Switzerland: A Village-like Country of Alpine Beauty

Goodbye Italy; Hello Switzerland!

And so it begins! Another adventure in a different country.

Both Alice and I had been to Italy before embarking on our 2-month adventure. Alice has been to Zurich, Switzerland, but this was my first time stepping foot on Swiss soil. And, let me just say, at least on my first day here, this place is beautiful! Ridiculously expensive but stunningly beautiful!

Alice and I flew from Rome to Zurich then took the hour and 30 minutes train to Lucerne arriving a day before our Rick Steves Tour of Switzerland. But more about that tomorrow. And John flew back home to Seattle, arriving safely but without his luggage. Ah, the joys of travel!

The Lucerne train station was just a 10 minute beautiful walk crossing a walking bridge over the Lucerne Lake. I think I’m going to love Switzerland.

Since Alice and I both arrived a day before the tour, we reserved a room in the tour hotel, Hotel des Alpes. So for one night, one person and no air conditioning, which is quite normal in Switzerland, I paid $327 USD or $292 Swiss Franc or CHF. And for our daily late lunch/early dinner, we ate by the water and I paid $43 USD for a grilled chicken salad and one questionable tasting Limoncello Spritz. But to bask in the beauty of my surroundings is definitely priceless.

Here’s a view of the beautiful Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, with more Swiss sites and adventures to come.

It’s been a full day, so for now: Welcome to Lucerne, Switzerland!

Alice and I walked through the Welcome to Lucerne archway, across from the exit of Lucerne’s train station, for our walk, with our rolling suitcases and backpacks to our hotel, the Hotel des Alpes, across the bridge over Lake Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

The bridge across Lake Lucerne that Alice and I walked on to get to our hotel, the Hotel des Alpes. (June 17, 2023)

The Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge diagonally spanning the Reuss River, in Lucerne was originally built in 1333. Named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel, the bridge is unique in containing a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century. (June 17, 2023)

The Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden footbridge diagonally spanning the Reuss River, in Lucerne was originally built in 1333. (June 17, 2023)

Rathaussteg, is a concrete pedestrian and bicycle girder bridge, over the Reuss River in Lucerne that was completed in 1961. (June 17, 2023)

Reuss River views by the the Jesuit Church St. Francis Cavier. (June 17, 2023)

The Jesuit Church St. Francis Cavier in Lucerne is a Catholic church and the first large Baroque church built in Switzerland north of the Alps. Construction began in 1667 and by 1673 the shell of the church and the main façade were completed. (June 17, 2023)

Inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

The main altar inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

A side view inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

The ceiling inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

The ceiling inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne is made from stucco and depicts “The Glory of Saint Francis Xavier.” The painting is significant in that it shows the struggle between arising Protestantism and traditional Catholicism. (June 17, 2023)

Looking towards the entrance inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

The entryway inside the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

A view of my hotel, the Hotel des Alpes (second from left) and the other beautiful buildings along the Reuss River in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

My fairly expensive one night room, which cost me $327, at the Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. (June 17, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 1: Lucerne

It’s officially the beginning of our Rick Steves Tour of Switzerland.

Alice and I have taken a number of Rick Steves tours previous to this one. But I’ve done so many that this may be my last one because RS only covers Europe and I’ve visited all the European countries his tours go to. But who knows what the future holds.

I started my day by sleeping in late, having a very nice breakfast, at my own expense, since the tour doesn’t officially start until tonight and packed up my things because I had to move to my single bed room for the tour at the Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne.

After breakfast, I took my time and did a little meandering walk across the Chaple Bridge to just admire the views and the utterly beautiful day. Then, I spent a leisurely visit at the Rosengart Collection of art, with an emphasis on Picasso.

After getting out to explore Lucerne, I returned to our hotel where to my surprise, my new Rick Steves tour room had a spectacular view. Another small room with big stunning views and a small balcony.

Alice and I met our Rick Steves Switzerland tour group and guide, Miriam Grob, at our hotel in Lucerne for our “Welcome to Scotland” meeting. After the meeting, and shortly before our group dinner, we took an evening introductory stroll through this charming lakeside city to see the Lion Monument. The group dinner, at the Hotel, was This may not look good but this potato and chicken dish with the mushroom sauce on the side, actually tasted good.

Lucerne, a city in central Switzerland in its German-speaking portion, is the capital of the canton of Lucerne. In Switzerland, a canton is the name given to each of the 23 states comprising the Swiss Confederation. Three cantons—Unterwalden, Basel, and Appenzell—are subdivided into demicantons, or half cantons, which function as full cantons; thus, there is often reference to 26 states of Switzerland.

Here’s a little more of what Lucerne has to offer.

The Rick Steves tour map of Switzerland.

After my late breakfast, I meandered around Lucerne and got in a selfie with this water fountain just around the corner from our hotel is this colorful totem-looking pole called the Fritschi Fountain at Chapel Square in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

My first breakfast in Switzerland at Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. I’m having the Swiss version of the USA’s hash browns. But it is a Swiss dish made with coarsely grated potatoes that have been fried in a pan. And I had a fried egg, bacon, a slice of a tomato, cucumber and a piece of cheese. (June 18, 2023)

My views of the Chapel Bridge while enjoying my breakfast at the Hotel des Alps in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

The indoor/outdoor restaurant at the Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

The Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden footbridge diagonally spanning the Reuss River in Lucerne. It’s named after the nearby St. Peter’s Chapel. It was either built around 1333 or 1365 as part of Lucerne’s fortifications. The unique bridge contains a number of interior paintings dating back to the 17th century, although many of them were destroyed along with a larger part of the centuries-old bridge in a 1993 fire. Subsequently restored, the Kapellbrücke is said to be the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe as well as the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge. (June 18, 2023)

An entrance to the The Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge is a covered wooden footbridge diagonally spanning the Reuss River in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A view of St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne from the Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge, named from St. Peter’s. The charming wooden footbridge diagonally spans the Reuss River in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

Another view of St. Peter’s Chapel, located in the Old Town of Lucerne, by an entrance to the Chapel Bridge. (June 18, 2023)

Walking along the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

One of the remaining interior paintings, dating back to the 17th century, along the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

Getting in a selfie on the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne with one of the remaining interior paintings dating back to the 17th century above me. (June 18, 2023)

Views of old town Lucerne and the Reuss River from the Chapel Bridge. (June 18, 2023)

Views of the Jesuit Church St. Francis Cavier from the Chapel Bridge along the Reuss River in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

The Museum Sammlung Rosengart or the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne is housed in a former neoclassical building of the Swiss National Bank, built in 1923-1924. But the building did not open as a museum until March 2002. (June 18, 2023)

A Portrait of the artist El Greco from 1950 by Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) at the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A photo of artist Pablo Picasso by Jacqueline Picasso in Cannes from 1956 at the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

‘Lunch on the Grass’ from 1973 by Pablo Picass (1881 – 1973) is his version of Édouard Manet ‘Breakfast in the Green’ created in 1862 and 1863 at the the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. It depicts a female nude and a scantily dressed female bather on a picnic with two fully dressed men in a rural setting. (June 18, 2023)

Landscape of Provence from 1965 by Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) at the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A photo of Picasso painting a portrait of Angela Rosengart from 1958 in Cannes, France. The photo is one among a collection of photos and art inside the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A lithograph by Pablo Picasso of Angela Rosengart from 1964 at the Rosengart Collection Museum in Lucerne. The art dealer Siegfried Rosengart (1894-1985) worked in Munich, before moving to Lucerne, had relationships with Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall. And with his daughter, Angela Rosengart, built a modern art collection. (June 18, 2023)

I had to checkout of my first night’s room so I could check into my room for the two tour nights. Needless to say, I was not thrilled about having to repack after only a night but I went along. And once I stepped in the door and saw this view, I was very happy about the room change. (June 18, 2023)

The gorgeous views of the Reuss River with the Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne from my small one-person balcony at Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A view of the tower and Chapel Bridge from my small one-person balcony at Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

A view of the Reuss River and Lucerne train station from my small one-person balcony at Hotel des Alpes in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

My selfie from my small one-person balcony at Hotel des Alpes of beautiful Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

Getting in a quick group Orientation walk in Lucerne with our Rick Steves tour guide Miriam, but spelled Mirjam, before our group dinner. (June 18, 2023)

A walk along Lake Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

The Lion Monument or the Lion of Lucerne (under maintenance work) designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn in 1820-21 of a dying lion. It commemorates the hundreds of Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. (June 18, 2023)

A close-up of the dying lion sculpture of the Lion of Lucerne commemorating the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. (June 18, 2023)

A small peek of the medieval city walls of Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

Walking through old town Lucerne back to our Hotel des Alps for our group dinner. (June 18, 2023)

This may not look good but it actually tasted good. We had our first group dinner at the Hotel des Alpes where we stayed in Lucerne. (June 18, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 2: Lucerne and More

We began our morning with a walking tour of beautiful Lucerne on my Rick Steves tour with local guide Claudia. Between the gorgeous weather and historical old town, seeing Lucerne with a local made the former thriving medieval village come alive. The beauty for me are the bridges, the squares and the glistening Reuss River and Lake Lucerne.

