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| Suspension bridge @ Titlis |
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| Suspension bridge / Peak Walk @ Glacier 3000 |
CJ is completing and graduating from his NTU course the year, and will start working in July 2023.
He is officially "off" university life after his last oral presentation on 8-5-2023.
In celebration of his "liberation" from university life, and before he starts his new working adventure in July, my wife and I thought that it would be good to have a short family trip with him.
We thought of a trip to China (visiting Silk Road/Tibet) - but decided against it because we needed to apply for visa (there was news of people quequing for visa application overnight).
We finally settled for Switzerland. Toying with thoughts of self driving / part self-drive, part train journey --> finally decided on self driving for the entire trip. Booked air tickets (Swiss Air, direct flight from Singapore to Zurich) - borrowed travel books (to plan travel itinenary) - checked out on lodging, made car rental reservation - purchased travel insurance, travel SIM card ----> waiting for the arrival of travel date.
Brief summary of our itinerary:
Zurich airport -> Burgdorf castle -> Bern Old Town -> stayed overnight at Friboug
Friboug -> Gruyere castle -> Montreaux (castle) -> Glacier 3000 -> Zermatt (stayed 2 nights)
Zermatt -> Interlaken -> Glindelwald (stayed 3 nights)
Glindelwald -> Mt Titlis -> Lucern -> Wirzweli (stayed 2 nights)
Wirzweli -> Zurich -> Rhinefalls -> Zurich Airport -> Home.
DAY 1 (9 May)
The flight departing from Changi Terminal 2 Airport at 11.30pm (but finally took off only at 12 midnight). We checked in early around 9pm, spent some time at SAT premier lounge, eating some meals there. Reached Zurich Airport 13 hours later, at 7am local time.
DAY 2 (10 May)
Picked up our rental car (skoda Octavia wagon), and off we went towards Bern. While driving along the highway, there was a debri (possibly tiny stone) that flew from vehicle in front; it hit the windscreen on the passenger side, causing a small chip.
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| Small chip on windscreen |
We drove pass Regionaler Naturpark Thal, then drove up the slope of Schmiedenmatt (to a look out point). But alas, the tyre on right front wheel punctured when the car ran over a pothole at the side of the road. Had to ask for emergency service to replace the flat tyre. The flat tyre was finally replaced about 2 hours later. The mechanic was rather courteous and professional.. A blessing in disguise, one might say.
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| Posing in front of the car with flat tyre on right front wheel |
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| The road Shemiedenmatt, where we ran over a pothole..... |
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| Park our car by the road side (the middle white car)... waiting for the mechanic |
Even the random place where we parked our car had beautiful and captivating scenery!
After getting the flat tyre replaced, we decided to give Schmiedenmatt lookout point a miss, and moved on to our next stop, Bern. We still had to drive pass mountaineous terraine. The view of open space with green pasture and distant mountains was rather invigorating.
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| View of green pasture and distant mountain |
Before going to Bern, we detoured to Burgdorf castle. Parked our car in a place downhill, then walked up flights of steps to the castle.
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| walking towards the castle, after climbing some steps from main road |
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| Entrance into the castle |
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| Leaving the castle... |
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| Snap shot from the castle compound |
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| view of the town below |
Stopped over at Bern Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spent about one hour there, including 15 min of lunch at Coop Supermarket. A charming old town, with historic building. It rained quite heavily as we were leaving the place.
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| It was raining quite heavily when the photo was taken. |
We drove to Gurten Park (a mountain park with an observation tower), took a funicular train up to the park. This provided an aerial view of Bern Old Town. There were some play areas for kids. Nothing fancy.....
We then checked into our Airbnb @ Friboug. After checking in, we drove to Coop Supermarket nearby to get some groceries (for dinner and breakfast).
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| View of parking lot from our AirBnB kitchen... |
DAY 3 (11 May)
Drove around Fribourg Old Town (didn't make any stopover). This is a rather small town compared to Bern. After visiting Bern, this town kind of pale in comparison.
Next destination, a castle at historic town of Bulle. It rained heavily when we reached the town. The castle didn't look that impressive from outside. Hence, we decided to move on to Gruyeres.
The drive to Gruyeres was rather scenic. The Gruyeres castle was rather impressive.
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| compound around the castle |
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| In front of the castle |
After visiting the castle, we drove to Moleson (a 2002 meter high mountain) nearby... Just to look around.. We didn't take the cable car that brings visitors to the peak of the mountain.
