|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poonam Batth and Priyanka Singh discover the umpteen delights of Switzerland on a recent trip
YOU just can’t get enough of Switzerland. Land, water and sky merge with each other in a series of master strokes by an invisible hand. Picture-perfect, you think. Pine-forested valleys, rolling meadows dotted with multi-hued tulips, clear lakes and snow-dusted mountains roll across the sight. Like in a fairy tale, Switzerland is known for all those things that make life deliciously romantic — chocolates, wine and cheese, castles, mist-covered boat rides, friendly forests and music. At every corner or square, the soft strains of a violin or a guitar waft across, enveloping the senses with their musical shimmer. Trendy Zurich You can make Zurich, spread on both sides of the Limmat river, your base to travel around Switzerland. Known as the "little big city," it is a favourite with business travellers and holiday-makers. Take a guided walk through the old medieval town, Alstadbummel, showcasing the city’s past and present. The three-hour walk takes you through the main shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse, known for having the world’s highest real estate prices, historical Limmatquai, view of Lindenhof, where the brave women of Zurich saved the city from the invaders, museums, Chaggal windows, the commercial centre and the university district. You should not miss your date with the three striking churches — the Grossmunster, St Peter’s and Fraumunster. While in St Peter’s, admire Europe’s largest clockface. Shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, lined with elegant boutiques and exclusive watch showrooms, is an unforgettable experience. The city has an entertaining night life with bars and discotheques. A cruise on the lake is refreshing as you pass through picturesque villages at the foot of hills. The view of the city on one side and snow-covered mountains on the other is gorgeous. The 87-mt Uetliberg is Zurich’s signature mountain from where you can see the city spread at your feet. A train leaves every 20 minutes from the main station and takes 20 minutes to get there. Don’t forget to climb the tower ( 2700 ft/90m) for an even better view. And if you go late in the evening, you can see the splendid city by the night.
Medieval Berne Berne, the Swiss capital, is best explored on foot. It is a beautifully preserved medieval town and has been designated a world cultural heritage city by Unesco. A stroll through the arcades takes you to the late-Gothic Munster where your attention is drawn towards the main portal depicting the Last Judgement. The next stop is the Bear Pits where heraldic animals love carrots. Further, along the Aare river is the Schwellenmatteli where the smart set chill out in lounge chairs on water. Berne is also famous for the Federal Building, clock tower, medieval fountain, wildlife park and the museum of art. The longest and the most beautiful shopping centre of Switzerland features miles of arcaded arbours and baroque sandstone houses. You must climb, as we did, the 344 steps of the 101-metre Munster Tower with a vantage point. Its famous astronomical calendar clock dates back to the 16th century. For art lovers, Berne offers a kaleidoscope of 12 museums. The museum of fine art houses the largest Paul Klee collection in the world and works by other leading artists. Lively Lucerne Quaint streets, loud carnival folklore, museums, churches, sports events, theatre evening, concerts and the beauty of placid Lake Lucerne, the city has much to offer. If museums or cultural events are not your style, a walk through the maze of old streets, bridges, promenades dotted with fountains and frescoed buildings is sure to liven you up. For those even faintly interested in art, a visit to the Picasso museum is a treat. The wooden Chapel Bridge with its gabled paintings, blue waters and the majestic Alps in the backdrop makes for a fantastic view. A not-to-be-missed monument is that of the "dying lion of Lucerne". Hewn out of natural rock, it commemorates the heroic death of Swiss guards while defending the palace. The water tower, the rail and transport museum, Jesuit Church (one of the largest baroque churches of Switzerland), the Culture and Convention Centre, Glacier Garden (a discovery trip through 20 million geological years), Hofkirche (the most important renaissance church of Switzerland) and Grand Casino Luzern are the other must-sees. Dreamy Interlaken Sandwiched between Thun and Brienz lakes, Interlaken is a dreamy vision of quiet beauty. An hour off from the valley is the favourite Bollywood destination, Gstaad, with its low mountains and deep greens. No processing tricks here, the blues and greens are as they appear on screen! The major attractions here are the Mystery Park, Schilthorn, where over 200 peaks come into gradual view from the world’s first mountaintop revolving restaurant, Trummelbach falls (comprising glacier waterfalls) and the famous "top of Europe" Jungfraujoch summit which offers a view of six countries. From its lush river valleys, rolling green hills filled with fruit trees and cows, to its glacial alpine passes, this small nation is truly a natural treasure. An ideal getaway from the scorching heat of the Indian plains at this time of the year. |
|||
|
|
|||