After our walking tour we met our tour bus driver Mieko and our luxury bus for a day trip to Altdorf, Wilhelm Tell’s hometown for lunch. His story may be a legend but it symbolized the struggle for political and individual freedom in Switzerland. And from Altdorf, we rode to village of Flüelen for a boat ride along Lake Lucerne to Rütli Meadow known as the birthplace of Switzerland before returning to Luzern for a free evening, actually our last evening in Lucerne.

My selfie by the Needles Dam along the Reuss River in Lucerne. It maintains both the water level and the flow of the river through a series of thin pieces of wood, often called needles. (June 19, 2023)

Standing in front of the Restaurant Fritschi in Lucerne with its mural, by local, freelance muralist Robert Ottiger from 1985. It features the characters that parade through the streets during the annual Lucerne Carnival the week before Ash Wednesday. The Carnival tradition has preserved since the 15th century. (June 19, 2023)

A close-up of the colorful mural on the exterior of the Restaurant Fritschi in Lucerne by local, freelance muralist Robert Ottiger in 1985. It features the characters that parade through the streets during the annual Lucerne Carnival the week before Ash Wednesday. The Carnival tradition has preserved since the 15th century. (June 19, 2023)

Walking through the old town of Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Town Hall on Kornmarkt square in old town in Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Kornmarkt square in old town Lucerne of the former Pfistern Guild Hall to the right. (June 19, 2023)

The mural on the exterior of the former Pfistern Guild Hall, now a restaurant in Lucerne, is the Pfistern family tree hung with coats of arms. (June 19, 2023)

You can find water fountains, for filling up our water bottles, throughout Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Weinmarkt, one of several squares, in old town Lucerne with buildings of various constructions of balconies, turrets and paintings. (June 19, 2023)

This ‘Last Supper-like mural in the Weinmarkt Square in Lucerne is said to be the wedding feast at Cana.

Walking through old town Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Hirschenplatz, or deer square, in Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Lucerne’s Altstadt, or Old Town, overlooks the River Reuss. (June 19, 2023)

Lucerne’s Altstadt or Old Town overlooks the River Reuss and its Needle Dam. And, in the distance, on a hill is the Hotel Château Gütsch. This Belle Époque chateau was built as a hotel in 1888 and was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. (June 19, 2023)

On the Spreuer Bridge, like the Chapel Bridge, is a covered wooden footbridge in Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

The Spreuer Bridge, like the Chapel Bridge, is a covered wooden footbridge in Lucerne. And, it contains a series of paintings by Caspar Meglinger between 1625 and 1635. (June 19, 2023)

The decorative Spreuer Bridge, like the Chapel Bridge, is a covered wooden footbridge in Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

The entrance to the Spreuer Bridge in Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

A map, that our guide Mirjam gave us, shows that Swizerland is made up of 26 cantons or states or sections, which form the confederation. (June 19, 2023)

After our walking tour of Lucerne, we boarded our bus to the town of Altdorf and much more. (June 19, 2023)

Our own luxury bus, parked in the town of Altdorf, for our journey through Switzerland with Mieko, our bus driver, making sure we get around safely. (June 19, 2023)

Entering the town of Altdorf. It is the place where, according to legend, Wilhelm Tell, a folk hero of Switzerland, shot the apple off his son’s head. He was said to be an expert mountain climber and crossbow marksman. (June 19, 2023)

The town of Altdorf where, according to legend, Wilhelm Tell shot the apple off his son’s head. (June 19, 2023)

According to the legend, Altdorf’s marketplace is the site where Wilhelm Tell shot the apple from his son’s head. In 1895 sculptor Richard Kissling unveiled a bronze statue commemorating his feat at the foot of the old tower. (Nov. 19, 2023)

The statue of Wilhelm Tell and his son in Altdorf. He symbolized the struggle for political and individual freedom. According to legend, Altdorf’s marketplace is the site where Wilhelm Tell shot the apple from his son’s head. In 1895, sculptor Richard Kissling unveiled this bronze statue. (June 19, 2023)

Altdorf was also where we stopped for lunch. In this case, a quick lunch inside a Coop Supermarket that had a small cafeteria-style restaurant serving this delicious Ragu pasta. (June 19, 2023)

Back on our bus for the 10-minute bus drive from Altdorf to Flüelen to catch our boat to Rütli, Switzerland’s national monument. (June 19, 2023)

Views from the harbor of Flüelen village. (June 19, 2023)

Our boat, Diamant, at the harbor of Flüelen village. (June 19, 2023)

On our boat cruise of Lake Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

A quick stop in Bauen where we waited for people to get on an off the boat. (June 19, 2023)

Making our way to Rütli, Switzerland’s national monument. (June 19, 2023)

The interior of our boat, the Diamant, from the harbor of Flüelen village to Rütli, a mountain meadow on Lake Lucerne that is synonymous with the founding history of Switzerland. (June 19, 2023)

Views from Rütli, a national monument of the founding of Switzerland along a mountain meadow on Lake Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Making our way up to Rütli, a mountain meadow on Lake Lucerne, that is synonymous with the founding history of Switzerland. For the Swiss people, it is the historic place where in 1291 the oath of the Swiss Confederation was sworn. And, as such, it is treated as a national monument of Switzerland. (June 19, 2023)

Alice and me at Rütli, a national monument of the founding of Switzerland along a mountain meadow on Lake Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Getting on a different boat from Rütli, a national monument of the founding of Switzerland, to Brunnen where we met our driver and bus for the short ride back to Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Getting off our boat ride in Brunnen to take our bus back to Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

A quick view of Brunnen, before heading back to Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

Filling up our water bottles at one of the many water fountains around Switzerland, this one is in Brunnen before we head back for our hour’s drive to Lucerne. (June 19, 2023)

My last night in Lucerne with a view of the Chapel Bridge from the balcony of my hotel room at the one-person balcony at Hotel des Alpes. Next stop for the night is Appenzell with stops along the way. (June 19, 2023)

Sleeping with the balcony door open at the my hotel room at the one-person balcony at the Hotel des Alpes with some beautiful night views. (June 19, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 3:

We left beautiful Lucerne to make our way to Appenzell for the night but before doing so we stopped along the way at the once top-secret Swiss Army bunker of Fortress Fürigen, a World War II fortress where we saw the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland safe, but neutral.

From the fortress, we continued to the city of St. Gallon for a look at the St. Gall Abbey’s medieval library, but unfortunately did not get the chance to see inside the Cathedral of St. Gall which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We ended our day, in the late afternoon in the quaint, yet small, old town of Appenzell for a group dinner and a night at Hotel Hecht Appenzell.

Let’s learn more about Switzerland and also enjoy more of what the Swiss have to offer.

We, my Rick Steves tour group, began our day with a tour of a military base built inside a mountain during World War II, Fortress Fürigen, completed from 1941 to 1942 about a 20 minute drive from Lucerne. The shed-like entryway, attached to the mountainside by a narrow road along Lake Lucerne, is the entrance into the alpine bunker/fortress.
Fort Fürigen near Lucerne was built in Bürgenberg as part of the Swiss National Redoubt, a defensive plan developed by the Swiss government to ensure the safety of the Swiss people in the event of an attack. (June 20, 2023)

Exterior outlet for a canon inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The tunnel inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne is damp during warmer months because moisture from the warm weather outside condenses in the cool passageways. (June 20, 2023)

The munitions room inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The gun crew aligning the artillery inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The mess hall where the soldiers gathered for their meals inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The kitchen, furnished with a wood and coal burning stove, inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The infirmary inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The Officer’s Quarters inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne. (June 20, 2023)

The cramped soldier’s quarter inside the Fortress Fürigen near Lucerne accommodated up to 100 soldiers who had to sleep in shifts so beds were shared. (June 20, 2023)

The Open Church St.Gallen started in 1998 in the Church of St.Leonhard and has been at Böcklinstrasse 2 since 2005. Since 2016, the graffiti of a Brazilian woman has adorned the façade, a speaking symbol of openness and the Church’s view of the world. The Open Church offers space for a variety of events in an interdenominational and interreligious framework. In 2018, the Open Church saw a record number of almost 11,000 visitors. (June 20, 2023)

Views of St. Gallen. The Swiss city evolved from the hermitage of Saint Gall, founded in the 7th century. (June 20, 2023)

The Cathedral of St. Gallen, part of the monastery complex in the city of St. Gallen that includes the Abbey of Saint Gall and its library containing books from the 9th century. The Roman Catholic Church was built between 1755 and 1772 and stands on the spot where the itinerant Irish monk Gall built his hermitage in 612. The Cathedral, the Abbey and its library are UNESCO World Heritage Site. (June 20, 2023)

The courtyard of the Abbey of St. Gall. Founded in 613, this is the oldest monastery in Switzerland however very little remains of the medieval abbey. (June 20, 2023)

Entrance to the Abbey of St. Gall’s library in the city of St. Gallon. During a fire in 937, the Abbey was destroyed, but the library remained intact. On top of the doorway entrance is the Greek inscription: “ΨΥΧΗΣ ΙΑΤΡΕΙΟΝ”, meaning “The Healing Place of the Soul”. And the slippers are required to be worn over street shoes. Also there are lockers for all purses, bags and backpacks before walking through metal detectors. (June 20, 2023)

