Escape Supplement - Switzerland

TRAVEL GUIDE

Because everyone deserves a great getaway

TM

www.escape.sg

SWITZERLAND Discover Nature’s Wonderland

MICA (P) 017/02/2011, ISSN 0219-8967, PPS1694/07/2012(022779)

With compliments of escape!

TM

Because everyone deserves a great getaway

content

www.escape.sg

Cecilia Woo Publisher EDITORIAL Derek Rodriguez Editor Natalie Joy Lee Writer CONTIBUTOR Boon Lu Xanne ART Cally Han Art Director Joanna Cheng Graphic Designer Victor Toh Web Content Designer MARKETING Tasmin Chua Senior Marketing Manager Lim Kai Yan Marketing Executive DISTRIBUTION Emrys Phua Circulation Executive FINANCE Julie Khong Finance Manager CUSTOMER SERVICE Singapore Beth Kwok Customer Service Executive Malaysia NorShima Customer Service Executive SALES Singapore Joanna Teh, Marie Yeo Senior Business Managers Alice Ng Business Manager Malaysia Jessly Pak Sales & Marketing Director Wendy Fong Senior Business Manager MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES Hong Kong/Macau Mariam Wong mariam.wang@publicitas.com Japan Tsuyuki tsuyuki@mcijapan.com Thailand Hemant N Sonney hemant@sonneymedia.com DISTRIBUTORS Singapore Singapore Press Holdings Limited Malaysia MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd Hong Kong Times Publishing (HK) Ltd Indonesia PT Java Books Indonesia Thailand Asia Books Co., Ltd Philippines Asia/Pacific Circulation Exponents, Inc.

02 About EU Holidays

04 6 Reasons To Head To Switzerland

07 Walk on the Glacier

08 Fun Things To Do In Switzerland

09 Irresistable Stays For The Season 10 Destination - Interlaken 12 Destination - Swiss Riviera

16 Destination - Bern

18 Destination - Lucerne

22 Shop Like A Swiss

23 Facts & Such

24 Map

FOR ENQUIRIES escape@regentmedia.sg Editorial subscription@regentmedia.sg Distribution & Subscription marketing@regentmedia.sg Marketing sales@regentmedia.sg Advertising Sales 65/6543-3681(Singapore) • 6-03/7954-8989 (Malaysia) Hotline REGENT MEDIA PTE LTD 20 Bedok South Singapore 469277 Tel: 65/6543-3681 Fax: 65/6543-3719 E-mail: escape@regentmedia.sg www.escape.sg REGENT MEDIA SDN BHD B-3-21, Section 8, Business Center Jalan Sungai Jernih 1, 8 Avenue 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: 603/7954-8989 Fax: 603/7954-8979

Regent Media Pte Ltd will not accept responsibility for unsolicited contributions.

Printer: KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd (197801823M) escape! is distributed in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines.

Member of Magazine Publishers Association, Singapore

Member of International Federation of the Periodical Press, UK

images swiss-image.ch

escape! MICA (P) 017/02/2011, ISSN 0219-8967, PPS1694/07/2012(022779), is published bi-monthly by Regent Media Pte Ltd. No part of this publication is to be reproduced, stored, transmitted, digitally or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.

The information contained herein is accurate at time of printing. Changes may have occurred since this magazine went to print. Regent Media Pte Ltd and its editors will not be held liable for any damages, loss, injury or inconvenience, arising in connection with the contents of the magazine.

EU Profile

About EU Holidays

destination in different seasons. That’s why there are no generic tours at EU Holidays – every itinerary can be tailored to your specific needs, be it skiing on the Swiss Alps in winter, strawberry picking in summer, winery visits in autumn or watching blooming flower fields in spring. Upping the efficiency are two dedicated offices with staff strength of over forty, catering to all sales and passenger enquiries. For businesses and individual travellers, EU Holidays also caters to Leisure Group Tours, MICE Groups, Pilgrimage Incentives and FIT (individual) Travellers program.

image EU Holidays

Specialising in travel packages to Europe and USA, EU Holidays is a dedicated travel agency launched since in 2010. Thanks to a dynamic team of professional staff, customers can expect their holidays to be well-planned from start to end. Whether discussing budget plans, time constraints or allocating destinations, let their knowledgeable travel agents help you with all the

minute details to ensure a perfect holiday anytime, anywhere.

At EU Holidays, the range of services gets bigger and better every season.

With a unique advantage of specialising in a niche travel market, customers can expect competitively priced travel packages to Europe and USA – while still maintaining the same level of services and standards for your best travelling pleasures. These travel packages can also be bundled with comfortable hotel accommodations, food and transfers to provide value-added offers to your holiday.

No one trip is the same, especially if you are travelling to the same

2 escape!

EU Profile

SWITZERLAND SPLENDOUR No matter which season, let the friendly travel agents at EU Holidays help you plan that perfect holiday to Switzerland!

Here, some itineraries to get you started: • 9 Days Glacier Switzerland • 9 Days Switzerland, Colmar & Paris • 10 Days Countryside Switzerland & Paris • 12 Days Countryside Switzerland, Paris & London • 12 Days Flowery Switzerland, Paris & Holland • 13 Days Italy, Switzerland & Paris • 13 Days Switzerland, Italy + Cinque Terre • 15 Days Italy, Switzerland, Paris & London • 15 Days Italy, Switzerland, Paris & Amsterdam • 16 Days Majestic Europe 9 Countries Where to find us: Main Office 2HR (former Apollo Centre), 2 Havelock Road, #01-21, Singapore 059763 Branch 1, Park Road, #02-K75, People’s Park Complex, Singapore 059108 Branch 101, Upper Cross Street, People’s Park Centre, #B1-17B, Singapore 058357 Contact: Main Line / Europe : 6535 8535 USA / Exotic : 6307 7060 Opening Hours: Mon to Sat: 10am – 8pm, Sun/PH: 11am – 6pm Email: contact@euholidays.com.sg Website: www.euholidays.com.sg

escape! 3

Switzerland

6 Reasons

to Head to Switzerland

Europe taking you through winding tunnels, past peaceful countrysides, ice-girdled peaks and reaching an altitude of 2, 253 metres at its highest point. The Glacier Express is another popular ride, taking one full day but definitely worth every minute. Starting from St Moritz and ending in Zermatt, experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps from the comfort of your seat, of dense coniferous forests, rushing streams and sweeping mountain valleys for a breathtaking experience.

