Getting Married By Train

Who knew...

Interlaken Train - All Rights Reserved

But now there is a push to have couples stay in Switzerland to get married. Of course the scene for the big day is lush and beautiful and highly desired if you are a tourist. The area I am speaking about is the Bernese Oberland. The area extends from Bern all the way into Interlaken, one of the most famous tourists spots in Switzerland...

One of the best ways to experience this scenic holiday is through the Swiss Rail system. The classic Golden Pass railway takes you on a journey from Montreux to Lucerne, a historic journey with the most incredible views of a vast area of Switzerland.

If you are a Railway buff, you can book a seat on the Pullman Express carriages, which will be hooked up to the train servicing the Montreux-Zweisimmen section of the line. Zweisimmen is just a short jump away from Interlaken...

I've personally taken this journey and can highly recommend the panoramic train from Montreux to Interlaken...

Experience Medival Times in Zurich

If you were at the Frauenmünster Church in Zurich this past weekend, you may have experienced a flash back to the past in a Medieval Spectacular. Tourists from outside did not even understand what is going on....

This year’s Mittelalter Spectaculum took place from May 27 to 29 on the Münsterhof, outside the Frauenmünster Church in Zurich.

- The Frauenmünster Church is famous for its five splendid stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.
- More than 30 market stalls transport the visitor back to the Middle Ages.
- The large and most impressive mural by Zurich painter Paul Bodmer. His series of frescos give an insight into Zurich’s legendary historic past. The mural is found between the Fraumünster church and the Stadthaus.

Read more about this festival at Swiss Info

The Bradt Travel Guide

While I was at the bookstore this weekend, I ran across the The Bradt Travel Guide and was quite impressed with some of the content inside. They really point out some great information about chateau's, museums and historic buildings in specified cities....

One wonderful thing about The Bradt Travel Guide is that it caters to people who use the trains. What a brillant thing to do, actually tell you how to get somewhere on foot. Considering most tourists do take the train in switzerland....

Another quick tip which is a total cost saver is that once you purchase one of these books and you start planning out where you want to go, get a print out map of the area. This can be quite useful even if you end up finding a map while you are in Switzerland. At least you can aquaint yourself ahead of time or ask for help finding a specific place with your directions you already had...

Weather in Switzerland

Some people traveling to Switzerland might want to know a bit more about what is happening with the weather. For some cases, I think Vancouver Canada weather is a bit like that of Switzerland... Not to say this is exact, more just my observation.

The current weather temps range from 10C to 24C in most areas of Switzerland. Here is a quick break down of temps.

Basel 20C
Bern area 19C
Lausanne 21C
Valais 23C
Ticino 24C
Higher Oberland -3C
Pilatus (about 0C or cooler)
Jungfrau (-8C or cooler)
Lucern 18C
St Gallen 17C

Lows are down to about 1C....

I think spring/summer is finally hitting. The weather should start getting better - Forcasted for 20C tomorrow and 27C on Thursday... (Lausanne Region)

However, the Swiss have a reputation for actually being precise on weather predictions. Check out metro swiss for better predictions.

They've got an incredible explanation on the different types of clouds too! Check it out at http://www.meteoswiss.ch/en/Science/Clouds/IndexClouds.shtml

Travel Plans Complete

Well it's official - We have now booked all of our travel plans for our 11 day trip back to Switzerland. We ended up getting a car rental too from AutoEurope because it was almost the same price as traveling by train while we are there. Plus since I'm not exactly a newbie, seeing that I was a one time resident, I think we can manage... Of course there are advantages to both train and car...

I also went to the book store today and was checking out some of the Michelin maps. Not that I really need a map in the first place, but you never know without GPS. These maps are actually sold at the local stores in Switzerland. I found the road side arrows to be enough to get me to my planned distination (usally in green or yellow). I guess the Switzerland map might come in handy while trying to navigate a few streets say in Bern or Interlaken or Zurich. Seeing that I've been to almost every area but St. Moritz multiple times, I don't see it being a problem unless I suddenly contract amnesia...

By the way, if you need a great resource, check out the online Michelin site. It has a lot of information including a few great guides in it. You can also find a great forum that I try to post in regularly at TripAdvisor.com

I'll have more information to come along with the places we are visiting and the hotels we are staying at soon...

