Foto: Chteau de Chillon on Lake Geneva (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Switzerland - We follow the lakeside boulevard toward Chillon Castle, three kilometers from Montreux. Visible from afar, the castle has occupied this strategic site since the 13th century. Its steep mountain surroundings allowed the Counts of Savoy to control the St. Bernard Pass route. In 1536, Bernese troops captured the castle, using it as a storehouse and prison. During the French Revolution, the Canton of Vaud acquired it. Crossing the entrance bridge leads to one of three courtyards. Surrounding defense towers and walls are visible. In the basement, we see storage rooms and the former prison. The next floor contains reception rooms and the lord’s chambers. Through the chapel, armory, and corridors, we reach the donjon, the castle’s central tower and oldest structure. From the 25-meter-high observation tower, we see all sides of the castle, the lake, and Montreux.
The library of St Gallen
Switzerland - The Abbey of St. Gallen is located in the city of the same name, which developed around the monastery complex. We park in a garage in the Klosterviertel district. The cathedral towers rise above the city. A guide recommends visiting the monastery library ...
The Matterhorn
Switzerland - Exiting Zermatt station, we see the Gornergrat mountain train across the way. We plan to ride to the top and hike back, taking the train down if needed. Round-trip tickets are unnecessary; we buy two single tickets to the summit, using discount vouchers ...
The Oeschinen Lake mountain lake
Switzerland - We planned a walk around Lake Oeschinen with a picnic, but plans change upon arrival. The lake is inaccessible by car. We can either take a cable car or hike to the lake; we choose the latter, carrying lunch in our backpacks. Kandersteg sits at 1,174 ...
The wooden Kapellbrucke of Lucerne
Switzerland - From the hotel, we can walk to the city center. The weather is still beautiful as we reach the banks of the Reuss River at the Chapel Bridge. This old wooden covered bridge is the oldest connection between the two parts of the city. The covered wooden ...