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ALL ABOUT SWITZERLAND PART 2
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 4-4-2012 03:19
ACCOMMODATION
Zurich - Pension St Josef ([email protected])
CHF230 - family room for 4 people + breakfast
10 mins to Zurich Main Train Station, tapi kena naik bukit but very near to Zurich Old town, and Bahnhofstrasses - the famous shopping street !
Lucerne - Hotel Alpha ([email protected])
CHF217 - family room for 4 people + breakfast
20 mins to Lucern Train Station, about 10 mins walk to Lucern Old Town
Lucerne - Hotel Pickwick ([email protected])
CHF250 - family room for 4 people (2 bedrooms) + breakfast
10 mins to Lucern Main Station, in Old Town, facing the Chapel Bridge
Interlaken - Quality Hotel ([email=city-[email protected]]city-[email protected][/email]
CHF140 - double + breakfast
less than 10 mins walk to Interlaken West Train Station, close to a halal kebab store and McDonald's !
Lausanne - Lausanne Guest House ([email protected])
CHF140 - quad (double-decker beds), no breakfast
less than 10 mins walk to Lausanne Train Station tapi kena naik bukit |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 28-3-2012 23:43
PIZ GLORIA
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 11-4-2012 02:38
RESERVED
- Berne — an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street; great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs
- Basel — the traveller's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace
- Geneva — this centre of arts and culture is an international city home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations
- Interlaken — the outdoor and action sports capital of Switzerland; anything from skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking, white-water rafting, to canyoning
- Lausanne — scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws
- Lucerne — main city of the Central region with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights
- Lugano — a gorgeous old-town, a pretty lake, and the food is simply amazing
- Zurich — a major centre of banking and has a thriving nightlife
Other destinations- Grindelwald — the classic resort at the foot of the Eiger
- Rhine Falls — the largest falls of Europe, close to Schaffhausen
- Zermatt — famous mountain resort at the base of the mighty Matterhorn
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 11-4-2012 02:41
RESERVED
Here is short list of the most remarkable railway lines:- The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, a 8 hours travel in the Swiss Alps.
- The Bernina Express from Davos / Chur to Tirano, the highest transversal in the Alps, high mountain scenery.
- The Jungfraujoch railway, from Interlaken (560 meters) to the Jungfraujoch station (3450 meters) in two hours. Definitely the most impressive journey in the Alps.
- The Gornergrat railway, departure from Zermatt to the 3090 meters high Gornergrat.
- The Mount Rigi railway, oldest mountain train in Europe.
- The Mount Pilatus railway, from Lucerne to the top, the steepest railway in the world.
- The Lötschberg is a line connecting Berne and Brig, not considered as a mountain train but still impressive scenery.
- The Gotthard with its many spirals connecting Lucerne and Bellinzona
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 11-4-2012 02:43
RESERVED
The seven wonders- The Castle of Chillon: near Montreux
- The Lavaux vineyards: on the shore of Lake Geneva
- The Castles of Bellinzona: in the southern canton of Ticino
- The Abbey of St. Gallen
- The Top of Europe and the Sphinx observatory: a "village" with a post office on the 3,500 metres high Jungfraujoch above Wengen
- The Grande Dixence: a 285 metres high dam, south of Sion
- The Landwasser viaduct: on the railway between Chur and St. Moritz
The seven natural wonders- The Matterhorn: from Schwarzsee, Gornergrat or simply from the village of Zermatt
- The northern walls of the Jungfrau and Eiger: two of the most celebrated mountains in the Alps, they can be seen from the valley of Lauterbrunnen or from one of the many summits that can be reached by train or cable car
- The Aletsch Glacier: the longest in Europe, the Aletsch wild Forest is located above the glacier, best seen from above Bettmeralp
- The lakes of the Upper Engadine: one of the highest inhabited valley in the Alps at the foot of Piz Bernina, they can be all seen from Muottas Muragl
- The Lake Lucerne: from the Pilatus above Lucerne
- The Oeschinensee: a mountain lake with no rivals above Kandersteg
- The Rhine Falls: the largest in Europe, take a boat to the rock in the middle of the falls
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 13-5-2012 01:51
Lauterbrunnen Travel Guide
Lauterbrunnen is a small town 10km from Interlaken, to which it is connected by road and rail. It is spectacularly sited at the entrance to the Lauterbrunnen valley - 400m white cliffs topped with pines and dotted with waterfalls.
Lauterbrunnen is well served by public transport, being on one leg of the rail line up to the Jungfraujoch (at 3454m, the highest train station in Europe), and the Lauterbrunnen region has numerous cog-[color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]railways, gondolas, cable-cars and funicular railways making getting around very easy indeed.
Above Lauterbrunnen, above the valley on either side are the car-free villages of Wengen and Murren (visitors can [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]park in the large car-park at the south end of Lauterbrunnen and carry on up via train or on foot). The scenery is magnificent, with a glorious mountain view around every corner, and the comprehensive transport network means that one can ride up the tough bits, and walk along the edge of the valley wall. Though going up or coming down the 400 to 800 metres from the top of the valley can be tough on the knees, it is the only way to see some of the views. Of course there are so many spectacular sights in this region that it's impossible to miss out completely.
The town has two banks, each with an ATM outside.
LAUTERBRUNEN ACCOMMODATION
ternen Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen. Tel & fax: +41 33 855 20 08,
[email protected].
