13 minute read
Destinations: Switzerland
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland with Sedunia Travel
Text by ED JUNAIDI Images by ED JUNAIDI, RHAETISCHE BAHN/CHRISTOPH BENZ/ANDREA BADRUTT
On July 2019, I joined a trip to Switzerland that was organised by Sedunia Travel together with Swiss Travel System AG. The trip gave me the real experience of traveling across Switzerland using Swiss Travel Pass. Although the trip did not cover all 8 sections of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, it painted a clear picture on how the tour works and how flexible it is to customise your own itinerary when exploring Switzerland by train.
In a report produced by World Economic Forum, Switzerland topped the list of quality railroad infrastructure and train efficiency in 2018, leaving Japan and Hong Kong in second and third places (http://reports.weforum.org/pdf/gci-2017-2018- scorecard/WEF_GCI_2017_2018_Scorecard_ EOSQrailroad.pdf ). It comes as no surprise because Switzerland has the best integrated train system in the world. The first train system in Switzerland was introduced back in 1847 and the first Alpine railway operated under the Gotthard Pass began in 1882.
After more than 150 years, Switzerland now boasts the most sophisticated railway system in the world; and with other public transportation systems connecting commuters daily, Switzerland has become the most interconnected country in the world. On top of that, trains in Switzerland run on time right down to the second. This surely helps when travellers explore this amazing country.
Back to our journey from Kuala Lumpur to Switzerland, we flew to Zurich via Singapore on SWISS, which connects Switzerland from its bases in Zurich and Geneva to over 100 destinations around the world. Flying for the second time on SWISS, I enjoy the airline’s sophisticated service marked by its ‘Swissness’, which I define as ‘efficient yet quiet and understated’. Flying on the airline is the best way to experience Switzerland even before arriving at the country.
It was summer when I arrived in Switzerland, and it was hotter than usual. According to locals, the temperature spiked up to 38°C when they were hit by the heat wave back in early July 2019. Typically, summer in Switzerland should be between 19°C and 24°C in the northern and central regions, while the southern regions reach up to 32°C. The best part about summer in Switzerland is that the sun shines longer and only sets around 9:00 p.m. If travellers were to stay at the hostels during summer, they should expect that these hostels do not come with air-conditioning. As a matter of fact, most buildings in Switzerland are generally not air-conditioned.
The Grand Train Tour
The most spectacular Alpine crossing experience.
Image by : Rhaetische Bahn/Christoph Benz
When someone asks me what is the best way to explore Switzerland, I totally recommend taking The Grand Train Tourof Switzerland, likened to taking a scenic train ride across a spectacular theme park, except that the theme park here refers to an entire nation, and travellers can simply hop on and off anywhere they wish along the route. With a total of eight recommended sections for an eight-day trip, the tour brings travellers to witness Swiss traditions and customs, quintessential Swiss experiences, and panoramas ranging from big cities to small towns, villages, lakes, rivers and mountains. Just by looking out from the window, travellers can easily feast their eyes on spectacular views.
You can read more about The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland here: https://www.mystsnet.com/en/information/ swiss-travel-system/grand-train-tour-of-switzerland/)
Sedunia Travel Services Sdn. Bhd. Level 12, 13 & 15, Menara Genesis, 33 Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +6 03 2141 5259 E: contact@seduniamuslim.com W: www.seduniatravel.com / www.seduniamuslim.com
Swiss Travel Pass
The key to Switzerland’s Grand Train Tour is the Swiss Travel Pass. It offers unlimited rides using public transport covering trains, buses and boats across more than 90 cities, towns and villages, including mountain excursions to Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Stos. The pass also includes free admission to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland and carries digital coupons with thrilling discounts up to 50% for attractions and cable cars. This pass can only be purchased by travellers with permanent residence outside Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Read more about travelling in Switzerland using public transport here: https://www.swiss-pass.ch/
Swiss Travel System AG – a Zurich-based marketing company co-founded in 2011 by Swiss Federal Railways, Switzerland Tourism and five private railway companies – recommends tours consisting 8 days and 7 nights exploring the 8 sections using the train system:
1. Zürich/Genève*/Basel – Luzern – Interlaken (Luzern–Interlaken Express), from 2 h 51 min
2. Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux (GoldenPass MOB), 3 h 5 min
3. Montreux – Visp – Zermatt, 2 h 31 min
4. Zermatt – St. Moritz (Glacier Express), 7 h 46 min
5. St. Moritz – Tirano – Lugano (Bernina Express), 6 h 46 min
6. Lugano – Flüelen – Luzern (Gotthard Panorama Express), 5 h 30 min
7. Luzern – St. Gallen (Voralpen-Express), 2 h 17 min
8. St. Gallen – (Stein am Rhein) Schaffhausen – Zürich/ Genève*/Basel, from 2 h 34 min
* When arriving from Geneva, it is recommended to start and end the tour at Montreux.
