Switzerland
The land of Mountains, Lakes, Watches and Choclates!
The land of Mountains, Lakes, Watches and Choclates!
Introduction
Switzerland is a very small country in central Europe and is one of the most beautiful stretches of land with over 200 mountains and 7000 or more clean, clear lakes.
Map of Switzerland
Switzerland is bordered with Germany, France, Italy and Austria. Around 25% of the population who live here are foreigners mainly people who came from the above European countries. The 4 national languages are German (64%), French (20.4%), , Italian (6.5%), and Romansh (just a little over 1%). Switzerland is one of the best places in the world to live, but it is a very expensive place for living.
My trip to Switzerland was by road from Pisa, Italy. Soon after crossing the border, I could see a different kind of landscape that is so beautiful with mountains and lakes. It took about 8 hrs to reach 'Interlaken' with a small stopover in Milan. Camping at Interlaken has an advantage that, it is easy to access and enjoy quite a few attractions- mainly the Jungfrau peak. This resort city is only 60 KM away from the capital city of Bern.
There are two different ways to reach this place using the public transport. Either by trains, or by a combination of cable car and trains. There are no direct trains from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch. The distance is covered in 3 sections with 2 change overs. The last section is covered by cogwheel trains and that is the only transport to go up to peak. The cogwheel train terminates at the Jungfraujoch terminal station. This railway line was built way back in 1912 and it is the highest-altitude railway station in Europe at 3454 meters.
Out of many things to see and experience at this place, it is the breath taking panoramic views of the glaciers and the green valleys that catches the eyes first. Views are as far as the eyes can reach! Parts of Germany and France are visible from this altitude.
Sphinx Observatory, that studies such fields as glaciology, medicine, cosmic ray physics, and astronomy has ultra fast lifts, and its multi level viewing Decks can be accessed by tourists and general public.
The Ice Palace, Lindt Chocolate making place, The Alpine Sensation are the other attractions. 'Snow Fun Park' offers many fun activities like ice slides, zip liners, etc for the adventure lovers. There is a helicoptor ride as well. In the Lindt chocolate making area, one can witness the real chocolate making process.
Snow Fun Park
' Top of Europe'
'Top of Europe'
Most part of these areas are covered in snow even in the summer. How thick may be the snow? Well, in some places the thickness of snow is more than a Kilometer !!
A 'funicular train system' is useful and least energy consuming when a transport system has to be extablished to go up and down a very steep hill or mountain. It consists of two trolly cars permanently attached to each other by a cable, which runs through a pulley at the top of the slope. Counterbalancing of the two cars, with one ascending and one descending the slope, minimizes the new energy input needed to lift the ascending car. Many hill stations in Europe and other countries have been using these systems from very old time (AD 1860s). In most places, they are still operational and some are even modernised. One of that, which was built more than a hunred years ago, is available in Interlaken to go up and down 'HARDER KULM'.
Funicular car
Funicular track
'HarderKulm' - also known as 'Top of Interlaken' is situated on the peak of a nearby mountain at 1322 meters above sea level. From the top of this mountain one can witness spectacular views of Interlaken, Unterseen, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and views of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
Harder Railway valley station is only a short walk away from Interlaken-Ost railway station. The Harder Railway valley station is the starting point (Lower side) and Harder Kulm is the last (Top) stop . A modern funicular trolly car takes only 10 minutes to reach the top. A short walk from the funicular landing area, is the top of this mountain. The first thing that catches the eye is a building that looks like a mini castle which is the 'Panorama Restaurant towers' with a seating capacity for up to 180 guests that is spread in two floors. Just outside the building there are stalls that sells food, coffee, and souvenirs. A few steps away is the glazed viewing platform of the Two Lakes Bridge, which guarantees panoramic views.
This place is also famous for its trekking tracks. To the best of my knowledge, the funicular trains do not operate in winter season. Please check the timings before planning a trip.
View from HarderKulm
' View from HarderKulm'
'Interlaken Ost'
Just walking around the streets of Interlaken is a pleasant experience. Especially by the side of the lake.
Lucerne is about 55 Kms from Zurich and can be reached by road or rail in 40-50 minutes. Well known for its preserved medieval architecture, this place has so much to offer for a tourist. 'Kapellbrücke' - (oh, no need to by-heart this name, it is the 'Chapel Bridge') that was created in 1333 is a typical example. The Jesuit Church and the Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne (KKL Luzern), The Gütsch Bahn slanting elevator (A funicular that got modified to a slanting elevator system) are some of the other attractions.
The glacer-garden-lucerne is a unique experience,and a trip to Lucerene cannot be complete without a boat / cruise ride through Lake Lucerene.
Gütsch
There is so much to talk about this small place. More details on Lucerene and Zurich in the next post......