Inside the St. Gall Abbey library in the city of St. Gallon is a significant medieval monastic library. In 1983, the library, as well as the Abbey of St. Gall, were designated a World Heritage Site, as “an outstanding example of a large Carolingian monastery and was, since the 8th century until its secularisation in 1805, one of the most important cultural centers in Europe.” (June 20, 2023)

The St. Gall Abbey library collection is the oldest in Switzerland, and one of the earliest and most important monastic libraries in the world. The library holds almost 160,000 volumes. (June 20, 2023)

The beautiful wood and collection of books inside the St. Gall Abbey library in St. Gallon. (June 20, 2023)

The St. Gallen Globe of Earth and Sky inside the St. Gall Abbey library. Completed in 1576, it reflects the state of knowledge at the time. The Images of the starry sky and the earch are based on celestial maps by Albrecht Dürer from 1515 and a map of the world by Gerhard Mercator from 1569. The further one moves away from Europe, the more blank areas there are on the map. (June 20, 2023)

The neo-Gothic Church of St. Laurenzen in the city of St. Gallon was built between 1850 and 1854 and was extensively restored between 1969 and 1973. (June 20, 2023)

Inside the Church of St. Laurenzen in the city of St. Gallon. (June 20, 2023)

The high altar inside the Church of St. Laurenzen in the city of St. Gallon. (June 20, 2023)

Houses connected to the barns on our drive through the Swiss countryside to Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

The Town Hall or Rathaus adjoining the museum in the house of the Buherre Hanisef in the compact car-free Altstadt or Old Town of Appenzell village which looks like a fairytale setting of colorful buildings decorated with colorful frescoes, and ornate shop signs that decorate the buildings. (June 20, 2023)

The compact car-free Altstadt or Old Town of the village of Appenzell looks like a fairytale setting of colorful buildings decorated with colorful frescoes, and ornate shop signs that decorate the buildings. (June 20, 2023)

The Löwen pharmacy with its decorated facade of medicinal herbs on the round-arched panels covering the shutters to illustrate to the purpose of the building in the compact car-free Altstadt or Old Town village of Appenzell. The village looks like a fairytale setting of colorful buildings decorated with colorful frescoes, and ornate shop signs that decorate the buildings. (June 20, 2023)

The Museum Appenzell inside the house of Buherre Hanisef next to the imposing Parish Catholic Church of St. Mauritius in the Old Town village of Appenzell. The church is dedicated to St. Maurice, known to the locals as de Moritz. (June 20, 2023)

The distinctive Gothic bell tower of the Parish Catholic Church of St. Mauritius in the Old Town village of Appenzell. The tower features the mural of Saint Maurice, an Egyptian military leader known as the patron saint of armies, the infantry, weapons, sword smiths and infantrymen. (June 20, 2023)

Inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell with its amalgamation of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical styles. The first church to be erected on this site was mentioned in 1071 when the parish was established. It was dedicated to St. Maurice, known to locals as de Moritz, an Egyptian military leader known as the patron saint of armies, the infantry, weapons, sword smiths and infantrymen. (June 20, 2023)

Inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

The high altar inside the Church of Mauritius in Appenzell with its amalgamation of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical styles. The first church to be erected on this site was mentioned in 1071 when the parish was established. It was dedicated to St. Maurice, known to locals as de Moritz, an Egyptian military leader known as the patron saint of armies, the infantry, weapons, sword smiths and infantrymen. (June 20, 2023)

A close-up of the high altar inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

A side view of the stained glass inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

One of the many beautiful stained glass windows inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

The stunning side altars inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

The beautiful ceiling mural inside the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

The exterior of the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. It is an amalgamation of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical styles of architecture. The Church originates from 1069. Over its history four churches have been built on the site, each church larger than the preceding one. The current church is a blend of a Gothic church constructed between 1488-1513, and more recent construction in the 19th century. And, to the side of the church is the beautifully laid-out cemetery. (June 20, 2023)

The beautifully laid-out cemetery behind the Catholic Church of Mauritius in Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

Our hotel (the blue building) for the night, the Hecht Appenzell in the village of Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

My room inside the the Hecht Appenzell in the village of Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

Our Rick Steves group dinner at our hotel, the Hecht Appenzell in the village of Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

We began our Rick Steves group dinner with this potato cream soup at our hotel, the Hecht Appenzell in the village of Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

Appenzeller pork steak with Appenzeller cheese au Gratin potatoes with broccoli and cauliflower veggies at our hotel, the Hecht Appenzell in the village of Appenzell. (June 20, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 4: Ebenalp, the Appenzell Alps, a stop in Liechtenstein, the Bellinzona fortresses and home base in Lugano

This packed and utterly full day in Switzerland began early and ended in the early evening. And along the way, we even made a quick lunch stop in the small country of Liechtenstein.

But, we started our day with a cable ride up the nearby Ebenalp, the northernmost summit of the Appenzell Alps, for a 360 degree alpine view of the gorgeous mountains, rock formations and meadows.

We continued our day to the fortified town of Bellinzona famous for its three castles Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

And, our final stop of the day and for two nights, we stayed in the utterly gorgeous and beautiful walkable city center along the gleaming Lake Lugano in the city of Lugano.

Lots to see and do in a day, so let’s get started.

Me enjoying a walk and the beautiful views of Ebenalp and its alpine meadows, lake, impressive rock formations and gorgeous lookout points like this one showcasing the very best of the Appenzell Alps. (June 21, 2023)

We began our early morning adventures with a cable car ride up to Ebenalp up 1,644 meters or a little more than a mile above sea level in just a few minutes. (June 21, 2023)

Views inside the cable car as we made our way up to Ebenalp. (June 21, 2023)

Heading up to Ebenalp in the cable car with views of the plateau where the famous cliff side guesthouse of Berggasthaur Aescher and Wildkirchli caves are located. (June 21, 2023)

The cable car station atop Ebenalp. (June 21, 2023)

Several of the tour member took the hike down to the Wildkirchli caves and Aescher Inn just below the plateau of Ebenalp, including Alice, who took this photo. (June 21, 2023)

Inside one of the Wildkirchli caves below the plateau of Ebenalp, taken by Alice, who took the hike. (June 21, 2023)

And, this wonderful photo of Alice with the famous cliff side Berggasthaur Aescher Inn in the distance and just below the plateau of Ebenalp. Thanks Alice for the photos. (June 21, 2023)

Instead of joining the larger part of my Rick Steves group, with Alice, who hiked down to the Berggasthaur Aescher Inn and the Wildkirchli caves, I walked up to the cliff side of Ebenalp. (June 21, 2023)

My selfie atop Ebenalp with a view of the Appenzell alps. (June 21, 2023)

From atop Ebenalp with a view of the lake and the Appenzell Alps. (June 21, 2023)

My shadow atop Ebenalp with views of the Appenzell Alps. (June 21, 2023)

The cows grazing atop Ebenalp with views of the Appenzell Alps. (June 21, 2023)

Atop Ebenalp with views of the Appenzell Alps. (June 21, 2023)

Views of Ebenalp as we take the cable car ride down back to Wasserauen where got back on our luxury bus to make our way to the small country of Liechtenstein for a quick lunch. (June 21, 2023)

Views along the way in Appenzell, Switzerland, towards Liechtenstein. (June 21, 2023)

Views of Gais, a village in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden one of the 26 cantons forming the Swiss Confederation, as we headed towards Liechtenstein. (June 21, 2023)

I love getting these texts from T-Mobile every time I cross a border into a different country. This time, it is letting me known I have crossed the border from Switzerland into the small country of Liechtenstein. (June 21, 2023)

In the small country of Liechtenstein for a quick lunch break before moving on, crossing back into the border of Switzerland towards Bellinzona in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and the canton of Ticino. Liechtenstein, with an area of about 62 square miles, is roughly the geographic size of Washington, DC and has a population of about 40,000 people. (June 21, 2023)

Heading to the COOP grocery story in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, to pick up some quick lunch items as we continue to make our way to Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, sits on the Rhine River near the Swiss border. (June 21, 2023)

The hilltop view of Vaduz Castle the palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. The castle gave its name to the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, which it overlooks. (June 21, 2023)

Our Rick Steves tour group for a brief time in Liechtenstein. Unfortunately, this is the only photo of me in Liechtenstein and this was taken by our wonderful guide, Mirjam Grob. I’m the 4th person from the left, with my head peeking out. Although everyone in the group was great to travel with, I’ve come to the understanding that for me, traveling with more than 16 people to a group is just way too many people. (June 21, 2023)

Bellinzona is the southern capital city of the Ticino canton, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and is known for its 1500’s medieval castles/fortifications, the Fortezza Bellinzona, built to protect Switzerland from Italy. (June 21, 2023)

Views of the Castelgrande from the Piazza del Sol in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Heading towards the entrance to the Fortezza Bellinzona’s Castlegrande from the Piazza del Sol in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

On the grounds of the Castelgrande Castle in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Getting in a selfie at Castelgrande Castle with views of the town of Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Views of the town of Bellinzona and the Montebello castle on the rocky hilltop east of town and connected to Castelgrande by the city walls or Murata. (June 21, 2023)

