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Mountains are calling

Switzerland is a God gifted country, bestowed with abundance of natural beauty. I had the opportunity to visit this country with my family, which is a dream come true, to say the least. The Swiss chocolates, watches and cheese are not the only attractions (though these are the first things that came to my mind while planning the trip) but Switzerland is actually a heavenly abode of nature. The Alps, the snow, the waterfalls, the cable cars, the rustling of trees, the sound of cowbells, the Swiss houses, these are some of its magical charms. So, stop thinking and head for the hills with your family or friends and don't miss a road trip along these alluring and unconventional places of Switzerland:

View from my suite window, Switzerland

Engelberg

Take a break from the busy city life and drive along this beautiful countryside of Switzerland. It takes just a walk in this picture-perfect alpine village and all your stress and agony disappear with the lush green landscapes, small Swiss cottages with smoking chimneys and soothing sound of cowbells of grazing cattle. These views are so enchanting that you will envy being a Swiss (I did). Jokes apart, don't forget to try the finger licking local cheesy pasta dish, “Älplermagronen” layered with potato and caramelized onion.

Early morning and light drizzle, Engelberg

Majestic Alps behind, Engelberg

Evening stroll, Engelberg 

Mount Titlis 

A snowcapped mountain of the Uri Alps at 10,000 feet from the sea level, it is home for the revolutionary world’s first rotating cable car “the Rotair”, spinning slowly and soaring high in the sky giving a 360° view of the Alps. A glacier cave, a Cliff Walk over Europe's highest suspension bridge, a multi-seater open-to-the-sky Ice Flyer chair lift are some of its jaw-dropping escapade, and if you are a skier then this is a must add in your bucket list. 

8-seater cable car, Mt. Titlis

80 seater Rotair (Image Courtesy: Web)

Bird-eye view from cable car


Mount Titlis

It is our hard luck that due to the bad weather condition and heavy snowfall, we could not experience the Ice-Flyer, so I hope Mt. Titlis will welcome me again in future with a bright sun above.

Cliff Walk and Ice Flyer Station

Thank God I carried my most heavy woolens, boots and gloves to experience this cold, snowy climate with permanent snow cover and freezing temperatures.


Interlaken

A traditional resort town in Central Switzerland built between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, thus the name Interlaken. With a picturesque view of the mountains of Jungfrau region, Interlaken is full of scenic beauty with old timber houses, parklands, dense forests, Alpine meadows and glaciers. 

Interlaken

A backpacker-friendly destination with almost endless variety of skydiving, canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding, and skiing.

Paragliding, Interlaken

To make yourself cozy and comfortable in the cold breezy climate, sip a cup of coffee at the Hooters Cafe which is a famous outlet for youngsters to hangout. 

Hooters Cafe, Interlaken

Cappuccino and Croissant, Hooters Cafe

Jungfraujoch

A saddle in the Burnese Alps hosting the Jungfraujoch Railway station which is the highest railway station in Europe. A ride by the vintage cogwheel train and you will witness a spectacular view of the Alps and Aletsch glacier. Trust me, it's a breathtaking experience to be at the top of Europe and witnessing a panoramic view of the snow-covered mountains.



Cogwheel Train, Jungfaujoch (Image courtesy: Web)


Lauterbrunnen

A valley of 72 waterfalls displaying steep rocky cliffs and the roaring Staubach falls, a real treat to the eyes. You can't afford to miss the unique Trummelbach falls which is a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain. 

Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen Train Station



Free advice from my personal experience, grab a hot cup of coffee and cheesecake at a cozy cafe here and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the majestic Alps.

                              
Cappuccino and Cheese Cake, Restaurant Trummelbach

Restaurant Trummelbach

Lucerne

Located on the shores of scenic Lake Lucerne, this dense city of Switzerland is known for its typical architecture and history. Out of many attractions of the city, the incomparable is the enthralling Chapel Bridge, a wooden bridge first erected in the 14th century which is the landmark of Lucerne. 

A building in Lucerne

Chapel Bridge



View from Chapel Bridge


Try the lip-smacking Bachmann ice cream here and carry back home the famous Swiss Lindt chocolates.


Bachmann

Swiss Chocolates

My scoop

Zurich

Located at the north end of Lake Zurich, it is the financial capital and upmarket banking city of Switzerland. 

Lake Zurich
Floral Clock, Zurich

Not to my surprise, it is the costliest city of the country, so planning to buy watches and chocolates here will be heavy on your pocket.

A busy street in Zurich

Rhine Falls

The largest and most powerful waterfall in Europe. A boat ride to the enormous rock in the midst of the waterfall and feeling its roar and vibration over me was a thrilling and lifetime experience. If you are daring enough, you can even opt for canoeing too.

Rhine Falls

Close view, Rhine Falls

It is rightly said “to walk with nature is to witness a thousand miracles” and Switzerland is full of miracles. So why the wait, the mountains are calling.










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