Jen

2 weeks of Science in Switzerland

In many popular cities such as Zurich, Lausanne, Lugano, Geneva and Biel to name a few, science is being offered to offer a celebration of science. The festival which goes on for the next two weeks will focus on art exhibits, exhibitions and demonstrations of science.

The hope of the festival is to help bring together the world of science and culture as one and to show everyone can benefit from each other.

To read a bit more about the May events : check out http://www.festival05.ch/

Bern Prison Tower

Bern Prison tower - Ok If Flickr was actually working for me today, I would have a picture of the tower for you, but instead, I can't seem to get the thing to Blog for me today. :(

I've actually walked under the tower numerous times, but never knew it was actually a prison tower. Set in quite a wonderful area of Bern, the Käfigturm (Prison Tower) is Bern's second tower and was the second western city gate.

A bit of history:

The tower was erected from 1256 to 1344 and served as a prison in the period from 1641 to 1643 and continued as such until 1897. The clock was added in 1961. You might actually miss it if you walk past all of the vendors and numerous diners along the cobble stone streets.

Bern is definitely a city to check out...

Clinton in Bern

As reported by Swiss info; Former US President Bill Clinton paid a visit to the Swiss capital of Bern on Wednesday at the Hotel Grand Casino Kursaal.

His wide-ranging speech spelled out his vision for the world, just four years after leaving the US presidency. Clinton talked about eradicating poverty, stronger international organisations and saving the environment.

Of course he did add a bit of humour in his speach and seemed to have captured the audience with his dynamic presence. Clinton bowed out to a standing ovation as he left onto his next country to send out his message to the world...

Feels like the Mediterranean

Famed for its mild Mediterranean climate, the region of Locarno has been a popular holiday destination especially among German and Swiss holidaymakers who still want to stay in Switzerland. Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Locarno is in the southern canton of Ticino where a Swiss Dialect of Italian is spoken.

If you travel to Locarno, you will find it home to many festivals and events throughout the year. Each year in August, the well known Locarno International Film Festival is held.

For music goers, the open-air pop music festival attracts a younger crowd along with the Moon and Stars Festival. In fact, Seal, Joe Cocker and Lenny Kravitz are headlining this year’s Moon and Stars festival, taking place in July of 2005.

From a variety of wineries to music to sports throughout this Mediterranean like climate, check out more information on the area at http://www.ticino-tourism.ch

Biel - More than just a city

Biel/Bienne is the biggest bilingual town in Switzerland and host to two cultures. The name itself is known as Biel in German and Bienne in French, but I think most refer to it as Biel.

Biel is known for it's three main languages spoken widely throughout the town. English, Swiss German and French are the languages which harmonize with each other to create an open, tolerant and lively atmosphere.

Many travel to Biel/Bienne to spend a holiday and enjoy the lakes and rivers, the Jura Forests and the lively vineyards all around. Biel/Bienne includes a vast amount of recreational area that includes many kilometres of bicycle paths, walking and camping.

Biel/Bienne has a lively and varied range of cultural (was the site of the 2002 Expo) and sports events, ranging from nightlife to trade fairs with specific themes. If you haven't been to Biel/Bienne it is certainly worth your time to check out the area and visit some of its surrounding villages. Possibly a boat ride would suit your interests along with a nice hike..

All of the above can be found in and around Biel/Bienne.

A Balloon Ride Through the Alps

Aristophil
Originally uploaded by ParaScubaSailor.

Situated in between Montreux and the area of Interlaken, Chateau-d'Oex is situated in the picturesque Pays-d'Enhaut Valley in Canton Vaud.

Over the years Chateau-d'Oex has become a hot air balloon mecca thanks to its exceptional micro climate of the Pays-d'Enhaut Valley.

In good weather, scores of people are carried away by the winds every day in complete safety on board one of Chateau-d'Oex's famous balloons. While up in the air, the balloon flight allows you to discover the majestic atmosphere of the Alps.

Check it out at www.chateau-doex.ch

Brown bears on Switzerland's door

After centuries of being hunted to the verge of extinction, the brown bear is making a comeback in Europe and could soon appear in Switzerland.