The walls connected to the Castelgrande Castle in the town of Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Alice and I standing a top the walls connected to the Castelgrande Castle in Bellinzona. Although the origin of the walls are not precise, it is was likely erected in 1340 and significantly reinforced in the 1480s creating the second wall creating the current passageway. (June 21, 2023)

The view of the Piazza del Sole from the Castelgrande Castle in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Views of the medieval castles of Sasso Corbaro, at the very top, the Montebello Castle, coming down the hillside from the Castelgrande Castle in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Views of the medieval castles of Sasso Corbaro, at the very top, the Montebello Castle, coming down the hillside, the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or Church of San Pietro in the town of Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Walking down from the Castelgrande Castle into the town of Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Entering the town of Bellinzona from a small alleyway. (June 21, 2023)

The towered town hall in Bellinzona with it courtyard, enclosed by ground-floor arcades and two rows of loggias above. (June 21, 2023)

The inner courtyard of the town tall with its ground-floor arcades and two rows of loggias in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

The art work inside the archways of the Town Hall’s inner courtyard in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

La Casa Rossa or the Red House with its beautiful terracotta ornamentation from the early 1800s in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Walking through the town of Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

The Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona, as seen from the Castelgrande Castle, gets its name from two previous religious buildings: the church of San Pietro, mentioned since 1168, and that of Santo Stefano since 1424. The current church was built from 1515 to 1543. (June 21, 2023)

Inside the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. This Renaissance church is lavishly adorned with frescoes and baroque stucco. (June 21, 2023)

The high altar inside the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Inside Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

A side chapel inside the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

The Last Supper inside the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

A close-up of the Last Supper inside the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Another exterior view of the Chiesa Collegiata dei SS. Pietro e Stefano or the Church of San Pietro in Bellinzona. (June 21, 2023)

Leaving Bellinzona to make our way to Lugano for the next two nights. (June 21, 2023)

Our old world elegant hotel for our two nights in Lugano, the Hotel International Au Lac. (June 21, 2023)

That’s our luxury bus parked in front of the Hotel International Au Lac in Lugano where we stayed for two night. I’m taking this photo from my room inside the hotel with these gorgeous views of Lake Lugano . (June 21, 2023)

Views of the town of Lugano from my room inside Hotel International Au Lac. Along with the town views, I also have the gorgeous views of Lake Lugano. What a beautiful area! (June 21, 2023)

My room at the Hotel International Au Lac in Lugano. (June 21, 2023)

My bathroom at the Hotel International Au Lac in Lugano. (June 21, 2023)

Views along Via Nassa, in front of the Hotel International Au Lac in Lugano. (June 21, 2023)

Views along Lake Lugano along Via Nassa in Lugano. (June 21, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 5: A beautiful and free day to explore Lugano

A free day from getting up early and packing in a full day of enjoyable, but constant activities, to sleep in late, have a casual breakfast with other travelers and the ease of enjoying a slow-paced day to take in the beauty of Lugano.

This day reminded me how much I love traveling at a slower pace and the scenery felt like I was in Italy instead of Switzerland. Its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures is obviously closely related to that of Italy’s northern Lombardy region.

Our group gathered back at the Hotel International Au Lac for a truly glorious boat ride along Lake Lugano to have a delicious meal in a beautiful at a grotto which is basically a simple tavern or small restaurant in a quiet, tree-shaded hideaway.

Come stroll me with through the town center of Lugano and enjoy a boat ride along Lake Lugano for a dinner of risotto, wine and so much more.

Me enjoying an absolutely delicious coconut gelato and relaxing on a bench in the beautiful town center of Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Walking down Via Nassa through the historic town center of Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Walking through the historic town center of Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The Church of the Somascan Fathers in the historic town center of Lugano was built between 1633 and 1676 over the foundations of the 13th century convent of the Humiliati. The original façade was never completed and the church’s current neobaroque façade dates back to 1918-19. (June 22, 2023)

Inside the Church of the Somascan Fathers, in the historic town center of Lugano, which was built between 1633 and 1676. (June 22, 2023)

The high altar inside the Church of the Somascan Fathers in the historic town center of Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

A side chapel with its beautiful frescos inside the Church of the Somascan Fathers in the historic town center of Lugano.. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of one of the frescos of the side chapel inside the Church of the Somascan Fathers, in the historic town center of Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along the tree-lined promenade of Lake Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views of a square along the tree-lined promenade of Lake Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along the promenade of Lake Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along the promenade of Lake Lugano in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along the tree-lined promenade of Lake Lugano in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, stairs to up to the Funicolare degli Angeli and my hotel, the Hotel International Au Lac just across from Lake Lugano. (June 21, 2023)

The Funicolare degli Angeli is one of several funiculars built during an age when tourism was in rapid development, in Lugano. This funicular, which opened on July 24, 1913, was intended to link to the upper portions of the city. Equipped with only a single car which was moved by a system of counterweights located in the tower at the top of the hill, it was a small feat of engineering that ran back and forth between the hotels on the lakeside, like the International Au Lac, and those up on the hill: Gradually over the years it came to be less and less used, and then only for seasonal openings; it was finally closed in January 1987. (June 22, 2023)

The Funicolare degli Angeli is one of several funiculars built during an age when tourism was in rapid development, in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, was built at the end of the 1400s, in Lugano. The appearance of the church today is the result of the restoration project carried out in 1922-30 by Edoardo Berta (1876-1931), the first cantonal inspector of historic monuments. Thanks to his desire to recreate the presumed original appearance of the building, many of the Renaissance frescoes were uncovered and restored. (June 22, 2023)

Inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano is this incredible fresco, “The Stories of the Passion of Christ,” from 1529 by Bernardino Luini (1480ca.-1532). The Passion is narrated in seven episodes, beginning at top left with the Oration in the Garden of Olives; it continues beneath the loggia with the Crowning with Thorns and the Road to Calvary. In the centre foreground we see the Crucifixion. Behind it and to the right are the Lamentation and Incredulity of St Thomas beneath the loggia, and at top right the Ascension. At the base of the wall are the figures of St. Sebastian and St. Roch and the prophets Isaiah, Simeon, Hosea, Jeremiah, David and Zechariah. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of the Crucifixion portion of the fresco, “The Stories of the Passion of Christ,” from 1529 by Bernardino Luini (1480ca.-1532) inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The high altar inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of the high altar inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of one gorgeous frescoed archways inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Chapels built by the nobility were arranged along one side of the nave and beneath the partition wall inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of one of a frescoed archways inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

A side chapel inside the A close-up of one of a frescoed archways inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The frescoes on a side chapel inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The painting of the Last Supper by Luini on the left wall of the nave inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. It was originally hosted in the old refectory of the monastery around 1529. (June 22, 2023)

A close-up of the Last Supper by Luini on the left wall of the nave inside the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lugano. It was originally hosted in the old refectory of the monastery around 1529. (June 22, 2023)

Although it was a free day to do what we individually wanted to do, we did gather for for a cruise across Lake Lugano, on our private boat for a ride to a grotto for our group dinner where several of us, not including myself, learned how to cook risotto. (June 22, 2023)

Inside our private boat ride across Lake Lugano to the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, for risotto cooking lessons and dinner. (June 22, 2023)

Alice and I enjoying the views on our group boat ride across Lake Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along Lake Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Views along Lake Lugano as we approach the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, for risotto cooking lessons and dinner. (June 22, 2023)

Arriving at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, for risotto cooking lessons and dinner. (June 22, 2023)

Exiting our boat at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, for risotto cooking lessons, delicious wine and dinner. (June 22, 2023)

Getting in a selfie, with views of Lake Lugano, at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, where our Rick Steves Switzerland group came for risotto cooking lessons and a delicious dinner by the lake. (June 22, 2023)

The wine cellar at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, where our Rick Steves Switzerland group came for risotto cooking lessons and a delicious dinner by the lake. (June 22, 2023)

Wine and other delicious nibbles got us started as the stations were for being set up at Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, for our group to enjoy the local appetizers before getting to work on cooking the risotto. (June 22, 2023)

Our spread of delicious appetizers before our group began risotto cooking lessons at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

The risotto cooking stations at Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, where our Rick Steves Switzerland group came for risotto cooking lessons and a delicious dinner by the lake. (June 22, 2023)

The wonderful cooks for our table, Alice and Cathy, who handled the majority of the stirring and the mixing to make the creamy risotto at Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, where our Rick Steves Switzerland group came for risotto cooking lessons and a delicious dinner by the lake. (June 22, 2023)

This is just a photo op of me stirring the risotto during our cooking lesson at Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano, except it was Alice and Cathy, standing behind me, who did all the work. (June 22, 2023)

Alice, me and the remainder of our Rick Steves group with views of Lake Lugano enjoying our risotto dinner, and so much more, at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano. A grotto is basically a simple tavern or small restaurant in a quiet, tree-shaded hideaway. (June 22, 2023)

Delicious beef cubes and our group’s risotto were a delicious part of our dinner, along with vegetables, salad and bread at the Grotto Descanso in Grandia, Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

One last view of Lake Lugano as we made our way back to our hotel, the Hotel International Au Lac for our last night in Lugano. (June 22, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 6: Drive through the Simplon Pass; Zermatt & the Mighty Matterhorn; and Lausanne

During our early morning drive along the Simplon Pass we crossed the border into northern Italy for more than a two hour through the green mountainous countryside. The Simplon Pass connects Switzerland with Northern Italy.

