Switzerland 2017 Part 1
We had access to their flagship lounge at Heathrow which is superb and as an extra treat, we booked Club Europe (Business class) for ourselves. Although the flight is only two hours, we were served a meal and drinks; this was going to be a very special trip!
Once we arrived at Geneva Airport, we took a train to Wengen via Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. The journey time was three hours, passing through some amazing scenery, although the time went so quickly as there was so much to see. Once we arrived in Wengen, we had pre-booked a Chalet Silence with Interhomes.
We needed to pick up keys for the chalet, which had been left in a post box for us to collect. I did a stupid thing and forgot to collect the directions plus information on, which I discovered the next day. So entirely my fault that we had to wander around looking around for the chalet we were staying in, until luckily I bumped into our Business Development Manager for Switzerland Travel Centre (STC) James, by accident while I was asking for directions. I hadn’t realised that James was living in this resort, and our chalet was near to his home. It was nice to see him again, and to meet his family. He has now moved to Switzerland after living in York. We met up for a drink before we went back home plus he gave us some advice and tips for travelling in Switzerland which was useful.
Our chalet was on a steep hill, but with great views of the valley. The studio had all modern facilities including kitchen and bathroom with an outside view overlooking the valleys. It took 20-30 minutes to get to the train station and the village of Wengen. We both knew we were totally unfit after walking up the hill each day out of breath. However, it’s a great alternative and a cheaper option to rent a chalet instead of staying in a hotel for 7 nights, which could be costly.
Wengen is a pretty village with no cars in this resort. There are shops, restaurants and bars, with a great atmosphere. You can get cable cars to other resorts from Wengen.
Day 1 - We took a train journey to Interlaken which was pretty to see the lakes. Interlaken has some great shops and restaurants so this resort is perfect for both winter and summer stays.
Day 2 - We went to Zermatt using our train pass (as it was valid for eight days, we took advantage of it!) My suggestion is buying it before you leave the U.K. as it’s great value for money and a convenient way of getting around Switzerland, plus the train is clean and punctual.
Arriving into Zermatt, we found more shops and a great choices of restaurants. This resort really comes alive for the skiing season in the winter. The Matterhorn is in this area but we didn’t go to there as the lift passes were very pricey. Maybe another time?
Day 3 - We took a really scenic train journey to Lucerne on Luzern-Interlaken express, again using our rail pass. The journey time was under two hours and we would say that this journey was the most stunning scenery on our trip. We passed many tunnels lakes and bridges on this journey. The train had a lovely dome carriage to capture the views, plus a restaurant carriage. We stopped at Merrigen on route, which was a lovely village. Once we arrived at the station we were greeted by the lakes with lots of boats including a paddle steamer which is a great way to explore the lakes and breathtaking scenery. Plus lots of lovely shops, restaurants and bars with a picturesque lakeside setting, against an impressive mountain backdrop. Architectural gems, such as the celebrated KKL Luzern by Jean Nouvel or the famous Chapel Bridge can be found here. Just WOW!
Day 4 - We went to Basel which advertises itself as “a feast for all the senses”. Living where they do at the meeting point of three countries, and on the Rhine, its people have a great deal of savoir-vivre. Good food and drink are as important to them as art and culture so when the museums and shops close their doors, Basel shows its more exuberant side with a lively nightlife and something for everybody of all ages to enjoy.
Day 5 - We went to Locarno which I have to say was was the highlight of my trip. The views were breathtaking both there and on the journey. They boast of 2,300 hours of sunshine per year and a church established after an appearance of the Virgin Mary - this is Locarno, the town with the warmest climate in Switzerland, located on the shore of Lago Maggiore. Southern Mediterranean plants such as palms and lemon trees flourish in Locarno and give the city its special charm. The heart of the city is the Piazza Grande, well-known for its annual film festival. The narrow lanes of the Old Town all lead to the Piazza. Castello Visconteo, a castle dating back to the 12th century, lies at the edge of the Old Town and you can see where parts have been preserved in its original state.
The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso is located above Locarno, in Orselina. Our guide book said that the church was established as a result of an appearance of the Virgin Mary, it is the most notable sight in Locarno, and boasts an extraordinary view of the city, the lake and the mountains.
Highlights
•Pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso – a holy place above Locarno with fantastic views over the town, lake and mountains.
•Old Town with Castello Visconteo – wander through the picturesque Old Town behind the Piazza Grande to the medieval castle with its archaeological museum.
•Verzasca valley and Maggia valley – romantic and largely unspoilt valleys in Locarno's hinterland. Bus connections from Tenero and Locarno.
•Lago Maggiore – swimming, water sports and excursions in, on and around the lake, e.g. to the Brissago Islands.
•Lido Locarno – a unique oasis for leisure, sport and wellness. The best equipped and most modern bathing complex in Ticino, it is open throughout the year with its thermal baths, swimming pools, water slides and leisure pools. The Lido Locarno is located by one of Lake Maggiore's most beautiful beaches and surrounded by an impressive seascape against the backdrop of the Alps.
On the way back to Wengen we went through the longest railway tunnel in the world. The Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) opened in 2016 with a route length of 57 km (35.4 mi) and a total of 151.84 km (94.3 mi)