1

EXTRAORDINARY TRAIN JOURNEYS The Swiss hardly have a chance to blame train delays for reporting late at work – not when Switzerland boasts of an integrated transport system that is mind-bogglingly accurate, right down to the minute! The Swiss rail network also offers dazzling routes, such as the Bernina Express – the seven-hour ride across North (Chur) to South (Tirano)

4 escape!

2

BEAUTY ALL YEAR ROUND Blessed with beautiful forests, wide expanses of crystal blue lakes, enchanting castles, gorgeous cathedrals, icy glaciers and snow-capped mountains – one really doesn’t need to travel far to catch one of Switzerland’s picturesque sights. The country is also a mountaineer’s dream, with a total of over 200 mountains covering one third of Switzerland, including the world-famous Swiss Alps – also home to Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc.

2. The Gothic-styled Muenster Cathedrale in Bern, with a towering 100m-high spire

images swiss-image.ch

1. Take in beautiful vistas right from your seat onboard the Glacier Express

Switzerland

3

CITY THRILLS AND SPILLS Vibrant, casual and cosmopolitan, Switzerland’s cities make excellent holiday stops for avid jetsetters and holidaymakers alike. Whether it’s to the historical city of Bern, Basel for its art offerings, to Davos for serious skiing and boarding adventures, late-nights out in lively Zurich or just relaxing by Geneva’s beautiful lakeside – Switzerland’s irresistible blend of attractions throws up a heap of R&R options, whenever and wherever.

world-famous Gruyère and Emmentaler cheese, favourites for fondues; and delicious melt-in-your-mouth chocolates to sweeten any day!

5

4. Simple but delicious cheese and parma ham meal at Cave de Tous-Vent in the Old Town of Sion

4

images swiss-image.ch; Ben Poon

3. Zurich’s lively night scene

IT’S EVERY FOODIE’S DELIGHT Switzerland has a diverse cuisine scene, thanks to influences from bordering neighbours Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy and France. When in the canton of Vaud near France for instance, you’ll find French dishes of poached perch fillets and tomatoes Fribourg style; meals served with rosti near the German regions; or pasta and risotto if you are around Lake Maggiore near Italy.

Ultimately however, cheese and chocolates are Switzerland’s most famous foods – just think of the

OUTDOOR FIESTA Switzerland is an adventure enthusiast’s dream come true, where it’s perhaps easier to choose a season before deciding on an outdoor activity since there are so many to choose from! Winter’s playground includes ski-gliding, deep-snow skiing, glacier-walking, tobogganing, dog sledding, cross country trails and many more lakeside activities. Warmer months are equally inviting – whether rafting, canyoning, skydiving or hang-gliding, it’s an open field of adventures galore for one and all.

6

MUSEUM HOPPING Switzerland may be small but it certainly isn’t short of its share of fun and fascinating museums.

Popular ones include the Swiss Transport Museum and Glacier Garden in Lucerne, Swiss National Museum in Zurich, International Red Cross Museum in Geneva, Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and the Alprose chocolate Museum in Lugano.

5. The Jungfrau Railway going past the Jungfrau peak on its way to the Eiger Glacier station, which leads eventually to the 3454 metres high Jungfraujoch – also known as the Top of Europe.

escape! 5

Welcome to the View of the Alps!

Snow Bus

Dog Sled Ride

Restaurant Botta

Glacier 3000 • Infoline +41 (0)848 00 3000 • info@glacier3000.ch

Alpine Coaster

www.glacier3000.ch

Switzerland

Walk on the Glacier Who says snow can only be found in Winter? Not if you are at Glacier 3000 - there you can find snow all year round with many exciting activities.

ALPINE COASTER

Get on the world’s highest bobsleigh track! The one km track lets you cruise down at a leisurely 40km/h, with brakes to determine your speed down the mountain. Highlights include a 520-degree loop, followed by 10 curves, six waves, three jumps and two bridges.

DOG SLED RIDE

How many of your friends can boast of a sleigh-ride pulled by a team of beautiful Huskies? Now you can – the 400 metre ride across glacial landscape available three to four times weekly during summer, depending on weather and snow conditions.

GLACIER WALK

The hike from Scex Rouge to Quille du Diable is open year-round, taking about an hour for beginner hikers. If you’re up for a challenge, carry on further towards the Sanetsch Pass – the five-hour hike offering rewarding views of flowing water and ice, flora and fauna amongst steep cliffs.

FIXED ROPE ROUTE

Put simply, you are first strapped securely to harnesses, before making your way precariously down the mountain sides.

Recommended for daredevils, the 800 metre route begins on a relatively wide trail, before narrowing to a point where you’ve to walk sideways, then climbing up, around and over to Gemskopf mountain.

VIEW POINT

images Glacier 3000

SNOW BUS

The specially designed sturdy vehicle takes up to 20 guests on a ride over the glacier, past ice-girdled peaks and snow-trodden paths, making for a comfortable and scenic 15 minute experience.

From the Botta mountain station, climb the staircase to the top, where you’ll be greeted with sweeping 360° views of gorgeous ice-capped peaks – from Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.

escape! 7

Switzerland

Fun Things To Do in Switzerland Action lurks at every corner in Switzerland. Don’t believe us? Just check out these activities for a holiday filled with fun, thrills and spills!