Cheap, homely and the hosts are sound. One place you won't want to leave & somewhere you recommend to travellers, friends and family. Set in the heart of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, just up the road from the train station and minutes from Staubbach Falls, you feel your in a fairy tale land where you need to blink several times just to allow your brain to accept that your really there. Dorm: chf 25 (bargain).
Camping Jungfrau Lauterbrunnen, Lauterbrunnen.
Tel: +41 33 856 20 10,
[email protected].
Zum Berggeist, Im Feld, Postfach 22, Lauterbrunnen.
Hotel Crystal [5], Lauterbrunnen. Tel: +41 33 856 90 90, [email protected] |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 9-5-2012 00:04
Getting to Jungfraujoch
start at Interlaken Ost station
catch the BOB train up to Lauterbrunnen
then transfer to the WAB train up to Kleine Scheidegg, passing through Wengen
from Kleine Scheidegg take the Jungfraubahn train through the tunnel to the top |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 9-5-2012 00:20
Important Information on Bern
Geography: Lying in the western region of Switzerland, Bern is a part of the Swiss Plateau.
Culture: Just as the whole of Switzerland, Bern is also governed by a variety of cultures. Bernse-German is the dialect spoken here.
Sightseeing: The Zytglogge is a clock tower with moving puppets. The city also has cathedrals built in the 15th century. Since Bern is the state capital, it houses the Parliament and other federal administrative buildings. Bern has a bear pit where you can still see bears.
The Garden of Roses is a beautiful place where you can see all kinds of roses and also get a panoramic view of the city.
Travel to Bern means visiting the old town that has one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.
Fairs and Festivals: The annual Zibelemarit or onion market is a fair held in November. It draws quite a few tourists. The International Jazz Festival held here is also famous.
Important Information on Geneva
Geography: The city lies at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva. The lake joins River Rhone here. The Alps and the Jura surround the city.
Culture: French is the most widely spoken language here. Geneva houses quite a few international organizations, including the European headquarters of the United Nations. The University of Geneva, founded in 1556, is one of the oldest in the world.
Sightseeing: The Jet d’Eau or water jet is the landmark of the city. This 140-meter high water fountain is situated in Lake Geneva and is visible from almost all corners of the city.
A visit to the Flower Clock is a must during your travel to Geneva. Geneva has a beautiful Art and History Museum as well.
Fairs and Festivals: L’Escalade (scaling of the wall) is one of the biggest events in the history of this city. On the night of 11 December 1602, Geneva got its 'independence' from a series of assaults that had threatened the city's existence. L'Escalade Festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in the old town area. Parades of horses, canons and armed personnel are a must-see sight during travel to Geneva.
Important Information on Zurich
Geography: The city is situated at the intersection of Lake Zurich and River Limmat. Surrounded by Zurichberg and Uetilberg Hills, it has overflowing natural beauty.
Culture: Zurich is well known for its multilingualism. You will find a big number of Germans, French, Italians and English during travel to Zurich. Thus, almost every second person here is bilingual. The city has quite often been termed as the city with the highest quality of life. It is considered to be safe, progressive and a big contributor to the country’s economy.
Sightseeing: Travel to Zurich means you get to see the 2850-feet high Uetilberg Mountain. Adventure lovers will love the challenges posed by this mountainous track. The Rathaus Hall built in early 17th century houses the canton Parliament and is built over the Limmat River. The Swiss National Museum was built in 1890 and surely deserves a visit during your tour to Zurich. Various exhibitions are held here throughout the year. The Predigerkirche Church, built in the 13th century, has interiors as old as 1600 AD. During Christmas, this place becomes the hub of all tourist activity |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 9-5-2012 00:36
Important Information on Interlaken
Geography: Interlaken is somewhere in between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The Aare River also flows through the town.
Culture: There are only about 7000 people inhabiting Interlaken. However, the town is well connected to other cities and hence influenced by them. It is one of the biggest tourist hubs in the country. Travel to Interlaken will showcase various cultures prevalent in Switzerland.
Sightseeing: Travel to Interlaken involves a visit to the magnificent Jungfrau Mountain. At a height of 4158 meters, it is the home ground for adventure sports in the region. During your tour of Interlaken, do not forget to visit the village of Brienz. Lush greens and traditional handicrafts are in abundance here.
Events: The Jungfrau Marathon, one of the best-known mountain marathons in the world, starts from Interlaken. It takes place in September every year and witnesses participation of more than 3500 athletes.
Important Information on Zermatt
Geography: Zermatt is located at the foot of Mount Matterhorn and is at a height of 1625 meters. It is a part of the Valais Canton and is just 10 kilometers from the Italian border. This valley cannot be crossed by road as it is a dead end - a glacier as high as 3000 meters traverses Zermatt.
Culture: Zermatt is basically an agricultural community that has managed to carve a niche for itself in the tourism sector, thanks to its world-class ski resorts. Being close to the Italian border, the village has been hugely influenced by their culture. But, the majority here speaks German and is Roman Catholic.
Sightseeing: For once in your life you will be free of honking motors and pollution. Travel to Zermatt, Switzerland is all about exploring the scenic beauty of the place on foot.
