The Best of the Swiss Alps and Bavaria

Accommodation was planned ahead on the first month of 2010. We researched and bought a complete DVD collection of Rick Steves' EUROPE ALL 80 SHOWS. I must admit, I made it my assignment to spent a great deal of time during my off days watching the DVD's for our target destinations. Besides learning about the beautiful places Europe has to offer, Mr. Rick Steves preaches how to be a frugal and savvy traveler as well as how to have joyful experiences of different cultures, people, and food.

Flughafen Zurich

We started in JFK International Airport and landed at Flughafen Zurich the next day. Immediately we took the shuttle train for downtown Zurich. Malou, my wife, inquired at the train station and bought a ticket (Swiss Card) for our three days' stay in Murren, Switzerland. The Swiss Card can save a traveler a lot of money, especially those traveling with family. With the Swiss Card, kids under the age of 13 are free.

While we are riding on a train discussing our destinations on our first day in Switzerland, we agreed to stop over at Bern, the capital of Switzerland. We toured around the city for hours. Old city of Bern is medieval in nature, landmark is Zytglogg- 'Time Bell'.

Einstein House

Bern - Seat of Switzerland's government. The Houses of Parliament are a walking distance from the train station. A famous inhabitant is Albert Einstein-scientist, who revolutionized the theory of relativity (E=mc2) and set the stage for space explorations.

After Bern, we continued our journey and hopped onto a train to our final destination for the day. Along the way we passed the towns of Worb, Belp, Munsingen, Thun, Spitz and Interlaken. In Interlaken (train hub) we switched to another train for Lauterbrunnen and took a cable car ride to Murren.

Murren - A typical Swiss village in the Bernese Overland region. It is a favorite vacation place amongst the British and people looking for a reasonably-priced accommodation. At an elevation of 5,413 ft, it is considered the highest continually inhabited village settlement in the region. There you will see the beautiful towering mountains of Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau.

Village of Murren

Fortunately, Chalet Fontana (owned and operated by wonderful Denise) is just across the only grocery store in town. The town has its own school and 2 churches, a Roman Catholic church and a Reformed church. The population is less than 500. With 2000+ hotel beds, this is also a popular destination for summer hikers and winter skiers. If you're a James Bond '007 fanatic, a cable car is just around the corner and you can visit the revolving restaurant 'Piz Gloria' at Schilthorn where they filmed the movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

A cable car leads an uphill unto Grutschalp station and a railway that links Winteregg to the traffic-free village of Murren. Murren Terminal Station runs a narrow gauge railway known as Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Murren. Our hotel was just a walking distance from the train station.

After check-in to Chalet Fontana, we took a rest for a couple of hours and afterwards decided to walk around the village and absorb the magnificent postcard view of the area. At 6 p.m., the view everywhere was still clear and simply breathtaking. To get ready for tomorrow's trip, we walked towards the train station and bought a ticket for Jungfrau.

Denise, Malou and the kids.

Back to hotel, had our dinner and call it a night.

The following morning, we got up early, took our showers and had an early breakfast (starts at 7:30 a.m.). It is advisable to check first the visibility condition so that you will not waste your trip. An early start is ideal to beat the crowd of tourists also visiting the famous magnificent Alps.

Lauterbrunnen - A village with the cascading Staubach Falls and a stunning view of Jungfrau. Lauterbrunnen is one of the train hubs for Interlaken or Grindelwald, and is the gateway to spectacular Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe".

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

The magnificent feat of the Swiss in building the train tracks around the mountains is very admirable. With the panoramic view, the train ride is quite an experience with beautiful villages along the side such as Grindelwald, Wengen, Allmend, Wengernalp, Lauberhorn, Kleine Scheidegg, Eigercletscher, Eigerwand, Eismeer to the final summit of Jungfraujoch.

Jungfrau - Meaning 'maiden or virgin'. This is the opposite side of the valley from Murren. It is the third largest mountain of the Bernese Alps.

Jungfraujoch - With an impressive cog railway inside the mountain. At 11,333 feet, Swiss had bragging rights for the highest railway station in Europe. Preparation for the centennial anniversary in 2012 is already underway.

Jungfraujoch railway station.

Highlights of our trip were Jungfraujoch and the Bernese Overland regions. You will really appreciate the beauty of mother nature when visiting these areas. It is a great feeling when you are with your loved ones cherishing the great views in the summit of the Alps.


