For almost two weeks, my wife and I immersed ourselves in the wonders of Switzerland, a journey that felt as much about discovery as it did reflection. The towering Alps, serene lakes, and the quiet charm of Swiss villages were like scenes pulled from a dream, each moment etching itself into our memories. While I shared glimpses of our adventure on social media, the fast-paced nature of travel left little room for deeper reflections.
Now, as we prepare to return home, I find myself compelled to pause and capture the essence of this incredible experience. This summary serves as a chronological record of our activities, a roadmap of sorts, tracing our path through Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and rich cultures. From the bustling streets of Zurich to the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva, from the imposing peak of the Matterhorn to the historic corridors of Einstein’s home, each day brought new marvels and insights.
This summary only scratches the surface. Our journey through Switzerland stirred deep thoughts and emotions – from awe-inspiring cathedrals to majestic mountains and enriching cultural encounters. Each of these experiences merits a closer look. Hopefully in other writings, I should explore these moments in detail, sharing the insights and revelations that Switzerland has offered us.
For now, let this summary stand as a testament to our Swiss odyssey – a prelude to the more nuanced narratives yet to come. As we bid farewell to this breathtaking country, we carry with us not just memories, but a wealth of experiences waiting to be further examined and cherished.
Monday, September 2, 2024: The Journey Begins
At Dubai
Our journey began at Dubai Airport, a brief interlude en route to Zurich. The “silent airport” policy at Dubai International Airport (DXB) immediately caught our attention. Unlike most airports with their constant announcements, DXB’s approach to minimizing noise pollution created a surprisingly peaceful environment. Information was conveyed through digital displays, mobile apps, and well-trained staff, allowing travelers like us to relax more easily.
The airport’s artificial, almost futuristic atmosphere reminded me of places like Las Vegas and Singapore. There was a sense of strategic efficiency here, including a focus on human rights and quality of life. These observations made our wait intriguing as we anticipated our upcoming flight to Zurich.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024: Arrival in Switzerland
After a scenic 6-hour and 40-minute flight from Dubai, we arrived in Zurich. The stunning views of the Caspian and Black Seas during our flight set the tone for our arrival in Switzerland. The time shift from Manila to Dubai and now Zurich left us feeling as if time had stretched with every westward move.
Upon arrival, we purchased the Swiss Travel Pass, our key to the country’s highly efficient transportation system. Our first train ride took us to Luzern, a journey of about an hour and a half. The SBB Mobile app proved invaluable for navigating routes. The Swiss efficiency and the politeness of the people reminded me of Japan, with a friendly local woman even offering helpful advice during the ride.
In Luzern, we settled into our hotel and enjoyed our first meal in Switzerland – a simple dinner of salad, ham, bread, and fresh berries from a local grocery store. Dining al fresco on our hotel veranda, we noticed how, like in Paris, people in Luzern love outdoor dining. With the fresh air and late-evening light, our first dinner in Switzerland was perfect.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024: Scaling the Heights
Mt. Titlis
Our second day took us to Mt. Titlis, one of Switzerland’s iconic mountains. The train ride from Luzern to Engelberg was a spectacle in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss countryside. The lush, green landscapes prompted curiosity about Swiss agricultural practices, which maintain such pristine environments without heavy use of chemicals.
At 3,238 meters above sea level, Mt. Titlis offered a unique ascent via a series of cable cars. The thin air at the summit, with oxygen levels around 60-65% of sea level, brought back memories of my severe COVID-19 infection when my blood oxygen dropped below 80%. Unlike the barren summit of Japan’s Mt. Fuji, Mt. Titlis surprised us with its range of facilities, including cozy restaurants and souvenir shops.
Midway up the mountain, we encountered the incredibly beautiful Trübsee. The water’s clarity seemed almost unnatural, and I was surprised to learn that fishing is a popular activity here. Surrounded by lush green fields where cows grazed peacefully, we felt as if we had stepped into a different world—a tranquil haven far removed from the stresses of everyday life.
Thursday, September 5, 2024: Exploring Luzern and Moving to Interlaken
Attending Mass at Luzern
We began our day in Luzern by attending Mass at Franziskanerkirche. Despite the service being in German, we were able to participate, as the Catholic Mass is familiar worldwide. It was meaningful to experience Mass in a city where Catholicism was significant during the Reformation. We also visited the Church of St. Leodegar, another testament to the city’s Catholic roots.
Spots in Luzern
Our exploration of Luzern included visits to iconic sites like the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, and the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal), a powerful sculpture memorializing Swiss Guards killed during the French Revolution. We also explored Matthew’s Church (Matthäuskirche), the first Reformed church in central Switzerland, its simplicity standing in stark contrast to the ornate Catholic style.
Interlaken
After Luzern, we headed to Interlaken, a beautiful town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Although our original plan to take the Panoramic Express was thwarted by a recent landslide, the alternative journey was still scenic. We settled into a cozy Airbnb near Lake Thun, enjoying a simple dinner while anticipating the adventures ahead.
Friday, September 6, 2024: Alpine Adventures
Grindelwald
Our day was dedicated to exploring nature, starting with a trip to Grindelwald. The scenery reminded me of the classic anime, “Heidi, Girl of the Alps,” with its lush green hills and picturesque houses. We climbed Grindelwald First, offering amazing views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Our attempt to visit Lake Bachalpsee, while more challenging than expected, was rewarded with breathtaking views.
Lauterbrunnen and Mürren
Later, we visited Lauterbrunnen and took cable cars to Mürren, where we enjoyed a relaxing moment at an outdoor café, soaking in the majestic mountain and cliff views. The day concluded with a visit to Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen, where we were struck by the flawless beauty of the area—every corner was picture-perfect.