In the summers, tourists love to go for rock climbing, trekking and mountain biking. Whereas, in winters you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In fact, local authorities have arrangements for a helicopter tour over the huge Mt Matterhorn. Riding in a helicopter for over 15 minutes and looking down at the fascinating snowy peaks, is a once in a lifetime experience during travel to Zermatt, Switzerland.
Important Information on Lucerne
Geography: Located on the banks of Lake Lucerne, the city is close to the fascinating Mount Pilatus. It is part of the Canton of Lucerne.
Culture: Lucerne has always been a major center for Roman Catholics. The city is a good fusion of urbanization and medieval European culture. It has a population of about 80,000 people who come from diverse walks of life.
Sightseeing: The Chapel Bridge is the biggest tourist attraction during travel to Lucerne, Switzerland. It is a 204-meter long wooden bridge built over Lake Lucerne in 1333. It runs alongside the famous Water Tower that is built in the shape of an octagon.
The Mill Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Europe. Built in 1408, it has quite a few 17th century paintings. The twin towers of the St. Leodegar Cathedral are atop a hill nearby the lake.
Travel to Lucerne, Switzerland has to include a visit to the Cultural and Convention Center that has one of the world’s best concert halls.
You can take a tour to Mount Pilatus via cable cars. From here, you can have a panoramic view of the whole city and the faraway Swiss Alps as well.
Fairs and Festivals: The Lucerne Classical Music Festival is held every year in the summer. It witnesses a big conglomeration of artistes from all over the world. The Festival Rode d'Or or Golden Rose is a television award show held in Lucerne every spring. Television personalities attend this show in huge numbers.
Important Information on Locarno Geography: Locarno is a part of the Canton of Ticino and is located on Lake Maggiore.
Culture: Locarno was a seat of the Dukes of Milan in Italy. It has been included in Switzerland since 1516. Hence, the culture of the city is a mix of both the countries. With a population of 17,000 people, Locarno is a noteworthy city during travel to Switzerland.
Sightseeing: The Locarno Castle is a marvel of architecture. Many historians tend to believe that the great Leonardo da Vinci had designed it. The city has a number of art galleries that deserve a visit during travel to Locarno, Switzerland. The Church of Madonna del Sasso is a fascinating place of worship in the city.
The Astrovia Locarno is the perfect place for wannabe astronomers. This mini solar system can be explored on foot or by cycle.
Fairs and Festivals: The annual Locarno International Film Festival witnesses the who’s who of the world of films and the media. Founded in 1946, this festival is held in August and should definitely be a part of your itinerary during travel to Locarno. The Piazza Grande or the central square is the venue for the festival. It is an open-air screening space capable of seating 8,000 people |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 9-5-2012 00:43
Important Information on Montreux Geography: To the north of Lake Geneva lies the picturesque town of Montreux. It is a part of the Canton of Vaud. It is close to the Simplon Pass that once led to the Roman capital of Aventicum.
Culture: Maximum parts of Montreux have traces of Roman culture due to the town’s proximity to Italy. It is a quiet and safe tourist destination.
Sightseeing: Strolling around Lake Geneva is the favorite tourist activity during a tour to Montreux. A huge statue of Queen singer Freddie Mercury is placed in the main square of the town.
Chateau Chillion is the place from where you can have a fabulous view of the entire lake and the town around it.
A visit to the Montreux Casino is also mandatory during travel to Montreux, Switzerland.
Mountain Studios, a famous recording studio for international artistes is located here.
Noted Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov breathed his last in Montreux. His grave is also an interesting site for tourists.
Fairs and Festivals: Montreux is the city of festivals in Switzerland. The Montreux Jazz Festival is an annual event held here since 1967. Organized on the shores of Lake Geneva, it is a big platform for jazz artistes from all over the world. The Golden Rose television awards were held here annually until the year 2003. However, the show has now shifted to Lucerne.
Important Information on St. Moritz
Geography: St. Moritz is located in the Engadine valley, which is part of the Canton of Graubunden.
Culture: St. Moritz is gradually growing into a big tourist center. A number of people belonging to various regions and countries come here all through the year. Hence, the culture of the town is a mixture of the west and the east.
Sightseeing: Train rides through the Alpine mountains are a must during travel to St. Moritz. You will feel very close to nature and can also get a panoramic view of many cities of Switzerland. The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, one of Europe’s premier hotels is also situated here. Excursions to the Engadine Valley and the Swiss National Park should be part of your travel to St. Moritz.
Important Information on Lugano
Geography: Lying in the southeastern part of Switzerland, Lugano is a part of the Ticino Canton. The city is bordered by Italy and lies at the intersection of Lake Lugano and River Cassarate.
Culture: Since the city is very close to Italy, it has become more or less Italian in character. It has about 53,000 inhabitants maximum of who speak Italian and are Roman Catholics.
Sightseeing: Apart from enjoying various mountaineering activities, you can go around exploring the nightlife of the city while touring Lugano. The city has a number of museums, the best being the Modern Art Museum and the Museum of Extra European Cultures.
The Swiss Miniature Village is an amusement center for kids. Buy reasonably priced tickets and experience the beauty of Switzerland in one go.
Fairs and Festivals: The Lugano Festival is an annual affair held to promote various art forms of the country. It fosters the image of Lugano as a developing tourist center on an international level. It is a greatly awaited event for classical and jazz music lovers.
Important Information on Basel
Geography: Basel is located on River Rhine and is bordered by Baden (Germany) and Alsace (France). It is part of the Swiss half-canton Basel-Stadt.
