Foto: The summit of the Matterhorn (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
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 we received the previous day. Without them, tickets cost €55 each; with the discount, €15 for two. The train is nearly full, a profitable business. Zermatt is at 1,608 meters. Immediately outside the station, the track rises sharply. The cogwheel train ascends quickly, revealing the Alpine peaks. Snow still caps the mountains. A fellow traveler points out the Matterhorn, surprisingly visible today, usually shrouded in clouds. We photograph the towering 4,478-meter peak, one of Switzerland’s ten highest mountains. As we climb, more mountains and glaciers come into view. At the Gornergrat summit (3,135 meters), a fresh breeze greets us. Behind lies the Matterhorn; below, glaciers including the Gornergrat Glacier—what a breathtaking view.
Chteau de Chillon
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. ...
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 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 ...