Suitable habitats have been identified in the Engadine as well as from northern Graubünden through Glarus cantons down to central Switzerland. The nearest brown bear population is reckoned to be between 38 and 87 kilometres away from Switzerland in the Trentino region.

So as long as measures are taken to make sure we all can live together in a habitat with bears and humans alike, the brown bear just might be on its way for a come back.

solothurn

solothurn
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

This is just an example of the beautiful architecture Solothurn has to offer. This street is just off the main center of old town. Definitely something to check out..

Solothurn - The Unknown Beauty

Solothurn is one of the most beautiful Baroque cities in Switzerland with a lot of charm, and history to show for it. Solothurn is not known by most travel agents as well as travelers, but definitely is a city worth visiting for its architecture.

Upon entering the old town of Solothurn through one of its many bridges, you will probably come upon St. Urs Cathedral. When inside, you may see the pleasant view of the Aare River. In all, 11 fountains adorn the city; five of them feature majestic figures of baroque opulence.

Don't miss out on the architecture as well as the play of moving figures at the astronomical clock in the clock tower. You can't miss clock tower as it is definitely life size, and built in the first half of the Twelfth Century. Enjoy a drink from one of the many cafe's that are strewn throughout the old town. Enjoy the many pastry shops along the way too...

Stand on top of the Jura at the Weissenstein after a rainy day and the reward is unforgettable. You can see the Alps in a way you never have seen, and if you there before sunrise you will see it like you will never see it again in your life.

Order your Switzerland Railpasses

Swiss Pass: take the most spectacular rail trips in the World » » »

Are you just visiting one country?

Did you know Individual Country Passes offer convenience and affordable travel options.

Below are a list of the passes in Switzerland to help you choose the right pass for your trip.

Please Note: Youth Passes are for those under 26 years. Senior Passes are for those over 60. Twin or Saverpasses are for 2 or more traveling together.

Check rates and order your Switzerland Railpasses » »»»

Swiss Rail Pass Order
(4, 8, 15, 21 or 30 days of unlimited 1st or 2nd class travel.)

swiss flexipass Order
(3 or more days of unlimited 1st or 2nd class travel in a 1 month period.)

swiss saverpass Order
(4, 8, 15, 21 or 30 days of unlimited 1st or 2nd class travel, with discounts for 2 or more people travelling together.)

swiss saver flexipass Order
(3 or more days of unlimited travel in a 1 month period, with discounts for 2 or more people traveling together.)

Swiss Card Order
(50% discount on all Swiss railways, lake steamers, postal buses and excursions to most mountain tops.) Everyone living in Switzerland uses this pass. I had this two years in a row and it is a must if you are in Switzerland for a while....

Make Your Trip to Switzerland Go Like Clockwork

From dramatic Alpine train journeys to the buzzing scene in Zürich, from breathless adrenaline sports to irresistible chocolate - Switzerland offers a varied range of temptations.

When traveling to Switzerland, make sure you have all you need to discover the beauty.

• museums, mountains, music - the lowdown on the essential sights.
• from hiking to skiing, making the most of the stunning outdoors.
• detailed coverage of the best cafés, bars and restaurants.
• recommended sleeping options from lakeside camping to chic city hotels.
• user-friendly language guide.
• 67 detailed maps

What I think is best about having a book with you, is that if you get one hint, one extra map that you might not have already had, it is useful in itself for the trip...

Of course you can always ask me about some of what they have to offer in this book of Switzerland.

Zermatt Overlooking Matterhorn

Zermatt Overlooking Matterhorn
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

The Village of Zermatt is definitely a must see if you have enough time on your trip. Zermatt is very lovely, free of gas fueled cars and a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature.

Full of many wonderful hiking trails during the summer months, a glimpse of the Matterhorn is definitely part of this attraction.

There are many languages spoken in this region, the most popular being Italian, English, German and French.

If you want to get away from it all, visit a few glaciers and enjoy the wonderful people, Zermatt is a much see on your visit.

FC Basel Wins 11th Championship Title

One of the exciting events one must see is a Football match in Europe. Whether you chose a football match in Europe or Switzerland, FC Basel is definitely something to check out. FC Basel has a very large following of fans and usually experiences sold out crowds at all of their matches. Football in Europe is by far much more entertaining than any "soccer" match in the US.