OWN A SWANKY RIDE

What: Luxury car rentals Where: Zurich (www.edelstark.com)

What: Fire and Ice Bath Where: Rheinfelden (www.parkresort.ch)

Much has been said about the health benefits gotten from alternating between hot and cold waters – where you switch between a cooling 15 ° C to a simmering 40 ° C pool at regular intervals. If that’s not for you, the wellness centre also offers a bubbling outdoor recreational pool, a saltwater pool for your floating pleasure, and a 300 sqm sauna complex to while the day away.

GET UP IN THE AIR

What: Ballon Château-d’Oex Where: Château-d’Oex, Unter Eiger (www.ballonchateaudoex.ch)

OF CHEESE AND CHOCOLATES

What: La Maison du Gruyère Cheese Factory and Maison Cailler (Nestlé) Chocolate Factory Where: La Gruyère (www.lamaisondugruyere.ch, www.cailler.ch )

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

What: Hang Gliding Where: Interlaken (www.hangglidinginterlaken.com)

Take off from one of the highest points in Interlaken, and dive right into one of Switzerland’s best views while affixed to your hang glider! If a smooth scenic ride is too tame, let the instructors know – and they’ll arrange for an adrenalinecharged ride, complete with stalls, dips and huge wingovers within the 10 to 25 minute ride.

8 escape!

Go on a fascinating cheese tour, bringing you through Gruyère’s green pastures with its herds of cows, watching farmers’ milk deliveries, and the actual curing and making of cheese loaves. Don’t miss the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate tour – where your nose will smell the factory before you even see it! Discover the history of chocolate and how Cailler’s Branche bars are made, get a hands-on session at the Atelier du Chocolat making your own mouth-watering pralines, before ending your visit with a hot cup of cocoa at the café!

How about a view in the sky? Attracting riders from the world over, this capital of alpine ballooning sees off hot-air balloons 365 days a year – as long as the weather permits! Taking off from Chateau d’Oex, riders are often rewarded with 360 degree panoramic views of the Alps, the Matterhorn, Jura, the Lake Geneva region and much more. After an hour or four (!) in the air, guests will also receive a ‘Ballooning Degree’ and a friendship drink to end the trip on a high note.

BE A CHILD AGAIN

What: JungfrauPark Where: Interlaken (www.jungfraupark.ch)

Unleash your inner child in this amusement park! Kids and teens will love Mysty Land – a huge indoor and outdoor playground complete with pedal go-karts, tractors, sandpits and water games. Then there’s Mystery World – where multiple multimedia presentations explain some unexplained wonders on earth, such as the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge in southern England; Vimanas, strange flying machines in Indian mythology and more. Entrance is free, open daily from April to October.

images Parkresort Rheinfelden; Birdman Bernie Hang Gliding Interlaken; Balloon Château-d’Oex; swiss-image.ch

BLOW HOT AND COLD

Sports cars for hire! Ranging from convertibles and sports cars, to limousines and SUVs, take your pick from a Mercedes SLS, Ferrari 599, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche 911, Audi R8, Jaguar and more – available for rent between a week to a month. Whether you are flying solo, part of a team bonding session or here with the family, spoil yourself with a dream ride combining luxury, power, speed and comfort all at once.

Stay

Irresistible Stays for the Season More than offering the urbane comforts of a city hotel, these accomodations also boast spectacular hillside and lake views for a memorable stay.

CLASS OF ITS OWN

Mercure Classic Leysin, Route de la Cité, 1854 Leysin, Switzerland. Tel: (+41) 244 930 606; www.mercure.com

Top: Mercure Classic Leysin

RUSTIC CHARM

Hotel Postillon, Hobiel CH-6374 Buochs, Lucerne, Switzerland.

Tel: (+41) 041 620 5454; www.postillon.ch Hotel Postillon is a 4-star establishment located centrally and about a two-hour drive from all four corners of Switzerland.

Travellers on long drives can take a well deserved break here as well, as this is the only hotel located along the Highway A2/

Bottom: Hotel Postillon

E35 (Germany-Switzerland-Italy route) that serves alcohol.

Blessed with a location that’s right above Lake Lucerne, guests can enjoy waking up to glorious lake or mountain views in the 58 well-appointed rooms, also equipped with the modern amenities for a comfortable night’s rest. For business travellers, the hotel also has various facilities capable of handling festivals, conferences and seminars, such as the Great Hall, with a capacity for 150 people.

Being a part of the Mercure chain of hotels across 49 countries lends credibility to the Mercure Classic Leysin, located in the mountain village of Leysin. The 4-star hotel offers 68 rooms, together with all the modern comforts needed for the savvy traveller, including in-room WiFi, satellite TV and even cribs for families travelling with kids in tow.

Located at an altitude of 1263m, the hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from many winter-related facilities and ski lifts. Over 100km of snowy trails allow opportunities aplenty for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and skating fun, beginners also able to join in the action simply by joining one of the ski schools for a lesson or two!

If you’d rather stay in, the hotel offers you a choice of an indoor heated pool – so you can swim even in winter, a gym, tennis and basketball courts, bike rental facilities and a mini golf area. After all that activity, guests can then fill their hungry tummies at the in-house restaurant, or try out a different dining experience at the open-fire grilling area.

End the evening chilling at the hotel bar, a scenic walk round the garden, or head down to the huge 187-seater cinema on the ground floor for a good movie or two!

Sitting at the tourist region of Lake Lucerne also means that picturesque scenery and attractions are never too far off, where hotel staff are available to help put together personalised tours just for you – whether it’s cable car trips, scenic boat rides or jam-packed day trips. Returning to the hotel, tuck into a delicious meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants, furnished in charming Swiss elements and serving up delicious authentic Swiss or Italian cuisine for a memorable end to the day.

escape! 9

Interlaken

Interlaken Meaning ‘between two lakes’, Interlaken is a small city that lies in the Bernese Oberland, sandwiched between lakes Thun and Brienz in central Switzerland. This is a definite vacation destination as it is presided over by three majestic mountains; Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Interlaken is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Switzerland, and it remains one of the most popular.

Although in earlier times it was known for cloth, printing and watch making, Interlaken is now mainly known for its tourism and sporting opportunities.