EXPLORING LUZERN
Luzern is a compact city boasting thousands of years of history, heritage architecture, old alleys, guild houses, clock towers and the last remaining needle dam in the world that is still preserved and functioning until today. The city is built along the shores of Lake Luzern and surrounded by snowcapped mountains.
There are paintings on the Kapellbr¸cke that tell a collection of stories beginning from the founding of Luzern.
The remains of Musegg Wall, a 14th-century fort, can still be seen bordering the old town, Altstadt, on the north. Although now fully disconnected, the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) was part of the fort structure that is still in existence, linking both riverbanks flanking the Reuss River. The paintings on the Kapellbrücke tell a collection of stories beginning from the founding of Luzern.
Travellers are recommended to tour around the city of Luzern, beginning from the train station, crossing the Kapellbrücke heading into the Old Town of Altstadt. There are many places to visit such as the Jesuit Church that possesses Baroque-style architecture, Franciscan Church built in Gothic style, Lion Monument that commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred during French Revolution, Musegg Wall, Pfister Guild, Town Hall Clock Tower that tells the lunar calendar, Reuswehr Needle Dam and more.
Reuswehr Needle Dam is the last remaining needle dam in the world that is still preserved and functioning until today.
Shopaholics and collectors should stop by at the Gübelin boutique on the Schwanenplatz. Gübelin is famous for its fine jewellery creations and luxury timepieces of its renowned watchmaking partners. Travellers with more time in their hands should stay longer and learn about Gübelin’s centurylong history and how it positions its brand to the world.
MS Diamant takes passengers cruising around Lake Luzern.
In the evening, return to the train station and head to Pier 1 to board the MS Diamant to cruise around Lake Luzern, also known as the Lake of the Four Settlements. The cruise serves as water transport and stops at almost every major pier on the lake. You can hop on and off the cruise boat anytime and at any pier using the Swiss Travel Pass. Special sunset cruise dinner can be booked in advance and typically leaves Pier 1 at 7:12 p.m. everyday, depending on season. The dinner costs CHF49.50 (MYR210) per person.
Read more about Luzern here: https://www.luzern.com/en/
This small alpine village is located about 43 minutes away from Luzern by the Luzern-Engelberg Express train. From Engelberg train station, walk about 10 minutes or take a three-minute shuttle bus to the cable car valley station. Engelberg is the gateway to Mount Titlis, a year-round winter wonderland. Titlis is considered the jewel in Central Switzerland’s crown and the only publicly accessible glacier in the area. This is a must-visit destination in Switzerland that travellers should include in their travel itinerary.
Engelberg
Titlis cable car rides offer exhilarating view of majestic mountain ranges with contrasting colours of the vegetation and layers of snow.
It takes two cable car rides to reach the peak of Mount Titlis, the first is the Titlis Xpress to reach Trübsee Station, then followed by the second ride to the peak on the world’s first revolving cable car, Titlis Rotair.
The cable car rides offer exhilarating view of the Alpine farms, herds of cows and goats, intriguing rock formations, and majestic mountain ranges with contrasting colours of the vegetation and layers of snow.
At Titlis Summit Station, there are various attractions for travellers. The spectacular Titlis Cliff Walk is the highest suspension bridge in Europe situated 3,041 metres above sea-level, with a 500-metre off the closest ground and 150 heart-stopping steps. At the end of the Cliff Walk, visit Titlis Glacier Cave to experience the amazing 20-metre walk inside the glacier first-hand. Afterwards, take the vertigo-inducing Ice Flyer Chairlift to Titlis Glacier Park for fun on the ice.
Titlis Cliff Walk is the highest suspension bridge in Europe.
For Muslim travellers, fret not, Titlis Panorama Restaurant serves certified halal menu for a savoury treat, from salad, pasta, pizza, grilled chicken and lamb steak. I had grilled chicken served with rice and ratatouille. A multi-faith prayer room is also available.
Travellers who would like to stay overnight on the mountain can stay at Trübsee Alpine Lodge, located at Trübsee Station. Otherwise, there are more activities can be done here such as walking around the beautiful Lake Trübsee, canoeing, hiking, hopping on the fun Titlis Adventure Park or trying the Trübsee Flyer Zipline, which is Trübsee’s latest attraction.
Read more about Engelberg and Titlis here: https://www. engelberg.ch/en/)
Trubschachen
Although Switzerland is one of the most developed nations in the world, it still holds onto its traditions. One of them is the production of fine chocolates and biscuits. Kambly is a household brand in Switzerland for generations due to its delicious biscuits, resulted from the determination by its founder Oscar Kambly to prove his love to a girl from Trubschachen, the place where The Kambly Visitor Centre and Factory Shop is located, only a short train ride from Interlaken, Bern or Luzern.
It is enriching to visit The Kambly Visitor Centre and Factory Shop to discover the secrets and fine art of biscuitmaking.
