Traveldiary 3+4 Switzerland
Day 3: From Bern to Montreux – cultural treasures and culinary delights
On the third day of my journey, I set off for Switzerland's beautiful capital: Bern. Here, a real expert awaits me – a local who shows me the city in a particularly authentic way. We start at the impressive St. Vincent Cathedral, whose Gothic towers rise above the old town. We continue on to the Federal Palace, the country's political center, and the charming flower displays found throughout the city. Especially exciting is the Clock Tower, where mechanical figures move in an elaborate procession right on the hour. The famous Ogre Fountain, a somewhat spooky but fascinating sight, is also one of the highlights of the city tour.
From Bern, my journey takes me into the Vaud Alps. The snow-capped peaks on the horizon and the vast green valleys seem like something out of a fairy tale. Our destination is Gruyères, the fortified town that gives the world-famous cheese its name. I stroll along the picturesque main street and visit the 13th-century castle. Of course, I don't pass up the chance to try a piece of the famous Gruyère cheese – a true explosion of flavor!
In the afternoon, we reach Montreux, where we visit a charming winery on the shores of Lake Geneva. During a tasting of regional wines, I enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake. The day ends with a delicious, light farm-to-table dinner. The fresh, regional products taste fantastic, and as we enjoy the meal, the family that runs the winery tells us about their commitment to sustainability and how they hope to preserve the estate for future generations. A perfect ending to this eventful day!
In the evening, I settle in at the "Eden Palace Au Lac," an elegant hotel right on Lake Geneva. Tired but content, I sink into bed and look forward to the adventures of the next day.
Day 4: Lake Geneva and the historic Chillon Castle
The fourth day begins with an excursion to the western bay of Lake Geneva. The destination: the famous Chillon Castle. From the very first glance, I can feel the history embedded in the ancient walls of this impressive structure. The castle, once the residence of the Dukes of Savoy, radiates a special fascination that was immortalized by Lord Byron's poem "The Prisoner of Chillon." During a special tour through the walls, I learn more about the castle's history and keep an eye out for the spot where Byron is said to have left his famous inscriptions.
After the visit, I return to Montreux. The afternoon is free for me to spend as I wish, and I use the time to explore the town on my own. With its lakeside location and palm trees, Montreux exudes an almost Mediterranean charm. I stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and let the beauty of the landscape sink in. Later, I decide to relax a bit at my hotel, the "Eden Palace Au Lac." With a view of Lake Geneva, I let the day wind down peacefully and enjoy the silence before once again sinking into the hotel's soft beds.