Wednesday night found FC Basel the 3-1 match winner for the Swiss League. Fans were found celebrating the night as their team celebrated their 11th championship title as they went on to beat the St. Gallen squad Wednesday evening.

To read more about the Swiss League and what is happening around Switzerland read up on Swiss Info

Swiss Glaciers Melting Away

I'm not sure if you have ever visited a Glacier but Switzerland does have a few of them in this small country. As a result of Global Warming, we suspect this has had a dramatic effect resulting in the shrinking of glaciers.

The Gurschen Glacier in Andermatt, (located in canton Uri), has actually dropped 20 metres over the past 15 years. As if that wasn't enough, the ski hill has been forced to construct a snow ramp on top of it to give skiers access to the runs.

A Swiss Company has developed a reflective high-tech material is designed to stop the Gurschen glacier from melting away beneath the resort’s upper cable-car station.

If over the course of the summer, this high-tech material will be used at other ski resorts around Switzerland. There are actually over 90 Glaciers existing in Switzerland alone.

Cycling Lake Geneva

A view of Lake Geneva
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

With a lovely view of the Dents du Midi in the background, you can never have an aweful view when visiting Montreux.

Much of the Lake of Geneva can be easily accessed via bike, and I would highly recommend it myself, espcially in the spring and summer months. There are benches which are mapped throughout Montreux to Vevey which tell a story from the area.

If you choose to bike, take a ride from Montreux either along the main drive or on the quai next to the water to Villeneuve. Once there keep going towards Bouveret. You can cut through the camp ground area in Villeneuve which is a great short cut.

Once in Bouveret, take a rest. This takes about 30 km round trip from Montreux to Bouveret. Many people actually do this, so you won't be alone.

If you are up for it, you can bike along the road all the way to Evian, with passport in hand. Then take the boat back to Lausanne and train back to Montreux once again. If you decide to do this ride, it would be 54 km to Evian and then another 20 back to Montreux.

It's really worth the trip. Make sure you have your camera with you as the ride is so scenic and beautiful!

Jen

Montreux

Montreux
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

The gardens all around Montreux are always well kept and full of beautiful flowers. The unicorn in the background was made for a Christmas theme and kept through the spring of 2003 in the photo.

Don't you just love the beautiful flowers, some including tulips...

American Type Mega Malls in Switzerland?

In a few years time, Switzerland will be home to a few giant shopping centres known as mega malls on the outskirts of the country’s main cities and towns.

The mega mall in Berne will be known as "Westside" boasting 60 shops, multiplex cinemas, restaurants and bars, a water park and spa as well as its own hotel – and all that on Bern’s doorstep with direct motorway access.

What kinds of impact might this have?

1. Well the first I see is more people driven by using their cars for transportation.
   
2. Convenience... It could be a one stop center for most consumer needs.
3. Many traditional inner city stores closing as a result.
4. More stores inner city stories might specialize and offer more services...

All of this might be taking place in cities such as Zurich, Fribourg, Bern and Lucern to start. My hope is the lovely old town areas which are so wonderful for shopping don't get cut out as a result of the development of these mega malls.

And just so you don't miss out on all of the wonderful shops that exist now, make sure you take a look at Lucern's beautiful shopping district. This is definitely one of my most favorite areas to shop...

Ouchy Harbor Lausanne

Lausanne Harbor
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

One of the best areas to catch a wonderful sunset is down at the waterfront of Ouchy. Lausanne boasts a wonderful waterfront full of sailboats in the harbor along with a wondeful area for kids.

A few boats leave the harbor to cross over to Evian known for it's Casino, Mineral Baths and famous Evian Mineral water. The boat ride takes about 35 minutes and runs throughout the day.

Slow Down and See Switzerland 2005

The first of 10 Open Air Festivals was kicked off into full gear this weekend around the Lake of Muren. Around 50,000 people were in attendance Sunday, kicking off Switzerland’s biggest ever season of car-free “SlowUp” festivals.

These "SlowUp" festivals are to promote more people to get out of their cars and onto cycle, skating or riding scooters. Thanks to the huge success of "SlowUp" since it began in 2000, five additional events are set to go ahead this summer in scenic locations across the country.

