Switzerland: An icon of endless natural beauty

Switzerland does indeed remain a premier icon of natural beauty the world over. A recent trip covered the cities of Montreux, Interlaken and Lucerne, considered by some in the travel industry as Switzerland’s golden triangle.

MONTREUX

The city of Montreux, part of the Montreux Riviera sits on Lake Geneva and is graced by a 13km-long boardwalk that not only allows visitors a view of the serene lake and the Alps beyond, but also offers a close view of exotic flowers and palm trees that adorn the quay.

Taking full advantage of the region’s micro-climate, the city’s gardeners have adorned the lakeside with the colors and perfumes of many types of exotic trees and flowers.

A specialty of Montreux, the plant sculptures, authentic works of ephemeral art can be discovered from December to May.

A tranquil alpine scenery cruise operated by the Compagnie Generale de Navigation (CGN) offers visitors a twohour cruise along the Riviera to take in the purity of the lake and the imposing beauty of the surrounding mountains.

The cruises run throughout the year and CGN boats are considered as genuine floating institutions.

Hotels and coffee houses pepper the strand, with the Best Western Eurotel Riviera situated prominently on the waterfront and offering an uninterrupted view of the strand.

The Riviera is also home to a number of hotels with splendid architecture.

The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace or the Hotel des Trois Couronnes are examples of the region’s rich history.

They bring to mind the era when they provided shelter for the sovereigns and nobility of Europe.

For the less discerning, a vast choice of affordable accommodation is available, including bed and breakfasts and shortterm holiday apartments. Chillon Castle, a 12th century medieval castle sits on a rocky island by Lake Geneva and is the most visited monument in the country.

In the past, the castle offered both natural and strategic protection, from which traffic between the north and south of Europe could be controlled.

The powerful Dukes of Savoy lived there from the 13th to the 16th century, a glorious period for Chillon which saw the construction of many towers and splendid halls.

This legendary place has inspired some of the greatest names in literature such as Lord Byron, Victor Hugo and Henry James.

Music lovers will also appreciate the statue of the late Freddie Mercury, which features prominently on the quays in front of the Covered Market. This artist lived in Montreux for several years while recording his last album "Made in Heaven" with the group Queen in the Mountain Studios that used to be in the Montreux casino. Deceased in November 1991, his statue symbolizes the continuing affection the city feels toward him.

A stone’s throw away sits the old town of Vevey, peppered with historical monuments and museums reflecting its rich past. A large variety of boutiques and artists’ galleries boasting their wares and talents can be found along the narrow cobbled streets.

On the quayside of this old town, a statue of Charlie Chaplin with a mischievous grin on his face peers out over the lake.

A 55-minute cog railway journey on the Goldenpass Line takes you away from the palm trees of Montreux to the summit of Rochers-de-naye at an altitude of 2042 meters. The rocky balcony offers a spectacular view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

During summer, a unique park which houses the world’s various species of marmots, those little furry animals, is on viewing to visitors. Overnight stays can also be arranged in genuine Mongolian yurts (huts) or dormitories.

Montreux also boasts of a bustling entertainment scene throughout the year. Be it music or sports or cultural, there is some form of festival going at any given time.

One little known fact about the Montreux Riviera is that it is the cradle of the Swiss milk chocolate.

It was in 1875 when a blend of chocolate and milk was produced in a workshop in Vevey, which later revolutionized the chocolate industry.

INTERLAKEN

A three-hour train journey took us to our next stop, the city of Interlaken.

Located in the heart of Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland, it is the ideal destination for unforgettable summer and winter holidays and adventure activities.

Situated in a colorful valley, it is a city enveloped by two large lakes on either side, the Thunersee and the Brienzersee.

It is also the ideal starting point for excursions into the matchless world of the Jungfrau region, and affords views of world famous icy icons, the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

For the activity enthusiast, no other resort in Switzerland offers almost every type of active leisure pursuit within a 20-km radius.

Saddled by the two lakes, an actionpacked holiday in Interlaken is guaranteed.

A variety of sailing, surfing and scuba diving schools ensure that even novices can join the fun. And for those who want to take things easier, the services of several choices of vessels including two splendid lake steamers can be availed.

In recent years, Interlaken has become a center of adventure sports.

