GEM OF EUROPE - SWITZERLAND

We arrived in Geneva by train from Paris, nearly two hours prior to Zaid's scheduled flight arrival from Dubai. However, our plans took an unexpected turn as we ended up running late for his airport arrival. This was because we decided to visit the United Nations Office, the Red Cross Office, and the Broken Chair monument before making our way to the airport. As a result, Zaid had to patiently wait for us at the airport.

Furthermore, when we finally made it to the airport, it took us a full hour to pick up the car at the Europcar office located on-site. The delay was due to the slightly more distant delivery location for the car.

Our journey through Switzerland commenced the moment we set off in the car. We embarked from Geneva, traversing picturesque plains and multiple tunnels, and by the time we arrived in Lauterbrunnen, it was approximately 6 o'clock in the evening. In a rather unexpected turn of events, we hadn't made advance hotel reservations, assuming that securing accommodations upon arrival would be a breeze. To our astonishment, we soon discovered that there were no available rooms in any of the local hotels.

In our desperation, we sought assistance from the reception of one hotel, who attempted to help us secure accommodations in other hotels through his personal connections. Regrettably, even his efforts proved in vain, as he informed us that there were no available rooms in the entirety of Lauterbrunnen for that particular day. We dedicated roughly an hour to our fruitless search for rooms. The only other option for securing lodging at that late hour was to turn to booking.com, where we eventually found rooms in Engelberg.

Starting our journey to Engelberg from here, Zaid took charge of driving and continued to do so until we returned the car on our final day. Eventually, we arrived at our selected hotel near midnight. Despite feeling exhausted from a full day of traveling, we managed to have a tranquil and undisturbed night's rest. Little did we anticipate the surprises that awaited us the following morning.

As the new day dawned, we awoke to a breathtaking revelation. Engelberg was far more beautiful, charming, and romantic than we could have ever anticipated. The view from the window prompted us to quickly prepare ourselves so that we could fully savor the breathtaking scenery outside.

It was a truly remarkable experience to enjoy our breakfast while gazing at the stunning lake, nestled amidst the lush, verdant mountains just beyond our window. Following breakfast, we promptly made our way to the lake to take a leisurely stroll around its shores. Mountain tops were fully covered so we opted out visiting Mount Titlis.

We checked out of the hotel and continued our journey to Winterthur, making stops at Frakmuntegg (for Toboggan Ride - Switzerland's longest summer toboggan ride) and Luzern (to see the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument). The journey was a visual delight as we traveled through the picturesque, remote villages of Switzerland. Everywhere we looked, there was pristine cleanliness and lush greenery, set against breathtaking scenic backdrops. The beauty was so captivating that one could easily find themselves stopping every 10 minutes for a photo session.

We chose to stay in Winterthur for two main reasons. Firstly, it was conveniently located near Rhine Falls, which was a must-visit destination for us. Secondly, Winterthur, like most major cities, boasted numerous Turkish restaurants that provide Halal food options.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we wasted no time to check-out and made our way directly to Rhine Falls. The anticipation of witnessing this natural wonder up close filled us with excitement and eagerness.

We must say that Rhine Falls is a truly magnificent natural wonder. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfalls left us in awe.

Firstly, the sheer size of Rhine Falls is overwhelming. The immense volume of water cascading down the rock formation is a sight to behold. The roaring sound of the water crashing against the rocks creates a sense of raw power and energy.

The surrounding environment adds to the magic of Rhine Falls. The lush greenery and scenic landscape provide a picturesque backdrop for the waterfall. Standing on the centre rock, we could feel the mist gently caressing our faces, adding to the immersive experience.  It is truly a treat for the eyes.

Witnessing Rhine Falls up close from the centre rock is a captivating experience that awakens a sense of wonder and appreciation for the power and beauty of nature. It is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the majesty of waterfalls.