Today, Kambly does not only produce baked cookies and biscuits but now has become a Swiss way of life. The Kambly Experience is a complete excursion recommended by Kambly and Switzerland Tourism. Travellers, especially those with family, should partake the Kambly Experience in idyllic Emmental Valley and the rustic district of Entlebuch. It is enriching to visit The Kambly Visitor Centre and Factory Shop to discover the secrets and fine art of biscuit-making; it is wheelchair friendly with no entrance fee and opens almost every day from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The Visitor Centre includes visual representation of Oscar Kambly’s journey, a coffee shop, and demonstrations by in-house Master Confectioners.
EXPLORING LUGANO
Lugano is a region in Switzerland that maintain its Mediterranean culture.
Many regions in Switzerland have their own distinct characters, especially Lugano, which is the capital of Ticino canton down south. The main language in the region is Italian the culture is more Mediterranean. As such, Lugano is a vibrant city with music scenes in the squares, international exhibitions, theatre and culture on the lakeshore.
We stayed at the historical Hotel International au Lac that fronts Lake Lugano and within Via Nassa, Lugano’s number one shopping destination along the ancient city porticoes that line the lakeshore. The cobblestoned paths between the alleys are still preserved to maintain Lugano’s charming atmosphere.
Right beside the hotel is The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the famous Renaissance fresco work entitled ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ by Italian artist Bernardino Luini, who worked with and greatly influenced by Leonardo da Vinci. His artworks at the church, dating back to 1529, are the most important examples of Lombard Renaissance in Switzerland.
Read more about Lugano here: https://www.luganoregion.com/en
Morcote
Morcote Pier.
Recognised as the most beautiful village of Switzerland in 2016, the village of Morcote is one boat ride away from Lugano Centrale Pier. Swiss Travel Pass holders can hop on and off the boat at any of the piers that the boat stops. Morcote is recognised for its small alleys, arcades of old patrician homes, and a setting of exquisite subtropical flora by the lakefront. It is the place to indulge in tranquillity.
Lugano’s charming atmosphere can be seen throughout Morcote.
Melide
From Morcote, use the Swiss Travel Pass to get to Melide by bus to visit a miniature park founded in 1959 called Swissminiatur, which is a must-visit destination, located along the highway between Milan (Italy) and Lugano (Switzerland).
Swissminiatur displays miniature replicas of important and famous landmarks across Switzerland. The most prominent ones are the UNESCO-enlisted Castles of Bellinzona, Jungfraujoch Summit Station and the Federal Parliament in Bern. The park turns alive with 18 model trains running non-stop along the custom-built 3.5-kilometre track around the park, including replicas of cable cars, suspension railways, funicular trains and boats.
Read more about Swissminiatur here: https://www.swissminiatur.ch/swissminiatur/en/
Mendrisio
When in Lugano, drop by FoxTown Factory Stores, the biggest factory store centre in Southern Europe. Located in Mendrisio, it takes about 18 minutes’ train ride from Lugano Station or 10 minutes’ train ride from Melide Station. To get to FoxTown by train, you need to disembark at Mendrisio S. Martin Station, then walk for 10 minutes down the walkway towards the factory stores.
FoxTown Factory Stores boast 160 retail outlets that carry prestigious brands relating to men, women, and children apparel, sporting articles, household goods, accessories and jewelleries, perfumes and cosmetics, all under one roof. Most of the goods are sold at 30% to 70% discount, and many of the collections are from previous seasons. There are over 250 well-known brands such as Armani, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Swarovski and more.
Read more about FoxTown Factory Stores here: https://www.foxtown.com/en/visit-us
The Bernina Express – The Ultimate Alpine experience
Bernina Express is crossing the impressive Wiesner Viaduct.
Image by : Rhaetische Bahn/Andrea Badrutt
This is the ultimate and the most spectacular Alpine crossing experience. Connecting the cool north with the warm sunny south, this express passes through various terrains that offer jaw-dropping views comprising snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, lakes, pine forests, Alpine villages, 14 tunnels and 30 bridges.
Among these are the impressive Wiesner Viaduct (the highest brickwork bridge built by Rhaetian Railway, the owner of Switzerland’s largest network of private railways operators) and Brusio Circular
Viaduct, where the train ascends or descends by covering two loops, each of them 100 meters in diameter. Most importantly, the pass from Tirano to Thusis managed by Rhaetian Railway itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The train ride plies between Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur, and Tirano in Italy.
Although included in the Swiss Travel Pass, travellers planning to ride on Bernina Express still have to pay for seat reservation and supplements. The option for Swiss Travel Pass can be found in the second step of the booking procedure, under Ticket/reduction drop down box.
If travellers were to travel from Lugano, take the Bernina Express Bus too and enjoy the fascinating sightseeing trip passing by quaint small towns along the beautiful Lake Comersee between Lugano and Tirano.
Read more about Bernina Express here: https://www.rhb.ch/ en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express or https://www.mystsnet. com/en/download/experience-bernina-express/?wpdmdl=15394 &refresh=5d765a03d68e71568037379
Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Switzerland Tourism, Swiss Travel System and Sedunia Travel Sdn. Bhd. for making the writer’s Grand Train Tour of Switzerland experience possible.
