*Latest Video right at the end of this post*
Welcome back to my Europe adventure! If you haven't read my previous post on Milan, click here. Now let me share with you on Switzerland, which I will revisit again in near future because this place is so beautiful and expensive too. But worth the time and money because of the priceless, beautiful sceneries that you get to mesmerize and soak yourself into the Swiss culture.
Time Difference: 6 hours behind Singapore
Currency: Swiss Franc CHF
So we set off for Switzerland early in the morning because it is gonna be a long journey to our destination, Lucerne. Along the way in the coach, hard to resist all the beautiful sceneries even though I feel like catching up on some sleep. With the tour manager's story telling about Switzerland, it makes the journey more interesting.
LUCERNE
Finally after hours on the road, we reached Lucerne. Time to explore Lucerne!
Lucerne (or Luzern in German) is a city located in the central part of Switzerland and has a population of approximately 82,000 people. Lucerne is known for its beautiful location on the shore of Lake Lucerne and its picturesque old town, which features well-preserved medieval architecture.
The Chapel Bridge (also known as the Kapellbrücke in German) is a famous landmark in the city of Lucerne, Switzerland. It is a covered wooden footbridge that spans the Reuss River, and it is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. It features a distinctive triangular roof adorned with paintings that depict scenes from Swiss history and mythology. These paintings were added to the bridge in the 17th century, and they have since become an important cultural symbol of Lucerne. Unfortunately in 1993, a fire destroyed much of the bridge, including many of the original paintings. However, the bridge was restored, and today visitors can once again enjoy its unique beauty and historic significance.
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| The Chapel Bridge |
We have spent hours strolling along the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful buildings and charming squares. Also lots of photos of The Chapel Bridge, known as one of the most photographed landmark in Switzerland. Since no shops are open on Sunday, that is what we can do. And I'm loving it!
Here you can also find Bucherer, the largest duty-free store in Switzerland. It is a Swiss luxury watch and jewelry company founded in 1888 by Carl-Friedrich Bucherer in Lucerne, Switzerland. Initially, the company focused on the production of high-quality watches such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega, and over time, it expanded its offerings to include fine jewelry and accessories. Bucherer also operates several boutiques and flagship stores in prime locations throughout Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
1ST STARBUCKS STOP
A must for me to stop-by Starbucks wherever I go, even when I travel. This Starbucks store has the perfect view of The Chapel Bridge. If you have time, just sit back and relax. People watching with a view. Such a nice feeling! You can easily spot the store but I'm just gonna leave the address here for you to visit and take lots of photos. Address: Rathausquai 9, 6004 Luzern, Switzerland
1ST LUNCH AT RESTAURANT FRITSCHI
Our tour manager recommended 2 places to have our lunch in Lucerne and Restaurant Fritschi is one of them. The external façade of the restaurant caught our attention while exploring the area. Inside of the restaurant, a warm and cozy setting that was packed with patrons. I supposed the food here should be good enough. Looking around other tables, either you see Cheese Fondue or Rösti. Follow what others order shouldn't fail too much.
Cordon Bleu is a French term translates as "blue ribbon." It originally referred to a prestigious order of knights established by King Henry III of France in the late 16th century, who were known for their exceptional culinary skills and fine dining. Now Cordon Bleu often refers to a type of dish that is made with chicken or veal, pounded thinly, filled with cheese and ham, rolled and breaded before frying or baking.
⭐Wasn't expecting such a small portion but good enough for 2 pax to share. Served along with fries, the overall taste was savoury and cheesy. Honestly, our 1st time having Cordon Bleu. Nice try.
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| Cordon Bleu |
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| Inside of Cordon Bleu - So cheesy |
Rösti is a traditional Swiss dish that consists of grated potatoes that are fried until crispy and golden brown. The grated potatoes are typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and some recipes may also include onions or cheese. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course with toppings such as bacon, fried eggs, or smoked salmon. It is popular throughout Switzerland and is considered a national dish.
⭐How to miss out Rösti since we are already in Switzerland? Though it wasn't too crispy but golden brown enough. You get the real taste of the potatoes from the soft texture. Seasoning was on point, topped with caramelized onions and a sausage. Satisfied!
1ST DINNER AT RESTAURANT FONDUE HOUSE DU PONT
Never leave Switzerland without having Cheese Fondue. It is a Swiss dish that is traditionally made by melting cheese with wine, garlic, and other flavorings in a communal pot called a caquelon, and then dipping small pieces of bread into the melted cheese. The dish is typically served as a main course and is a popular winter meal in Switzerland and other parts of Europe.
⭐Here at Fondue House, we have bread and potatoes for dipping into the melted cheese. And I don't really understand why there is a chilli padi in the pot of melted cheese. Didn't had a lot because it can be quite jelak.
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| Cheese Fondue - Bread and Potatoes for dipping |
⭐Looks like I can go on a half Keto diet even when travelling. This plate that consists of mixed vegetables and chicken sliced plus carbs coming from Hoernli is a perfect half Keto diet for yours truly. Nothing special on the taste but good enough for me to finish up everything.
Hoernli (a Swiss-German word) is a type of pasta commonly used in Switzerland. The pasta is small and elbow-shaped, similar to macaroni or elbow macaroni, and is often used in dishes like macaroni and cheese or baked pasta. It is also sometimes used in soups and stews.
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| Tender Sliced Chicken in Mushroom Cream Sauce, Hoernli and Veg |
⭐This dessert called Grandma's Burnt Cream looks and taste like sweet paste but if you mix it with the whipped cream, it may help lessen the sweetness if you are not a sweet tooth. This is definitely new to me.
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| Grandma's Burnt Cream |
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| Luzerner Bier - local beer |
HOTEL BREAKFAST AT ASTORIA HOTEL
A typical breakfast spread in the hotel always consist of croissants, sausages, ham, scrambled eggs and so on. And I never fail to have croissants every single breakfast because they are so flaky, fluffy on the inside and buttery taste too!
Oh ya... not forgetting some sweet treats from Bachmann. They sell lots of stuff from sandwiches, macarons, ice cream/gelato, chocolates and sweets of all kinds, and also a café for you to rest your feet after shopping around at Bucherer and the surrounding areas. We had sandwiches, baguette and latte before we moved on to our next destination.
RECOMMENDED TO VISIT: The Chapel Bridge
⭐Interesting Facts that I have learnt:
- Crossing border to other EU countries don't require stamping of passport;
- No PHOTOTAKING at borders, if not you will be held up for questioning;
- Switzerland is not in the EU but signed up to many of its policies like freedom of movement;
- Most of the shops closed on Sundays so not much of shopping but you still get to eat of course;
- Buy Swiss-made watches in other European countries because is cheaper due to tax refund;
- Seems like April is a wet season in Europe. Every country I go, it rains or drizzles.
Kind of lengthy so I'm gonna do a Part 2 of Switzerland where we headed to Mount Titlis and Zurich. Stay tune!
Watch the short video on my Youtube Channel now!
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by writer. Not sponsored post.