Out next destination was Chateau De Chillon (Chillon Castle) @ Montreux. This is a tourist town located at eastern edge of Lake Geneva. The areas nearby Montreux were well-known for their vineyards.
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| Impressive castle |
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| Beautiful lake fronting the castle |
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| we took our sandwich lunch there |
Since entrance into the castle is charged, we didn't go into the castle. Instead, we just explore the scenic and tranquil surroundings (certainly a good place to visit). We took our packed sandwiches as lunch there.
Next destination is Glacier 3000. The drive ran pass mountain ranges, with superb view of the valleys below.
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| vineyard on the slope |
It rained quite heavily along the way. Not many visitors at Glacier 3000 cable car station, possibly because of the rain and cloud. But we could not be fussy being a tourist!
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| Alighting onto the cable car |
The highlight of the place is Peak Walk by Tissot. which consist of a suspension bridge that connects two mountain peaks. The view of the suspension bridge shrouded by the fog was simply amazing. The place is remarkable for "outstanding view of over 24 Alpine Peaks" - but it was simply to foggy for us to see anything in the midst of the rain / snow.
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| The steps leading from restaurant to Peak Walk |
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| wlking up to the Peak Walk |
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| Peak Walk by Tissot |
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Bridge to no where...
联想起古龙武侠小说里，陆小凤勇闯幽灵山庄时，缓缓步行在索道上，往烟雾弥漫不见天际的远处前进的景象。 |
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| waiting for the cable car to take us downhill... |
After Glacier 3000, we continued our journey to Tasch (1449m). We stopped over at Coop supermarket in Sion to buy some groceries for our stay in car free Zermatt. Parked our car at car park next to Tasch train terminal, and boarded the train to Zermatt (1610m).
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Overnight parking at Matterhorn Terminal Tasch
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| Waiting for the train to Zermatt |
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| on the train to Zermatt, about 10-14 min ride |
By the time we reached Zermatt train station, it was already 8pm. Dragged our small luggages all the way to our Airbnb apartment (about 10min walking distance away). It took us a while to locate the apartment... But we finally found it. Took our home cook dinner (whole chicken from Coop, instant noodles with vegetables) for the night.
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| Reach Zermatt |
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| Walking to our AirBnB apartment, 200 m or so further up |
DAY 4 (12 May)
View from the balcony of our apartment...
Took our breakfast, packed some sandwiches (for lunch)... Off we went for Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Walked for about 5 min from our apartment to the cable car station.
Took the cable car to Furi (1867m), transferred to another cable car to Trockener Stag (2939m), and then another cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (3883m).
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| Changing into another cable car at Furi station |
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| ICONIC MATTERHON |
Explored the lookout point at the peak, and Ice Sculptures in Ice Palace @ Glacier Paradise. The entire place was covered with snow. No hiking trails at all. It snowed when we were there!
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| at the look out point |
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| We climbed up from the building there, up the steps, to reach the look-out point |
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| Love locks frozen in ice. |
Ice Sculptures @ Glacier Paradize.
Hiked back to Furi station. Took our sandwich lunch there. CJ went for a hike down to Zermatt by himself, while my wife and I took the cable car down.
We rested in our Airbnb apartment from 2-6pm,then went out to explore Zermatt and hiked up to a lookout point for view of Zermatt at night.
Waiting patiently for sunset and night fall...
Walked down the slope after that... Retired quite late for the night.
DAY 5 (13 May)
Highlight of the day - cogwheel train to Gornegrat (3089m).
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| walking to the train station |
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| waiting for the train |
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| "choping" on the right side of the train, as it ascended the mountain ... it had better views |
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| cogwheel train. |
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| reached the peak |
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| view of the glacier |
The mountain ranges above Riffelberg were covered with ice. Hence, the hiking trails to see the scenic lakes at Rotenboden (2815m) and Guornergrat were not accessible.
We decided to stopped over at Riffelalp (the station just below Riffleberg), and hiked down to Zermatt. But alas, the train door closed before I could disembark at Riffelalp (while CJ and my wife had already disembarked).
I had to stop over at the next station (Findelbach), and took the next train up to meet my wife at Riffelalp. Cj would continue his hike down to Zermatt as planned.
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| Findelback station... I was the person there... |
My wife and I explored the areas around Riffelalp, then took the train up to Gornergrat, before reversing back to Zermatt on the same train.
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| Scenic spots around Riffelalp |
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| off peak season... hence, the hotel was not open for business yet |
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| walking back to Riffelalp station |
While we were making our way down from Gornergrat (about 40 min ride), CJ messaged us that he had completed his hike and was on his way back to our Airbnb apartment.
