3-day trip to the swiss alps/ Switzerland: A dream come true

1. Planning

Whenever most of us wish to explore beyond our country, the first obvious dream destination that comes to mind is SWITZERLAND, such is the beauty of the country. Reason: matching infrastructure, connectivity, comfort to travellers & approach of Swiss people towards tourism industry is perhaps the reason, we have to visit this country, else we have more scenic, beautiful destinations in India, a good number, yet to be explored.

I got this opportunity to travel to Switzerland in September & let me tell you it was mind-blowing & we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

For any vacation trip, one needs to plan upfront for :

1) How to travel to that place

2) Where to stay

3) What to explore

4) Where & what to eat/will I get food to my taste.

2. Where to stay in Switzerland for maximum coverage

In fact, where to stay has to be addressed first, we had 3 options for staying in Switzerland.

1) Zurich: for the simple reason that both ways flights are available from this city to Delhi plus there are number of places to visit here. https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/portal/en/index.html

2) Luzern/Lucerne: Quiet place with famous chapel bridge and transport museum; ideally located & well connected to Zurich & Interlaken, http://www.luzern.com/en/index.cfm

3) Interlaken: On the junction of lovely Thun & Brienz lake & at the base base for Mt. Titlishttp://www.interlaken.ch/en/discover-interlaken.html

We decided to stay at Luzern after carrying out thorough research, having completed our trip, I must say it was a great decision.

3. Zurich arrival

We traveled to Zurich by flight from Delhi, on arrival, purchased a swiss pass at the adjoining railway station & took the next available train to Luzern (swiss passes are very economical & range of options is available, you have to choose wisely: for 3-4 day visit, it is advisable to go for a 3-day swiss travel pass, use this link to select pass. https://www.swiss-pass.ch/.

4. Zurich to Luzern

To travel from Zurich to Luzern is well equipped & maintained fully air-conditioned double-decker trains run on this route, one can select train from this link .http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html. Trains operate dot on time, so you can rely on their train timings & plan accordingly. Sample time table query http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe/en . It takes about 1 hr 10 min to reach Luzern from Zurich airport railway station.

When in Luzern, check-in in your selected Hotel, we preferred IBIS hotel. Well-equipped rooms with all facilities and a breath-taking view of Mount Pilatus view from the Hotel room itself. Mac Donald restaurant is within walking distance from this hotel, veg burgers are also available on their menu.

Best way to explore Luzern is through a boat trip on Luzern Lake, which is a great way to enjoy the beautiful region at a slow pace. The boats have first and second-class sections. The first class is usually on the upper deck. Also, there's either a restaurant or a bistro on board. We had the ride in the evening for about 2 hours ride, it was amazing & refreshing scenery all around the lake, still fresh in our memory.

A trip to Mount Pilatus was great & worth a visit on a good weather day(true for all mountains in alps)http://www.myswissalps.com/pilatus/gettingthere.

5. Luzern to Interlaken

The next day we travelled to Interlaken by train, an excellent train route with varying altitudes & marvellous scenery along the route. As you enter Interlaken Thun & Brienz lake welcome you. Once you reach Interlaken TITLIS & JUNGFRU have to be on your list. We explored Titlis & ride was amazing through a series of ropeways & on reaching the top, the feeling is awesome.

Missed JUNGFRU due to weather conditions. We had to add it to the next visit bucket list.

It was snow all around & sub-zero temperature. Had a great time there. Again I would say you have to be there in person to feel the aura of this amazing place in the Alps. You need a full day to visit Titlis from Interlaken, Evening back to Interlaken. Many Indian restaurants are now available in Interlaken. Night stay at Interlaken after a walk on the lake was quite relaxing.

Next day back by train to Luzern. Explored Transport museum, never thought that such a museum can exist, you need 4-5 hours to explore it. At the night, Leisure walk on the Famous chapel bridge of Luzern & its beautiful surrounding. Night stay at Luzern.

6. Back to Zurich

Next day early morning by 6 trains to Zurich. On the Swiss railway, there is a safe clock room facility at the station wherein you can place your luggage in a locker (big enough to accommodate 2 suitcases plus two backpacks). Having deposited the luggage, roamed around Zurich.

Had a boat ride on Zurich lake. Inhaled the enticing aroma of chocolate and then headed to the world-renowned Lindt Chocolate factory outlet. Enjoyed a lot of walking in between & returned to Zurich airport to travel back home with everlasting memories of this wonderful trip.

I have given you some insight into this amazing country, whenever you plan to visit, make use of the swiss alps forum on this link http://www.myswissalps.com/forum, I am also available at this link for your assistance.

Keep Exploring new adventures to stay positive & alive in the true sense …