Interlaken’s name comes from the Latin phrase “inter lacus”, which means “between the lakes”. However, before 1891, this town was called Aarmuehle.

As a holiday destination, Interlaken is just bursting with fun-filled excursions for its visitors. One of the main attractions in Interlaken includes the charming Hoheweg (the town’s main tourist thoroughfare). It covers an area of 14 hectares (35 acres) in the middle of town between two train stations (Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West). Once the property of Augustinian monks, it was acquired in the mid-19th century by the hotel keepers of Interlaken, who turned it into a park.

The breathtaking view of the Jungfrau mountain can be admired as one strolls along Hohenpromenade. Be sure to also catch a glimpse of the beautiful flower clock at Casino Kursaal and many fiacres (horse-drawn cab) strolling around. You’ll also find a wide promenade with shady trees with charming restaurants and cafes to grab a bite.

ALPINE GARDEN

Although there are many interesting attractions within the city, the best of Interlaken should be experienced with a visit to its mountains. The Alpine Garden, situated on the Schynige Platte, is within easy reach of town via the cogwheel railway and boasts an array of striking flora (close to 500 kinds).

10 escape!

KURSAAL

The Kursaal with its splendid gardens and much-admired flower clock has been the town’s cultural focal point since 1859.

If you are one to enjoy a night in a delicate manner, the Kursaal, offers entertainment evenings, concerts and theatre performances in the magnificent art-nouveau rooms. The cozy Spycher restaurant also provides entertaining folklore events for the public. To those who are more adventurous, they can always try their luck in the casino.

LAKE THUN & LAKE BRIENZ

Cosseted by imposing mountains, the Lakes Thun and Brienz are perfect points to get a panoramic view of Switzerland.

Castles, parks and churches can be seen on the banks of the lakes while visitors board the boat cruise.

JUNGFRAUJOCH

Adding to that, Interlaken prides itself with having the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch. The Jungfraujoch is elevated at a height of 3,454 metres. Visitors should bear in mind upon arrival, to take time to get used to the air and because of the altitude, they may easily get tired. From the station, visitors can easily visit the famous Eispalast (Ice Palace) which consists of caverns carved in the slowest-moving part of the glacier. The carving (19 meters below the surface of the glacier) began in 1934 and later the caverns were even decorated with sculptures. Everything is made from ice, even the real-sized cars and chaplains. Go through the Sphinx Tunnel where an elevator will raise you yet another 107 meters to the Sphinx Terraces. This is the perfect observation point to the Monch and Jungfrau peaks.

From there you can also admire the longest glacier in Europe – the Aletsch Glacier (23 kilometers). Besides that, there is the Schilthorn Piz Gloria (revolving restaurant), the super-high Harder Kulm gazebo as well as a meteorological and astronomical research station with memorable exhibitions and presentations. The view from atop is definitely a sight to behold.

images swiss-image.ch

HOHEWEG

Interlaken

UNSPUNNENFEST

Interlaken’s Unspunnenfest is another well-supported event here, held around the Unspunnen Castle ruins during September. Though it’s held only once every twelve years (most recently in 2006) due to flooding problems in recent times, this is truly an event not to be missed! The Unspunnenfest features traditional Swiss culture such as yodeling, wrestling (Schwingen), stone-throwing (Steinstossen), and many other Swiss-related activities.

WILLIAM TELL OPEN-AIR THEATRE

The famous William Tell Open-Air Theatre arrives in Interlaken during mid-June to early September and offers twice-weekly theatrical performances. The tradition of this performance began in 1912. Since then, Friedrich Schiller’s play “William Tell” has been performed from 1912 to 1914, from 1931 to 1939 and every year since 1947, in the Rugen woods in Matten.

Performances were only interrupted during the two world wars. Whilst these plays are actually in German, fret not as an English-language synopsis is available, so anyone can easily follow the story. The William Tell Open-Air Theatre today involves about 190 performers, from children to wizened men, all in historically authentic costumes.

SAINT BEATUS CAVE

The Saint Beatus Cave is Switzerland’s first and only underground cave museum.

Visitors will be brought on a thrilling exploration of a mysterious maze of stalactites, stalagmites, lakes and waterfalls within and around the cave site.

images swiss-image.ch

TRUMMELBACH GLETSCHERWASSERFALLE

The Trummelbach Gletscherwasserfalle features 10 majestic glacier waterfalls tumbling down within a mountain. The falls are cleverly illuminated, and visitors can have a more spectacular view of them by accessing the tunnel-lift. The huge glacial gorges from Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau empty into here, transporting around 20,000 tonnes of sediment a year.

These waterfalls are the only accessible, mountain-interior glacier falls in the whole of Europe.

UNTERSEEN

Cross over the Aare River to Unterseen, the oldest part of town. It was built in 1280 by Berthold von Eschenbach. It is in Unterseen that the iconic parish church with its late-Gothic tower dating from 1471 is located. This is undoubtedly one of the most photographed sights in the Bernese Oberland. Do also checkout the Jungfrau Tourism Museum in Unterseen - the first regional tourism museum in the country. The exhibitions in the museum show the growth of tourism in the region throughout the past 200 years.

escape! 11

Swiss Riviera

Montreux Montreux is the most frequented town on Lake Geneva and undoubtedly famous for its beautiful location in the southwestern part of Switzerland. The town nestles in the sheltered bay of the lake, surrounded by landscaped vineyards and against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-covered Alps.

Thanks to the Mediterranean climate,

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND plants such as figs, almonds, mulberries, pines, cypresses and palm trees grow in resplendence here. The mildness of its climate makes Montreux and its neighbouring villages a climatic resort all year round, thus earning it the name of Vaud Riviera for its lakeshore. Many people have been charmed by this town of 20,000 inhabitants.

Montruex was an important settlement in the Roman era due to its strategic location. Montreux lies on the north east shore of Lake Geneva at the fork in the Roman road from Italy over the Simplon Pass. These were the roads where the Roman capital of Aventicum and the road into Gaul through Besançon separated.

