If you are someone living in Germany or any other south-western European countries and looking for a weekend escape, this is an ideal getaway. Started our drive from Stuttgart early morning around 5 AM on a BMW X1. Thanks to Schengen visa which permits entry to many European countries and Swiss in particular which is like the cherry on the cake. Anywhere between 6-7 hour drive(breaks included), the journey along the south German Autobahn highways and Bavarian Alps and green pastures and farm-lands with cattle grazing can be a tad long but a memorable one and is aptly called 'The Romantic Highway'. The drive past Zurich can get even more exciting with views of glacier-capped mountains, green meadows and vast lakes on either sides of the highway.
Gstaad is an upscale resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The mountain air and ambiance attracts guests year round from around the world and is a holiday destination for royals and celebrities. Gstaad is also known for its ski and cross-country slopes and winter hiking trails. After driving along the snow-capped hills and trees we reached the Glacier 3000 cable car station reception block. Keep your cameras and lenses ready as the journey on the cable car to the peak is something to die for, although short.
Once on top, head straight to the 'Peak Walk by Tissot' - the first and only suspension bridge to connect two mountain peaks and is open year round. The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains is spectacular. Other activities to indulge in on the top are,
Ice Express Chairlift, Alpine Coaster - The highest situated toboggan run in the world and
sliding fun in the Fun Park. The whole experience can take 2-3 hours. Last but definitely not the least is the season one is visiting in. If one wishes to ride on the adventurous Alpine coaster, plan the trip in summer as the winter glaciers force closure of this experience. But if you're a romantic at heart and love the scenic glaciers and greenery, then pay a visit just before the onset of winter.
We drove from Glacier 3000 to Les Diablerets where we had a hotel reservation. The location of this accommodation was just perfect with the hotel in the centre surrounded by snow-capped Alps. After a tiring day it was time to go to bed early. With limited options for vegetarians, we had decided to carry home-cooked food for lunch and dinner on Day 1. Do carry warm clothes and thermals as the room-heaters alone don't help.
The complimentary country-side breakfast with the 'stinking' goat cheese, breads and fruit juice didn't curb our appetite. Oh yes! Vegetarians can have a disastrous time and experience in Swiss trying to even find veg food/dishes. We decided to visit Chillon Castle at Montreux enroute our return to Stuttgart.
Montreux is a Swiss town on the shoreline of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. Chillon castle is a 14th century medieval gem nestled between the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva. Inside the castle there are several recreations of the interiors including the grand bedroom, hall, cave stores, three courtyards and a series of bedrooms open to the public. The castle looks like a fairytale fantasy and is surrounded by water. Undoubtedly a romantic escapade on the shores of Lake Geneva. With a heavy heart, we had to bid good-bye to the enchanting Swiss and a perfect romantic holiday and continue our return journey to Germany. One can hardly get enough of Swiss! Hardly!