Grindelwald - Its magnificent vista and walking trails complementing the fantastic views of the three world famous mountains of the Eiger, Munch and Jungfrau. This is a train hub for Jungfraujoch and Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken.

Our sumptuous lunch at Grindelwald was a combination of Swiss/German food cuisine, weisswurst and bratwurst with lots of potato/saurkraut. A dessert of Movenpick ice cream made my kids' day. Of course, walking around the trails completed our Alpine tour.

On the third day, we attended Sunday mass at the Roman Catholic Church and afterwards we took a day stroll around the village of Murren to get us going for our next destination, Thun and Interlaken.

This is unreal!!!

After strolling around Thun, we experienced an amazing scene that we never expected. Since we had visited at the beginning of summer, we saw kids swimming at the river. The kids here are full of life. Others are jumping off the bridge to let themselves be carried by the clear water stream to the other end of town.

Thun - In the center of the Old town is a 12th century castle. Aare River is one of the tributaries along the Rhine with the longest stream coming from the lake. Lake Thun is the largest lake in Switzerland. A cruise along the lake is very relaxing and with attractive shores, villages and historic castles really makes the trip very exciting.

From Thun harbor to different stops in the villages of Hunibach, Durenast, Schoren, Gwatt, Schwanden, Einigen, Spiez, Merligen, Schmocken, Faulensee, Angere, Sundlauenen is a good 3 hours of marvelous sites seeing before the final destination of Interlaken.

Kids having fun in Lake Thun

To conclude our tour of Bernese Oberland region, Louise treat us with real (almost authentic) Swiss food in a restaurant at the busy hub of Interlaken square. Kids had wonderful time. We walk around the area and bought some souvenirs on our way to the train station. 


Interlaken - Famous tourist starting point to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald for the ultimate visit of Jungraujoch. In between the two largest lake in Switzerland, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, the place have plenty to offer.

The following day, we have to wake up early to catch the first 7 a.m. train in Murren. Swiss train is very efficient and schedules are being followed closely. Catching the Munich bound train in Zurich on 11 a.m. is very possible and we have plenty of time. Denise prepared a lot of juice, fruits and bread for us to eat during our travel. We really appreciate her kindness and we had a great time on our stay at Chalet Fontana.

Rick Steves with the kids

We arrived at Munich Hauptbahnof on time. As usual, first thing Malou did was to inquire at the station and bought our tickets (Bayern Card) for our 5 days stay. While she was inside the office talking to one of the representative, a very familiar personality came out the door. I greeted him and politely ask if it's possible to have a picture with the kids. With his famous smile, he said, yes! Malou, her number one fan missed the photo opportunity. A few minutes later she came out the office and the kids told her that they just met her favorite, Rick Steves.

Munich (Munchen) - Capital city of Bavaria and the third largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. Known for its world famous annual celebration of Oktoberfest beer festival. Finest museums of Pinakotek's  Alte, Neue, and der Moderne are within walking distance to each others. The perfect geographical location of Munich to other countries like, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic makes the place very attractive to many travelers. With Germany's world class train systems, all the nearby countries are within reasonable distance for easy traveling destinations.

Theatinerkirche in Odeonplatz

For convenience, our hotel is just above the Rosenheim Platz subway station in the heart of bustling metropolis of Munich. A 10 minutes walk from the famous square of Marianplatz where every tourist roaming around. Comprises the center city attractions also are Isartor, Odeonplatz and Karlsplatz-largely made the whole areas.

What makes the Bavarian region very popular are the Romantic Road, the famous 'fairy-tale castles' of King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in Schwangau, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Oberammergau and Salzburg, Austria (only 3 hours from Munich Hautpbahnhof).

With hearty breakfast, we start the day and went to Munich Hautpbahnhof to catch the train for Nuremberg. To be sure which track to take, the display monitor will tell you all the schedules for the day. Once on the train, do not take the reserved seats unless it's assigned to you.

Nuremberg Square

Nuremberg - Associated with traditional gingerbread. Home of the two famous rival of pencil makers, Staedler Mars and Faber Castell AG. One of their well-known industry is the handmade toys. Regular host of The Nuremberg International Toy Fair consider as the largest in the world. Saint Lorenz Lutheran Church is also a landmark and one of the most important medieval church in Bavaria.

tidbits: (The Nuremberg Trial) - source, Wikipedia
Nuremberg held great significance during the Nazi Germany era. Because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the centre of Germany, the Nazi Party chose the city to be the site of huge Nazi Party conventions – the Nuremberg rallies. The rallies were held 1927, 1929 and annually 1933-1938 in Nuremberg. After Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933 the Nuremberg rallies became huge Nazi propaganda events, a centre of Nazi ideals. The place were the Nazi announced the final solution

Christmas ornaments all year

Rothenburg od der Tauber - A must see well preserved fortified medieval wall village that visited by millions of tourist. An hour away from Nuremberg. Rothenburg od der Tauber is also known as town of eternal Christmas with all year round stores displaying all kinds of Christmas gifts and souvenirs. You can stay until the night and take a walk with the Night Watchman around the winding cobbled lanes recreate by guarding the city for any intruders, fire emergency, etc.

