Visit to Switzerland: How the Swiss roll

Get high on the glorious peaks and sink into natural bliss.

It goes without saying that I set off for Zurich, Switzerland with a lot of expectations. Everything I had heard about the land of snow-covered mountains, endless pine trees and breathtaking scenery made the place sound nothing short of a fairy tale. And as soon as I landed in Zurich — the international point of entry in Switzerland — I let the proverbial magic wash over.

One of the chapels in the Old Village, Zurich. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

I picked up my four-day Swiss flexi pass which needs to be ordered in advance and allows unlimited travel on trains, ships and buses along with free entry to over 470 museums across Switzerland. After checking in my luggage, I immediately caught the train bound towards the French part of the canton of Valais, one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland. As I got off the train at Sion, the capital of Valais, the glorious mid-summer vibe instantly energised my senses. Vast stretches of vineyards, lined with orchards of more than 10 varieties of apricots rolled down the lush valley slopes. Along with apricots, other fruits such as apples, strawberries and cherries were found in abundance. The first day whizzed by as I soaked up in the mouth-watering fruits of natural beauty.

The world renowned mountain rescue dogs, St Bernard dogs, are raised to guard the hospice of St Bernard of Menthon. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, I set off for an adventurous trip to Mont Fort, the highest point in the Verbier-Nendaz holiday and skiing resort, and accessible only by cable car. It holds a special significance for off-piste skiers (skiers who ski on unmarked rugged slopes) since the winter and early spring season allows them to ski between the mountain and the Glacier de Tortin. As we made our way to the cable car terminal, we stumbled upon the Sculptor Park which in itself is quite an experience. The park showcases contemporary art combined with nature and you can enjoy a hearty picnic at the end.

One of the many varieties of apricots that grow in the capital of Valais. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

The return journey is almost as exciting as the ride up. The Col du Grand Saint Bernard or The Great St Bernard Pass, the third highest road pass in Swizerland, offers an incredible view of the Rhone River and valley located at the border between Switzerland and Italy. This landmark also plays an interesting role in this country’s history. Not only was its ninth century monastery converted into a hospice circa 1050 AD by Saint Bernard of Menthon but is also synonymous with a special breed of dogs. They are aptly called the Dogs of St. Bernard and are renowned world over as mountain rescue dogs. The Barry foundation has been established just to ensure the survival of this breed, which was originally raised to guard the hospice.

Lake Tracouet in Nendaz. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

Upon returning to Verbier, I got a transfer to Champex Lac, a picturesque lake village fringed by pine forests. Within the vicinity of the lake, there is the Swiss heritage Alpine Botanical Garden located at a height of 1,500 metres. The gardens not only exhibit an impressive collection of the local flora but also those from neighbouring countries and continents. With more than 3,000 species of plants, including Edelweiss, the national flower of Switzerland — and different breeds of roses, these gardens formed the impromptu stage for Maria Von Trapp from The Sound of Music.

This water rivulet forms a backdrop next to a cycling/walking trail in Nendaz. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

It seemed impossible to top the wonders of the botanical garden but a trip to the Haute Nendaz resort the next day nullified my claim. Nestled above the Rhone valley, the resort offers the perfect getaway for visitors to wander along luscious trails and go cycling along a backdrop of water rivulets.

Along with natural beauty, Zurich is also dotted with magnificent architecture. Finding the time to explore both was daunting but one I was prepared for. I reserved a day for a walking tour of the Old Village and ended up at the Saint Michel Chapel. The monument was constructed in 1499 and later renovated in the Baroque style during the 18th century. Next on the list was the Zermatt resort, located on the Matterhorn peak at the height of 4,478 metres, which jolted me back to the age of modernity. The most attractive part of the resort is the fact that it is completely car-free and only allows green energy buggies to pick and drops tourists.

A local delicacy found  in Montana Lounge Bar at hotel Alex. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

I was also fortunate enough to attend the annual Gornergrat Alphorn Festival which not only highlights the Swiss folk culture but features more than 300 musicians who sing and play on a stage set by nature. This unique stage is surrounded by more than 20 Pennine peaks, including the highest Monte Rossa range and the symbolic Matterhorn peak. Over 550 alphorn players and more than 5,000 visitors bear witness to the world’s longest playable alphorn measuring a whopping 47 metres which guaranteed an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Montana Lounge Bar at hotel Alex in Zermatt resort located on the Matterhorn peak. PHOTOS: MARIA SAIF

As my trip came to an end, the last few days seemed like a daze. Switzerland turned out to be everything that I had expected, if not more. I packed up my bags with the resolve to re-visit the land of silk-smooth chocolate and cheese as there was a lot more that needed to be seen and checked off the bucket list. 

Maria Saif is a a freelance writer and business student.

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, March 23^rd, 2014.