We visited "Lindt - Home of Chocolate" in Zurich after Rhine Falls. It was Zoya's desire to visit this place, and the visit turned out to be truly worthwhile. We had a delightful experience, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft of chocolate making. It was a day well spent in the heart of chocolate heaven, creating lasting and sweet memories for a lifetime.

It was a fascinating journey through the history of Lindt, beginning with the story of Rodolphe Lindt, the master chocolatier who invented the conching process that revolutionized the texture and taste of chocolate. The museum showcased vintage chocolate-making equipment, old advertisements, and even a glimpse into the early days of cocoa production.

We were surprised when we entered the Chocolate Shop. It was a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts, with an impressive selection of Lindt products, ranging from elegant gift boxes to delightful chocolate figurines. We picked up some souvenirs to share the sweetness of our visit with friends and family back home.

We drew to Interlaken from Zurich. It is a city nestled between two picturesque lakes. Interlaken proved to be a culinary delight, boasting a wide array of dining options, including Indian, Pakistani, Arab, Chinese, European and American restaurants. In fact, you can find eateries representing various cuisines from around the world here.

During our stay, we explored several remarkable attractions in and around Interlaken. We marveled at the stunning Giessbach Falls, took in the breathtaking views from Harder Kulm, immersed ourselves in the rich history of the Ballenburg Open Air Museum, ventured into the enchanting St. Beatus Caves, and enjoyed the tranquil beauty of Lake Thunersee.

One of the most memorable aspects of our visit was our interaction with the Lindt staff. While we were in the process of selecting chocolates at one particular section, a Saleswoman, upon noticing Tabasum's headgear, approached us and she politely excused herself and informed us that the chocolates we were selecting contained alcohol. She even pointed out two specific counters to avoid where alcoholic chocolates were located. We expressed heartfelt gratitude to her for the considerate gesture.

Harder Kulm - It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss Alps, including the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. One can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Interlaken valley, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz.

The Giessbach Falls – This is a remarkable and picturesque waterfall with stunning beauty located in the Bernese Oberland region. They are not only impressive but also have striking backdrop of the Swiss Alps and Lake Brienz.

The St. Beatus Caves – Made of limestone, they are nestled within a lush forested area. They offered us the opportunity to explore a subterranean world of stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls. There are well-maintained paths and chambers within the caves. The underground adventure took us through various halls and passageways, each featuring unique limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have developed over thousands of years. The experience of exploring these caves evoked fond recollections of our visit to the Prometheus Caves in Georgia.

Ballenberg Open Air Museum - Spread across a sprawling, picturesque landscape, it recreates the ambiance of a bygone era with many meticulously preserved historic buildings it showcase traditional architecture, craftsmanship, and ways of life spanning centuries.

We had a remarkable journey through time, providing a glimpse into Switzerland's rich heritage and rural traditions. As we strolled through the museum's charming streets, we encountered traditional farmhouses, barns, mills, and artisan workshops, each faithfully restored and furnished to depict life as it was in different historical periods.

We had the opportunity to observe various stages of the traditional Swiss bread-making process. Mixing of the dough, rolling it into loaves, carefully placing them into the wood-fired ovens. The sight, smell, and even the sound of the crust crackling create a multisensory delight. The baker offered us the freshly baked bread to taste. It was Yummy.

We had 4 days left for our final leg of the journey which included visits to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and First. We made the decision to find accommodation in a secluded area surrounded by nature, yet still close to Interlaken. This choice was influenced by our uncertainty about finding halal food in Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Consequently, we opted to stay in Gundlischwand, which is conveniently situated in the center of Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald. To provide some geographical context, Interlaken is located to the north of Gundlischwand, Lauterbrunnen to the south, and Grindelwald to the east. Our dinners used to be in Interlaken daily.

