We organised this trip with the intention of bringing my parents to Switzerland. Since we had already been to Switzerland the year before with Rishi’s parents, we aimed to discover similar yet different locations we had visited before. This way, the experience would be fresh and exciting for all of us.
Day 1 – 27 May 2023
In the morning, we embarked on our journey towards Switzerland. Along the way, we made a planned stop at Trier, where we took the opportunity to explore the town.
We walked past the Dreikönigenhaus, a Romanesque and Gothic patrician house dating back to 1230 that stands out with its white colour and vibrant patterns adorning the semi-circular windows. During that era, security was a primary concern for wealthy families, which is why the house was designed more like a fortified tower. Notably, the front door of the Dreikönigenhaus is positioned a few metres above the street level, indicating that the residents would have used a ladder to access or leave the house.
Arriving at Trier’s most renowned monument, we encountered Porta Nigra, an ancient Roman city gate. This well-preserved structure is among the finest examples of Roman gates globally and has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name “Porta Nigra,” meaning “Black Gate” in Latin, originates from the gate’s dark-coloured stone. Constructed during the 2nd century AD, it once served as an entrance to the Roman city of Augusta Treverorum (Trier).
Afterwards, we strolled to the Cathedral of Trier, also referred to as Trierer Dom, renowned as one of Germany’s oldest cathedrals. Its origins can be traced back to the 4th century AD, and it presents an exquisite fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural elements. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral holds great importance as both a religious centre and a historical monument.
We then strolled to the Electoral Palace Gardens, a splendid and extensive garden situated adjacent to the Electoral Palace. These gardens are renowned for their tranquil atmosphere and vibrant array of flowers. While strolling through the gardens, we found a shaded area beneath a tree where we ate our packed lunch.
Following that, we made our way to Karl Marx House, the birthplace of the esteemed philosopher, economist, and political theorist, Karl Marx. The house has been transformed into a museum that commemorates and displays the life and achievements of Marx. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to explore the museum’s interior during our visit.
Our final destination was the Karl Marx Statue, a notable monument erected in honour of the esteemed philosopher, Karl Marx. Positioned prominently in a central area of the city, the statue serves as a tribute to his profound ideas and significant contributions. The sculpture captures Karl Marx in a dignified pose, symbolising his enduring intellectual legacy.
Following a lengthy drive, we eventually arrived at our overnight lodging, Ferienwohnung ALEXA, situated in Walshausen. This generously sized apartment, complete with a balcony offering garden views, boasts one bedroom, a cosy living room, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven, as well as a bathroom with a walk-in shower. The apartment truly impressed us and we found ourselves thoroughly enjoying it. However, we couldn’t help but wonder why our stay was so brief, as we wished we had more time to relish the comforts of this delightful accommodation.
Day 2 – 28 May 2023
After preparing ourselves, having breakfast, and completing the check-out process at the apartment, we set out on our journey to Switzerland. By afternoon, we had finally arrived at our destination.
Our first destination was Mount Pilatus, a magnificent mountain situated near Lucerne. The mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the picturesque Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. We chose to visit Mount Pilatus as it had a similar view to Mount Rigi, which we had explored on our previous trip. To reach the summit, we took a cable car since the cogwheel railway was undergoing maintenance. The cable car ride provided a thrilling and scenic ascent. Once at the top, we found outdoor seating areas where we enjoyed our packed lunch while taking in the natural beauty that surrounded us. After lunch, we ventured out to explore various walking trails and relished the stunning views from several viewing platforms. Some of the trails were easy enough for Mummy and Papa to explore, while Rishi and I decided to tackle a few more challenging paths. The effort was truly rewarding, as the views from the higher vantage points were absolutely breathtaking.
We made an impromptu decision to visit the Chapel Bridge, an enchanting covered wooden bridge stretching across the Reuss River. This iconic landmark dates back to the 14th century, earning it the distinction of being one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges. Adorning the bridge are a series of exquisite triangular paintings portraying scenes from Swiss history. While not originally part of our planned itinerary for the day, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore the Chapel Bridge since we were close to Lucerne.
Finally, we arrived at our chosen accommodation for the trip, Churchstreet Apartments in Meiringen, which offered a spacious 2-bedroom apartment. The living room provided ample space, complete with a dining area. The well-equipped kitchen impressed us with its stocked seasonings, coffee machine, dishwasher, oven, and various cooking appliances. The apartment, overall, exuded a modern, clean, and stylish ambience, and its location was superb, making it an ideal choice for our stay.