We limit ourselves to two important places daily. I believe it is more tolerable to experience the beautiful sceneries and learned the history of the place. The key is to plan everything ahead to prevent unnecessary trips and this will save time, too.

The next day, is to visit a famous religious event in.... Oberammergau.

Oberammergau - A good two hours ride by train from Munich Hoptbahnhof towards Innsbruck.

Passion Plays every 10 years

You must switch to another train in Murnau and Oberammergau is the last stop for that train. Famous for its Passion Play every 10 years or years ending in zero. Village people is heavily involved in this event. The next Passion Play is 2020. Relatively a small town with (pretty much) every building is painted with religious murals. The place is known for its finest religious wood carvings.

Going back, we passed by Augsburg a suburb of Munich. We walked around and noticed that buildings are painted with murals, also. Teenagers wearing their colors and painted faces are getting ready for the party because of the World Cup games between Germany and Spain.

Augsburg, Germany

Augsburg - Known as a college town and considered as the high tech information and communication center in Bavaria. Being the second oldest city in Germany after Tier, Ausgburg is vibrant because of the close proximity to Munich.

After all, we save the best for last in Bavaria. The following day, we left Munich and catch the morning train for Fussen. We are going for the 'fairy tales' tour of the famous castles. We had a hotel accommodation for our stay overnight.

Fussen - Second to the last town of the Romantic Road and the last train stops for the castles tour. A bus service (accepts Bayern Card) is available for reaching the Schwangau vicinities.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Schwangau -  Known as the village of the royal castles. Millions of visitor admired the beauty of the castles. Neuschwanstein castle is the personal refuge of King Ludwig II. The castles' replica becomes prominent fixtures on every Disneyland theme park. Hohenschwangau is the childhood residence of the king. Schwangau is a popular vacation destination due to their famous attractions of Tegelberg cable car, luge rides and the Bavarian Alps.

This practically concludes our Romantic Road tour.

tidbits:  Romantic Road was heavily promoted by the travel agencies during the 1950's because of the magnificent beauty and historical significance of the area. It is the stretch of highway between Wursburg and Fussen in southern Germany, particulary mentioned are the towns of Nordlingen, Dinkelsbuhl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Our next destination is the 'Land of Mozart', Salzburg in Austria.

Background is the 'Fortress'

We took the morning train for Munich Hauptbahnhof and transfered to a regional train bound for Salzburg. We left Munich for good. The train ride was very comfortable and before we know it we are in Salzburg Hauptbahnhof.

At the station, again, Malou inquired and bought a Salzburg Card for our 4 days stay. Our hotel is a 15 minutes by bus with a joyful ride and a quick glimpse of the city. We rendezvous with Michelle (who is also on vacation), sister of Malou, in the hotel. The hotel accommodation was very impressive and they gave us two adjoining rooms with a main entrance for privacy.

Salzburg - Nestled between the foothills of the Alps. Renowned for their summer Salzburg Festival. Famous for classical music which you could feel and resonate with the music of Mozart. The majestic landmark of Hohensalzburg ('Fortress') dates back to the Middle Ages. The hills are alive with... 'The Sound of Music', the acclaimed movie was filmed here in Salzburg.

We started a walk through Salzburg City and feels like a walk back on time. Walking in Mozart's footsteps and even visited his birthplace. The remarkable well-preserved Old Town is a jewel of Baroque architecture, like the Salzburg Cathedral.

Thrilling ride at Hallein salt mine

The next day, we went to the outskirt of Salzburg City to visit the world's largest ice caves, the salt mines and the Celtic town of Hallein.

Before getting inside the salt mine, visitors are required to wear a white over-all clothing that will keep you tidy and clean. The highlight of this tour are the (4) wooden slides between levels, were riders straddle in two wooden rails and slide quickly to the lower level of the mine.

