A visual celebration of the Swiss Alps: a delightful conspiracy of big nature, clever engineering, delicious food, and deep traditions…
Table of Contents
Map of Switzerland
Swiss Money (Francs)
Swiss Rail Pass
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Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Welcome to Zermatt, the pedestrian-friendly hamlet in the shadow of the Matterhorn…
Zermatt Street Scenes
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Cog Railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat
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Scenic Hike in the Matterhorn Foothills
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Mountaineers’ Cemetery
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Bernese Oberland
Welcome to the Bernese Oberland … one of the most scenic places on planet earth… where big nature meets Swiss engineering… and where civilization and the seemingly impenetrable Alps are seamlessly integrated.
Tourist Map of Berner Oberland
Three moody giants–Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau–oversee it all, making sure the trains run on time and that everything–architecture, food, music, art, dancing, wrist watches, and pocketknives–all remain traditionally, quintessentially, and forever Swiss.
Interlaken
Grindelwald
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Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch
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Kleine Scheidegg & The Eiger
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Lauterbrunnen Valley
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Murren
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Where to Next? (Travel Photo Essays)
Great journey, Frank. Switzerland is one of my favorite places with its stunning scenery no matter where you are in the country. When I went in April 2019, my Swiss Rail Pass had a free ride to the top of the Schilthorn from which you could see the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. I never made it to the top of the Jungfrau or to Zermatt.
Appenzell in the eastern part of the country with its rolling pastures and cows with cowbells hung around their necks was beautiful as well. (If I had to listen to that bell around my neck all day long, I might be asking to be turned into hamburger! 😂 ) Luzern is another favorite, too.
Great reminders of a wonderful place.
Thanks for checking in and for sharing your pleasant memories of this remarkable place, Dan. If I could go back in time, I’d visit the Schilthorn as well. Here’s hoping you’re doing as well as can be expected. Cheers.
The train ride must’ve been spectacular! I love the image through the beer. Were you able to any notes out of that horn?
The Swiss engineers are absolute geniuses with trains, bridges, and tunnels through the most impossible terrain. Alas, barely a note but lots of friendly laughter from my audience! Cheers. (BTW, did you get my Budapest must-dos? And how was your visit there?)
I did, Frank. Thank you. Budapest was our final stop on our Viking cruise down the Danube. We got to see it from both sides of the river. We walked miles and stumbled onto a marketplace where I purchased all the paprika I could carry. Who knew there were so many varieties!
I’m glad you got a small taste, literally and figurately, of my second home, Michael. By the way, a key to success is to use a little of both spicy (csipos) and sweet (edes) and dial the balance in the taste. Happy travels and happy cooking like a ture Magyar! Egészségedre!
I agree with what Annie said, Frank! Everything in this post touched me in different ways, and caused different motions. The story of Eiger North Wall was especially sad in it’s own way, because there were moments of hope, than loneliness (no doubt), than tragedy when success was so close. I loved the views of the mountains. Such a beautiful place!
Thanks for the most kind words of appreciation and for cheering me on, Anita. I’ve been truly blessed to have the time and means to travel to such amazing places. Big hug to you from ABQ!
Big hug back, Frank!
What a rich and diverse post this is, Frank—though peppered with the tragedies of young deaths in pursuit of dreams of conquering nature and the elements.
The photos are terrific. One that stayed with me is the multiple acorns cluster—so simple and complex.
Thanks, as always, for the most kind words of appreciation and for cheering me on, Annie! Big hug.