We made our way to the quaint mountain village of Zermatt, framed by Switzerland’s iconic Matterhorn, where we had some free time on our own to explore the village and enjoy the views on what turned out to be a rather beautiful day.

Then onto Lake Geneva and the city of Lausanne, where we arrived about 7:00 in the evening after a full day, checked into our hotel, the Hotel des Voyageurs before taking a short walk in the old town to the Café Grütli for our group dinner.

Here’s to a day of beautiful scenery, a pyramid mountain at the quaint village of Zermatt and to a good night’s sleep in Lausanne.

Me in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn, a mountain of the Alps with a pyramid-type peak that straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy, and the Mattervispa River of glacial waters flowing through the heart of Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

We began the day early in the morning in our luxury bus as we made our way through the Simplon pass to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Switzerland, like its Alps, cheese and chocolate, is also known for its tunnels, literally hundreds of tunnels which makes road travel through the mountainous landscape easier. (June 23, 2023)

Views of Domodossola in the Piedmont area of Italy as we continue along the Simplon Pass to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Simplon Dorf along the Simplon Pass to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

A small village in Simplon Dorf along the Simplon Pass where we stopped for morning coffee and cake on the way to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

We stopped in the village of Simplon at Bäckerei Arnold for a traditional Swiss morning activity of coffee and delicious cakes along the Simplon Pass on the way to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

My delicious cake where we stopped at Bäckerei Arnold in the village of Simplon for a traditional Swiss morning activity of coffee and delicious cakes along the Simplon Pass on the way to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Views along the Simplon Pass in Switzerland. (June 23, 2023)

The Simplon Eagle monument, along the Simplon Pass, was inaugurated in September 1944. During the Second World War, officers of the 11th Alpine Brigade of the Swiss Army proposed the construction of the stone monument depicting an eagle, the symbol of the brigade. (June 23, 2023)

Views along the Simplon Pass to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Views along the Simplon Pass of Termen, Switzerland, on the way to Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Standing in line in to take the 15 minute train ride to Zermatt and it’s views of the Matterhorn. (June 23, 2023)

Alice and me on the 15 minute train heading to the alpine resort of Zermatt renowned for its mountain climbing and skiing and views of the Matterhorn. (June 23, 2023)

Views of the Matterhorn, which owes its fame to its almost perfect pyramid shape, in Zermatt. (June 22, 2023)

The Matterhorn in the distance with the fast moving Mattervispa river flows through the heart of Zermatt. The river is the result of the union of four large glacial rivers: the Zmutt Glacier, Gorner Glacier, Trift Glacier, Findel Glacier. And, the milky color of the water stems from the glacier melt rather than the snow melt. (June 23, 2023)

Me in Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn in the distance and the Mattervispa River just behind me. (June 23, 2023)

Views of the mountain climbing and skiing resort of Zermatt with the pyramid-like Matterhorn in the distance. (June 23, 2023)

The mountaineer’s cemetery in Zermatt is a memorial to the climbers who lost their lives in the mountains around Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

Views of the mountain climbing and skiing resort of Zermatt. (June 23, 2023)

We arrived at our hotel, the Hotel des Voyageurs in Lausanne, at around 7:00 pm, checked in and then met for a quick orientation walk and a group dinner. (June 23, 2023)

Views of the walkway by our hotel, the Hotel des Voyageurs in Lausanne. (June 23, 2023)

Views of old town Lausanne. (June 23, 2023)

We had a very brief orientation walk before arriving together at the Café Du Grütli in Lausanne for our group dinner together. (June 23, 2023)

Inside Café Du Grütli in Lausanne where we had our group dinner. (June 23, 2023)

A delicious fresh salad for started inside Café Du Grütli in Lausanne where we had our group dinner. (June 23, 2023)

Tuna and sardines as an appetizer for dinner at the Café Du Grütli in Lausanne. (June 23, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 7: Lake Geneva boat ride, Vevey, the Castle, wine tasting in Lausanne

I got to sleep in late this morning, after a rather full day yesterday, before heading out with Alice, Cathy and Nancy to our group meeting point. That meant making our way, on our own, to the metro station and meeting up with the entire group at the Ouchy–Olympique Metro station by the waterfront for a boat cruise along Lake Geneva with the stunning views of the Lavaux terraced vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The hour long scenic boat ride along Lake Geneva, on an utterly beautiful day, where we got dropped off at the town of Vevey, considered the “Pearls of the Swiss. Riviera,” for lunch on our own with time to walk around the lakeside town with breathtaking views of the Alpine. It is also where the silent film actor, Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life living in Vevey with his fourth wife, Oona, and their eight children.

After a quick bite to eat and time to explore Vevey on our own, we got back on our luxury bus to the medieval castle of Château de Chillon for a guided tour of the medieval castle on Lake Geneva and then another short bus ride to Grandvaux to enjoy more spectacular views of the Lavaux vineyards and a wine tasting before heading back to Lausanne for an early evening.

A few miles downshore we’ll dock at Château de Chillon, where we’ll have a guided tour of this delightfully medieval castle on the water. Then we’ll visit the Lavaux vineyards for a wine tasting before returning to Lausanne for the evening.

Nancy, me, Cathy and Alice in Lausanne teaming up to make our way to the Ouchy–Olympique Metro station by the waterfront to meet the remainder of our Rick Steves group for a boat ride along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Walking through Lausanne to the Metro station to meet our Rick Steves group for a boat ride along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The arched Grand Pont bridge in Lausanne, situated nearby to the Lausanne-Flon Metro station, was built in 1844. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The Lausanne-Flon Metro station, by the arched Grand Pont bridge in Lausanne where the four of us, Alice, Cathy, Nancy and myself, took the train to meet up with our Rick Steves group at the waterfront by the Ouchy–Olympique Metro station. (June 24, 2023)

The country flags display at the Ouchy–Olympique Metro station in Lausanne. (June 24, 2023)

The Ouchy–Olympique is a Lausanne Métro station. (June 24, 2023)

The Port d’Ouchy’s harbor in Lausanne. (June 24, 2023)

Our boat, the Henry Dunant, to Vevey and Chillon with view of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Boarding our boat to Vevey and Chillon with view of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Views from our boat ride to to Vevey and Chillon with view of the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Me on our boat ride along Lake Geneva with views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces. There are roughly 200 different wineries in Lavaux, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations, some with a history that dates back to 1300′s. The Lavaux vineyard terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces along Lake Geneva. There are roughly 200 different wineries in Lavaux, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations, some with a history that dates back to 1300′s. The Lavaux vineyard terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. (June 24, 2023)

Our boat, the Henry Dunant, docking in the town of Cully so passengers can disembark. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the Lavaux vineyard terraces along Lake Geneva as we approached our lunch stop in Vevey. (June 24, 2023)

Vevey, considered as one of Switzerland’s most charming towns, in the canton of Vaud is off of Lake Geneva, where our group disembarked for free time to have lunch and walk through the town. (June 24, 2023)

The market at the Place du Marche or town square in Vevey. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the town of Vevey where the actor-comedian silent film start, Charlie Chaplin, spent the last 20 years of his life. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the town of Vevey. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the town of Vevey along Lake Geneva and the tree-lined promenade. (June 24, 2023)

Leaving Vevey on our luxury bus to cross through the Lavaux vineyards to the Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle, an island castle on Lake Geneva. Here is a cut-out of silent film actor, Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life living in Vevey with his fourth wife, Oona, and their eight children. (June 24, 2023)

Views of the vineyards from our luxury bus of the Lavaux vineyard terraces on our way From the our bus on our way to the Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle, an island castle on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The Château de Chillon or the Chillon Castle, an island medieval castle located on Lake Geneva in the canton of Vaud, was first written about in 1005. (June 24, 2023)

The Château de Chillon or the Chillon Castle built on the island of Chillon on an oval limestone rock along Lake Geneva. Chillon began as a Roman outpost, guarding the strategic road through the Alpine passes. (June 24, 2023)

The Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle medieval castle located on an island on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Entering the crypt of the Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle located on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The crypt of the Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle located on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The crypt or dungeon of the medieval Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle located on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

A column with some ancient and contemporary graffiti in the crypt of the Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle located on Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The signature of Lord George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) along with other graffiti signatures in the crypt of the Chillon Castle. Byron is regarded as among the greatest of English romantic poets. (June 24, 2023)

A courtyard inside the medieval Chillon Castle. (June 24, 2023)

Inside the medieval Chillon Castle. (June 24, 2023)

The Grand Hall of the Count inside the Chillon Castle. (June 24, 2023)

The plainly decorated Bernese Chamber from the Middle Ages in the medieval Chillon Castle with its large four-poster bed and heating. The painted decor on the off-white walls are adorned with plants, fruit and animals, dating back to the early 17th century. (June 24, 2023)

The Coat of Arms Hall in the medieval Château de Chillon or Chillon Castle was a reception room in the Middle Ages and is decorated with the coats of arms of the Bernese bailiffs or governors who lived in the castle between 1536 and 1733. (June 24, 2023)

The courtyard of the medieval Chillon Castle. (June 24, 2023)

The modern motorway above the medieval Chillon Castle. (June 24, 2023)

