Tag: Europe

  • Zurich and Rheinfall Day trip

    Zurich and Rheinfall Day trip

    Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland renowned for being one of the World’s leading financial powers and a superb transportation hub. The city’s excellent network makes it a breeze to connect with other major cities in Europe. Getting from the airport to Zurich Hauptbahnhof in one the frequent trains takes around ten minutes. Exit the station and be greeted by the shopping street of Bahnhofstrasse, which stretch all the way to Lake Zurich. There are private banks, hotels, restaurants, departmental stores, fashion boutiques and high-end luxury brands which lined along this famous street.

    Zurich HB and Bahnhofstrasse

    Tram in Zurich

    Halfway along Bahnhofstrasse is the historical and narrow side street of Augustinergasse. It is a beautiful street with many colourful facades and of course, the Swiss flags.

    Augustinergasse in Zurich

    Augustinergasse Zurich

    It started pouring as we were heading towards Lake Zurich.

    Paradeplatz in Zurich

    Panzernashorn in Zurich

    Ganymed statue at Lake Zurich

    Hence, we took shelter and had lunch at the popular Zeughauskeller restaurant. The beer hall is somewhat touristy but it looks to be well visited by the locals too. It is known for its traditional hearty Swiss food and booze. Food wise, I would say that it’s just okay but I love the lively atmosphere and beer.

    Beer at Zeughauskeller

    Zeughauskeller in Zurich

    Meal in Zeughauskeller

    Meal at Zeughauskeller

    Day trip to Rheinfall

    The weather was way better over at Rheinfall and there are two train stations, Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall and Neuhausen Rheinfall situated near to the waterfall. I chose to alight at Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall on the Southern side where a medieval castle perched above and overlooks the largest waterfall in Switzerland.

    Schloss Laufen am Rheinfall station

    Schloss Laufen at Rheinfall

    The view from Schloss Laufen at Rheinfall

    A small entrance fee is payable to gain access to the trail leading down to the riverbank, where the viewing platform is built right next to the edge of the waterfall. Since the protruded platform is above the gushing waters, it is inevitable to get a little wet around here. Anyhow, be merry and look out for rainbows!

    Rheinfall in Switzerland

    Rheinfall Viewing Platform at Schloss Laufen

    It is possible to take a boat to the Middle Island to feel the water power in an up-close and personal manner.

    Boat at Middle Island of Rheinfall

    It was already late evening when we were back in Zurich. The street scene is a little less hectic and the lighted-up city is beautiful during the blue hour. Likewise, Limmat River and its reflection is especially charming.

    Zurich and blue hour

    Zurich Limmat river and blue hour

    Zurich Limmat river reflection

    STAY: Townhouse Boutique Hotel

    Townhouse Boutique Hotel is located very near to both Zurich Hauptbahnhof and Bahnhofstrasse. The small English-style boutique hotel is nicely decorated with themed wallpapers. Its reception area is visually pleasing and the staff we met provides top notch services. I like the bright blue wallpaper room and the vintage charm. The room is of decent size but the bathroom is rather small. I would stay here again if I am back in Zurich.

    Reception area of Townhouse Boutique Hotel

    Bedroom of Townhouse Boutique Hotel

    Interior of Townhouse Boutique Hotel

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    What are your thoughts about Zurich? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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  • Day trip to Pilatus and Harder Kulm

    Day trip to Pilatus and Harder Kulm

    Mount Pilatus is a great day trip from Lucerne to get up close to the snow-capped mountains. There are a few ways to reach Mount Pilatus and the Golden Round Trip is the highly recommended one. It begins by cable car ride to the summit of Mount Pilatus and backs down via the World’s steepest cog railway train before returning to Lucerne on a boat. But I opted to take just the cog railway to the mountaintop and back down. And so, we made our way to Alpnachstad station from Lucerne and waited for our turn to board the cog railway.

    Alpnachstad Pilatus station

    Dargon logo of Pilatus Cogwheel

    Pilatus cog railway

    View from Pilatus cog railway

    It’s amazing that the train climbs a maximum gradient of 48% and on the average of 35%! The ride passes through forested areas and tunnels before stopping at a halfway station. There are wooden houses and roaming cows around. The mountain views got better when we are approaching Pilatus Kulm station.

    Wooden house along Pilatus cogwheel ride

    Pilatus cogwheel ride

    Pilatus cogwheel ride

    And Pilatus Kulm Hotel looks great with the amazing backdrop.

    Pilatus Kulm Hotel and mountains

    Pilatus Kulm Hotel and mountain view

    The amazing views from Mount Pilatus

    The views of the Swiss Alps are truly amazing from Mount Pilatus. Although the fog will make occasional appearances to block these lovely views. Likewise, for the cold howling winds which make one shiver uncontrollably. But It’s definitely worth it with views as such.

    View of Swiss Alps from Pilatus

    Views of Swiss Alps from Pilatus

    Bird and Swiss Alps view at Pilatus

    The plane at Pilatus

    Open deck at Pilatus

    Open deck and clouds at Pilatus

    Else the large observation deck is a good option to enjoy the views without bracing the cold.

    The observation deck at Pilatus

    The Oberhaupt viewing point with a height of 2106 meters can be reached by taking a trail of rocky stairs with railings. It’s an easy walk amid some uneven surfaces so do take note of that. There are a military radar and weather station in an out-of-bounds area.

    Path to Oberhaupt viewing point

    The Alps and the Swiss Flag at Pilatus

    Stairs to Oberhaupt viewing point

    The stairs to Oberhaupt viewing point

    Military radar and weather station at Pilatus

    I enjoyed the views from Oberhaupt and was thinking of exploring other trails. That’s when a thick fog came along and overstayed. It’s another reminder of how quickly the weather can change at high altitude areas.

    The view from Oberhaupt viewing point

    The view from Oberhaupt at Pilatus

    The dog and his owner at Oberhaupt

    Thick fog at Pilatus

    Thick fog around Pilatus

    Onwards to Harder Kulm

    We took the cog railway train back to Alpnachstad and then head towards Interlaken. Harder Kulm stands around 1322 meters and is known for the wonderful views of the Jungfrau mountainous region. It’s a short walk from Interlaken-Ost station to Harderbahn station where a modern funicular sent us to the hilltop.

    Interlaken-Ost station

    Harderbahn station

    View from Harderbahn funicular

    Harder Klum Restaurant has a castle-like appearance and a nice alfresco dining area. But the outdoor area was empty with the cold wind at its best that day. Likewise, the highly anticipated summits views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau were almost impossible to see on such a cloudy day. Better luck next time!

    Harder Klum Restaurant

    Summits views from Harder Kulm

    Viewing platform at Harder Kulm

    Interlaken town view from Harder Kulm

    Dinner at Wilhelm Tell Restaurant

    The dinner was at Wilhelm Tell restaurant (Schiffrestaurant Willhelm Tell) on a retired old paddle steamer. Both the atmosphere and food were great! It’s a nice dining experience before we bid farewell to Lucerne.

    Schiffrestaurant Willhelm Tell

    Wilhelm Tell floating restaurant

    Meal at Schiffrestaurant Willhelm Tell

    Dinner at Schiffrestaurant Willhelm Tell

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    What are your thoughts about Pilatus or Harder Kulm? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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