Chocolaty Odyssey in the Swiss Alps!

Breathtaking landscapes, delicious chocolates and a tennis maestro! Guessed it already? Yes, this has been a long time coming and it's a special one for so many reasons! First International trip, a dream bucket list but most of all, this time I am not alone! Another long time coming! I got hitched (finally!) with the love of my life, Sagorica! It's been a whole of 5 months since she and I became us and life hasn’t been sweeter! And it took us a whole 2 seconds to decide our first of many romantic getaways.

The epitome of honeymoon perfection, Switzerland!

Come, join us and get enchanted by the mesmerising beauty and timeless elegance of this picturesque wonderland as we relive our moments of bliss!

Journey begins…

We planned to travel to Switzerland in the month of April 2024. Why April? Our idea was simple - spring would be an ideal time to enjoy the best of both seasons in the mountains. Also, with Summer just beginning, it wouldn’t hurt to travel just early enough to avoid heavy tourist crowds. We traveled via Etihad airways with a transit in Abu Dhabi, a super cool and fascinating airport!

Grüezi Zurich!

Summers had already begun in India when we boarded our flight for Zurich. Whereas the weather had taken a turn for the cold in Zurich. So when we first stepped out of the aircraft onto the Zurich Airport, icy-cold winds sent a chill down our spine! And that’s exactly how Switzerland welcomed us :) Not that we were surprised after watching snow covered cities from the aircraft itself!

What did surprise us is the cleanliness, the discipline and the friendly smiles of the airport officials. Traveling internationally for the first time, we couldn’t have picked a better destination. It took us hardly a minute to figure out our way around with all the perfectly marked signages and ever-helpful locals.

With all the immigration formalities done in a jiffy and luggage collected, we were more than excited to embark on our first Swiss rail experience.

The famous SwissRail, in my humble opinion, is a testament of human innovation and sustainability. Every good thing that we have heard about this modern train network system, be it its punctuality, extensive coverage or environment friendly coaches, is true! And to our luck we got to experience it at the very beginning of our trip as we began an hour-long journey to Lucerne.

Lucerne: A Gem Amongst Swiss Treasures

Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, amidst the majestic Swiss Alps, lies a destination straight out of our story books - Lucerne. With its quaint charm, medieval architecture, and stunning natural beauty, Lucerne did not take long to immerse us in its enchanting ambiance.

We stepped into a unique world where cobblestone streets lead to historic landmarks like the Chapel Bridge, adorned with vibrant frescoes, and the iconic Water Tower standing over the tranquil waters.

With a bit of drizzle, it was almost freezing outside, and yet it was mesmerising to lose ourselves in the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Town, where every corner reveals a story from centuries past. With every turn, there's always something to captivate all the senses.

And that’s not all! The natural wonders surrounding the lake can best be explored via a leisurely hour long cruise ride. The snow-capped mountains, the gorgeous city view and the majestic landscapes are definitely worth soaking in.

During our two day stay in Lucerne, we also explored the suburban areas of Kriens and Emmen. All with easy access to SwissRail. Kriens, where our hotel was situated lies at the foothills of Mt. Pilatus. The view all around is just so serene with all the mountains and well decorated homes.

Although we couldn’t explore Mt. Pilatus, we got our first taste of Swiss Alps soon enough in Mt. Titlis!

Mount Titlis: An Alpine Adventure

Rising majestically above the charming town of Engelberg, Mount Titlis is a symbol of awe-inspiring beauty in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

The journey began with an exhilarating train ride to Engelberg. The panoramic coaches of the Zentralbahn Express provided one of the most picturesque views of Switzerland's natural

landscapes and Lake Lucerne. As we traveled across the heart of Switzerland, every view outside was worthy of a postcard. Along the route, quaint Swiss villages and charming chalets dot the landscape, providing glimpses of traditional Alpine life.

The best is yet saved for the last. As we approached the Engelberg station after the final tunnel there was a dramatic transition from the green meadows to the snowfall! There was a gasp of excitement and happiness across the aisle when we were treated with this fairy tale moment. For a moment, be it a tourist or a local, everyone was connected with a smile of joy.

And that’s just the Engelberg station!

The journey to the summit begins with a breathtaking ride on the world's first rotating cable car, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys below. With snowfall all around, anticipation builds with every ascent, and soon we find ourselves amidst a winter wonderland unlike any other.

But as they say, all good things do come at a cost! Due to the heavy snowfall, we were unable to experience the Summit and all adventures with it. Nonetheless, our two stops midway to the summit made sure we enjoyed the snow to the fullest. And getting smacked with the snow on the back by your love is definitely worth it!

With Mount Titlis, it would be safe to say that we carried with us unforgettable memories of our first snowfall and alpine beauty of Switzerland!

In a span of just two days, Lucerne and Mount Titlis provided us with countless joyous memories, as we hopped on the Panoramic Express to our next stop - Interlaken.

