Blog about visiting Switzerland

Schaffhausen is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. After a visit at Rhine Falls , where it was very very crowded, we decided to visit the city of Schaffhausen which was only 5 km from the waterfall. And we have discovered one of the prettiest cities we have ever seen in Switzerland . Old Renaissance house in Schaffhausen First of all it was very quiet, a silece that lets one enjoy the architecture and the soul of a place. Then we have been struck by the beauty of the Renaissance buildings that are in perfect shape. Schaffhausen is famous for the small, stylish balconies of the houses. Each house from the old city has a different balcony, all in perfect shape, decorated with flowers, plants or sculptures. As a matter of fact there are 35 places in Schaffhausen that are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance . Among them the impressive Munot fortress or the house " zum Ritter at Vordergasse 65 " that you can see in the picture above....

Switzerland is seen by many as the most inovative country in the world, but somehow manages to keep its tradition alive. One of the things they are so proud about is their railway system that crosses the mountins. We all have seen pictures or have used the Swiss trains, but ever wondered how they used to look in the begining of this century? Enjoy the video at the end of the article! Old Steam Train Well, you have this posibility due to a private line that uses the actual steam and electric trains that run in Switzerland in the begining of 1900's. This line is close to Lausanne (aprox 20 km) and starts from the village of Blonay and runs until Chamby and has 20km. If you came by car you can leave it in the parking near Blonay station (free on Sundays). Then go to the station and buy tickets for the electrical or for the steam train, My recommendation is to buy a one day ticket (20 CHF/adult) because thus you will be able to use any train to go up and then to come back. Of...

Who would have thought that the World's Funniest Race could take place in Switzerland ? Well, it does, and is called Le Championat Mondial de Tracassets (The Tracassets World Championship).  A "Tracasset" is a combination between a small tractor and a small truck. It is a speed race of these man-made funny machines during a vineyard track! You might call it a real Wacky Race! The participants have to climb through a narrow vineyard pass. The one with the best time wins the race. There is also a prize for the most beautiful machine awarded by the public vote. A Tracasset in action in the funny race The first version of these cars has appeared around 1950 in the Lavaux area. The first race between them took place in 1956 in Cully, and the first World Championship was in 1979. From 1991 it takes place once every two years. So next edition will take place on 29th of April 2019. Be sure to be there !!! This year the race took place in the Cully vineyards,...

Bern is a must-see city in Switzerland. Not only because it is the capital-city, but also because it is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Switzerland. Here is my list of 5 things to do in Bern! The order is not mandatory, but the visit to Bern is!! Read the article and at the end you will also discover a movie with Bern's most beautiful places. 1. Enjoy the views from the Bern's bridges The river Aare passes through Bern. In ancient times the city did not pass the river, but in the last 200 years several bridges have been built over the river thus letting the town to grow. But they offer stunning views of the city. So, for exemple, go to the bridge that is near the casino. You will see the entrance intro Bern Old City, the House of Parliament, Bern Munster Cathedral. From the bridge you will also enjoy a great view of the river Aare and of a restaurant that is just below the Bridge (Schwellenmatelli). Old city of Bern seen from the Casino bridge 2. Vi...

Montreux Jazz Festival will take place between June 30 and July 15th 2017. Today they have just announced their programme at it is a lovely one. It's ladies year in2017 with performances from Lauryn Hill , Grace Jones, Macy Gray , Erykah Badu, Solange (Beyonce's older sister), Emeli Sande. There will also be top performances from Usher , the kings of disco music Pet Shop Boys , Morcheeba and the one and only Tom Jones . So plenty of good reasons to book a ticket because for sure it will be a total sold out festival. Find out more about Montreux Jazz Festival ! And while you are there do not forget that Montreux is one of the most chique cities on the Swiss Riviera . So if you were thinking what to do in Montreux here are some options: walk along the beautiful Lake Geneva, have a short visit to Montreux Casino, see the place where Freddie Mercury and Queen registered their last albume and generally enjoy the good and sunny weather.