Tag Archives: switzerland

Alpine Hiking Mt Rigi

Switzerland offers many walking adventures, many accessible from trains, furniculars, cables and car.

Today we set off for a short 3 hours walk along Mt Rigi.

There is a car park at the bottom and three options for getting to the start of many walks. You can walk the entire way but you would need a day. The first part is very step. We choose to take the furnicular which is around 30 Swiss Francs return.

At the top you can switch off your mind and just follow the track. This is the start to many tracks but the main one is easy to follow and will take you to the summit of Mt Rigi.

The Swiss Alps start declaring themselves early on and are nothing short of breath-taking. It is hard to get one’s mind around the fact that the ones in front are 2000+ metres and the ones in the back ground are 4000 + plus. You really feel on top of the world, mingling with the clouds and gods.

There are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Cafes serving hot tea, wine, food are littered along the walking track.

Cows are taken to the hills in the summer and we are there on the last day they will inhabit the slopes until next summer. We are fortunate to witness the rounding up of the cows, with their big ding-dong, jingle bells as they are mustered to lower pasteurlands.

I love seeing this side of the world… traditional farming techniques that have worked for years and honoured season after season. It works, so why change it? And as my friend says, happy cows = happy milk.

The last part of the walk to the summit is step but very manageable with chairs scattered along the path to the top.

You can catch a train if you wish – the old carriages – some built in 1880 are reliable and comfortable.

At the top there are two dining options – a self serve buffet, or a sit down a la carte restaurant. Depending on the clouds, you will either get the most amazing pan views of the alps and valleys, or fluffy white clouds.

We opted for the self serve buffet and wine, then the train back to the starting point.

The train ride down is excellent and there are many opportunities to take photos of the lush forest. Towards the end there is a lovely waterfall on the right hand side of the train. If you have longer, you can walk down instead of catching the train.

We met a lady on the train who had done 58 walks in 4 months, so there are not shortage of walks not scenery. Have some fun, take a warm jacket and good walking shoes (sneakers are fine) and enjoy the magnificent views from the top of the world.

Five things to do in Zurich

Zurich is one of the great cities of the world, boasting a modest population of 400,000 which swells each working day to 1.3million.

I have travelled here a few times and find it very clean, surprisingly old and the people very friendly. It is a very business savvy city with many of the world’s largest companies based there.

Switzerland has been a constant in many scenarios acting neutral with many debates and wars, and having a strong diplomatic system based on cantons and local law.

A walk around town is a must to fully appreciate the jevity of this modern city.

Buried into the side of Lake Zurich, the town central (centrum) is easy to walk around. The main train station (Zurich HB) is a good starting point and follow your way through the streets to the Kuntzhaus or find your way to the lake and walk from there.

There are a few landmarks:

Grand church

This simple designed but very Swiss church is beautiful. As with all churches around the world visitors are welcome to come and sit, admire the glass windows or to take pray. You are not allowed to take photos inside or use mobiles.

Strasse

This is one of the most expensive streets in the world. Fashion shops, curios and others sprinkle along the pleasant walk. In fact Zurich has many of the world’s “most expensive streets” to shop along.

The Old Town

You can wander around the old town at your leisure and many buildings are marked with their year of establishment. Many in the 1500s. They are incredibly well preserved as Switzerland was spared most of WW2’s bombings.

Cafe Presse Club

Is a unassuming cafe in the old part of Zurich but a favorite place for celeberaties.

Thermalbad Spa

If you wish to treat yourself, and I highly recommend everyone does nourish, not punish, then head to this day spa. Built in an old brewery the spa has a special charm. There are 2 floors and two tiers of pricing. You can access both with the big ticket which is approximately 60 Swiss Francs.

On the 2nd floor are big tubs, hot spas, Roman baths, hot tiles and a steam room all for your body to unwind and relax. On the forth floor and into to open air is the roof top spa. IT bubbles away and as the alpine cool air hits your face, your body stays warmed and relaxed. Your ticket is valid for 3 hours and is a wonderful way to relax, especially if you have done some alpine walking. Click here for more information. 

Lunch on Lake Zurich

There are many places to sit and enjoy delicious Swiss food. Find somewhere in the sun, and if it’s winter you can request a blanket and in some places a woollen underlay for your chair.

The highlights of Zurich for me, are the Swiss wines, the yummy food, the cleanliness, the friendly people and the well preserved buildings.

Hollgrotten Caves

Not far from Zurich in Switzerland are some pretty caves. Very family friendly this easy day trip is worthy of a visit.

Hollgrotten Caves are worth the trip!

I am staying in Baar, which is 30 minutes by train from Zurich. My friend has leant me his bike so for me, this is the best way to get there. Other options are by car. Or to walk from Zug would be about 3km.

By bicycle, you can follow the river along the picturesque forest floor.

Greens, moss, trickling water make this surreal trip so magical.

I pause regularly to suck in the smells of the forest and hear the sounds. With so much deforestation ocurring and global warming heating the planet making many parts arid and desert like, it is comforting to know that well preserved in Switzerland as some lush forests.

Once you get to the car park of the grounds, there is a beautiful restaurant and bar. There are many places for children to explore and I find my little child bubbling with excitement.

A short walk from the restaurant and you will find the ticket box. The cost is 12 Euro and includes a self guided walk.

It is a short cave system but perfect for a family and for people who might be anxious about going into the Earth’s belly.

I am excited!

The caves are illuminated with different coloured lights and the piece de resistance is the middle cave which includes alight show and soft accompanying music.

It doesn’t take long to go through the caves but I relish the experience and take my time. Meditating while there as no one else came through while I was there. Truly a special moment.

San Marco Restaurant Lake Zug

Lake Zug is a large lake approximately 30 minutes by train from Zurich. Like Zurich is has an old town, which is charming and worth a day visit.

My friend doesn’t live far from the lake so we spend some time down here, the best time is lunch or late afternoon. Today I have lunch at San Marco Restaurant on the Lake.

I am greeted by a friendly happy waitress who makes my experience wonderful.

Before I have even ordered I have fresh rolls, a nice weisswine and a blanket! A must with the chilly air.

The lunch menu is not extensive but sufficient. Being gluten free I can find some menus really limiting but this one has enough choice. Considering it is a pizza and pasta bar, I find it easy to order.

I have the tuna salad which is delicious, clean and healthy.

I would highly recommend this restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Neuchamel Restaurant Baar

Baar is a little township beside Zug and is where my friend lives.

Access to most places is 30 minutes via car or train.

Across from the train station is a funky restaurant and bar. I discover it early in the day after missing my train and Fabion, the girl behind the bar makes me feel instantly at home.

I return later that night to have a drink with my friend and we decide to dine there. It is booked out and you can see it is very popular with locals. A warm buzzy vibe make the place conducive for animated conversations.

Like most place in Switzerland smart casual is appreciated but not essential.

Fabion recommends the Swiss reisling for a sweet white wine and it is delicious. Not too sweet but a nice crisp wine. We are served an appertif of red cabbage and apple strauss which is enough to carry our tummies over until our main meal is served.

I have cordon blue, which I haven’t had for over 20 years (mainly because I try to be dairy and gluten free) but this is the home of cordon blue. It is amazing. The cheese endlessly oozes out of the yummy parcel.

This is another Swiss restaurant I highly recommend.