Saturday, September 7, 2024: From Iseltwald to Zermatt
Iseltwald
We started our day with a visit to Iseltwald, a picturesque village on Lake Brienz that has gained recent fame after appearing in the Korean drama “Crash Landing on You.” The contrast between this quiet rural village and its newfound international attention was striking.
Arrived at Zermatt
Leaving Interlaken, we made our way to Zermatt, the picturesque village at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. From our hotel veranda, we could see mountain peaks like Weisshorn and Zinalrothorn. The Matterhorn itself was visible from the town, although its peak was initially shrouded in clouds. The presence of webcams to check the weather around the peaks showed the town’s dedication to Matterhorn tourism.
Sunday, September 8, 2024: Matterhorn Moments
Perfect Reflection
Despite rainy weather, we set out to capture the perfect reflection of the Matterhorn on Stellisee lake. While conditions weren’t ideal, we managed to see enough of the mountain to compare it to the famous Toblerone logo. An unexpected encounter with a young couple who spotted a marmot added a touch of serendipity to our adventure.
Rothorn
We also visited Rothorn (Unterrothorn), standing at 3,103 meters. While clouds obscured most of the peaks, including the Matterhorn, the relative solitude at the summit allowed for some lighthearted photo opportunities.
Dinner at Zermatt and Matterhorn Sighting
For dinner, we visited Du Pont, one of Zermatt’s oldest and most traditional restaurants, enjoying local specialties like veal sausage with Rösti and raclette. After dinner, despite the earlier rain, we were treated to a brief but mesmerizing view of the Matterhorn. This fleeting glimpse, combined with our visit to the Matterhorn Museum earlier in the day, deepened our appreciation for the mountain’s history and allure.
Monday, September 9, 2024: Lake Geneva and Chillon Castle
Entering the second half of our journey, we headed towards Lake Geneva. En route to Geneva, we visited Chillon Castle near Montreux, immersing ourselves in its medieval atmosphere. The castle’s most significant story involves François Bonivard, a Geneva patriot whose imprisonment inspired Lord Byron’s poem “The Prisoner of Chillon.” This visit offered a fascinating glimpse into the complex religious and political history of the region.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024: Geneva and Gruyères
St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva
Our day began with a visit to St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, a profound experience that highlighted the blend of Catholic and Protestant traditions. The contrast between the ornate exterior and the minimalist interior spoke volumes about the theological transition that took place during the Reformation. As someone with both Presbyterian and Catholic connections, I found this intersection of faiths deeply moving.
Gruyères
From Geneva, we traveled to the charming village of Gruyères, fulfilling my wife’s wish to visit its famous cheese factory and museum. The experience of savoring special cheese fondue while surrounded by the calm, picturesque Swiss countryside made for an unforgettable day.
Arrival at Bern
We arrived in Bern late at night but couldn’t resist a quick exploration of the old town, including a glimpse of the iconic Zytglogge clock tower.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024: Bern’s Cultural Treasures
Einstein’s House
Visiting Einstein’s modest apartment in Bern, where he developed his groundbreaking theories, was a highlight of our trip. Standing in the rooms where Einstein formulated ideas that changed our understanding of the universe deepened our appreciation for how much these theories have shaped our world.
Paul Klee’s Museum
Our visit to the Paul Klee Museum deepened my appreciation for Klee’s connection to the Bauhaus movement. The museum’s architecture, designed by Renzo Piano, seemed to embody Bauhaus principles, creating a fitting backdrop for Klee’s revolutionary work.
The Zytglogge in Bern
Reflecting on our visits to Einstein’s house and the Paul Klee Museum, we couldn’t help but see the Zytglogge clock tower as a symbol that ties together Bern’s medieval past and its forward-thinking spirit. It served as a reminder that in Bern, time is both measured and transcended.
Thursday, September 12, 2024: Bern’s Religious and Cultural Heritage
Churches in Bern
We visited two prominent churches in Bern: the Bern Minster and Kirche St. Peter und Paul. The contrast between these churches revealed much about Bern’s religious journey, from its Catholic origins to its Protestant present, while still accommodating its Catholic minority.
Museums in Bern
Before heading to our final destination, Zurich, we spent several hours visiting three museums in Bern:
- The Museum of Communication
- The Bern Historical and Einstein Museum
- The Alpine Museum
Each offered unique insights into different aspects of Swiss culture, science, and history.
Arrival at Zurich
As evening approached, we arrived in Zurich, our final destination. The city’s blend of medieval structures and modern elements created an intriguing atmosphere as we prepared for our last two days in Switzerland.
Friday, September 13, 2024: Final Swiss Experiences
Rhine Falls
Our visit to Rhine Falls was a majestic surprise, its power and beauty contrasting with the peaceful Swiss countryside.
The Home of Chocolate
At the Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, we indulged in tasting various chocolates and marveled at the impressive nine-meter chocolate fountain.
A Shopping Mall in Zurich
Our final day included a visit to Sihlcity, a shopping mall near our Airbnb. I spent time in the Lüthy Buchhaus bookstore, noting the predominance of German-language books and reflecting on Switzerland’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
As our time in Switzerland draws to a close, I’m left with a deep sense of gratitude for the journey we’ve had. From the peaks of the Alps to the shores of its lakes, from historic churches to bustling cities, Switzerland has shown us beauty in its most varied forms. While each place we visited left its own unique impression, what stands out most is the feeling of connection—to nature, to history, and to each other. As we return home, I carry with me not just memories of stunning landscapes, but also the lessons of calm and reflection that this trip offered. This journey through Switzerland will undoubtedly stay with us for years to come, a testament to the country’s timeless beauty and rich cultural tapestry.
Tom’s Blog 