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| Partial view of Mattehorn as the train descended from Gornegrat to Riffelalp. |
After resting for a few hours, I went out to explore nearby places at 6pm...looking at the green pastures and old buildings.
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| The resident cat at our building complex |
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| The peculiar looking mushroom shape platform that supported the floor structure of the building |
Returned to our apartment by 7pm. Took our home cooked dinner, and rested earlier (in preparation for long driving journey the next day).
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| Our apartment |
DAY 5 (14 May)
Departed from Zermatt train station at 8.35am.
Reached Tasch Matterhorn train terminal 12 min later. Paid CHF 49 for 2.5 days parking.
Drove to Simplon Pass for one of the scenic Alpine drives in Switzerland. It was indeed mesmerizing.
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| On the way to Simplon Pass |
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| approaching Simplon Pass lookout point |
REACHED SIMPLON PASS LOOKOUT POINT...
Leaving Simplon Pass...
After that, we drove in the direction of Interlaken. Enroute to Interlaken, we had to embark onto a train car (to bypass a tunnel through a mountain). It was not cheap (It cost CF 25 for the train ride), but an interesting encounter.
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| Embarking onto the car train |
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| Interlaken East... walking towards Halder Kulm |
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| Train driven pass Halder Kulm station |
We parked our car at Train terminal, and took the funicular train up to Halder Kulm, the highest point in Interlaken.
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| Halder Kulm Funicular Station |
It was raining as we ascended... The place was shrouded with fog...
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Glimpse of the town before the fog got thicker (as we ascended on Funicular train).
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No luck with aerial view of Interlaken. We took our lunch at the restaurant there... Finally tried the Cheese fondue (CHF 29), ordered one bowl, shared among 3 of us. I guess I am, and will never be, a fan of cheese... We ordered separate dish of steak, pork and salmon as main entree, and 2 drinks... It cost us CHF 139 for the entire meal. Not cheap, but that's the average food price in Switzerland.
Foggy @ Halder Kulm... Zero visibility of the city below.
After this, we visited St Beatus Waterfall. The sight was impressive, with waterfall cascading down in different phaces, juxtaposed against background of monastery-like facade. We didn't explore the caves (paid entrance).
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| The majestic looking waterfalls |
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| There is a cave behind the building. Entrance fees apply. |
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| Limited parking lots in front of St Beatus Waterfall. Must pay for full day parking (CHF 5 Fr) for all vehicles. |
As it continued to rain sporadically since our arrival in Interlaken, we decided to check into our Airbnb apartment at Grindelwald.
DAY 6 (15 May)
Woke up early, left our apartment around 7am, in order to catch an earlier train to Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe (to avoid the crowd). It rained quite heavily as we left our apartment. We braved through the rain, walking for about 15 min to reach Grindelwald cable car terminal.
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| Braving the rains |
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| In the cable car |
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| snow fleets forming on the glass panel |
Managed to get into the 8.15am cogwheel train, which crawled its way to the Top of Europe at 3919 m.
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| Cogwheel train to Top of EUROPE |
Visited the Ice Palace, observatory, and the look out point (to take obligatory photos with the flag post signifying the highest point of Jungfraujoch(. It was snowing, and the entire place was covered with clouds /fog... Hence couldn't see much. But the experience of treading up the snow covered slope, with cold wind slapping on our body and face, was quite something!
The visit ended with a walk through Switzerland Chocholate Factory. CJ bought some chocholates there.
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| Exit from train... walked into visiting centre |
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| apparently Crash Landing on You (K-drama) was filmed here as well... |
ICE PALACE...
Walking up to the "peak" to take photo with the Swiss Flag...
It was clear sky as we descended. Took a few photos from the cable car.
View from the cable car as we descended from Top of Europe.
Walked back to our apartment for lunch.
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| Walking back to our apartment |
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| some climbing to do, before reaching our apartment |
After that, we went for driving tour around the 2 lakes in Interlaken, namely Thunersee (WEST lake) and Brienzersee (EAST lake).
Around Thunersee, we stopped briefly at the Beatenberg-Niderhorn funicular station (didn't take the ride), then drove along the coastal road, passing by a fortress (in the midst of the town), and stopped over at Oberhofen Castle for a quick photo (it poured suddenly). Then we dropped in at Coop (to buy groceries) and Decathlon (looking for hiking shoes/ haversacks) along the way.