Viticulture was introduced to the region in the 12th century. This saw the slopes of the lake from Lavaux to Montreux becoming an important wine-growing region. Montreux was first mentioned in 1215 as Mustruel. The region was ruled by various princes, most notably the princes of Savoy from the south side of the lake who unified the territory, and now the present canton of Vaud. After the Burgundian Wars in the 15th century, the Swiss in Bern overtook the princes of Savoy and occupied the region. The region then belonged to the bailiwick of Chillon under Bernese rule (1536–1798). In 1798, Napoleon liberated the region from the Bernese.

Chateau de Chillon with its fortified walls and towers is an icon of Montreux.

Standing on a scenic setting at the shores of Lake Geneva, Chateau de Chillon is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Switzerland. It is built on a small island not much more than a large rock. Erected in the 13th century, the Chateau de Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. It also features the prison in which Bonivard was held in chains for four years and also served as the inspiration for Lord Byron’s famous poem, “The prisoners of Chillon”.

Visitors can take a tour through and around the castle, and for those who are thinking of organising a little something, the castle is up for rental too!

12 escape!

images swiss-image.ch

CHATEAU DE CHILLON

Swiss Riviera

GOLDENPASS LINE

The GoldenPass Line is a train line which connects Montreux to Lucerne.

The picturesque route weaves through Montreux on the Swiss Riviera, lakeside Lucerne and goes through Zweisimmen and Interlaken along the way. This is one of the best ways to explore Montreux as the train ride allows passengers to experience unparalleled views of some of Switzerland’s finest scenery from glistening lakes, scenic valleys, majestic mountain backdrops and lush forests. Be ready to have the breathtaking view of the French Alps open up before you for the descent into Montreux is also the nearest a railway can get to a mountain road.

images swiss-image.ch

CORNICHE LAVAUX VINEYARDS

Lavaux has long been famous as a terraced wine-growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva. A charmingly picturesque sight to behold, the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces carpet the slopes with

vines and lush greenery lined with medieval stone walls. It covers the territory roughly from Lausanne to Montreux. Part of the Lavaux has been recognised since 2007 as a world heritage site by UNESCO, With the lake glistening below, snowy Alps in a distance, cool

breeze blowing and the clear blue sky above, all stress seems to melt away.

There are also many charming restaurants and cafes in the area where one can enjoy great wine. Many have said that this is the perfect romantic getaway!

escape! 13

Swiss Riviera

LAKE GENEVA

Lake Geneva is known as “Large Water� to the Celts and up to this day, the French calls it Lac Leman. Offering panoramic views of Montreux, the best way to explore the vast lake is by boarding one of the many tour boats operated by the

14 escape!

Lake Geneva Shipping Company (CGN).

Choose from a variety of paddle steamers, scheduled lake boats, and even small ferries (Mouettes) to start your excursion around the lake. It is indeed a great opportunity to marvel at the pretty landscape between Lavaux and Geneva.

Held annually around early July at the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival is the best-known music festival in Switzerland and one of the most prestigious in Europe. The festival has developed into a historic event which features the greatest jazz, blues, rock and world music. It is a great big celebration of wonderful music amidst beautiful mountain surroundings with diverse acts and good food.

images swiss-image.ch

MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL

Swiss Riviera

ROCHERS-DE-NAYE

different mountain plant species from all over the world. Visitors can pay a visit to Marmot Paradise where friendly and curious marmots from Europe, Asia and America can easily be found. The popular restaurant “Plein Roc”, which offers a marvelous view of Lake Geneva, is reached through a tunnel and for a really special experience, visitors can opt to stay overnight in Mongolian yurts.

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Montreux’s Christmas Market happens during December and is one of the best in Europe featuring hundreds of brightly illuminated wooden chalets around the shores of Lake Geneva. Visitors are presented with an array of local craftwork, specialty dishes, mulled wine and thousands of gift stores to celebrate the special occasion. There is also music entertainment to liven up the atmosphere even more.

images swiss-image.ch

Rochers de Naye is a mountain 2,042 metres (6,699 ft) above Montreux and the Rochers-de-Naye rack-railway reaches one of its most beautiful vantage points in western Switzerland. The peak boasts a panoramic view of the Swiss and French Alps. There are numerous activities to be done here such as hiking and sightseeing.

There is also the Alpine Garden “La Rambertia” which houses over 1,000

escape! 15

Bern

GURTEN FESTIVAL

Gurten Festival is an annual four-day music festival held on top of Bern’s local mountain Gurten. The festival originally started as a folk event in 1977, and now all genres of music from rock, hip-hop, punk, electro to country, pop and blues are performed during the event. The unique experience of the Gurten Festival is its location and the route in which visitors take to reach it.

The only way to go up Gurten is on a funicular called the Gurtenbahn. This festival is also widely popular among youngsters because the sleeping zone at the festival is said to be the largest youth hostel in the world, with an open area of over 6,000 camping sites!

Stepping into Bern is like being transported back to a medieval time of cobbled lanes and sandstone buildings straddling the pavement.

The city of Bern, crammed onto a steep-sided peninsula in a crook of the fast-flowing River Aare shines with timeless beauty and the town’s medieval architecture has barely changed at all in over five hundred years. Not many cities have managed to retain their historical features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites has inscribed the old city of Bern in their list and at the same time, Bern is also rated as one of the world’s top ten cities for the best quality of life

16 escape!

The city of Bern was founded in 1191 by Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen and legend has it that Berchtold went hunting nearby and named the new city after his first kill which was a bear (Bär in German). This led to Bern’s coat of arms, sporting a bear which first appeared in 1224. Even to this day, bears remain permanently associated with this city. In 1353, Bern became the eighth member of the Swiss Federation. The year 1798 saw the invasion of French troops and the collapse of the Ancient Régime of Bern.

The city became the capital of the Canton of Bern in 1803 and later in 1848, it was made federal Capital of Switzerland. As the capital of Switzerland, Bern is the seat of the diplomatic corps and international organisations including the Universal Postal Union (a specialised agency of the United Nations).

