The Playground of
Europe
Looking to
escape the summer? A holiday to Switzerland with its cool climes, diverse
landscape, pretty villages, boutique towns and a multitude of activities on
offer would be ideal
Switzerland is famous for
its mountains and lakes but its cities and towns have much more to discover –
from multicultural restaurants to innovative museums, from local boutiques to
luxury brands, from little family-run hotels to international chains, from
watersports to biking trails and much more.
Lucerne: The city of
Lucerne situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and surrounded by an impressive
mountainous panorama is a perfect example of a boutique city in Switzerland.
Thanks to its attractions – the old town with its souvenir and watch shops, the
beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby mountains – Rigi, Pilatus and
Stanserhorn, the city is a firm favourite for visitors from India. The historic
town houses decorated with frescoes, the Transport Museum and of course the
medieval Chapel Bridge, complete with ‘gable’ paintings, are all a must-see on
any visit to Switzerland.
During his visit,
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh explored nearby Mount Pilatus with its many
activities and thoroughly enjoyed the thrill on the longest summer Toboggan Run
in Switzerland as he zoomed down the mountain.
Engelberg – Mount Titlis:
Mount Titlis is one of the most popular mountain excursions in Switzerland, and
rightly so. The Titlis Rotair cable car rotates 360 degrees during the
five-minute trip, treating you to idyllic panoramic views while it rotates its
way up towards the snow-covered summit at 3,200 metres above sea level. Here
the spectacular suspension bridge Titlis Cliff Walk, the Ice Flyer and a 120
metre long tunnel of ice in the Glacier Cave will take your breath away. Even a
sumptuous Indian lunch is available along with many local specialties.
But while you are in the
area don’t forget to visit the attractive village of Engelberg with the
stunning Benedictine monastery. Founded in 1120, monks still live, work and
teach there today. Do visit the monastery’s show-dairy where milk from the
region turns into speciality cheeses. The village is so delightful because of
its distinct and rustic character and its picturesque setting in the
snow-capped mountains.
Zurich: Zurich might be
the largest city in Switzerland but with its population of less than 400,000
feels very intimate and very easy to see even on foot. From Lindenhof Square,
you have an amazing view over the old town with its imposing churches and
narrow alleys where designer shops, bars and restaurants wait for your visit.
In summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy a dip in the lake and river to cool
off – some of the city’s ‘Badis’ (public bathing spaces) even turn in to
fabulous bars and event locations like the popular Barfussbar. Zurich, of
course, with the famous Bahnofstrasse offers great shopping as well.
The Rhine Falls, Europe’s
largest waterfall, is just an hour away. Hear the mighty roar and feel the
vibration of the water. You can even venture out to a mighty rock in the midst
of the waterfall by boat. Castle Laufen, which overlooks the Falls, adds its
own magic to the setting and invites guests to rest and take in the beauty of
it all.
HTBR15APR18
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