My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train!

Tripoto
4th Apr 2023
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna

Like most of the Indians I, too have grown up watching Yash Raj Films. So when we decided to go to Switzerland, all I could think of was all the Bollywood films shot there. Such is the impact!

We were all set to leave behind the charming streets of Paris and venture into the breath-taking landscapes of Switzerland. Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst into an unforgettable experience filled with stunning mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque towns.

Day 1

Day 1-

We started our day bright and early at 5:30 am, and after some inevitable delay (procrastination is my specialty), we finally got ready. Grabbing a quick breakfast, we left our hotel and hopped into a luxurious Mercedes cab (yes, even the taxis in Paris are classy!). Our starting point: Paris Gare Lyon, where our Swiss adventure awaited. Our goal was to reach Interlaken West, and the route was an exciting one: board the 7:53 train from Paris, with connecting trains at Lausanne, Bern, and finally, Interlaken West. The entire journey took around 6 hours, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of a breath-taking experience. The train journey through the Swiss countryside was undeniably the most mesmerizing and beautiful one I had ever witnessed.

As the wheels set in motion, the picturesque Swiss countryside came alive like a vivid painting. The train journey from Paris to Interlaken was a symphony of colours, with rolling hills, emerald-green meadows, and charming villages passing by. Upon reaching Interlaken, the Swiss Alps left me breathless, and I couldn't help but feel like I had stepped into a fairy-tale.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna

After settling into our cozy accommodation at Hotel Chalet Swiss, we decided to explore the stunning surroundings. Taking advantage of the complimentary bus ride included in our city tax, we hopped on a bus that whisked us away to the captivating Lake Thun. As the sun began its descent, we were treated to a breath-taking sunset. Taking our time to soak in the mesmerizing views, we embarked on a leisurely stroll back to our hotel. I must say, the walk was an absolute feast for the eyes, with picturesque scenery unfolding at every turn.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Day 2

Day 2-

We had an early breakfast & took the train to Interlaken Ost & then to Grindelwald terminal. The train ride from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch was one of the highlight of my Swiss adventure. As I ascended through the mountainous terrain, the train carved its way through tunnels, occasionally revealing glimpses of the awe-inspiring landscape. Emerging at the "Top of Europe," I found myself surrounded by a winter wonderland. The panoramic views from the Sphinx Observatory were surreal, with snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. The experience of standing atop Europe's highest railway station was truly unforgettable. And so was the Lindt chocolate haven, in the main building.

To commemorate the moment, we proudly received certificates as memory keepers of our visit to the Top of Europe!

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna

Later in the day, we ventured to the charming town of Lauterbrunnen, and let me tell you, words simply cannot do justice to its sheer beauty. Nestled amidst towering rock faces, the town is a sight to behold.

After a bit of searching, we were delighted to find an Indian restaurant where we savoured a heart-warming plate of biryani that filled not only our stomachs but also our hearts.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Day 3

Day 3-

Next on our Swiss odyssey was Lucerne, a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with stunning natural beauty. To reach Lucerne from Interlaken West, we embarked on a captivating train journey that took us through Bern, before finally arriving at our destination. As we strolled along the shores of Lake Lucerne, the iconic Chapel Bridge and the medieval architecture of the Old Town transported us back in time. I couldn't resist taking a leisurely boat ride on the lake, admiring the picturesque landscapes that seemed straight out of a painting.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Day 4

Day 4-

We made our way to the train station with excitement bubbling inside us. Boarding the train to Engelberg, we eagerly anticipated our visit to Titlis. Upon arrival in Engelberg, we wasted no time and headed straight for the summit. The journey to the top aboard the revolving cable car was nothing short of spectacular, treating us to breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. Stepping onto the summit felt like stepping into a postcard. The Ice Flyer experience added a thrilling twist, with the chill literally freezing us to the core. And of course, engaging in exhilarating snow activities heightened our excitement, making the entire experience an unforgettable adventure.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna

As we made our way back to Lucerne, we made a stop at the captivating city of Bern. Stepping out of the train, I found myself surrounded by a medieval ambiance. The cobblestone streets, clock towers, and historic buildings made me feel like I had stepped back in time. Exploring the Old Town, I stumbled upon the Einstein house, Bern Cathedral, Churches & Casinos.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna
Day 5

Day 5-

The last day, we embarked on a journey to Rumlang, with a convenient connecting train from Zurich. After arriving, we settled into our comfortable accommodation at Holiday Inn Express. Eager to explore, we hopped on a train to Neuhausen, where the magnificent Rhine Falls awaited us. The sheer power and beauty of the falls left us in awe, as the cascading waters roared and sprayed mist in all directions. It was a truly mesmerizing sight, and we couldn't help but be captivated by nature's grand spectacle.

Photo of My Enchanting Swiss Sojourn: From the Bustle of Paris to the Magic of Switzerland by Train! by Sharayu Bafna

Note: We had a Swiss Rail Pass for 4 days & for the last day we took a pass from Lucerne. To understand the Rail connectivity you can also use the SBB App. We had carried a lot of snacks & packed food. As it might get difficult to get vegetarian food & also its expensive.

As our Swiss adventure came to a close, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Switzerland had exceeded every expectation, captivating me with its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and warm hospitality. From the stunning beauty of Interlaken to the snow-clad wonderland of Jungfraujoch, from the medieval charm of Lucerne to the vibrant history of Bern, each destination had its own unique story to tell. The train journeys, with their panoramic views and seamless connections, added an extra layer of magic to the experience. Switzerland had not only left an indelible mark on my heart but had also ignited a desire to return and explore more of its hidden gems. Farewell, Switzerland, until we meet again!