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| Randon driving along Thunersee (aka West Lake) |
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| stop over at Beaternberg-Niderhrn station |
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| Castle that was closed for the day. |
After that, we drove around Brienzersee. We stopped over at a lookout point (Wychel) along coastal road, drove passed Brienze, and visited waterfalls at Giessbach. The waterfall was amazing. We could walk behind the waterfall! But we were fined CHF 20,for not buying parking ticket of CHF 10 😭
Lookout point @ Brienzersee...
Drove pass BRIENZ, an old town
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| Brienz...an old town @ Brienzersee (aka East Lake) |
Giessbach FAll - where we were fined CHF 10 for not paying parking coupon.
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| View from behind the waterfalls |
Reached our apartment around 6.30pm. CJ cooked dinner for all.
DAY 7 (16 May)
The weather forecast said there would be 90 - 100% chance of raining today. And indeed it rained all the way, only stopping sporadically for brief moments.
We visited Lautenbrunnen. Viewed the three waterfalls there - firstly Staubbach Falls (which is visible to all as we approached the town), then Trummelbach Falls (waterfalls cascading down the crevices of the mountain), and lastly Schmadribachfall (next to Stechelberg, the cable car station that leads one to Schillthorn). They were fabulous.
STAUBBACH FALLS
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| the falls is visible from a far... |
TRUMMELBACH FALLS
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| approaching the falls from car park... need to purchase tickets for entrance |
We took a lift up to level 7. Then climbed up another 3 levels to view the "tumbling" waterfalls.
After that, we walked down all the way to the ground floor.
SCHMADRIBACHFALL
Decided to give Wengen and Murren a missed because of the rain. We reckoned that we won't be able to see anything from above in such rainy day.
As the day was still early (barely hit 12 noon), we decided to visit nearby attractions.
CJ planned for Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui (Glacier Gorge), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enroute to the place, we drove pass Meiringen. Checked from the internet there is Aare Gorge nearby. Hence, we made a last minute detour to visit Aare Gorge at Meiringen.
The entrance fees were CHF 10 per person for both gorges. All of us agreed that Aare Gorge was more scenic and overwhelming.
AARE GORGE (it reminded me of the Yangtze gorges before the dam was build).
To reach Gletscherschlucht Rosenlaui, we had to drive up meandering mountainous road. It was raining cats and dogs when we reached the gorge. We were the only tourists there!
GLETSCHERSCHLUCHT ROSENLAUI GORGE
By the time we finished touring the gorge, we were quite exhausted. We drove back to our apartment (1 hour drive). Ate home cooked dinner again (chicken wing, potatoes, vegetables).
Day 8 (17 May)
The weather forecast predicted less chance of rain on this day. Hence, we reserved this day for Grindelwald First.
Walked about 13 minutes from our AirBnb Apartment to cable car station ferrying us to Grindelwald. It was rather foggy in the morning. The First Flyer and First Glider were not open because of the weather condition. We went up all the way to Grindelwald First. The peak was covered with snow.
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| Leaving from our apartment |
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| walking towards Grindelwald First Station |
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| Grindelwald train station... for those taking train from Interlaken East |
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| Cable car to Grindelwald First |
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| Snow and fog @ Grindelwald First... The hiking trail to Bachalpsee is hidden completely |
We treaded on to the snow trail to reach the Cliff Walk (by Tissot). Took some photos there. No luck with panoramic view of the various peaks because of the dense fog.
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| Descending from Grindelwald First |
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| View from cable car as we descended |
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| Grindelwald Train Station |
On the way back to our hotel, we bought a pair of water-proof hiking shoes for CJ (in preparation for his Himalaya Hike in June).
After taking a short break in our AirBnB apartment, we drove off to visit Iseltwald - the tiny, laid back fishing village (with 500 odd inhabitants) made famous by Korean Drama "Crash Landing on You".
We missed a turning (per GPS), and was directed to non-highway route. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the drive along the bank of Lake Brienzer was very scenic.
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| Look out point at Lake Brienzer |
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| Driving towards Iseltwald via the regular road (not highway) |
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| Beautiful village before reaching Iseltwald |
Quite a number of tourists there, snapping instagram photos at the jetty where the Korean actress sat on looking far ahead into the lake forlornly.
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| Buildings @ Iseltwald. |
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| Tourists quequing up to snap photos at the jetty featured by K-drama |
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| Interesting fish-scale decor |
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| Iseltwald fishing village |
We then drove further for scenic driving tour up towards Sustenpass (which was partially opened), stopped at Gadmen- bought some cheese there (self-service).