Cycling and biking buffs claim that the ride from Interlaken along Lake Thun and over Gron to the town of Beatenberg is one of the most beautiful bike tours in Europe.

The topographical features of the region afford visitors a rush of adrenaline in the air, on water, and on the ground.

Para gliders circling over Interlaken to land on the Hohematte meadows in the city are now a part of Interlaken’s everyday scene, using the mountains around the city as take-off points. Mountain climbing, hiking, river rafting, canoeing and hydro speeding are other facilities.

For me, unquestionably the trip to the top of the Jungfrau and into the glacier world of high Swiss peaks was the most memorable of the trip. Having been to this country several times, it was in this place that I really understood the beauty of the Swiss Alps.

At 3454 meters, the Jungfraujoch is the highest-altitude railway station in Europe.

Millions of visitors have come since the cogwheel railway opened almost a century ago in 1912.

The landmark of the Jungfraujoch is the Sphinx observation Hall, the Ice Palace, and the walks in the eternal snow.

Visitors also get to experience a closeup view of the glacier world, unique in its starkness and serenity. Be warned though. The altitude can be challenging to those short of breath or averse to cold. It’s best to bundle up before beginning the upward journey.

On a clear day, France and Germany can be seen.

In December 2001, the Jungfrau joined the exclusive club of Unesco World Natural Heritage sites, and deservedly so.

The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa features prominently among the leading hotels in the city.

It is conveniently situated on the Hoheweg, a boulevard that runs from Interlaken West to East.

It is sprinkled with numerous hotels, restaurants, stores, souvenir shops and flower-adorned green spaces.

At its heart is the Hohematte meadow, in summer the landing place for Para gliders.

From here, the view that sweeps across the meadows stretches to the imposing Jungfrau massif displaying all its glory.

The Kursaal, the town’s cultural focal point since 1859 houses the much admired flower clock.

Entertainment evenings, concerts and theater performances in magnificent artistic rooms and folklore events in the homely Spycher restaurants provide enjoyment to the international public.

Discos and musical outlets for late entertainment are also found throughout Interlaken.

If you are an early bird, a two hour journey by train and cable car takes you to the top of the 2,970 meters high Schilthorn and into the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant for a hearty breakfast as you drink in the revolving scenery.

The view sweeps over the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau to Mont-blanc and over the Swiss Mitteland as far as Germany’s famed Black Forest. The restaurant and cable car also featured prominently in a James Bond film, "On her Majesty’s Secret Service".

LUCERNE

The final leg of the journey took us to the city of Lucerne, a two-hour train journey from the splendors of Interlaken.

Lucerne is situated at one end of Lake Lucerne, 436 meters above sea level and nestled between gentle mountains.

It is indeed a beautiful little city preserved and dotted with historical architecture. The outstanding combination of a culture city has earned it the moniker of "Festival City", and that is evident as soon as one steps out of the train station.

The plaza across the station features some form of amusement or the other, while a boat cruise from the nearby quay offers a pleasant journey along Lucerne’s main sights.

Most of the finer hotels are located on the Haidenstrasse across the river and a walking distance from the train station.

The 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof is steeped in tradition and has been owned and operated by the same family for five generations.

The hotel enjoys a central location, comprises 107 air-conditioned rooms and offers fine views of Lake Lucerne, the distant Alps and historic old town quarter.

Lucerne is a city for pedestrians and the city’s trademark is the Chapel Bridge with its gabled paintings of old battles and the Water tower. Nearby on either side are quaint streets adorned with food and shopping outlets.

On weekends, the area buzzes with a market bringing in fresh produce from nearby farms. This is a city with plenty to see and so. And for those who like to shop for Swiss quality, there are plenty of stores offering the best that Switzerland has to offer.

A pleasant diversion is a day excursion to Mount Pilatus, some 2,000 meters above sea level. You ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to Pilatus Kulm, and believe me, it is steep. Gradients for the tracks averaged between 45 and 48 degrees throughout the journey.

On the summit, we were fortunate to experience the season’s first snowfall and tempered that with a hot cup of cocoa readily available.

The journey back by aerial cableway and panorama gondolas took us to Kriens for the bus ride back to Lucerne.

Soon it was time to say goodbye, and as all journeys must end we bade this one farewell with a heavy heart; but with the certainty that we would surely visit again.

The beauty and splendor of this country simply deserves that.