzerland's eco-conscious identity. The federation has partnered with Swiss railways for sustainable team transport, reducing carbon footprints compared to air travel-heavy tournaments past. "It's not just about winning; it's about representing our values," Wälti asserts.

On a personal level, the Euros represent redemption for Wälti after injury setbacks. A serious knee issue sidelined her for much of 2023, forcing her to watch from afar as Arsenal chased titles. Travel during rehab was grueling—flights to specialists in Germany, sessions in Switzerland—but it forged her mental fortitude. "Injury makes you appreciate the journey more. Now, playing at home, in front of family and fans who've followed me since Langnau, it's emotional." She envisions the opening match in Basel, the roar of the crowd echoing through the Rhine Valley, a far cry from anonymous away games.

Wälti also touches on the broader growth of women's football in Switzerland. The Euros are expected to draw record crowds, with over 700,000 tickets sold, inspiring a new generation. "When I started, options were limited. Now, girls see us on TV, traveling the world, competing at the highest level. It's transformative." She praises initiatives like the Swiss FA's investment in youth academies, which reduce the need for early emigration and ease future travel burdens.

Yet, challenges remain. The women's game still lags in resources compared to the men's, affecting travel equity. Wälti advocates for better charter flights and recovery facilities, drawing parallels to the men's Euro 2024. "We've come far, but parity means equal support— no more economy seats on long hauls while recovering from matches."

As the tournament nears, Wälti's focus sharpens. Training in the shadow of the Matterhorn, she embodies Swiss precision: calculated, unyielding. "Travel has shaped me, from village pitches to Wembley. For these Euros, it's our time to shine at home." With the world watching, Switzerland aims not just to host but to conquer, led by a captain who's mastered the art of the journey.

This narrative underscores a pivotal chapter in Swiss women's football. Wälti's insights reveal the intricate dance of travel in elite sport— a blend of hardship and harmony that could propel Switzerland to unprecedented heights. As fans flock to stadiums via efficient Swiss trains, the team's minimized travel woes might just be the secret weapon in their quest for glory.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6514218/2025/07/25/switzerland-lia-walti-travel-euros/ ]