Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-30
A bold departure that still feels modern
On 12 July 1892, a 34-year-old teacher from the Bernese countryside boarded a train alone with one suitcase, a lot of determination and a promise to herself: ten years around the world, to the exact day. What caused a scandal at the time has since become one of Switzerland’s great travel stories. Her name was Lina Bögli, and her journey still feels surprisingly modern for travellers from Switzerland, the UK, Ireland, Canada and beyond who value independence, curiosity and smart planning.
Who Lina Bögli was
Born in 1858 into a poor family near Herzogenbuchsee, Lina Bögli had to work from childhood. She worked as a nanny, taught herself languages and fought her way into a career as a teacher at a time when women could neither study nor vote. That context matters: education was not simply a profession for her, it was her route to freedom. For many travellers today, her story is a reminder that travel is not only about distance, but also about access, self-belief and making the world feel larger than the circumstances you start from.
Ten years around the world – and entirely on her own
From 1892 to 1902, Lina Bögli travelled through Australia, Samoa, Hawaii, the USA and Canada with no sponsor, no companion and no safety net. She funded the trip by working as a language teacher along the way, always staying true to her motto: 'Forward!'. Returning exactly ten years after departure, punctual to the day, was a logistical feat long before flight search, price alerts or hotel comparison existed. Seen from today’s market perspective, that discipline is striking: she combined flexibility on the road with a very clear long-term plan.
Why her journey mattered then – and now
A woman travelling alone in the 19th century challenged social expectations in a way that is hard to overstate. Lina Bögli did not just move through the world; she claimed the right to do so on her own terms. That is part of why her story still resonates with solo travellers and budget-conscious planners today. Whether you are booking a city break from Zurich, a long-haul trip from London, a stopover from Dublin or a multi-stop route from Toronto, her example speaks to the same basic idea: travel should not be reserved for those with the biggest budget or the most conventional path.
‘Forward’: the book that made her world-famous
In 1905, her travel letters were published as 'Vorwärts' in German and 'Forward' in English. The book became an international bestseller and turned the farmer’s daughter from Herzogenbuchsee into a world-famous name. She did not stop there. In 1910, she set off again, this time across Siberia to Japan and China. Lina Bögli died in 1941 in Herzogenbuchsee, but her place among Europe’s great travel pioneers remains secure. For anyone interested in travel writing, women’s history or Swiss cultural figures, she is far more than a footnote.
Why Reisedrop’s assistant is called Lina
Courage, curiosity and the belief that travel belongs to everyone: that is what Lina Bögli stood for, and it is also the idea behind Reisedrop. That is why the assistant carries her name. Lina supports you around the clock in 8 languages with bookings, changes and cancellations in the chat at the bottom right. The connection is more than symbolic. Where Lina Bögli once relied on letters, local work and determination, travellers today can get practical help quickly and in a format that suits modern trip planning.
Lina then and now: what has changed
The biggest contrast is not the spirit of travel, but the tools. Lina Bögli needed ten years and countless letters to organise the world. Today, a single search can help you compare flights, hotels, cruises and activities in seconds, check the best time to book and set price alerts before fares rise. That does not make travel less meaningful; it simply removes barriers. For travellers in Switzerland and other international markets, that means less time wrestling with admin and more time deciding where to go next.
Quick comparison: travelling in Lina’s era vs today
Her story becomes even more impressive when you compare the practical realities of planning then and now.
| Topic | Lina Bögli’s era | Today |
|---|---|---|
| Trip planning | Countless letters and long lead times | One search across travel options in seconds |
| Support on the road | No instant safety net | Chat support for bookings, changes and cancellations |
| Budget management | Work along the way as a language teacher | Price alerts and easier comparison before booking |
| Route flexibility | Slow, complex coordination | Faster updates and easier rebooking options |
Visit the Lina Bögli Centre in Herzogenbuchsee
If you want to connect her story to a real place, head to Herzogenbuchsee in Switzerland. The Lina Bögli Centre preserves her legacy with an exhibition, events and original documents from her extraordinary life. It is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in travel history, Swiss heritage or pioneering women who changed expectations. You can find practical details at lina-boegli.ch. If you are already exploring the Bernese region, it makes an especially rewarding cultural detour.
Travel like Lina – just faster
Lina Bögli’s example is inspiring not because anyone needs to spend ten years on the road, but because she showed what becomes possible when curiosity beats hesitation. Today, you can act on that same impulse much more quickly: compare flights, hotels, cruises and activities, watch booking timing more closely and use price alerts to stay ahead of fare increases. The tools are modern, but the motivation is timeless. If her story does one thing, it makes you want to move forward.
FAQ
Who was Lina Bögli?
Lina Bögli was a Swiss teacher and travel pioneer, born in 1858 near Herzogenbuchsee. Coming from a poor background, she taught herself languages, became a teacher and later became famous for travelling the world alone.
Where did Lina Bögli travel?
Between 1892 and 1902, she travelled through Australia, Samoa, Hawaii, the USA and Canada. Later, in 1910, she travelled again, this time across Siberia to Japan and China.
Why is Reisedrop’s assistant called Lina?
The name honours Lina Bögli’s courage, curiosity and belief that travel should be accessible to everyone, not just people with the biggest budget. Reisedrop’s assistant reflects that spirit by helping with bookings, changes and cancellations in 8 languages.
Can you visit a place dedicated to Lina Bögli in Switzerland?
Yes. The Lina Bögli Centre in Herzogenbuchsee keeps her legacy alive with exhibitions, events and original documents. It is a good stop if you are interested in Swiss travel history or pioneering women travellers.
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