BEAR PARK

The welfare of the heraldic animal of Bern is very much looked after by the city and has been released into this new home on the beautiful slope of the Aare River. Paths run through the park down to the Aare riverside course, giving visitors great insight into the lives of the bears. Visitors also get a chance to watch the bears going about their daily activities such as fishing, playing, bathing and climbing. Accompanied by a bear keeper, guests can go on a tour of the old bear pit as well as the new bear park. The new park with its green hilly terrain includes caves and the “Bear Bath” in the Aare River. The highlight of the visit is the feeding of the young bear couple, viewed from a safe distance. A visit to the Bear Park is a memorable experience for children as well as adults.

images swiss-image.ch

Bern

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Bern

PARLIAMENT BUILDING

PARLIAMENT SQUARE

Parliament Square is a symbolically meaningful place of Switzerland. The square is a site for political rallies, official receptions, cultural events and numerous sporting events. Bern’s well-known traditional fruit, vegetable and flower markets are also held on the square twice a week. The latest addition to the square is the new water display with a total of 26 fountains that represent the cantons. It is located right in front of the Parliament Building and quite an eye-catcher especially when it is illuminated at night.

ZEITGLOCKENTURM (ZYTGLOGGE)

The Parliament Building is built along the southern edge of the peninsula. The building is used by the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States).

The central domed hall and both chambers feature numerous symbolic events or persons of Swiss history. The interior of the Parliament Building is impressively ornate with a stained-glass dome adorned with cantonal emblems and statues of the nation’s founding fathers. Visitors can take one of the many guided tours offered when the parliament is in recess, or watch from a public gallery. However, do remember to bring your passport along!

The Zytglogge is Bern’s iconic landmark and definitely one of its most important sights. This elaborate astronomical clock with its interesting moving figures was built in 1530. It has served the city as prison, guard tower, clock tower, centre of urban life and civic memorial in olden days. This historic landmark has been in existence for over 800 years and draws tourists from all over the world today.

CATHEDRAL OF BERN

images swiss-image.ch

BERN CARNIVAL

Bern Carnival also known as ‘Barner Fasnacht’ in German, is a three day pre-Lenten festival and heralds from the tradition of bidding farewell to winter.

This festival is very unique because it incorporates Bern’s tradition of kick-starting the carnival with the symbolic freeing of bears. As a prelude to the festival, these carnival bears are brought to the Prison Tower to have

their winter sleep before being awakened on a Thursday by the “Ychublete” (drumming) and later released. Carnival musicians, masked revelers and children in costumes brave the winter temperatures and swarm through the streets and restaurants of the Old Town.

This is the time when the whole of Bern vibrates with a celebration of wild rhythms, public concerts and engaging performances by theater groups.

The Cathedral of Bern (Das Berner Munster) is a historic Gothic cathedral and boasts the tallest spire in Switzerland. It also shelters some timeless treasures of medieval art, including painted sculptures and fine stained-glass windows. Construction on the cathedral started in 1421 and work on it continued for many generations under a series of different builders till 1893 when it was completed. The cathedral’s 300-foot bell tower is the highest in Switzerland and can be spotted from almost anywhere in the city. For a small fee, visitors are allowed to climb up the narrow 254 spiral stone steps to the tower and experience a breath-taking panoramic view of the Bernese Alps, the old town, Bern’s bridges, and the Aare River.

escape! 17

Lucerne

Lucerne Lucerne has long been a destination for tourists. Its stunning location on the shore of Lake Lucerne and within sight of Mount Pilatus and Rigi in the Swiss Alps makes it a must-visit. It is also the most populous city in Central Switzerland and has a population of about 76,200 people.

Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and the capital of the

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND district of the same name. The development and history of Lucerne has been influenced heavily by its geographical situation in Central Switzerland. Situated at the lower end of Lake Lucerne between the Alps with high mountains and pass roads and the Swiss midlands, the city of Lucerne was predestined to be a centre of commerce (like Zurich and Geneva).

History has it that Lucerne evolved from a small fishing village on the shores of Lake Lucerne to eventually become a city that was built up after the founding of the Benedictine monastery of St Leodegar in the 8th century. However, its name, Luciaria (Lucerne in Latin) didn’t appear until about 100 years later.

The opening of the St Gotthard Pass route in the 1200s was one of the defining moments in the history of Lucerne. The St Gotthard Pass route allowed goods to be shipped across the Alps easily. Lucerne then became an important trading town and the Habsburgs took over it at that time. 41 years after, the Habsburgs claimed Lucerne against the will of its populace and the city was incorporated into the Swiss Confederation.

GLACIER GARDEN

A trip to the Glacier Garden will put you in awe of how clearly the history of our planet is portrayed so clearly. The Glacier Garden exhibits glacier potholes from the last Ice Age, which occurred 20,000 years ago. You will also see fossils of mussels and palm leaves of the subtropical sea region which existed 20 million years ago. The exhibits are complemented by interactive stations and multimedia presentations which are helpful to visitors.

The mirror labyrinth “Alhambra”, which has 90 mirrors and was originally built in 1896 for the Swiss National Exhibition in Geneva, is located inside the Glacier Garden. The corridor might seem endless, although it is actually quite short.

18 escape!

images swiss-image.ch

MIRROR LABYRINTH

Lucerne

CHAPEL BRIDGE & WATER TOWER

Lucerne ranks amongst the world’s prettiest cities, and there is just so much to see and do. Since the city straddles the Reuss River where it drains Lake Lucerne, it has a number of bridges, the most famous being the Chapel Bridge - a 204 m (669 ft) long wooden bridge originally built in 1333. It is also said that the Chapel Bridge is the oldest woodbridge in Europe. Tourists would find visiting the Chapel Bridge a fulfilling experience as the bridge is not only an icon of Lucerne, the interior of the bridge carries a series of vivid paintings from the 17th century depicting events from Lucerne’s history. These paintings chronicle the city life of 12th century Lucerne and Swiss history. Part way across, the bridge runs by the octagonal Water Tower, a fortification from the 13th century. The bridge with its tower is the city’s most famous landmark.