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| Driving towards Sustenpass |
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| Self service cheese dispensing cabinet |
Day 9 (18 May)
Before departing from Grindelwald, we walked around the greenery/slopes around our apartment.
Left Grindelwald for Lucern.
Along the way, stopped over at a look out point @ Aussichtspunkt Chälrütirank for a aerial view of a lake.
Then stopped over at Lungern, for a view of the lake.
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| Lungern, a small town |
Next stop - Mt Titlis - took a cable car there to reach the peak. The cable car ride was fascinating - it literally pierced through a layer of cloud as we ascended the mountain. and suddenly the full view of mountain peaks appeared in front of us.
那种置身缆车当中穿透云层，目睹景象从青翠草地，转变成一片白雾茫然，然后再呈现出壮观的雪白山景时的感触，震撼力非笔墨能形容。
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| a proof that we were at Titlis |
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| ascending from the ground station |
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| Piercing into the cloud further ahead... |
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| Went above the cloud, reaching the peak |
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| 云海 |
We covered the suspension bridge at Mount Titlus, then visited the Ice Caves and Ice Palace.
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| 神雕侠侣小说里的冰床。。。 |
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| Sitting on a throne |
After descending from Mt Titlis, we drove to Lucern - for obligatory walk in the old town, the two bridges and Lion Monument.
LUCERN and its surrounding
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| One of the iconic bridges in Lucern |
Lion Monument was under some refurnishing work now. Hence, the wooden barricades kind of obscure the full view of the lion monument.
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| walking towards Lion Monument |
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| The Lion Monument |
Area around Lion Monument...
We drove up a winding road (which could accomodate only one vehicle in most part ) all the way to our AirBnB apartment near the top of the mountain @ Wirzweli - the drive is certainly not for the faint-hearted. But CJ handled the challenge superbly. The place is rather tranquil, with plenty of fresh air.
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| On the way to Wirzweli, via highway |
It was rather daunting to negotiate the narrow road either way (up/down hill). Hence, we decided to just stay up in the mountain the next day - enjoying the fresh air, and doing some hiking if weather permit.
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| Walking up to our apartment |
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| In front of the entrance to our apartment |
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| View from our bedroom |
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| The scenery in front of our bedroom |
Day 9 (May 19)
There was no rain - but it was rather foggy throughout the day.
We hiked for over 1 hour arond the vicinity - exploring the Aecherli Pass along the way.
Along the way to Aecherli Pass...
Went back to our apartment for lunch, and took a short break, before venturing out around 5pm to another hiking trail (CJ already made some hiking along other trails around 2pm).
Part 2 of our hike...
Day 10 (May 20)
Last day of our Switzerland holiday. Descent from Wirzweli to Zurich.
VIEW as we descent from Wirzweli
Came across yard sale market just as we were about to leave Dallenwil (small town at the foothill of Wirzweli).
Visited Lindt Home of Chocholate, which is actually a museum displaying the history of how chocholate comes about over the years.
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| Took some chocholate pancake and drinks there, while waiting for our entrance to the museum at 11.30am. |
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| buying some chocholate souveniers |
Reached Zurich - had a hard time trying to locate a car park in city central. Finally found one about 10 minutes walk from Zurich Lake.
Zurich is a typical financial district - very chaotic traffics with crowd walking around. Not as tranquil as that of Lucern.
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| Lake Zurich |
Since we still had plenty of time before returning to Zurich Airport, we drove to visit Rhinefalls. Somehow, Google Map guided us across part of Germany before reaching Rhinefalls on Switzerland border.
The last time I visited Rhinefalls (from Germany side) was over 20 years ago - somehow, the view of Rhinefalls at that time didn't impress me much. But, the view from Switzerland side this time was rather impressive.
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| Proof that we were there... |
We returned our car at Zurich Airport aound 5pm. Took over half an hour to submit incident report on chips on the windscreen and emergency mechanic service for flat tyre.....
All done ... checked in .... took dinner at airport lounge ... boarded the flight.... Finally reached Changi Airport after about 12 hours of flight!
What a trip!
After thoughts -
- Switzerland is indeed a beautiful country. We missed the hiking trails (closed because they were still covered with snow).
- Self driving is doable in Switzerland. Compared to travelling by train (which is the recommended route), we preferred self-driving. We can go places that the train does not go, and make changes along the way according to the weather condition.
- it is vital to take up comprehensive rental insurance - it covers excesses related to vehicle breakdown, and minor damages to vehicle (liked what we experienced in this trip)
- Restaurant food is expensive. We prepared our own lunches/ dinners most of the time.