Our dream destination was always Lauterbrunnen, the beautiful town nestled in the picturesque Bernese Oberland region. It has dramatic landscape, characterized by towering cliffs, lush green meadows, and, most notably, an impressive collection of waterfalls that cascade down the sheer rock faces. It has numerous trails for hikers which lead to scenic view points and hidden alpine lakes. It is a gateway to the Jungfraujoch region. It’s serene ambiance and stunning surroundings make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Not to miss in Lauterbrunnen is Trümmelbach Falls - unlike most waterfalls, they are hidden deep within the mountains. you'll be surrounded by the sound of rushing water and the misty spray from the falls. The energy and power of the falls are truly awe-inspiring, and you'll feel a sense of wonder and amazement as you witness the sheer force of nature. The water flows through a network of caves and tunnels within the mountain, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. These Falls are a natural wonder that showcases the relentless power of water and the Earth's capacity to create beauty in unexpected places.

You can see the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley laid out before you from Wengen, it is nothing short of breathtaking. What immediately catches your eye are the numerous waterfalls that cascade down the vertical rock faces, creating a spectacle of glistening streams against the lush green backdrop. Most notably, Staubbach Falls, it is a sight to behold and a testament to the breathtaking beauty of nature. What sets Staubbach Falls apart is their sheer vertical drop from a dramatic limestone cliff. As the water plunges from such a significant height, it transforms into a mesmerizing, almost otherworldly spectacle. The water descends in a thin, graceful stream, and as it encounters the brisk mountain air, it breaks into a fine mist that resembles glistening stardust.

The source of the water that feeds Trümmelbach Falls is the melting glacier from the Jungfrau region. The sheer force of the water is truly awe-inspiring. The falls carry an astonishing 20,000 liters of water per second, making them some of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. The thunderous roar of the water echoing through the rocky chambers is a sensory experience like no other.

The next day we approached the counter to purchase gondola tickets for Grindelwald-First and were informed that even activity tickets need to be obtained in the same counter. Unfortunately, tickets for the First-Flyer were no longer available as we had arrived too late, it was 11:30am. However, we were able to purchase tickets for the First-Glider for Kids and Mountain Cart for all four of us. The journey to FIRST took us approximately 25 minutes, as we remained seated throughout the ride, passing by two stations, in order to reach the top and experience the First Cliff Walk together.

We devoted almost a full day to driving and discovering the charming and secluded villages of Grindelwald. It was an unforgettable experience as we embarked on a breathtaking drive through lush green hills, with magnificent snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Grindelwald stands apart from other picturesque destinations due to its distinctive blackish-green surroundings. Viewing Grindelwald from a distance evokes a distinct and captivating sensation. The drive left a lasting impression on us and created cherished memories.

Grindelwald-First is a must-visit destination when traveling to Grindelwald. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes. The First Cliff provided us with a unique and thrilling experience, allowing us to cross a suspension bridge and enjoy unparalleled vistas. Unfortunately, upon reaching the viewing platform, clouds began to obscure the scenery, preventing us from fully appreciating the clear panoramic view of the majestic snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Mountain Cart – Tabasum took Gondola and we took the cart down the mountain to Grindelwald. It was an exhilarating adventure that combined the thrill of go-karting with the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. As we descended, we felt the rush of the wind against our face and the excitement of navigating the twists and turns of the mountain trails.
It was an adventure that combined the thrill of speed with the beauty of nature, creating an unforgettable experience.

The children took the Gondola back to Schreckfeld Station in order to try the First Glider, while we embarked on an uphill hike to Bachalpsee Lake. After reaching the summit, we took a break and then continued our hike. We had covered about halfway to the lake when Zaid called and informed us that they were nearing the end of the queue and would be riding the First Glider in approximately half an hour. Tabasum suggested that it would be nice for us to witness the children enjoying the ride, so we decided to abandon our plan of visiting the lake and returned to Schreckfeld Station. It turned out to be a delightful experience for the kids, as they had the opportunity to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Grindelwald and the surrounding areas of Bernese Oberland enjoying the ride.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we checked out of our hotel at Gundlischwand and made our way to Geneva to catch our flight back to Dubai. Before arriving at the airport and returning the car to Europcar, we took the opportunity to visit Geneva Lake and witness the impressive Jet d'Eau.