LAKE LUCERNE

Surrounded by popular excursion mountains, Lake Lucerne boasts the greatest scenic variety in the country.

Visitors can experience the vastness of Lake Lucerne by boarding paddle wheel steamers and motor vessels that will take them around the lake. For those preferring to explore the shore of Lake Lucerne by foot, they can always try out the “Weg der Schweiz” or Swiss Path, a themed trail on the history of Switzerland. There are also cycling and skating paths as well as numerous bathing and rest areas provided along the lake shores.

images swiss-image.ch

MOUNT PILATUS

Seeing that Lucerne is situated within hindsight of the mountains, Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi are popular destinations to visit if one is seeking for a bit more adventure. The top of Mt Pilatus can be reached via the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway between Alpnachstad, at the edge of the lake, and the very top of Mount Pilatus.

To go to Alpnachstad, take a lake steamer for a scenic 90-minute boat ride from the quays of Lucerne. The Pilatus Railway operates from May to November (depending on snow conditions). The others ways of getting to the top of Pilatus are with the aerial panorama gondolas and aerial cableways from Kriens which are available throughout the year.

escape! 19

Lucerne

MOUNT RIGI

Mt Rigi, situated 24km (15 miles) east of Lucerne also offers a beautiful panoramic view. Rigi is called the “island mountain” because it appears to be surrounded by the waters of lakes Lucerne, Zug, and Lauerz. Mt Rigi has been further made famous through paintings by JMW Turner, including “The Blue Rigi, Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise”.

Fret not if a visit to Pilatus was done prior to Rigi because the view from atop these two mountains is completely different, but both equally breathtaking.

Rigi offers many fun winter and summer excursions such as sledding, skiing and hiking. The top of Rigi can be reached from Goldau and Vitznau by the Rigi-Bahnen, a rack railway, and from Weggis by cable car. For the more adventurous, visitors can make the “grand tour” where they can spend a night in Rigi-Kulm at one of the hotels perched along the mountainside see the sun rise over the Alps.

DYING LION OF LUCERNE

The Lion Monument in Lucerne is a sculpture of a dying lion carved out of a sandstone cliff, in honour of the Swiss Guards who perished while defending King Louis XVI and the royal family during the French Revolution in 1792, against revolutionaries who stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris, France.

Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen, the inscription above reads ‘Helvetiorum Fidei Ac Virtuti’ – which translated means ‘To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss’, the monument attracting countless visitors since its dedication in 1821.

This museum is filled with 20,000 square metres of transportation history and technology. Lying on the shimmering lake of Lucerne, this is one of Switzerland’s most popular museums.

Though the name suggests that only displays relating to transportation can be found here, visitors would be delighted to know that there are also exhibits of communication technology, a large planetarium, and Switzerland’s one and only iMax theater housed in the Swiss Transport Museum. You can find the oldest steamboat in the country, the Riga built in 1847, on display here as well.

20 escape!

images swiss-image.ch

SWISS TRANSPORT MUSEUM

TRAVEL SPECIAL! 40% off

Enjoy ACE Travel Insurance and be pampered with a complimentary Oxy-Rejuvenating Facial from Mary Chia, valued at $185!*

40% off Single Trip plan and 10% off Annual plan from 21 to 29 February 2012!*

Visit www.acetravelinsurance.com.sg to activate your plan now!

You may purchase ACE Travel Insurance now for travel at a later date. * 40% discount is applicable for all Single Trip plans purchased between 21 and 29 February 2012

10% discount is applicable for all Annual plans purchased between 21 and 29 February 2012 Policyholders will receive a Mary Chia Oxy-Rejuvenation Facial e-voucher for any ACE Travel Insurance plan purchased, excluding Basic plan. Policyholders will recieve 2 e-vouchers for every Family plan purchased, and 1 e-voucher for every Insured plan or Insured and Children plan purchased. e-voucher will be emailed to policyholders after the promotion period. Terms and conditions apply Underwritten by:

ACE Travel Insurance is underwritten by ACE Insurance Limited. The above is for illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, the information should be read and construed in the light of and subject to all terms, conditions and exclusions listed in the policy.

ACE Insurance Limited is not a distributor, agent or partner of the merchant listed above or vice versa, and is not in any way representing the merchant or promoting their products and services. Any dispute relating to quality and performance of any goods and services provided by the merchant shall be taken up directly with the merchant and ACE Insurance Limited shall not, in any way or for any reason whatsoever, be held responsible or liable for the goods and services provided by the merchant. ACE Insurance Limited does not endorse or guarantee the performance or quality of the merchant's goods and services nor does it make any representations or warranties expressed or implied regarding the quality or reliability of any goods or services offered by the merchant or regarding the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any information produced herein or given at any time by the merchant. Š 2012 ACE Insurance Limited 600 North Bridge Road #08-01 Parkview Square Singapore 188778 Customer Service: tel 6299 0988 fax 6298 1055

In partnership with:

Shopping

Shop Like a Swiss To say you’ve been to Switzerland, here are some must-buys on your shopping list!

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Switzerland also lays claim to the original Swiss Army Knife created in 1897, the multipurpose tool offering “My First Victorinox” for kids all the way to the monstrous 72-function “SwissChamp XXLT”. While readily available throughout the country, Interlaken is a good spot to get your first Swiss Knife, where dozens of stores sell them at Hohweg Street.

CHOICE CITY PICKS

…Geneva has rue du Rhône, an exclusive shopping street dotted with designer boutiques, luxe hotels and also Bongénie – the departmental store located at place du Molard carrying seven floors of high fashion, with the men’s-wear selection boasting staples like Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana and made-to-measure label, Brioni.