The tired and thirsty pedalling public listened to live entertainment from portable stages along with fried fish and local sausage at the many roadside stalls.

“It’s not a sporting event, but a social event bringing people together to have fun,” says Jörg Stäuble, one of the SlowUp organisers.

People from other parts of the world have also joined in as this Sunday's festival attracted an 84 year old rider from Britain.

The next event takes place along the Rhine River in northern Switzerland before moving to the Jura hills in the west of country, where the setting will be the picturesque Vallée de Joux.

Here are a few dates to consider:

- Lake Murten – May 23
- Rhine River – June 6
- Vallée de Joux – June 20
- Gruyère – July 11
- Lake Constance – August 29
- Lake Zurich – September 26 (provisional)

If you are in any of these areas during this time, its a great activity to join in on since roads are closed to cars with a mild ride anywhere from 25 to 40 km in length...

Swiss Husband-Wife Team Finish Marathon Run Around The World

Imagine setting off on February 13, 2000 for a trip round-the-world trip, while traveling across five continents on a five year marathon to collect funds for charity. That is exactly what Swiss husband-and-wife team of Serge and Nicole Roetheli accomplished.

The couple started in Switzerland, trekked through Africa, parts of the Middle East and South Asia, before heading down to Australia and New Zealand. "I realise how lucky I was to be born in a rich country," said Serge. "I was able to choose my own difficulties when I set off on this journey."

They then resumed their journey in South America, travelled north to Florida, and ran up the east coast of the United States, before crossing the Atlantic to Europe.

Serge always had his wife by his side, either by scooter or motorbike with their belonging right by their side. "We wanted to be free, have an adventure as a couple and help children in need," said Serge shortly before arriving home. "Now it’s time to share our experiences with other people."

Saturday marks the end of their journey, returning to their hometown of Saillon in caton Valais. Serge had run over 40,000 kilometres, and raising SFr300,000 ($250,000) in the process.

Calanca Valley survival by nature

Maybe you have never heard of the Calanca Valley because a sign pointing to a small road leading up the mountainside is the only hint of the valley’s existence. The small valley of Calanca is situated in southern Switzerland, in canton Graubünden, about 20km from the valley entrance of Ticino. In the village of Briaggo (sounds like Italian influence), there are only 60 people inhabiting this 1300m mountain village.

So how are they planning to survive?

The people of the villages in the Calanca valley have ambitious plans to put the region on the map, instead of heeding calls to abandon it. The creation of a new national park could secure the survival of the valley’s communities amid calls for their financial lifelines to be cut. Certainly all of this is to protect all 800 residents and dozens of villages.

Here are some facts about the Calanca Valley:

- Calanca belongs to canton Graubünden but is linked by public transport to Bellinzona, the capital of canton Ticino, about 20km from the valley entrance.

- Simple bed and breakfast-style accommodation is available in the village of Braggio, one of the two villages set high above the valley floor which is reached by a self-operating cable car.

-There is a good network of hiking routes of different lengths at various elevations.

To find out more, read the article from Swiss info

Swiss Pavilion Aichi 2005

Known as "The Mountain" - is the Swiss contribution to the 2005 World Exhibition. Find out more information by going to the website:

If you are fortunate enough to be able to Travel to Japan in 2005, the World Exhibition is something you must check out. Displays from many participating countries bring their culture to Japan by show casing the wonderful world of virtual reality.

So much to see - too much to list...
Here is a sample of just a touch of what the Aichi 2005 Expo has to offer...

More than a beautiful piece of art, each one of these photographs carries within a piece of Switzerland, and some of the photographer's perspectives on the country.

Locations:

Fuji Photo Salon (2F in Ginza Five), Tokyo, May 13 to 19, 2005

Bic Camera Special House (Ikebukuro), Tokyo, May (tba)

Mont-Bell Grandberry Mall Store & Factory Outlet (Minami-Machida), Tokyo, June 11 to July 3, 2005

Mont-Bell Shibuya Store (Shibuya), Tokyo, July 9 to 31, 2005

Mont-Bell Suwa Store & Factory outlet (Suwa), Nagano, August 6 to 28, 2005

Sprungli Confiserie Zurich

Confiserie Sprungli at Paradplatz and Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich (among 16 other locations) is a must stop for anyone who likes chocolate. Of course this famous street of Bahnhofstrasse, which is located just a few steps from the train station facing towards the Lake of Zurich, is said to be the most expensive mile in Switzerland, if not the world.