After a short drive from the Chillon Castle, we came to the Chexbres Municipality, a wine-growing village of the Lavaux vineyards. (June 24, 2023)

The Town Hall of Chexbres in the wine-growing village of the Lavaux vineyards. (June 24, 2023)

Views from the Frances-Vins, a family-owned vineyard, on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in the wine-growing village of Chexbres overlooking Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

Me at the Frances-Vins, a family-owned vineyard, on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in the wine-growing village of Chexbres overlooking Lake Geneva. I’m wearing my new hat bought at the Vevey market earlier today. (June 24, 2023)

The veranda, terrace and tasting room of the Francey-Vins overlooks their vineyards, the Lavaux terrace vineyards and Lake Geneva in Chexbres. (June 24, 2023)

Our group enjoying the wine-tasting and munchies at the family-owned Francey-Vins vineyard overlooking their vineyards, the Lavaux terrace vineyards and Lake Geneva in Chexbres from their terrace. (June 24, 2023)

Delicious homemade salami to go with our wine tasting at the family-owned Francey-Vins vineyard overlooking their vineyards at the Lavaux terrace vineyards and Lake Geneva in Chexbres from their terrace. (June 24, 2023)

At the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in the wine-growing village of Chexbres overlooking Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

A sign at the entrance of the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard cellar on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in the wine-growing village of Chexbres overlooking Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The wine cellar of the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard on the Lavaux vineyard terraces in the wine-growing village of Chexbres overlooking Lake Geneva. (June 24, 2023)

The wine tanks inside the wine cellar of the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard in the wine-growing village of Chexbres. (June 24, 2023)

In the bottling and corking area inside the wine cellar of the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard in the wine-growing village of Chexbres. This is Diana Francey who is part owner of the Francey-Vins family-owned winery. Her husband, Christopher’s family has owned the vineyard for 20 generations, back to 1380. (June 24, 2023)

The bottling and corking area inside the wine cellar of the Frances-Vins family-owned vineyard in the wine-growing village of Chexbres. (June 24, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 8: Into the Heart of the Alps – Courtelary & Mürren

Another early morning of a beautiful blue sky day to get us started on our chocolate-watches- cheese and travel day as we made our way into the heart of the Swiss Alps to Mürren.

We began the morning in the town of Courtelary for a chocolate experience at the Camille Bloch Chocolate factory to make our own chocolate bar. While one part of the group made their own chocolate, the other half of the group got to briefly discover nearby St-Imier, hometown of Swiss watchmaking.

After making, eating and buying our way through a variety of chocolate goodies at Camille Bloch, we spent the afternoon driving through the breathtaking Berber Oberland passing lush green meadows and dramatic alpine peaks for Mürren.

We arrived in Stechelberg late in the afternoon where we said goodbye to our bus driver and took the thrilling cable car ride from Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor up to the breathtakingly stunning clifftop views of the village of Mürren.

Check out this beautiful day, sites and fun on the way to Mürren.

Me in the chocolate workshop kitchen at Camille Bloch the family-owned chocolate company originally founded in 1929 by Camille Bloch in Bern but since 1935 has been based in Courtelary. (June 25, 2023)

The flagship chocolates at the Camille Bloch the family-owned chocolate company originally founded in 1929 by Camille Bloch in Bern but since 1935 has been based in Courtelary. (June 25, 2023)

Holding a cup of thick liquid milk chocolate from a spout of flowing chocolate at the Camille Bloch family-owned chocolate company in Courtelary. (June 25, 2023)

Our chocolate chef, Peter, at the Camille Bloch family-owned chocolate company, showing us how to work our chocolate. (June 25, 2023)

Our chocolate chef, Peter, at the Camille Bloch family-owned chocolate company, pouring chocolate in a canister to solidify into a bar of chocolate. (June 25, 2023)

Me holding the chilled milk chocolate bar at the Camille Bloch family-owned chocolate company originally founded in 1929 by Camille Bloch in Bern but since 1935 has been based in Courtelary. (June 25, 2023)

While the other half of our group was making their chocolate bar at the Camille Bloch family-owned chocolate company in nearby Courtelary, the rest of us took a walking tour of Saint-Imier, hometown of Swiss watchmaking. Even though most of the town was closed on Sunday, it was nice to walk through the Place du Marché square. (June 25, 2023)

The Place du Marché in Saint-Imier. (June 25, 2023)

The clock tower of Saint-Imier. (June 25, 2023)

Colorful art on the street in Saint-Imier. (June 25, 2023)

Strolling through Saint-Imier. (June 25, 2023)

Although we did not get to check out any watch making shops, the art and industry of watch making began in Saint-Imier in the 1720s and really took root around 1770. By 1817 there were about 200 workers employed in either watchmaking workshops or small shops at home. It’s also where the Longines watch company opened the first watch factory. (June 24, 2023)

The Longines watchmaking company founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier. (June 25, 2023)

Driving by Lake Thun, an Alpine lake in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region on our way to Mürren for the next two nights. (June 25, 2023)

Views along our drive to Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Views of Lauterbrunnen on our drive to Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Arrived in Stechelberg to take the cable car up to Mürren for the next two nights. This is why it’s good to pack light because we’re responsible for getting our ‘stuff’ to places where vehicles are not available or allowed. (June 25, 2023)

Our Rick Steves tour leader Mirjam handing out our cable car tickets as our group is lined up for the cable car ride up to Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

On the cable car ride up to Mürren with Alice, Cathy and our luggage for our 2-night stay at Hotel Blumental. (June 25, 2023)

A full cable car with our Rick Steves group, luggage and other travelers up to Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Views of the Stechelberg village and the Bernese Alps from our cable car ride up to Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Approaching the Mürren cable car station. (June 25, 2023)

Our 19th century chalet, the Hotel Blumental along the main pedestrian car-free street in Mürren just a could of minutes walk from the Mürren cable car station. (June 25, 2023)

My spacious room, at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren, with incredible views overlooking the main pedestrian street surrounded by the stunning Bernese Alps. (June 25, 2023)

My bathroom at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

My shared balcony outside my glass bathroom doors at Hotel Blumental in Mürren overlooking the main pedestrian street surrounded by the stunning Bernese Alps. (June 25, 2023)

Views from my room at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren overlooking the main pedestrian street surrounded by the stunning Bernese Alps. (June 25, 2023)

Me with gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Nathan Szerdy, a professional cartoonist and fellow traveler, created this cartoon of our Rick Steves leader, Mirjam Grob and presented it to her tonight at our cheese fondue dinner at our hotel, the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Alice, sitting between Nancy and Barry, working the large bowl of cheese fondue for dinner at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

I passed on the cheese fondue and ended up ordering something else to eat for dinner at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. Sitting between Gloria and Cathy. (June 25, 2023)

I could not eat the cheese fondue so instead I ordered the boneless breaded pork, fries and vegetables at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Apple strudel for our after dinner dessert at the Hotel Blumental in Mürren. (June 25, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 9: Schilthorn and Hiking in the Berner Oberland

The Schilthorn summit and the village of Mürren are reasons enough to come to Switzerland. The majesty of the villages, mountains and valleys are something truly incredible to behold. For me, this is what I imagined Switzerland to be and it did not disappoint.

We had an early morning champagne breakfasting in the rotating restaurant a top the Schilthorn summit. And after enjoying the food and the views, us solo travelers, Alice, Cathy, Nancy and myself met up back at our hotel in Mürren for a group walk down to Gimmelwald.

These legendary Swiss Alps views were made even more spectacular by the beauty of sunny blue skies and perfect temperature for a walk.

Let me show you the gorgeousness of the Alps on a glorious day.

Our Rick Steves leader, Mirjam, showing us different hikes/walks to talk after our early morning champagne breakfast in the rotating restaurant a top the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

A map of the Swiss Alps skyline from the Lauterbrunnen valley to the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

Views on the cable car ride up from the village of Mürren, by way of the village of Birg, to the Schilthorn summit and the panoramic revolving restaurant, the Piz Gloria. (June 26, 2023)

The revolving Piz Gloria restaurant from the skyline view platform at the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

Inside the panoramic revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, at the Schilthorn summit where our Rick Steves tour group had our early morning champagne and buffet breakfast. (June 26, 2023)

Me inside the Piz Gloria panoramic revolving restaurant at the Schilthorn summit featured in the 1969 James Bond movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.’ (June 26, 2023)

Views of the skyline view platform from inside the panoramic revolving Piz Gloria restaurant at the Schilthorn summit. The platform and restaurant were featured in the 1969 James Bond movie ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.’ (June 26, 2023)

The restrooms by the “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” Spy World cinema and exhibit at the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

Inside “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” Spy World cinema and exhibit at the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

Alice and me at the skyline viewing platform after our early morning buffet breakfast at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant a top the Schilthorn summit with the blue skies and magnificent views of the mountainous peaks. (June 26, 2023)

The glorious views of the Swiss Alps mountain peaks from the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

My Rick Steves travel mates, me, Alice, Cathy and Nancy on the skyline view platform on the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

My selfie with a skyline view platform on the Schilthorn summit. (June 26, 2023)

