Switzerland - September 2017
Switzerland – the land of Heidi, chocolate, cheese and Roger Federer – right? Yes indeed! But add into the mix, pristine Alpine countryside (the happiest cows in Europe apparently), spacious, clean trains which run on time, friendly welcoming locals and views to knock your socks off, and you have the ultimate travelling paradise!
Switzerland Tourism put together a week of travelling for our small group, using the Swiss Travel pass – an all in one transport and touring ticket including local and SCENIC trains, boats, buses and local transport as well as excursions to famous mountain peaks such as Mount Pilatus, Mount Rigi and the spectacular Jungfraujoch. Perfect for travellers who prefer an independent holiday, finding their own path and setting their own time frames.
Our journey began with an early morning train journey from Zurich to the picturesque city of Lucerne. Situated on the shore of Lake Lucerne, the city itself is surrounded by mountains and steeped in history. The best way to discover the city is with a locally guided walking tour – especially if you are interested in the history of the area. However, the city is easy to walk around on your own and the main shopping area in the old town is pedestrianised, with quaint little alleyways and a plethora of mouth-watering chocolate shop treats.
I loved the Chapel Bridge – dating back to the 1300’s and a survivor of several fires – it is a beautiful reminder of the colourful history we find in such European cities. The Jesuit church was indeed something special, even if you are not “into” churches, the inside of this church is amazing. Light and airy and very serene. Lucerne is also home to the famous Lion of Lucerne monument, and being surrounded by water and mountains, lake cruises and excursions to Mt Rigi and Mt Pilatus are ideal from here.
We visited Mount Pilatus on the Golden Roundtrip ticket. A boat trip from Lucerne Old town, across Lake Lucerne to the foot of Mount Pilatus and the Cog wheel train station. This is the world’s steepest Cog wheel train, with a gradient up to 48 degrees, passing meadows, crazy hikers and munching cows! After a short wander around and some authentic Swiss Spatzle for lunch, we headed down the Cable Car to the lower cable station where the summer toboggan run separated the men from the boys (so to speak) before we headed back to the city. No, I was not one of those “hands free” maniacs tearing down the hillside; I was perhaps in some instances almost stationary!
A short train ride from Lucerne also brings you to Mount Titlis and I must say - I loved this mountain. With its Glacier cave, a daring suspension bridge and the Ice Flyer chair lift taking you to their snow activity slope where you can try snowtubing in the summer months. Not to mention jaw dropping views of the Alps and surrounding villages. The Rotair gondolas offer a smooth and scenic ride up to the top, passing over cow-filled meadows, rocky outcrops and meandering streams. A highly recommended scenic day out for whole family.
The beginning of the Golden Line Panoramic train brought us into the magical alpine village of Grindelwald. This was my perfect swiss mountain village stay, with wooden chalets covered in flowering window boxes dotting the surrounding slopes, and the famous Eiger North Face looking down on me. Family run hotels, bakeries, restaurants, butcheries and village stores– it’s still relatively untouched by commercialism and to me was absolutely perfect.
Grindelwald is one of the gateway villages to visit the magnificent mountain of Jungfraujoch – The rooftop to the World. The final leg of your train journey takes you deep into the side of the mountain where they have built the railstation Jungfraujoch – the highest in Europe. Being a UNESCO Heritage site, and one of the most well known Mountain tops in Europe, a day up here can be busy, so it is well worth planning in advance. What to see?! My oh my - magnificent views of the Aletsch Glacier, surrounding mountain peaks and snowfields from the Sphinx viewing platform. The Ice Palace & History of Jungfraujoch, including a tribute to the men who conceived and constructed this rail engineering marvel. An Ice grotto dotted with ice sculptures, built into the glacier for a surreal “Ice Age” experience and ziplining, snow tubing and of course skiing in full snow season. More snow fun than you can poke a ski at. Plus – and very importantly - the highest Lindt Chocolate shop in the world. Yes I got a bag full!
The Golden Line Panoramic train continues via Interlaken through to Lake Geneva and the Swiss-French city of Montreux, home to the famous Jazz Festival. The train descends from the Alps through your chocolate box Swiss scenery of tiny villages and farming communities, lush green pasture and snow capped mountains, and again those very happy Swiss Cows. It is indeed one of the most beautiful scenic journeys I have been on. Montreux and nearby Vevey are perfectly positioned on the shores of Lake Geneva (also know as Lac Leman), surrounded by gentle slopes of walled vineyards and looking over the water to France.
As well as its Jazz Festival, Montreux is also known for its medieval Chillon Castle, its wonderful Christmas markets, the commencement point of the chocolate train and some very famous residents including Freddie Mercury, Shania Twain and Charlie Chaplin (in nearby Vevey).
The Olympic museum in nearby Lausanne is an emotional journey of the history and trials and tribulations of one of the greatest sporting events we know today. With interactive displays, exhibits of past Olympians outfits, shoes and equipment, a mock-up Olympic village and a reel of magical moments, this museum will ignite that “Olympic spirit” and leave you wondering why the world cannot live in this kind of camaraderie all the time!
After an all too brief stop on the Swiss Riviera, we returned to our starting point, the bustling city of Zurich. Here I spent a leisurely afternoon shopping along Bahnhofstrasse with its miles of shops, from the everyday to the very high end. We took a fascinating guided walking tour - Stories of the Old Town - where we learnt about wars, women warriors (yes!), Roman ruins and the famous Swiss “Neutrality”.
Zurich is also home to Mount Uetliberg – reached by the little red train- and affording amazing views out across the city and Lake Zurich; and apparently some rather “cool” thermal baths located on the top of a former brewery where you can lounge in the warm thermal waters as snowflakes land on your eyelids. Magic! I intend to find this on my return journey; and I predict it will be soon!
Getting around Switzerland by rail is an ideal way to experience the majesty and beauty of this country. The Swiss are extremely proud of their country, their heritage and their hospitality and I left feeling that much richer having spent time in their home. It’s time for YOU to go and discover this amazing destination for yourselves.