"In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love; they had 500 years of democracy and peace. And what did that produce? The cuckoo clock." By Orson Welles as Harry Lime , Third Man(1949)
The above statement has done enough damage to the reputation of Switzerland but then also, this is the most visited country in Europe. What does come in your mind when you hear 'Switzerland' ?
ummm let me guess...Bollywood, Alps, lakes, Chocolates,Cheese, Luxury Watch Brands, Roger Federer, Bells, Swiss Bank, Swiss Cow, Cukoo Clock.... well there is a lot more than what we think.The land of four official languages(German, French, Italian and Romansh) has 26 cantons,each canton has its own constitution, flag, parliament, government and courts. World's number 1 environmental friendly country (Thanks to the 'clean freak' mentality). 60% electricity is produced by hydroelectric power.2nd highest life expectancy rate(first is Sweden).
Zurich (Biggest city of Switzerland) is one city not to be missed. Literal meaning of Zurich - 'Too Rich', yeah!expensive city but full of tourists. Guess what you see and hear first thing on Zurich Airport....
Sound of tennis ball being constantly smashed, Rolex signage and Roger Federer's winning strokes.
There is one major Tourist information centre at the railway station. You can get information on country tours of the day/week and book there itself. They suggest tours as per weather conditions.City tour takes about two hours to cover all the attractions. It takes you through picturesque view of city, important landmarks, cathedral, castles and Parliament
 |
| City Tour trolley |
 |
| Swiss Bells- Ranging from CHF 15 to 200 |
 |
| Europe's biggest clock |
 |
| Add caption |
My next stop - Tasch, around 4-5 hours drive from Zurich. No vehicles are allowed beyond Tasch, tourists generally park their car at Tasch and take train to Zermatt village (around one hour ride).
 |
| Winter Carnival at Zermatt |
There is only one thing that makes Zermatt special in Switzerland - Matterhorn. No other natural or human structure in the whole country is so immediately recognizable; Matterhorn is iconic emblem of Switzerland just like Eiffel tower of France. Matterhorn is also known as the deadliest peak, more than 500 climbers had died on it.
This is the view from my room's window. Thanks to expedia recommendations, I got the best hotel in town. Almost all the hotels in Zermatt are managed by families.
 |
| Matterhorn(4478 Mts high - One of the highest peaks in the Alps) |
Ofcourse! I didn't climb the Matterhorn, I took a cable car ride till Klein Matterhorn(3883 Mts high). Temperature was around -25 Celsius and windy.Ensure strong clothing and watch your steps. It's too slippery, snow boots are recommended.
 |
| Matterhorn |
I didn't stay at the peak for long, my fingers became numb and absolutely inactive. I rushed to the cafe below Klien Matterhorn, got some heat and relaxed for sometime. I remember how desparate I was to hold hot chocolate mug.
 |
| Hot chocolate- saved my fingers |
Electronic van - the only mode of transportation in Zermatt. Minimum charge is around 20 CHF(~$20). The city is too small and can be covered in an hour's time on foot. These vans are generally operated by hotel staff/ family members.
 |
| Electronic Van |
 |
| On the way back to Tasch |
Next stop - Lucern. Much greener and warmer than Zurich :) The city looks like a dreamland, so pure and fresh. Don't miss the boat ride to mountains and Castle adjacent to Chapel bridge.
 |
| Lucern |
 |
| Old Chapel Bridge |
 |
| Church- took the picture secretly :P |
 |
| Castle |
 |
| Art on walls |
 |
| Swiss Bus |