Interlaken: Switzerland’s Gateway to Heaven

After what could be best described as an enthralling two hour ride through the best of Switzerland, we arrived at the fascinating town of Interlaken.

Interlaken is beautifully situated between two picturesque lakes - Thun and Brienz. Hence, the name Interlaken! If Lucerne was out of our story books, Interlaken is definitely from those fairy tales with its towering mountains, shimmering lakes and serene beauty.

We arrived at our hotel, situated at the outskirts of this beautiful town, with our jaws dropped. The surrounding farm lands, and snow-capped peaks made it look like out of movies! And this was our golden chance to experience our stay out of those tall concrete buildings and in a wooden palace!

Interlaken offers many adventures for thrill seekers like paragliding. As we weren’t too keen on taking those up this time, we spent our time here experiencing the city itself. Wandering through the Old Town, we explored the historic buildings and enjoyed some delicacies around. The charming streets of Interlaken with its beautiful flowers and gardens speak profoundly of its majestic beauty.

Lost in its beauty, we did find a bit of India here in one of India’s most celebrated directors - The Great Yash Chopra.

Interlaken, although so beautiful and stunning, is still just the beginning! It is the center to some of the most gorgeous natural wonders that Switzerland has to offer and we just can’t wait to take you there!

Jungfrau: Top of Europe

Perched atop the majestic Swiss Alps, Jungfraujoch stands as a true testament to nature's grandeur and mankind's ingenuity. Perhaps one of the most popular of Swiss destinations and rightly so!

The journey to this one of a kind place kicks off with a roughly twenty minutes train ride to the Grindelwald village via the Bernese Oberland Railway. Must I say how amazing the train ride was! Upon arriving at the Grindelwald Terminal station, we had a couple of choices to either take the famous Gondola Eiger express or to take the train way up to the Jungfrau railways. We decided to do both!

We ascended to the Eiger Glacier station via the Gondola ride - The Eiger Express. A roughly thirty minute ride filled with snow-capped peaks, cascading glaciers ahead and a beautiful town of Grindelwald in the background. With such beauty, it was difficult to decide what to capture and what not to! After a moment of clicking pictures, we just decided to soak it all in. It was stunning!

Upon arrival at the Eiger Glacier station, we witnessed something very different - a human engineering marvel - The Jungfrau railway. Built into the Eiger and Mönch peaks, this rail line takes us to the Jungfrau peak, the highest railway station in Europe. Almost the entirety of the journey is through the tunnel. A true feat of human will and determination.

Finally we arrived at Jungfraujoch, roughly three thousand four hundred meters above the sea level. Unlike Mount Titlis, the Sun was out and there was no snowfall. We were in for a treat as we stepped out into the open.

The largest glacier in the Alps, the Aletsch Glacier was shimmering in the sunlight with nothing but a sea of ice as far as the eyes could see. On the other side, one could literally look and say - they are on Cloud Nine or maybe even above that! All around we could see and feel the mammoth snow capped peaks. Winter fairytale has just come true!

But the adventure doesn't end there. Upon reaching out onto the Sphinx Observatory's panoramic terrace, we got a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks, a glimpse into a world rarely seen by most. The exhilaration of standing at the highest railway station in Europe, surrounded by the majesty of the Swiss Alps is difficult to put into words. One of the major highlights of this trip!

And yet, that’s not all. When was the last time you walked into an ice palace filled with some very neatly crafted ice sculptures? Jungfraujoch got you covered here as well. A unique and delightful experience indeed.

After spending hours, it still felt as if there’s just so much to see and capture in our hearts! The awe-inspiring beauty of this majestic winter wonderland is unmatched!

A day to remember forever!

We finally began our descent, but via the other route to the Kleine Scheidegg train station. Another beautiful station right in the middle of the Alps. The journey from here to Grindelwald is another adventure down the steep slope. This incline provides a great sight of this wondrous village in the lap of Swiss Alps.

Lauterbrunnen: Nature's Symphony in the Heart of the Swiss Alps

The following morning we woke up to some bright sunshine and amazing views of our balcony! After a day full of snowy adventure, it was time to get lost in the green meadows and majestic lakes of Switzerland!

Our first stop is a place surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. A lush green valley which many of us have seen on most of the Switzerland videos and is a symbol of its tranquility. Yes, we are talking about Lauterbrunnen!

Blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, this enchanting village will engulf all your senses with its marvellous scenic cliffs and secluded landscapes. We were told that there are 72 thundering waterfalls all around but of course like all other tourists, it was the Staubbach Falls which stole our hearts! One of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, Staubbach falls’ majestic cascade can be seen from almost every corner of the valley.

A simple walk in the town is an unforgettable experience. Time seems to have stood still in this magical masterpiece of Nature forever!

Brienz: A Lakeside Gem in the Heart of Switzerland

Interlaken, as we mentioned earlier, is situated in between two lakes. It would have been injustice had we not explored at least one of them. And so, detouring from our regular plan, we hopped on a train for a twenty minute ride to the village of Brienz.