Culture: Because of its proximity to two major European powers, Basel reflects the culture and heritage of all these nations. Thus, it is known as one of the culturally richest cities of the world. In fact, it was conferred with the award of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in the year 1997.
Sightseeing: Basel houses the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation, built in 1459.
Munster is a beautiful monument supported by two towers. It is an architectural beauty and houses the tomb of Dutch scholar Erasmus.
Travel to Basel means you get to see the tallest building in Switzerland, the Basler Messeturm or the Basel Trade Fair Tower that is 105 meters tall. The Art Museum in Basel is also worth a visit.
Fairs and Festivals: The carnival of Basel is the biggest festival for the people of the city. Lasting for 72 hours, it is the biggest event in the Switzerland. No tourist can afford to miss this gala during travel to Basel. |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 13-5-2012 01:43
Zurich
The Old Town consists of narrow streets which can be easily explored on foot. Along the riverside, you can find baroque guildhouses that tell their own version of the city's past. Winding streets that show a nostalgic Zürich or maybe even expose the city's fringe - just give way for the enthusiasm this inspirited and colourful (both with houses and people) city appeals. You will find a myriad of small boutiques, antique shops, bars and cafes in the Old Town on the left bank of the Limmat.
The main shopping area is concentrated nearby the main train station ('Hauptbahnhof'). Stroll down the famous 'Bahnhofstrasse' - one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe - towards 'Paradeplatz' and the lake. Here you will find all sorts of elegant boutiques, department stores and specialist shops with a rich selection of high quality goods. When you feel like it, take a tour on the river so you can lay eyes on the nice skyline of Zürich.
If you are on a budget, you do not have to avoid the city. Try doing just the windows shopping on Bahnhofstrasse, but move over to the other side of the river Limmat for your catering needs. The Niederdorf offers plenty of cheaper places to buy, eat and drink. Although considered Zürich's most touristy area, you still find some pretty genuine places here - just wander through the narrow lanes with their old houses, many of which date back to the 14th century.
Besides being a business centre and a shopping paradise (for the wealthy, that is), Zürich is known for 'culture': Old Churches, such as the 'Grossmünster' and the 'Fraumünster' with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall; art galleries with the finest collections, amongst them Chagall, Miro and Picasso and museums for all sorts of tastes. Try to stay at least two days. This will give you the time to explore not only the city by daylight but also Zürich's exciting and varied nightlife, ranging from jazzy bars and popular discos to cabaret performances in smokey clubs.
If you plan to stay over night, Zürich offers a wide variety of amusements. There is not only the famous Schauspielhaus (which kept German drama alive during the 2nd world war), but some small but fine theatres with less well known ensembles that offer exquisite drama. As for a small city of less than 400,000 inhabitants, Zürich also has excellent movie theatres (for a price, though). Unlike in Germany, movies here are not dubbed and mostly shown in their original language with German and French subtitles - and usually you'll see good copies.
However, if you want to get in touch with the aboriginals here, you have to make your way into areas likeAussersihl (Zürich's still very lively working class district with plenty of good foreign restaurants and an astonishing diversity of people from all kinds of nations) or the newly developped center ('Zürich West') around Escher-Wyss Platz , which was the former inustrial area of the city. Here you find the "in" places: bars, restaurants, clubs, all of which are frequented by the locals and offering a more insider sight of the richest city in Europe.
if you got some good weather and an afternoon and night spare, get a city and public transport map and do this:
(this is an advice from a local here to a visitor/friend coming over for a weekend)
Start off at station 'Feldeggstrasse' (Tram 4 from 'Bellvue' or Tram 2 from 'Opernhaus'/Train Station 'Stadelhofen') and head down towards the lake. Down at the lake boarder turn left towards 'Zürichhorn'(little land-nose in the south) and enjoy a nice walk. Just behind the Restaurant at 'Chinawiese'/'Plattnerwiese' is the Boat/Ferry landing place (Zürichhorn Casino) which Brings you back up to the central north.
Get off the boat at 'Bürkliplatz' to go straight ahead north to the 'Bahnhofstrasse' and see Zurichs famous Bank and Highlife shopping area.
Having a good view from above the City during night falling in and start exploring the old town (we call it the 'niederdörfli') with its bars and places, you might to want to go to 'Polytherasse', which is just infornt of 'Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule' (ETH, quite a famos Technical University):
to get there either walk/tram all the way up through the ~1.5Km Bahnhofstrasse up to the Main Train Station ('Hauptbahnhof') and over the Bridge to 'Central', or stay in the boat and cruise the river 'Limmat' along the Niederdörfli, and get off at 'Landesmuseum' (which is just behind the Train Station).
From 'Central' (btw. just the north end of 'Niederdörfli') there is either the Cablecar 'Polybaehnli' next to the Starbucks which takes you up to the Polythreasse, or Tram 6 up to 'ETH'/'Universitätsspital'. (the Tramstation is just on the opposite of the building with the dome, so just walk around it).
Bus/Train/Boat should all be covered by the same City/Zone 10&11 Ticket, but anyway ask at the station for a map and timetable infos about the boat and maybe the Cablecar. If possible let yourself highlight the places mentioned above to get a feeling of the distances, Zurich is quite small  .