Views from the cable car of the construction being done to provide direct access between Stechelberg and Mürren to replace the cable cars on the Mürren-Birg and Birg-Schilthorn routes as well as new stations. The project is estimated to be completed by March 2025. (June 26, 2023)

On the cable car heading down from the Schilthorn summit to the Birg summit of the Bernese Alps overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley. Birg is the cable car station between Mürren and the Schilthorn. (June 26, 2023)

On the cable car ride heading down from the Schilthorn summit to the Birg summit of the Bernese Alps overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley. That’s me, Alice, Nancy and Cathy. (June 26, 2023)

On the Birg summit with views of the Schilthorn summit in the distance. Birg lies to the east of the Schilthorn and above the village of Mürren. It’s known for its Skyline and Thrill Walk plus some magnificent views mountain peaks. (June 26, 2023)

At the Birg summit with its spectacular mountain peak views of the Bernese Alps. (June 26, 2023)

The Birg summit offers views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks. (June 26, 2023)

Views from the Birg summit of the Bernese Alps and the closed Thrill Walk, an elevated walkway built onto the side of a cliff and was closed while we were there. (June 26, 2023)

Views from the Birg summit of the Bernese Alps. (June 26, 2023)

Getting onto the cable car from the Birg summit back to our hotel in Mürren, the Hotel Blumental. (June 26, 2023)

On the cable car to head back down to our hotel in Mürren, the Hotel Blumental, to regroup for a walk down to Gimmelwalk. (June 26, 2023)

Looking back at at the Birg summit from inside the cable car as we begin to head down to Mürren. (June 26, 2023)

Views as we begin to approach the Mürren cable car station. (June 26, 2023)

On the cable car as we make our approach into the Mürren cable car station. (June 26, 2023)

Approaching the Mürren cable car station. (June 26, 2023)

Back in Mürren as Nancy, Alice and Cathy stop along the main road to admire the sloping garden on our way to our hotel, the Hotel Blumental, to prepare for a walk down to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

On the paved downhill walkway to Gimmelwald from Mürren. (June 26, 2023)

Views of Mürren on our walk to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Views of Mürren on our 40-minute walk on a downhill road to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Views of the Alps from Mürren on our walk to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Me on the paved walking trail from Mürren downhill to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Passing a waterfall on our downhill walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Views on our walk to Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Stopping to get in a group photo on our walk down to Gimmelwald from Mürren. That’s Cathy, Alice, me and Nancy. (June 26, 2023)

Me as we made our way into the village of Gimmelwald in the Bernese Overland along the downhill paved road from Mürren. (June 26, 2023)

Views as we continue our walk into Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Gimmelwald still a farm village is located between Stechelberg and Mürren. (June 26, 2023)

A wet path into Gimmelwald was blocked so we had to try another way. (June 26, 2023)

Trekking down another way into Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

The cow bells hanging on the side of this house in Gimmelwald dates back centuries. The bells are traditionally attached, with a belt, around the neck of the cows enabling the shepherd to keep track of where their cattle is located. (June 26, 2023)

The cowbells hanging on the side of a house in Gimmelwald. (June 26, 2023)

Shops in Gimmelwald, a traffic-free village that sits above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. (June 26, 2023)

The tiny village of Gimmelwald, with its one zigzag street, is a traditional Swiss mountain community. (June 26, 2023)

The Gimmelwald cable car station for our cable car ride back up to Mürren. (June 26, 2023)

At the Gimmelwald cable car station with the cable car to the left going up to Mürren and the one to the right going down to the Lauterbrunnen Valley. (June 26, 2023)

After getting back to Mürren, I spent the remainder of the day on my balcony at the Hotel Blumental. And, no, I don’t do my writing on a typewriter, at least not anymore, but this beauty reminded me of my typewriter days. And, my brother’s name is Hermes. (June 26, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 10: Cheese making on a farm on our way to Bern

We left our hotel, the Hotel Blumental in Mürren at 7:40 a.m. lugging our suitcases and stuff back onto the cable cars down to Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley where our bus driver, Mieko, waited to whisk us away.

Our first stop of the day was a working alpine farm where the area’s famous Gruyere cheese is produced. Then it was a quick stop at the village of Jaun and the Rosengarten or Rose Garden before reaching our final destination of the day and the tour, Bern.

On our last cable car ride down to the Stechelberg village where we met up with our bus driver, Mieko, and hopped back onto our luxury bus for our last two nights of the tour in Bern. Goodbye Mürren, you were quite spectacular. (June 27, 2023)

Back on our luxury bus departing the Stechelberg village and our wonderful stay in Mürren. (June 27, 2023)

Driving through Latterbach, located in the region of Bern. Switzerland’s capital of Bern is approximately 20 miles or 33 km away from Latterbach. (June 27, 2023)

The village of Erlenbach on the way to Bern. (June 27, 2023)

The village of Därstetten on the way to Bern. (June 27, 2023)

The village of Boltigen on the way to Bern. (June 27, 2023)

The Gerber Family cheese farm on the top of the Jaunpass in Bäderalp where we stopped for a cheese making demonstration on our way to Bern. (June 27, 2023)

Nicklaus and his son Samuel in the process of making traditional cheese on the Gerber family farm in Bäderalp. (June 27, 2023)

The barn for the milk cows is attached to the Gerber family home in Bäderalp. (June 27, 2023)

Every single cow in Switzerland has a name and a number and these milk cows who stay in the barn, attached to the house of the Gerber family farm in Bäderalp, during the day from 5:30 am until 6:00 in the evening when they are left outdoors overnight. (June 27, 2023)

The cheese cellar on the Gerber family farm in Bäderalp. (June 27, 2023)

After watching the cheese-making, we sat down at the picnic tables at the Gerber family farm in Bäderalp to enjoy their home made cheese and slices of sausage. (June 27, 2023)

After watching the cheese-making, we were treated to the home made cheese and slices of sausage of the Gerber family farm in Bäderalp to enjoy. (June 27, 2023)

Views of the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

The village of Jaun where our group is headed to check out the waterfall. (June 27, 2023)

The Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

The Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun with its cemetery known for its beautiful hand carved wooden crosses. (June 27, 2023)

The beautiful hand carved wooden crosses at the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

Inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

The high altar inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

Looking towards the choir area inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

The choir area inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

A side altar inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

A side view of the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

A stained glass window inside the Kirche St. Stephan in the village of Jaun. (June 27, 2023)

An underground highway round on the way to Bern. (June 27, 2023)

Me by the stunningly beautiful red roses at the Rosengarten or Rose Garden in Bern where we made a quick stop to check out the gorgeous garden and the views of Bern. (June 27, 2023)

A quick stop at the Rosengarten or Rose Garden in Bern. (June 27, 2023)

There are more than 400 types of roses and irises at the Rosengarten or Rose Garden in Bern. (June 27, 2023)

Rooftop views of Bern’s historic Altstadt or Old Town, the Bernese Minster cathedral and the Aare River from the Rosengarten or Rose Garden viewpoint in Bern. The Bernese Minster has the highest church spire in Switzerland. (June 27, 2023)

Our Rick Steves Switzerland group at the viewpoint of the Rosengarten or Rose Garden in Bern. Photo from our Rick Steves leader Mirjam Grob. (June 27, 2023)

After our visit to the Rose Garden, we made our way into Bern to check into our hotel, the Best Western Hotel in Bern. (June 27, 2023)

My room at the Best Western Hotel in Bern. (June 27, 2023)

A quick orientation walk through Bern. (June 27, 2023)

Views of Bern from the rooftop of our hotel, the Best Western Hotel. (June 27, 2023)

Switzerland RS Tour Day 11: The Swiss Capital of Bern and our Farewell Dinner

As much as I sincerely loved traveling through Switzerland enjoying the views of the Swiss Alps and even the cities of Lucerne and now Bern, I’m ready to head back home.

Originally, I had planned to spend an extra couple of days in Zurich, but that changed as I got closer to the end of this trip. I was supposed to fly from Zurich to London on British Airways then London to Dallas on American Airlines. But when I called American Airlines about changing my flight home earlier than planned, they made it happen at no extra cost to me. In fact, they refunded me $38 USD.

But let’s get back to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. The city traces its origins back to the 12th century and was built around a crook in the Aare River with its well preserved medieval architecture in the Altstadt or Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It turned out to be another beautiful day in Switzerland for a morning walking tour through Bern’s city center filled with cozy covered arcades, pointy towers, sandstone buildings, colorful fountains and a bear garden with real bears.

After the walking tour, we sat down with our Bern tour guide, Dickson Bewes for a Q&A session on all things Swiss at a local beer garden, the Altes Tramdepot Restaurant Bar Brauerei in Bern.

With questions answered, we had the remainder of the day free to do our own thing before meeting up for our farewell group dinner.

Raising my wine glass to Switzerland and coming to the end of our tour in Bern.