Situated on the tranquil shores of Lake Brienz, surrounded by verdant forests and towering peaks, lies the romantic village of Brienz - a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

To our luck, we were greeted with warm smiles from locals on our train ride here. We learnt that Brienz is more than just a pretty village but a center of rich culture and craftsmanship. It's famous for its wood carvings, a skill that has been passed on through generations. And we could see the reflections of it as we wandered through its streets.

Upon reaching the shores of this magnificent lake, we took a stroll along the promenade to let our souls connect with nature. We could literally feel the pace of life slowing down. As we are drafting this write-up, a smile of happiness is on our faces that we were lucky enough to relish in this beautiful landscape.

The harmony of mankind with nature in this small village and all through this peaceful country is beyond imagination!

With all the golden memories, we returned to Interlaken. A few hours of shopping (now that’s a memory I would like to forget!) and after emptying our pockets, we were ready to bid adieu to this amazing happy place!

Zürich: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

After traveling for a couple of hours, we arrived at the largest city of Switzerland - Zürich. Completing the circle, Zürich would be our final destination in Switzerland for the next two days. A lively city that effortlessly blends modern innovation with its timeless medieval architecture.

What is that one thing that pops up in your mind when you first think of Switzerland? Need a hint? Something that melts in your mouth with exquisite flavour! Yes, you guessed it right - Swiss Chocolates! That’s exactly how we started off our first day in Zürich by visiting the ultimate chocolate attraction here - Lindt Home of Chocolate!

A thrilling insight into the history of Swiss chocolates, this place provides an experience like none other where you not just get to read but TASTE some of the most delicious chocolates! Yes, you heard it right! And then there’s the spectacular Lindt chocolate fountain that will transform you into a kid again for sure.

Finally, we visited the biggest chocolate shop in the World filled with every flavour one can think of! If only we could carry the whole shop back with us! Nonetheless, shopping here is an amazing experience in itself.

After a Willy Wonka ride, we made our way back to the Zürich Main Station (Zürich HB) for our only group trip of the visit. But before we go there, just a thought on how majestic the main train station is. Buzzing all day, its colossal medieval structure is a piece of art with more than twenty tracks and hundreds of shops.

After a heavy lunch, we headed for our half day group tour to Rhine falls!

A drive of about forty minutes through the mesmerising country lands brought us to Europe’s largest waterfall - Rhine Falls. This thunderous waterfall along with the scenic forest is a true testament to the mighty power of Mother Nature. The falls can best be experienced up close from a boat ride and also from the side cliffs. With the mist falling on our faces under the now afternoon Sun, it truly felt spectacular.

We then started off towards the northern boundaries of Switzerland towards the medieval village of Stein am Rhine. This well preserved town gave us a look into the 13th and 14th century half-timbered houses with their skilfully painted facades. A stroll around this place, situated on the banks of river Rhine, is like a walk in an art museum.

With a delicious gelato, served with a warm smile and a Namaste, our half day trip ended as we headed back to our main town of Zürich.

It had only been six days so far and yet it felt as if we had been here for years. Such is the vibe and warmth of this amazing place. With the last day setting in, we decided not to pack our schedule much but rather just relish the magic of this beautiful city, Zürich. And what better to do so if not with a long time friend!

On our last day, we met with Maneesha and had some warm conversations over lunch in the heart of the city. There's always a certain magic in reconnecting with an old friend and she had been our guide and mentor during trip preparations and planning. Laughing over our old college memories, reminiscing over our trips and everything in between! Time certainly seems to stop and takes us back to our carefree days!

Conversations were not the only thing we had, as she took us around the major shopping area of Zürich (which was closed as it was a Sunday) where one could find a store for almost every luxury brand there is and then some. We also walked across Lake Zurich to enjoy some of the spectacular views of the Swiss alps across the lake.

The Old Town and its medieval architecture - towering church spires, cobblestone lanes, and historic guild houses, whispered tales of a bygone era but its charm still remains. We explored the labyrinthine alleys, where hidden gems are awaiting at every corner, from cozy cafes serving up Swiss delicacies to artisan boutiques offering one-of-a-kind treasures. The Opera house situated just next to the lake is also an art in itself.

Getting lost in this historic city of culture and modern innovation along with an old friend was the best way to close out on our unforgettable trip.

The next morning, as we were gearing up to board the flight back to India, we had a smile of happiness on our faces. All the moments of the past week began to flash across our eyes - the crystal clear lakes, rolling green hills, the scent of pine, the captivating Swiss Alps and the warmth of the quaint villages.

All our smiles wouldn't have been so perfect without the exceptional service and continuous support from GT Holidays. Their personalised recommendations and seamless coordination made sure we focused on making unforgettable memories with ease.

Switzerland is indeed a haven where love blossoms amidst nature's grandeur and timeless elegance and unforgettable beauty.

Danke Zurich!

Until we conquer the Swiss Alps again, Namaste!