Day 3 – 29 May 2023
Each day during the trip, we followed a familiar routine of getting ready, having breakfast, and preparing and packing our lunch for the day ahead.
We spent the day exploring the magnificent Mount Titlis, a renowned mountain in the Swiss Alps known for its breathtaking beauty. We had deliberately chosen this destination as it offered a parallel experience to our previous trip to Jungfrau, with similar views and activities. To reach the summit, we embarked on a memorable journey, taking a series of cable cars and the rotating “Titlis Rotair” gondola. The panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape made the ascent an unforgettable experience. The summit, standing at an elevation of approximately 3,238 metres, holds a special place in Bollywood history, having been featured in one of the biggest hits, “Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge.” To celebrate the movie’s success, a cutout of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol still remains at Mount Titlis, drawing a massive line of Indian visitors eager to take photos with our beloved stars. Although we had prepared for colder weather, the day turned out to be warmer than expected, with the bright sun reflecting off the snow-capped area adding to the warmth. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our time playing in the snow and taking in the awe-inspiring views. Among the day’s highlights was the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge offered unparalleled views of the glacier-filled valleys below, creating a thrilling experience. Another captivating experience was the Titlis Ice Cave, a captivating natural wonder. Inside, we found ourselves surrounded by glistening ice sculptures and beautifully adorned walls, ceilings, and floors. The cave’s ethereal ambience was enhanced by skillfully placed lighting, which illuminated the ice in mesmerising blue and white hues, creating a magical and surreal atmosphere. Comparing our experiences at both Mount Titlis and Jungfrau, we concluded that Titlis offered an even more breathtaking view.
During our return from Titlis, we made a quick stop at Trübsee, a picturesque alpine lake nestled in the Engelberg region. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, Trübsee is surrounded by majestic mountains. The lake’s crystal-clear turquoise waters beautifully reflect the stunning scenery of snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows.
Day 4 – 30 May 2023
Our day began with our usual routine of getting ready, having breakfast, and preparing our lunch. I felt like I was on a Crash Landing On You tour that day.
Our day began with a visit to the renowned Giessbach Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder known for its stunning beauty and impressive cascades. Flowing from the Giessbach stream, the water tumbles gracefully down a series of rocky steps, creating a mesmerising display. The waterfall is nestled in a lush forest setting, surrounded by tall trees, which only adds to its enchanting charm. The gentle sound of the cascading waters creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a truly peaceful spot to visit. One of the unique aspects of the Giessbach Waterfall is the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, situated adjacent to the falls. This elegant hotel, dating back to the 19th century, lends a touch of grandeur to the already picturesque scene. As a fan of the show “Crash Landing On You,” I was filled with excitement knowing that this location was one of the spots where some scenes from the show were filmed. We decided to explore one of the walking trails that offered different vantage points of the waterfall. As we continued our ascent, we came upon a fascinating section of the trail that allowed us to walk behind the cascading water. It reminded us of a similar experience we had with a waterfall in Iceland, evoking fond memories of our travels. The Giessbach Waterfall Trail proved to be a truly memorable adventure, blending the beauty of nature with a touch of history and cinematic allure.
Afterwards, we proceeded to Iseltwald, a delightful village situated on the serene shores of Lake Brienz. The village’s charming Swiss chalet-style architecture enhanced its picturesque allure. As we strolled along its narrow streets, we were greeted by beautifully adorned wooden houses, vibrant flowers, and the majestic backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Iseltwald’s lakeside setting was one of its main attractions. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz reflected the surrounding mountains, creating a mesmerising and tranquil atmosphere. We took our time to enjoy leisurely walks along the lakeshore, immersing ourselves in the peaceful ambience and soaking in the breathtaking vistas. As a fan of “Crash Landing On You,” I was excited to discover that one of the show’s most iconic scenes was shot in Iseltwald. The scene featured Ri Jeong-Hyeok playing the piano at the landing stage on the lake’s shore, while Yoon Se-Ri contemplated her life on a passing ship. The melody played by the hero later helped them remember their encounter in Switzerland. The landing stage from the scene was still there, and although there were additional fees for pictures, there was a significant line of eager fans. While I decided not to pay and wait, I managed to capture pictures of the stage from different angles and even captured images of passing ships, adding to my fan moment.