Zurich is a shopping paradise! The main shopping area is concentrated within one square kilometer in the heart of the city. The best place to start is at the main railway station. Stroll down the famous 'Bahnhofstrasse' - one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe - towards 'Paradeplatz' and the lake. Here you will find elegant boutiques, department stores, specialist shops with a rich selection of high quality goods (shoes, furs, leather goods, accessories, porcelain, jewelry and watches), banks, confectioners and street cafes which tempt you to linger and relax for a while.Each season of the year has its special charm on 'Bahnhofstrasse': spring,
when the air is filled with the perfume of the lime trees; summer, when visitors from all over the world throng the street; autumn, when the shop windows are especially tempting; and winter, when the Christmas lights bring an extra sparkle to this area. You will find a myriad of small boutiques, antique shops, bars and cafes in the Old Town on the left bank of the Limmat. Another attractive shopping street is the 'Limmatquai' on the right bank of the river, with its guildhalls, fashionable boutiques and countless romantic, winding side-streets. Finish your tour with a stroll through the Old Town - the Oberdorf and Niederdorf areas - on the right bank of the Limmat. The 'Löwenstrasse' and the adjoining 'Bahnhofpassage' under the main railway station have also developed into a popular shopping area. The 'Langstrasse' with its exotic atmosphere offers anything your heart desires and at moderate prices. There is a lot of fun there although it is quite hard to spend for bargain hunters out there.
There are several ways of getting around in Zurich. Although it may seem a dread to walk aroung Zurich, it is the easiest way. It is probably using the comprehensive modern tram and bus network. Vehicles run daily between 5.15 a.m. and midnight with services every six minutes during the rush hours. Tickets entitle you to unlimited travel within the corresponding zones and time period. Detours, return journeys and stop-offs are allowed and you may also change lines or modes of transport. All public transport in the Zurich region is geared towards self-service.
Tickets (day cards, single tickets for short or long distances, as well as for all zones) must be obtained from one of the ticket machines located at each stop before you commence your journey. Tickets cannot be purchased on the vehicles. Day cards valid for unlimited travel within 24 hours are particularly recommended. They can be obtained from the Zurich Tourist Office at the main railway station or from one of the ticket machines. Day cards valid for particular zones may be purchased from the information offices and 'Ticketerias' (ticket booths).
All trams, buses and train operators in the area of Zurich are togetherin one network, the ZVV. If you want to get from one place in thecanton of Zurich to an other one, you can search the timetable on theirwebsite. The timetable give you also the information where you have toswitch to what kind of transport.
Things to do in ZurichOn initial appearance if you follow the exchange rates, being in a country that utilizes the Swiss Franc would appear to be quite a traveling bargain in relation to the submerging United States dollar on the world market. Trust me, it's not. But sure to bring buckets of credit cards. While the Swiss Franc does compare nicely to the US Dollar on paper, the reality of expenses in Switzerland are quite another matter. It's expensive, so you really have to watch your traveling dollar. For example, if you hit a Starbucks, (of which there are many now in Switzerland), you'll end up shelling out around 8 USD for a grande mocha. If your an addict, a category of which I fall into, it's a complete financial crisis. This by no means is meant to deter you from the Swiss experience, just a word of caution that you have to be a resourceful and well researched traveler before your journey begins. Zurich is a city which is very easy to travel about. The public transportation system goes nearly everywhere, and as with other transport systems in Europe, you pay for your alloted time on the train or trolley. For example, the ticket you buy is good for 1 hours worth of travel. You can get on and off as many times as you choose for that hour. If you need more time, you buy another ticket, or buy a ticket with more hours. Automated ticket dispensers are widely available all over the metro Zurich area, and most except credit cards. The best thing is, the cost is very, very reasonable. One of the things I really like to do while in Zurich, is strolling down the Bahnhof Strasse, (claimed to be the most expensive street in Europe). The Bahnhof Strasse cuts through the center of old Zurich, and runs from the Zurichsee, (Lake Zurich), to the main train station at Bahnhof Plaza. Sights, sounds, stores galore, but the people watching is the thing I find the most fascinating. Hangin' at the outdoor coffee bar at the Globus on the Bahnhof Strasse, (Switzerland's version of Neiman Marcus), you get an eyeful of everything from the nuevo riche, to the interestingly dressed, (matching hair and tennis shoes). It can fill an entire afternoon very easily. Vom Fass, a mix and match liquor store, is just across the river Limmat in old Zurich. It's been highlighted by the Travel Channel on a Passport to Europe segment, and is a terrific shopping or souvenir stop. All types of Swiss wine, liqueurs, liquors, and brews adorn the walls of the little shop. You can make your own concoction from the ingredients on hand. Strawberry-Amaretto, blended whiskeys, blended rums, Vanilla Kahlua, whatever your heart desires. You can buy from 1/10th of a liter, to the liter size. Glass bottles and containers are sold in the store for your purchase, and range from the really, really spendy, to the incredibly generic. It's a great experience, a very Swiss experience, and on the whole, fairly reasonable cost wise. Zurich is full of small eateries and tapas bars, 5 star dining, and virtually every type of food choice imaginable from all over the world. It's a very international city, and the multitude of eating choices reflect that. From reasonable to very expensive, you just have to do your homework, and decide what you wish to consume. Roasted chestnuts can be bought from street vendors, as well as bratwurst and carmeled apples, just walking around town. One walk that should not be missed is the promenade along the Schanzen Graben. It's a small river coming off of the Zurichsee running through the south portion of old Zurich. Coffee and chestnut vendors, strolling musicians, and the most romantic walk in all of Zurich. It's two blocks off of Bahnhof Strasse, turning south on Bleicher Weg. Be forewarned, in three trips to the Zurich area, I have yet to see the surrounding Alps that Switzerland is so famous for, (except from a plane). Each time, weather or pollution from all of the wood stoves utilized by the Swiss have precluded the view, but I always still count my self blessed as Switzerland has so much more to offer than just mountains. Traveller's tip: Draw your spending money from an ATM or use your credit/debit card. You'll get the best exchange rate. Exchange establishments, hotels, restaurants, probably will not give you the best exchange rate, and in some cases will charge you a rather lofty fee.