OF CHEESE AND CHOCOLATES

Switzerland produced milk is typically un-pasteurised, thus producing chocolates and cheeses that are fresher and creamier. Cheese fondue is of Swiss origins, made up of two or more types of cheese such as Gruyère and Emmentaler cheese; as are world-famous brands Toblerone, Lindt and Nestle as well. To get the most out of both treats, hop on the Swiss Chocolate Train which runs between Montreux and Gruyères, stopping by cheese and chocolate factories for yummy samples! Flip to page 8 for more details.

22 escape!

Known as the watch-making capital of the world, the ‘Swiss Made’ emblem on a watch face has long been associated with the mark of quality, where international big brand names Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe are all Swiss watchmakers. If you are wondering what the ‘chronometer’ label on a watch means, it represents that the timepiece’s mechanical movement has passed stringent tests by the Swiss Official Chronometer Control (COSC), verifying its timekeeping precision. This title is earned and cannot simply be printed on a watch dial, thus these watches (such as Rolex and Breitling ) demand a premium price over non-chronometer watches.

…Zurich has Bahnhofstrasse, where you can walk the 1.4km strip filled with elegant boutiques and huge departmental stores such as Globus (high-end), Manor (midrange), and Trois Pommes carrying everything from Tom Ford, Prada to Miu Miu.

TIP: Shops are generally open

from 9am to 6.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.

images Victorinox Photopress; Nestlé S.A.; swiss-ch

WATCH OUT!

…Lucerne has Bucherer headquarterered here, the leading watch and jewellery brand your one-stop shop for timepieces from house brand Carl F. Bucherer, Rolex, Tudor, Baume & Mercier; as well as elegant pearl, diamond and gemstone jewellery creations for your picks.

Facts & Such

POPULATION

7.7 million

TIME ZONE

Switzerland is seven hours behind Singapore (GMT+1).

INTERNATIONAL DIALLING CODE +41

LANGUAGE

The Swiss have four national languages – German, French, Italian and Rumantsch.

However, English is widely used by the professional and business sectors, as well as tourist areas.

CURRENCY

image Ben Poon

Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), the smallest denomination being five centimes (or Rappen in German-speaking Switzerland), and the largest being 1000 francs (notes). Although not a part of the European Union, majority of the pricing labels are indicated in Euros, better for visitors to compare prices with.

HOW TO GET THERE

About 20 international airlines fly direct from Singapore to Switzerland’s major cities of Zurich and Geneva, including

Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, Thai Airways, Emirates and Qantas Airways.

WHEN TO GO

During Spring and Autumn, temperatures range between 8 to 15 °C, and seldom rise above 28 °C in Summer – although Switzerland’s weather is generally mild and cool all-year round. Winter lasts from October to early May, with average temperatures hovering between -2 to 7 °C. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, August to September is the typical low season.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Whether on leisure or business trips, Singapore citizens do not need a visa to enter Switzerland if they do not stay longer than 90 days within six months.

GETTING AROUND

Switzerland’s comprehensive public transport system of trains, buses, trams and boats boasts as one of the most efficient in the world. Trains remain the most popular mode of transportation, known for schedules timed right down to the minute. Travelling within the country can get costly, so it is recommended to get a Swiss Pass (www.swisstravelsystem.ch) – which entitles unlimited travel onboard

the entire Swiss Federal Railways network, lake steamers and motor-coaches plying between Swiss cities and resorts.

There are also several car rental companies, where drivers will enjoy cruising along Switzerland’s excellent road infrastructure, marked by clear road signs.

If driving along one of the many mountainous regions, Swiss postal buses might be a more comfortable and safer choice, these popular yellow buses covering a pretty dense network across Switzerland as well.

TRAVELLING TIP • Taxes: Bills are subject to 7.6% VAT (value-added tax) • Tipping: Expect a 15% service charge in all hotel and restaurant bills. A tipping fee is included in taxi rides as well.

• Toilets: Depending on which part of Switzerland you are in, public restrooms may be identified as WC (water closet), gabinetti, or a variation of either toilettes or toiletten.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• www.myswitzerland.com • www.swisstravelsystem.ch • www.swissworld.org

escape! 23

Map

SPELLBINDING SWITZERLAND

images CORBIS

Located right in the heart of Europe, Switzerland shares borders with France, Germany, Austria, Italy and the principality of Liechtenstein – making for an exciting, cross-cultural holiday of a lifetime. And if you’re looking for a melting hotpot of old-world history, unparalleled nature’s glories, a smorgasbord of activities all year round for sports enthusiasts, iconic shopping strips, architectural marvels, and where countryside and city eats are equally enticing – Switzerland is the place to be.

24 escape!

A TR ADITIONAL SWISS STORE FOR SUPERB WATCHES AND FIRST-CLASS JEWELRY

Bucherer is a family-owned firm and has one of the longest traditions of any watch and jewelry retailer in Europe. When businessman and entrepreneur Carl-Friedrich Bucherer opened his first watch and jewelry store with the help of his wife Luise in 1888, he laid the cornerstone for a highly successful company.

Today, 120 years later, Bucherer is proud to lead the Swiss market in watches, gemstones and jewelry, and to be one of the industry’s leading exponents in Germany. As a renowned specialist retailer, Bucherer offers a discerning international clientele a wide selection of prestigious watch brands and top-quality jewelry.

Apart from the Carl F. Bucherer brand, the range includes luxury manufacturers such as Rolex, Chopard, Piaget and IWC. The company also has over 1,000 different Rolex models to choose from, probably the largest selection anywhere. Bucherer receives customers and visitors at some of the finest addresses in German-speaking Europe. The watch and jewelry retailer can be found at 18 prime locations in some of the region’s most important cities, in well-known spa towns and world-famous tourist resorts.

Bucherer is owned and managed by the third generation of the family in the person of Jörg G. Bucherer and has around 1,200 employees.

WATCHES JEWELRY GEMS Basel Bern Davos Genève Interlaken Lausanne Locarno Lugano Luzern St. Gallen St. Moritz Zermatt Zürich Berlin Düsseldorf Frankfurt Hamburg München Nürnberg | Wien | bucherer.com