New Travel Show Zwei Reisen Premieres On SRF1

In a thrilling new travel series, Swiss television viewers will embark on an adventurous journey with hosts Mira Weingart and Jonny Fischer in the show titled Zwei Reisen, set to premiere on March 28, 2025, at 9 PM on SRF 1. The unique format of the show features the two moderators traveling solo to contrasting destinations, exploring the extremes of nature and culture.

Weingart, a 28-year-old radio presenter, and Fischer, a 45-year-old comedian, aim to step outside their comfort zones and experience adventures that challenge their perspectives. According to Fischer, the show offers "a unique format that I haven't seen anywhere else." He elaborated, "Travel shows are not new, but we go to countries that are not widely known. We travel alone, which is an adventure, and we try to experience contrasting things."

The first episode will juxtapose the icy wilderness of Lapland with the warm savannah of Zambia. Fischer plans to brave temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius in Lapland, where he aims to witness the Northern Lights, spend a night in the arctic wilderness, and enjoy snowmobiling. He also intends to engage in traditional activities like ice fishing and visiting a reindeer farm, culminating in the quintessential sauna experience followed by an ice bath.

Meanwhile, Weingart will undertake a completely different adventure in Zambia, where she will explore the country on a motorcycle. Despite her experience as a rider, she acknowledges the challenges posed by the rugged terrain. "My big hope is to see a lion in the wild, but that's not so easy in Lower Zambezi," she shared. The excitement and unpredictability of her journey are palpable, as she anticipates pushing her limits.

In the subsequent episodes, viewers can expect even more thrilling experiences. Fischer will travel to Mongolia, immersing himself in the culture of a nomadic family and facing unexpected challenges, including a police encounter that forces the filming crew to halt. He also seeks the help of a shaman to address his long-standing asthma, a condition he has battled for 25 years.

On the other hand, Weingart will venture to the wilds of Alaska, where she will navigate the rugged landscape in a camper, sleep alone in the wilderness, and kayak to the massive Valdez glacier. This journey promises to test her both physically and mentally, adding to the show's appeal.

As the two hosts navigate their adventures, they reflect on their differing backgrounds and experiences. Weingart, who has been with SRF since 2022, expressed her excitement about working with Fischer, whom she grew up watching. "I was a bit nervous at first because Jonny is like a national favorite. But I also thought it was really cool to work with him," she said.

Fischer, on his part, acknowledged the unique dynamic they share. "We are not the same age, we travel differently, and we have different genders. That's what makes the format appealing. If I'm freezing, I know Mira is somewhere out there suffering too, just in a different way."

Despite the excitement surrounding the show, both hosts are aware of the potential criticisms it might face, especially in light of recent discussions surrounding public spending and entertainment programming. Fischer addressed these concerns, stating, "It's understandable that some might question the necessity of this show, especially when SRF is facing budget cuts. But just because a company has to save money doesn't mean it can't also evolve. We are using our resources wisely, and SRF has a mandate to bring entertainment into people's homes, not just news and sports."

Weingart added her perspective, emphasizing that while criticism of SRF is valid, it is crucial to recognize the need for diverse programming. "We young people are aware of the serious issues in the world, like what's happening in Gaza and climate change. But we also need outlets for relief and entertainment, which is where shows like Zwei Reisen come in. They provide a balance during tough times," she noted.

As for the potential impact of their travels on tourism, both hosts are cautious. Fischer remarked, "We discussed the responsibility that comes with a travel format. We are not promoting travel for the sake of it; instead, we aim to bring the world home for an hour." Weingart agreed, noting, "I don’t think we will trigger a massive rush to these destinations. My generation feels like there are no unknown corners left in the world, but we are careful to choose locations that are not already overrun with tourists."

Ultimately, the hosts share a desire to celebrate the beauty of their experiences. Fischer expressed a wish for a future anniversary season where they could travel together, saying, "The hardest part of this format is that I miss having someone to share the beautiful moments with. It would be great to have someone to hug or complain with during the tough times."

With four episodes lined up, Zwei Reisen promises to deliver an array of captivating experiences. The episodes will air as follows:

• Episode 1 – Zambia & Lapland: March 28, 2025
• Episode 2 – Zambia & Lapland: April 4, 2025
• Episode 3 – Alaska & Mongolia: April 11, 2025
• Episode 4 – Alaska & Mongolia: April 25, 2025

As viewers prepare for the launch of this innovative travel show, the excitement is palpable. Zwei Reisen aims not only to entertain but also to inspire viewers to embrace the unknown and seek out their own adventures.