Budget Travel Ideas in Zurich
Switzerland is known as one of Europe's priciest cities, and Zurich - famous for its excellent shopping, museums andgalleries - might not seem like an obvious choice for budget travelers. However, it is possible for visitors to Zurich to make the most ofthis sophisticated, stylish and lively city without blowing the travelbudget.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodation, budget travelers are reasonably wellcatered. The city has several backpacker hostels, and there areeven a handful of well-equipped campsites for those who really want tokeep an eye on the purse strings. Apartments are plentifulin Zurich, and give budget travelers the option to make significantsavings by preparing meals at home.
Lindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory
One tasty way to get something for nothing is to pay a visit to theLindt & Sprüngli Chocolate Factory. Entrance to this factory/museumis free, and chocoholics can make the most of the free samples at thehome of the famous Lindt chocolate makers. A film about the history ofchocolate will have sweet-toothed visitors' mouths watering.
Free Bicycle Rentals
From May to October, visitors to Zurich can work off those chocolatecalories by renting a bicycle completely free of charge. This excellentscheme, which operates seven days a week, allows locals and visitors tohire a bike from several locations in the city. All that is required isidentification (passport is perfect) and a deposit of 20 Swiss francs,returned when the bicycle is brought back in one piece. Child seats areavailable, making this a great low-cost way for families to see thecity. The rental agency operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it'sworth arriving early to beat the crowds. (Bikes can be hired from 9am to9.30pm ar Globus City and
Bürkliplatz; and from 10am to 9pm atOerlikon-Swissôtel and Bahnhof Enge.)
Old Town Zurich
A pleasant and cost-freeexcursion is to explore Zurich's Old Town, which sits on the LimmatRiver, and is packed with picture opportunities thanks to its beautifulmedieval buildings and winding cobbled streets.
Museums and Galleries
Some museums and galleries offer free entrance on Wednesdays; andfor cheap eats, pack a picnic or visit the Niedersdorfstraße area forlow-cost, unpretentious food and drink.
Top 5 Must Do's in Zurichmay be the sixth most expensive city in the world, and it may be the richest city in Europe, but these factors combined offer's Zurich's citizens the best quality of life. Don't worry - just because it is titled as an expensive city, there are still affordable [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]accommodations, restaurants and there are most definitely numerous things to do on a budget. This is a place where you will meet happy and friendly people and still have the opportunity to see all of the sites at a decent price. These should be top priority on your list of things to do:
5. Fraumünster - This popular church is beautifully historic. It is one of the major churches in the city (alongside Grossmünster and St. Peterskirche) and was founded in 853 making it one of the oldest churches in Zürich.
4. Bahnhofstrasse - If you want to do some ritzy shopping, this street is the place to do it. The road starts as soon as you walk out of the main train station and is one of the most expensive shopping areas in the world with stores like Louis Vuitton, Armani and Bvlgari.
3. Chinese Garden Zürich - This garden was a gift from Kunming City in China. This was built to show what is called the "Three Main Friends of Winter". These would be the hardy pine, bamboo and winter cherry. It is beautiful Chinese architecture and has a large and stunning pond that highlights the theme. Adult entrance is around $4.
2. Kunsthaus Zürich - This [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]museum, the name directly translating into Art House, is home to one of the largest collections of modern art in the entire world. This would include artists such as Manet, Picasso and Munch. Admission for adults is around $17. If you are a student though, ask for a discount!
1. Zürich Festival - This is an amazing festival, but is not like many you are familiar with. It is not held in some park but instead takes place in numerous buildings. This festival lasts for a little under a month and celebrates the culture and diversity of Zurich. For about $19, you will get admission into many of the establishments that are celebrating, which can be anything from opera to [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]concerts to numerous kinds of art. Many important Swiss banks and the Zürich [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]Tourist Board are some of the major contributors to [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]the [color=blue ! important]festival. The festival takes place mid-summe |
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Post Last Edit by LelaRentaka7 at 13-5-2012 02:10
Interlaken
Interlaken is the secret capital Switzerland's beautiful Bernese Oberland. The town is located between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, at the foot of the towering trio of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. Located in the German-speaking heart of Switzerland, Interlaken offers winter [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]sport's [color=blue ! important]fans access to some of the most spectacular skiing in the Alps, with their base in a service-packed small city in a spectacular lakeside setting.