'Keltenblitz' or Toboggan slide lifts

Hallein - A favorite tourist destination where you can visit the inner sanctum of the salt mine and learned the salt making during the ancient time. Nearby is a known preserved Celtic town. The famous Keltenblitz, consider as one of the longest in Europe, is just in the nearby town of Bad Durnberg.

One of the places in Europe that the kids enjoyed the toboggan rides.


Final day of our stay, we attended the Sunday mass. After the mass, we stroll along the Mirabell Gardens and took some pictures. Then we head back to the Old Town to catch a bus ride to Hellbrunn. 

Trick fountain in Hellbrunn Park

Hellbrunn Park - Here you will find the beautiful garden architecture and the trick fountains. 


Hellbrunn is a veritable jewel on the edge of the city of Salzburg. The spacious park combines artificially landscaped park land and natural biotopes. The water games and trick fountains are a truly unique experience. Expect the unexpected and discover Hellbrunn!

The gazebo pavilion

At the edge of the palace complex is the original glass gazebo pavilion that was used in 'The Sound of Music'. 

Throughout 2015, fans of the 1965 classic movie The Sound of Music have been flocking to Salzburg to mark the world-famous film’s 50th anniversary. Join the party by attending Sound of Music-themed events, including the Sound of Music Gala 2015 (October 17) at the historic Felsenreitschule and the Sound of Music musical at the Salzburg Landestheater. source NG

Top of Untersberg Mountain

Another tourist attraction not far from the area is Untersberg Mountain - observation point accessible by cable car. We took a city bus at Hellbrun and went to the small town of Grodig.

Grodig - Near the German border. From the foothills of the 

Untersberg Mountain, a cable ride will brings you to the summit. With the spectacular view of the area, in the German side of the region is the infamous 'Eagle's Nest', on the horizon.

Augustinian Beer Garden

We returned to Salzburg City strolling around and buy some souvenirs. Almost dinner time and everyone was starving. Best place to eat-out with casual ambiance is the Mullner Brau Brewery  famously known as the Augustiner Brewery Beer Garden or Augustinian for short. There you can order barbecue, pork knuckle, fish, etc.. and eat under the chestnut trees with beers! Everyone had a good time.

The following day we catch an early train from Salzburg Hoptbahnhof for Zurich.

Arriving almost noontime at Zurich Hoptbahnhof, we took the street cable car going to our hotel near the airport for a 2 days stay. Drop all our bags and wasted no time to go back to the city for a grand tour. Zurich is shopping haven with it's famous street, Bahnhofstrasse, are for those looking for designer labels.

Zurich Hoptbahnhof

Zurich - Considered as the third best place to live in the world, behind Geneva and Vienna. Known as the cultural center of Switzerland and home of who's who biggest Swiss banks. More than 50 museums and 100's of art galleries make Zurich world's leading centers of the art trade. Lake Zurich offered exciting excursions all year round that any visitors could not resist and is a worth to visit.

The next day, Michelle left for Milan and we took a train for our final tour in Lucerne.

Lucerne (Luzern) - In the heartland of Switzerland is an hour away by train in Zurich. The famous landmark medieval Chapel Bridge with covered bridge all made of woods is one of the oldest in Europe.

Downtown Lucerne

Malou found a store that carries all sizes of cuckoo clocks and bought one for our house. Walking on a cobbled streets in a traffic free zone bordered by shops, hotels and houses is very pleasant.

On our way back we passed by Zug.

Lake Zug

Zug - Known as the riches town in Switzerland. Renowned for its lower tax and home of world's big corporations. The historic town center features striking buildings, towers and castles.

Kids had a good time in Lake Zug. Strolling on a cobbled streets, a common walk way, around the Old Town is like a ghost town. Why? Everyone was in the irresistible lake trying to beat the summer heat. 

The aura of Switzerland is always in our heart. We love coming back to this beautiful country. Launching ground for our tour of the best of Europe!


++ NOTE ++ 
This was a 14 day odyssey and was well-planned by Malou. It is important to know your country of destination have to offer; like discount fare for a family, cultural importance and accommodations. Use their system of transportation. Bayern Card offered 28 euro unlimited ride for the day and accepted up to Salzburg. Our Salzburg to Zurich is only 75 euro for a family of 5. Most important is to invest for a help yourself CD/DVD that will give you ideas on what to expect on your trips. Rick Steves' DVD collections for the best of Europe is highly recommended.

As a frequent traveler, we used Swiss Air for air transport and Holiday Inn for our hotel accommodations.
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