A Swiss state of being

With its pristine peaks and clear waters, a walk across the swiss mountains is one to remember.

If Switzerland’s snow-covered peaks and undulating green carpet are famed, it’s also the tiny municipalities nestled in its verdant picturesque slopes — each with a church tower, a local bakery, silence and beauty as a constant — that house a true Swiss experience. We decided to live life the Swiss way, in the small outpost of Wengi, a half-hour train ride from Zurich in the Canton of Bern. It’s a sleepy town with farms and quaint homes, where, if you were to walk in silence with the gorgeous cows grazing or taking a standing cat nap, you’d see some beautiful fillies, mares quietly chomping away, even as the farm collie comes peskily barking, being a complete nuisance, to guide them back into the stables.

Around Wengi are cheese farms, which we couldn’t see due to lack of time. We did however, eat chocolates at the local chocolate factory, that had the most dreamy wonderland of a boutique with chocolates in all shapes, colours, sizes, characters and fillings. From fairies to bumble bees, caterpillars to butterflies, it was like entering the land of gifts from Enid Blyton’s Enchanted Wood’s tree. The taste and sheer melting bliss of a small bag of chocolates we bought were more than just delicious.

From Wengi, every day, we would take the local train to Zurich. And from there, make our way to lesser known peaks and places. Among them was Mount Rigi, for which, we can proudly say, thanks to a fellow German in our midst, we reached via a train, another train, a bus, another bus, and a nice steep panting walk up! You can buy a day pass, that pretty much suffices for all your journeys, from land to water — including ferries! A cable car takes you to the first stop, and a train takes you further up, to kiss the skies. The mountain massif on the Schwyz, the first stop had a nice summer swimming pool with sunbathing being the mood of the moment. At a café with delectable goodies to gorge on, you can enjoy the cool breeze and take in the beautiful surrounds. We then took the cog wheel train through hidden valleys and crevices, reaching Rigi Klum at 1,798 metres. Right on top, are views that will stop you in your tracks — snow as far as the eye can see, rugged mountain faces, and far away the azure blue of Lake Lucerne twinkling. Stand a while marvelling at the beauty, read about how Mark Twain visited Rigi, and wrote about his travels in A Tramp Abroad.

On the way back, we took the cable car and got ourselves some hot coffee and munched on crisps as we shutterbugged away, while marvelling at how in 1871, this Europe’s first mountain railway did its ascent from Vitznau to Rigi Staffelhöhe — a milestone in the history of Mount Rigi. The trip back to Lucerne was complete with a nice sumptuous meal of the famed Zurich’s version of the weiner schnitzel, a nice creamy mushroom sauce, that we gobbled on the banks of the canal, as swans fluttered past, before making our way back to Wengi.

Lake Constance The next day, we decided to drive to Lake Constance, after packing ourselves a nice meal of fresh strawberries and peaches. The drive is about 45 minutes, and is spectacular, as you pass hills, valleys and some cool antique race cars being driven at breakneck speed over the mountains. The lake is situated in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, so you are technically standing at the centre of three countries, or are a boat ride away from them. Surreal. In the summer, the tulips in vibrant colours were in full bloom. Do walk around, or take a segway and you’ll find some beautiful gardens, or get some history at the Zepplin Museum, the Monastry, etc. There are also ferries across the lake, to give you a peek at three countries all at once.

Rhein Falls A tourist hub, it’s not the height but the sheer density of water of this largest plain waterfall. At a rocky pathway along a cliff face, and we were lucky to spot a rainbow, as we took a boat trip into a small rock face (viewing platform) in the middle of the river. Here one could climb atop to get the best view. We didn’t take a selfie, just saying. The Wörth Castle is also a must-see, as are the boat trips up the Rhine to the falls and the Rheinfallfelsen. Our local Swiss friends have a dinghy that they inflate on a summer day, to float languorously along the Rhein, while jumping in for a splash, and barbequing. Sounds idyllic! There are also various restaurants around for a taste of local lager and sausages, and some shops for knick-knacks too.

Uetliberg Yet another train ride, and one must declare that each one across the length and breadth of this breathtaking country is wonderful. The Üetliberg is on the Swiss plateau, a part of the Albis chain, and gives a panoramic view of Zurich and Lake of Zurich. You can also stay at a hotel on top, called Uto Kulm. There are two towers, at the summit, which we reached after a nice oxygen-filled walk past hilly terrain, with camping spots and water fountains. The Triemli train station is the last stop, quite literally, as if, if the train went further, it would dive into the valley below!