Traditionally a 'Summer' resort, Interlaken had long been attractive to winter [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]sports enthusiasts because of its prime location and the fact that it's excellent hotels and other facilities offer very low rates during the winter. Its status became 'official' however with the launch of the The Jungfrau Top Ski Region, containing more than 160 Km (100 miles) of trails in ski centers above Grindelwald , all linked to Interlaken by a mountain railway included in a ski [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]pass. The average length of runs in the area is a [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]remarkable six - 12 KM (four - nine miles). With the pass, it's possible to ski a different ski area every day for a week.
The name 'Interlaken' actually means "between the lakes" - Lake Thun and Lake Brienz to be [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]precise and water is omnipresent throughout the area with idyllic clear mountain streams and waterfalls running off the hills and into the lakes. The resort offers dozens of water-based activities, throughout the year. If you ever got bored of sliding on the cold white variety you can always enjoy anything from a cruise on a lake steamer to just feeding the ducks or even frog watching! Visitors first started arriving at Interlaken long before downhill skiing was conceived. One of them, Lord Byron, famously remarked "it's a dream" on first seeing the town. The first hotels opened their doors in 1806, complementing the existing monastery hospice (now the four star hotel Interlaken) with the boom years beginning in the 1860's. Much of the beautiful architecture and grand design date from this 50-year era up to the First World War, but the impressive exteriors hide equally impressive fully modernized interiors, enabling Interlaken to offer the best of old and new. In the early days, when the likes of Goethe and Mendelssohn popped by, Interlaken was promoted for its healthy climate, as well as the spectacular views.
Interlaken is centrally located in Switzerland and is a convenient starting point for other journeys. Interlaken day trips might include Bern or Lucerne. There are also many closer trips to hike, bike or ski in the area mountains, walk around the alpine lakes or just to relax in a quaint historical town.
Bern
The capital of Switzerland is only an hour's [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]train [color=blue ! important]ride north and west from Interlaken. It is a relatively compact city and is boarded by the River Aare on three sides. Sights within Bern are accessible by train, bus, or on foot.
While in Bern, visit the Paul Klee Center, walk through the miles of arcades, or view the medieval homes which are still intact.Lucerne
Lucerne is an hour and a half northeast of Interlaken. In addition to the city's sights, there are plenty of outdoor activities near the Titilus and Pilatus Mountains. Climbing, hiking or taking a tram to the top of Mt. Rigi are all available from Lucerne. There is a revolving restaurant on the Stanserhorn which is accessible by an old-fashioned funicular. The views are impossible to beat.Emmentaler Cheese Dairy
Due north of Interlaken is a working dairy farm which also displays historical information and old-fashioned farm equipment. Between the visit, tastings and viewing the [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]exhibitions, this is a full-day tour.
Local Day Trips
There are plenty of day trips located within Interlaken. Visiting the many mountain lakes for a picnic or a day hike can easily take a full day.
For example, take the funicular up to the top of the Beatenberg-Niederhorn and view the surrounding countryside. Hike in the Grindelwald-First area and view the crystal lakes and mountain summits. These [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]destinations also provide downhill and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
In the warmer weather, charter or schedule a boat cruise on Lake Thun and Brienz. Cruises are even available in the evenings.Brienz
Some of the local Interlaken communities, such as Brienz, could be day trips unto themselves. Stroll through its old village or walk the lake promenade. Go hiking in search of Giessbach Falls or take a [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]guided [color=blue ! important]tour of the only Swiss violin making school.
Brienz-Axalp has become a lesser known [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]tourist destination. The pace is very relaxed and the area is family friendly.IseltwaldThe small fishing village of Iseltwald is located off of Lake Brienz. It is well known for its restaurants and fresh fish.
Shopping in Interlaken
Interlaken is more known as a destination for extreme sports though when you need a bit of break, enjoy some Interlaken shopping.
Shopping at the Hoheweg
The main shopping area is Hoheweg and it is very easy to find as it is near the Aare River and just off the Lindenalle, Alpenstrasse, Bahnhofstrasse and Centralstrasse. Most of the gift shops that exist sell similar products that are geared for [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]tourists. The location is ideal for tourists as it is between the 2 [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]railway stations and also near the Hohematte, which most everyone stops at for the scenic views.
One of the best tourist shops is Heimatwerk Interlaken. This store only carries Swiss goods and you can find wooden children’s toys, glass, linens, ceramics, cutting boards, tablecloths, cheese boards and more.
Swiss Army Watches and Knives
Of course one of the most sought after products is Swiss watches, specifically Swiss army watches. If you are interested in watches and jewelry then you should visit Kirchhofer AG. The other main watch store is Bucherer. You can find the traditional Swiss brands of IWC, Tag Hauer, Rolex and Omega.
There are several stores that specialize in Swiss Army knives. The Swiss Army knife center has the most variety and stocks both Wenger and Victorinox knives. A few other good shops where you can purchase Swiss Army knives include Balmers Hostel Shop, ALSCHEZR, Gallerie Metropole and Buhler Chalet Shop.
Inexpensive Swiss Chocolate
Another purchase that you should not miss is the chocolate. There is a reason that Swiss chocolate is some of the best you will ever taste. Much of the price you are paying is for the packaging and not the chocolate so if you want to save money because you just want the chocolate, then visit a grocery store. You can even find some bars that have scenes on the packaging making them, great gifts. The Coop market is one of the best places to get chocolate and there is one right near the Western [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]Train Station.