Me at the Zytglogge, a landmark medieval tower in the Altstadt or Old Town of Bern. It was built around 1218-1220 as the gate tower of Bern’s western fortifications. Since then the Zytglogge has served the city as a guard tower, prison, clock tower, civic memorial and the center of urban life. The clock tower features a large clock, a 15th century astronomical clock and moving figures. (June 28, 2023)

The Zytglogge, a landmark medieval tower in the Altstadt or Old Town of Bern. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the Zytglogge, a landmark medieval tower in the Altstadt or Old Town of Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Walking through Altstadt or Old Town Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (June 28, 2023)

With our local guide Diccon Bewes, we went to the Bahnhoff or main train station in Bern to the ruins of the medieval city walls where the Christoffelturm or Christoffel Tower was built between 1344 and 1346. The tower once stood with the colossal head and body of Saint Christopher. This is a copy of the head of Saint Christopher. The original head and wood body statue once towered over the city in the 15th century. But, in 1864, for the sake of modernization, the tower was destroyed and most of the statue body was chopped up as fuel for the poor. The original head is in the Bern History Museum. (June 28, 2023)

Beneath the Bahnhoff or main train station in Bern are the ruins of the medieval city walls where the Christoffelturm or Christoffel Tower, built between 1344 and 1346, once stood with the colossal head and body of Saint Christopher. This is a copy of the head of Saint Christopher. The original head and wood body statue , which once towered over the city in the 15th century, and is in the Bern History Museum. But, in 1864, for the sake of modernization, the tower was destroyed and most of the statue body was chopped up as fuel for the poor. (June 28, 2023)

Walking outside of the Bahnhoff or main train station in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Walking through Altstadt or Old Town Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the archways of the medieval limestone architecture are more than 3.7 miles or 6 kilometers of long pedestrian walkways with shops on one side and the busy Old Town traffic on the other side. (June 28, 2023)

The Käfigturm, the Baroque tower down the street in Bern, was originally built as a gate house during the second expansion of Bern in 1256. The tower was demolished in 1640 and completely rebuilt immediately thereafter. (June 28, 2023)

The west side of the Käfigturm tower from Waisenhausplatz, a Baroque tower in Bern. The original tower was built as a gate house during the second expansion of Bern in 1256. The tower was demolished in 1640 and completely rebuilt immediately thereafter. (June 28, 2023)

The west side of the Käfigturm tower from Waisenhausplatz, a Baroque tower in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

East side of the Käfigturm with the Anna Seiler fountain on Marktgasse in the Old Town Bern. (June 28, 2023)

The city of Bern is known for its 16th century fountains, attributed to Hans Gieng. This one is of Anna-Seiler-Brunnen on Marktgasse in the Old City of Bern. The fountain, located at the upper end of Marktgasse, memorializes the founder of the first hospital in Bern, Anna Seiler, represented by a woman in a blue dress, pouring water into a small dish. (June 28, 2023)

The walkway galleries or arcades on each side of the street are to protect the people in the Old City of Bern from the sun and rain. (June 28, 2023)

The galleries of Bern are a landmark of the city. Many streets and alleys in the Old Town of Bern are lined with these long galleries. Since the streets are busy with trams, carts and cars, the people walk along the galleries, on both sides of the street, passing under the arches of houses and shops. (June 28, 2023)

Right beside the Clock Tower of the McDonald’s restaurant is Bern Zytgloggelaube street and the restored Zytglogge Clock Tower. (June 28, 2023)

The Kindlifresserbrunnen stands for “Child-Eater Fountain” at the Kornhausplatz (Granary Place) in Bern. It was created in 1545–1546 by Hans Gieng to replace a wooden fountain from the 15th century. The seated Ogre of the Kindlifresserbrunnen devours a naked child and has a sack of children waiting to be devoured. (June 28, 2023)

Altstadt or Old Town Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (June 28, 2023)

Under the archways of the medieval limestone architecture are more than 3.7 miles or 6 kilometers of long pedestrian walkways with shops on one side and the busy Altstadt or Old Town Bern traffic on the other. (June 28, 2023)

The Bern Münster, a Swiss Reformed Protestant Gothic-style church which began construction in 1421 in the old city of Bern. Its 330 feet tall tower was not completed until 1893 and is considered the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. (June 28, 2023)

The main entrance of the Bern Münster Cathedral in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the main entrance of the Bern Münster Cathedral in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Details of the Last Judgement at the main entrance of the Bern Münster Cathedral in Bern. It’s considered as the most complete Late Gothic sculpture collections in Europe. This collection represents the Christian belief in a Last Judgment where the wicked will be separated from the righteous. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the left side of the Last Judgement at the main entrance of the Bern Münster Cathedral in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the right side of the Last Judgement at the main entrance of the Bern Münster Cathedral in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Views of the Bern Münster Cathedral and gardens in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Münsterplatform, an elevated plateau above the Aare river, is right by the majestic Bern Münster Cathedral. A number of bridges have been built to allow the city to expand beyond the Aare. (June 28, 2023)

Munsterplatform, an elevated plateau above the Aare river, is right by the majestic Bern Münster Cathedral. A number of bridges have been built to allow the city to expand beyond the Aare. (June 28, 2023)

Munsterplatform, an elevated plateau above the Aare river, is right by the majestic Bern Münster Cathedral. (June 28, 2023)

The city of Bern was originally built on a hilly peninsula surrounded by the river Aare, but outgrew these natural boundaries by the 19th century. (June 28, 2023)

The arcades of Altstadt or Old Town Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (June 28, 2023)

The Town Hall square in Old Town Bern. (June 28, 2023)

The Vennerbrunnen fountain on Rathausplatz in the Old City of Bern. The Venner was the military-political title in medieval Switzerland. This person was responsible for peace and protection in a section of a city and then to lead troops from that section into battle. In Bern the Venner was a very powerful position and was key in a city’s operations. Each Venner was connected to a guild and chosen from the guild. The statue, built in 1542, shows a Venner in full armor with his banner. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the Venner statue built in 1542 in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

The Zytglogge clock tower in the distance and Bern’s medieval covered shopping promenades. (June 28, 2023)

Restaurant Zunft zu Webern with its decorative exterior statue in the Old City of Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Thought this was a Rolls Royce parked along the busy street in the Old City of Bern, but I’m just not sure. Just think it looks so classic and stylish. (June 28, 2023)

The statue of Lady Justice on the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain in the Old City of Bern. The statue is a copy of the original, which was largely destroyed by vandals in 1986. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of the statue of Lady Justice on the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen fountain in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

An African warrior statue on the exterior of a building in Old Town Bern. (June 28, 2023)

A close-up of an African warrior statue on the exterior of a building in Old Town Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Views while walking across the Nydeggkirche bridge in Bern. The bridge connects the eastern part of the old city to the new part. It crosses over the Aare and is located very close to the Bärengraben where the bears live. (June 28, 2023)

A view of the oldest bridge in Bern is the Untertorbrucke (Bridge at the Lower gate) built in 1460 while walking across the Nydeggkirche bridge in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

I’m standing on the engraved paving stones of the benefactors names for a fund raising campaign for Bear Park in Bern. Donors who gave 100 Swiss Francs got a paved brick in this walkway through the Bear Park area containing some 12,000 to 15,000 bricks. (June 28, 2023)

The Bear Pit and Park is to the left of the Aare River in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Bears, you say? Yes, since 1513 bears have been at home in Bern; until 1857 in the town itself, then in the bear pit, and since 2009 in the new and spacious bear park. The site on the banks of the Aare stretches from the former bear pit opposite the Old Town to the river. The bear has long served as symbol of Bern. (June 28, 2023)

The bears roaming along the Bärengraben, or Bear Pit, in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

A bear roaming along the Bärengraben, or Bear Pit, in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

The Bear Garden in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

After our walking tour, we all sat around with our local guide Diccon Bewes (second from left in tan long-sleeve shirt) whose an author and travel writer for a Q & A session about Bern and Switzerland in general at a beer garden. (June 28, 2023)

The Zähringer fountain with the Zytglogge in the background in the Old City of Bern. The Zähringerbrunnen was built in 1535 as a memorial to the founder of Bern, Berchtold von Zähringer. The bear, in full armor with a cub bear at his feet, represents the bear that, according to legend, Berchtold, shot on the Aare peninsula as he was searching for a site to build a city. (June 28, 2023)

Our Rick Steves Switzerland tour group heading to our farewell dinner table at the Kornhauskeller restaurant just a few steps from our hotel, the Best Western Hotel in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Getting in a toast to our wonderful time in Switzerland during our group farewell dinner at the Kornhauskeller restaurant just a few steps from our hotel, the Best Western Hotel in Bern. (June 28, 2023)

Our wonderful Rick Steves tour leader Mirjam Grob at our farewell group dinner at the Kornhauskeller restaurant just a few steps from our hotel, the Best Western Hotel in Bern. She kept our group organized while providing us with knowledge and stories about Switzerland. Thanks so much Mirjam for a wonderful time. (June 28, 2023)

Getting in a Goodbye! Arrivederci! Au Renoir! Auf Wiedersehen! Selfie at our group farewell dinner at the Kornhauskeller restaurant just a few steps from our hotel, the Best Western Hotel in Bern. Switzerland, it has been a wonderful journey. (June 28, 2023)

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Wanda Esterby on March 1, 2024 at 4:16 pm

As always your memories are so complete with pictures and your comments. We feel we are touring with you. Thank you for sharing!
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  Diana Petterson on March 3, 2024 at 12:46 pm
  
  Hey Wanda! Good to hear from you! You’re so welcome, I love sharing my travels. And, thank you too for checking out my posts and your kind words. Please say hello to Kip!