Once you take a stroll along the street, you will understand if you dare to enter some of it's shops. Sprungli's neighbors include fashion houses, antique emporiums and the headquarters of the powerhouse banking institutions of UBS and Credit Suisse.

Sprungli is most famous for their exquisite Luxemburgerli, which is a miniature macaroon with a creamy filling that may be vanilla, champagne, chocolate, hazelnuts, caramel, coffee or a seasonal treat like apricot, that are best eaten fresh the day they are made. There is no good way to describe how good these little things are, except that you had better eat them before they go bad!~

Sprungli is why the Swiss have a reputation for making great chocolate - don't miss it if you have a sweet tooth! (The website lists Zurich shop locations and hours of operation.)

The house specialty is the truffe du jour, a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffle of fresh cream and butter that is sold only on the day it is made.

Ninety percent of all Sprungli products are made by hand: raspberry cakes, sugar-dusted walnut cookies and trays of shimmery pear tarts, which are baked pears with chocolate stems, nestled in a pear-shaped crust and looking very much like a queenly brooch.

IF YOU GO: Confiserie Sprungli, Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zurich. The Web site is www.confiserie-spruengli.ch.

Explore the World of Science in Switzerland

If you are thinking about visiting Zurich in the near future of 2005, the Swiss National Museum in Zurich has turned a visit to the Platzspitz park into an interactive experience.

"World of Knowledge" gets visitors to get a feel for science and what the Exhibition is about by watching, touching and smelling....

To mark its 150th anniversary, Zurich’s Federal Institute of Technology is staging an exhibition that invites visitors to explore the world of science. The centrepiece of special events in the anniversary year, it aims to give visitors an understanding of science and to illustrate its impact on people’s everyday lives.

To find out more go to Swiss Info

Well - I was right - a blog I am quite fond of had the chance to visit...
http://www.timtom.ch/blog/2005/04/30/worlds-of-knowledge/

Montreux-Vevey (Lake Geneva Region)

Spring Vineyards Montreux
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

The area is often known as the pearl on the Swiss Riviera. Montreux to Vevey has so much to offer. With 15 km of lakeside quai's, the Swiss Riviera is blooming with eloquent flowers and plants, all nicely tended to throughout the year.

In winter, enjoy the snow-capped mountains entertaining a charming and incredible panoramic view.

In summer, the lake is full of sail boats (especially Thursday night races), flowing with steamships plying up and down. The hotels hold the charm of the Belle Epoque - such is the Riviera on Lake Geneva where many international stars live.

And right in the middle of this lakescape Nestle the lovely little towns of Vevey and Montreux - right on the waterfront. This is all easily accessible by bike in the summer or local number one bus all year long.

Cultivating the vine is taken very seriously in both places and they form enclaves almost entirely "isolated" by hanging vineyards on the steep hills
that drop down to the water's edge.

The mild climate in that region also helps to make Montreux and Vevey particularly well-suited resorts for relaxing holidays and are very popular for weekend trips.

If you are looking for a nice stroll and beautiful views, this is definitely a must stop destination....

cyber cafe

cyber cafe
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Cyber Cafe's are very popular in Europe. You will find them in just about every larger city in Switzerland.

In Geneva, you can find a cafe for about 5 CHF an hour. I definitely would keep looking if you come upon one that charges you more than 7CHF an hr.

But of course if you really need to check out your email while you are touring Switzerland, then I guess you will settle for just about anything...

Since I had to rely on cyber cafe's for my first visit, I know the costs.

Lausanne has a large list of Cafe as well as Geneva...

Sunset Lausanne

Sunset Lausanne
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

I think the picture says it all... The beauty of seeing a sunset on the lake.

Lausanne Switzerland

Lausanne Switzerland
Originally uploaded by thnkfst.

Pictures are worth a thousand words. After taking this picture, I don't even think I realized I might have snapped a glimpse of Chamonix in the background..

It will be 3.5 years since I stayed over in Ouchy, having been a Montreux resident for some time. I plan on having some memorable views like the breath taking picture here.