Other Popular Souvenirs
A popular store that is often overlooked is Beden Perlen which is a bead store. You can choose your own beads and make a bracelet, pair of earrings or anything else. You can easily personalize the piece and the beads are all very affordable. This store is near Balmers and is a great way to bring home some Swiss jewelry without the large price tag.
Some other souvenirs include cow bells, cuckoo clocks, embroideries, leather wallets and music boxes. If you want any Swiss woodcarving, you should visit the nearby town of Brienz which is a 30-minute [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]train [color=blue ! important]ride from Interlaken.
Things to do in Interlaken
Interlaken things to do take [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]advantage of the area's scenery and love of the outdoors. There are many things to do indoors, too, during inclement weather.
View from the Top
For those wishing to get outside of Interlaken for a half day, the attraction Schilthorn Piz Gloria offers a revolving restaurant at a height of 3,000 meters. Count over 200 peaks, including France's Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alps. Another half-day trip is to Schynige Platte, where the journey is as good as the attraction itself. Take the old-fashioned railway to capture views of the area. In addition to the views and hiking trails, there is a playground, an alpine garden, and a restaurant. This is an excellent attraction for families.
For those who want slightly closer family attractions, great views of Lakes Brienz and Thun may be found at Harder Kulm. Ride the funicular to the top or stay at the ground level and visit the wildlife park near the train station. Another local option is comparable to Schilthorn Piz Gloria. Heimwehfluh offers views, a restaurant, hiking trails, and play areas for children, all of which are just above Interlaken. Indoor Activities
Interlaken things to do also include indoor activities. Visit the Paul Klee Center to view some of the artist's most notable works. Visit one of the area's castles: Thun castle, Spiez castle, or Hunegg castle, among others. Some of the castles date back to the medieval period or earlier. Visit the Casino Interlaken or go to the cinema.
Skiing and Hiking
Depending upon the season, Interlaken offers plenty of skiing and hiking trails. The three most popular downhill skiing areas are Murren-Schilthorn, Kleine Scheidegg-Mannlichen, and Grindelwald First. All three offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding trails, schools, and restaurants.
Cross-country skiing is available in Bonigen, Beatenberg, Habkern-Lombachalp and the Jungfrau Region. Bonigen offers beginner trails, while the others are for more experienced skiers.
Hiking trails vary and may depend upon the weather. Hiking between communities is common, so a map is essential. Confirm which trails are open and know the elevation gain and conditions before you leave. Winter hiking is also available in several of these areas. Other Activities
Although skiing and hiking are the most popular outdoor options, visitors to Interlaken will find plenty of mountain biking, rafting, and even golf courses.
Interlaken is also known for horse and buggy rides. Carriages may be chartered from one of the train stations.
Tandem Hang Gliding flights are a must for anyone who wants to fly like a bird and see the alps from above! Go to www.hangglidinginterlaken.com for more information.
Must-Do's here include a non-traditional castle, extensive sports store and a casino.
The Hoheweg
The Hoheweg is Interlaken's main street and the perfect addition to Interlaken Must-Do's. A visit to this charming Swiss city wouldn't be complete without a stroll down the shop-filled street. The architecture of the buildings is refreshing and unique. The stores along the Hohweg sell incredible classic handmade Swiss crafts which are ideal for remembering the very essence of your Interlaken vacation. World-famous Swiss chocolates are also sold throughout Interlaken's main street. The tiny chocolate shops are just as sweet as the treats sold inside. Jewelry, Swiss clocks, army knives, and watches can additionally be found while browsing the stores along the Hoheweg.
Casino Kurssal
The Casino Kurssal attracts visitors with its beauty the moment they enter the city. The Kurssal was constructed in the late 1800s and it still remains an undeniable focal point of Interlaken. Occasional music performances, plays and other special events are held at the Victorian-influenced building. Casino games, however, do take place nightly. The casino is unexpected when visiting Interlaken and is really an interesting experience. The setting at the Kurssal makes travelers feel a little more like royalty and adds a bit of excitement to their trip to Switzerland.
Tourist Museum
The Tourist [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]Museum in Interlaken gives a glimpse into the changes of the [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]region. The museum shows the growth of tourism through the use of photographs, models, and several original pieces. A lot of older climbing equipment is on display to show how past travelers made their way to the Jungfrau area. It makes modern day visitors appreciate how easy it is to experience the Jungfrau region today. Exhibit explanations are in German, but English translations can be obtained on-site. The building that the museum is housed in is also quite impressive. It is a 17th century building that is still in lovely condition.
Alpine Center
The Alpine Center allows travelers to see the more adventurous side of Interlaken. The Alpine Center store has an extensive selection of sporting equipment. Almost anything travelers would need to ski, snowboard or rock climb can be found at the store. The Alpine Center also offers snow [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]schools to help teach or improve snow sports. Warmer [color=blue ! important][color=blue ! important]weather brings the opportunity to bungy jump, kayak, bike and even rock climb.
Interlaken Castle
What list of Interlaken Must-Do's is complete without the Interlaken castle? The castle is less traditional than most visitors would expect, but that should not discourage travelers from seeing the beautiful site. The Interlaken castle appears to be more like a very large Swiss residential home. The land that is sits on is well-kept and the perfect accent to the striking white of the castle. A tin-figure museum comprised of hundreds of pieces is also located within its walls. |
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Post time 25-3-2012 08:13 AM
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