The Switzerland Traveler

I was on my way to work yesterday, and looking out from the railway platform I could see the majestic profile of Mount Säntis across the lake.  Not quite like the picture, but it’s such a fabulous photo I had to use it.
It’s a big mountain, made easier to recognize by the radio masts on top of it. 
Fortunately I find the juxtaposition of technology and nature to be very attractive,  so don’t think it spoils the view.

It sort of looked like this picture above, although this is taken from the Konstanz side, and it’s sunset, rather than sunrise.
But it’s still beautiful, …read more

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I discovered at the weekend that there is a camera museum at Vevey.
It contains exhibits like the first ever production Leica, see above.
The museum is set on Lake Geneva, not far from Chateau Chillon and covers photography from it’s beginnings just over a century ago, right up to today. It covers techniques as well as equipment, with features on the inventors of milestone equipment.
The permanent exhibition features magic lanterns, camera obscura etc,  in a 500 square metre setting.  And photographers past and present are featured in regularly changing special exhibitions.
For youngsters, there are many games and hands-on installations.
www.cameramuseum.ch
Closed Mondays
Photo: Flickr – …read more

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Based on the popularity of my previous post on the subject, I thought it only right to play to the audience and deliver some further views of the wondrous Chateau Chillon. The first shot, above, was taken on one of those lovely days where the mountains seem to come so much closer. The Dents du Midi, near the skiing resort of Champery, are visible here.

This shot shows just what amazing skies can be seen, although I suspect a bit of filtering or photoshopping has taken place. Whatever, it’s beautiful and a great shot.

It’s worth a trip in winter too. Old …read more

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I’m feeling a bit moody, so a B&W shot today.
Bad Tiefenbrunnen is in fact, a jolly place. Located down at the end of the number 2 and 4 tram lines, it’s a very pleasant place to be in summer.
Open from 10 May to 15 September, usually to around 20:00, but that depends on the weather. If it’s warm enough to be there, it’ll be open, if not, it’ll close.
You’ll find places to grill your sausages, and please excuse me at this point for mentioning that there are naturist terraces too.
If you need it, there’s a shop to buy the sunscreen you …read more

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In my previous post I described one of Switzerland’s best known monuments.
Today, I figured I missed a chance to really show it off, so here are some photos of it that I really like.
I hope they show how the character of the place changes with the seasons and light.

Pear Biter, Ioan Sameli, Fr Antunes, spadger

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If I haven’t mentioned Chateau Chillon before, it’s time I did.
If I already have, then it’s worth another mention.
The Swiss don’t actually abbreviate the chateau to Ch Ch, but given that CH is the international abbreviation for Switzerland, I’m surprised they don’t.
It’s such a classic, chocolate-box castle. Lake Geneva and the alps in the background. Beautiful.
 The best way is to arrive by boat from somewhere like Lausanne, or even Evian (home of the bottled water) if you happen to be in France.
Treat yourself, get a first class ticket and snooze on the sundeck of the boat. Or eat in the …read more

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Artosa. Art, in Arosa – brilliant!
15 international artists are exhibiting sculptures in the open air: in the pastures and meadows around Arosa.
There are also great natural sights to see, such as the reservoir shown above.
The Hotel Sorell is offering rooms in Arosa from CHF 90 per person/night for the summer period, 14 Jun – 28 September.
So you can indulge a taste for nature, art and fresh air, at a reasonable price.
Sounds good to me…
Arosa Tourism
Poststrasse
Postfach 90
7050 Arosa
Tel. +41 (0)81 378 70 20
Photo Flickr – keiko

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You wouldn’t think that a small village about 20km further down the lake would feel the need to compete with Montreux.
But Cully Jazz Festival seems to do that, although not at the same time of year.
For nine days from Friday April 4, there are daily concerts, either in the afternoon or early evening.
Seeing as I haven’t heard of any of the acts, it’s probably worth looking at cullyjazz.ch to get an idea of who’s playing.
The festival is non-profit making and has been enjoying success for 25 years now, so if you like Jazz, you can be sure of a …read more

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Calling all flower lovers!
“Camellias at Locarno” is a festival for the general public and camellia lovers alike.
Over 300 variations of the flower will be on display, the location being apt because the Ticino climate is said to be ideal for growing Camellias.
The arrangements are created by professional gardeners, and as well as local music, there are ikebana and tea ceremonies to conjure up images of far-off lands. Far-off lands full of camellias that is.
And as it all takes place on the shores of Lake Maggiore, what better place could there be to look at beautiful flowers? 
Thurs 20 March – Mon …read more

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I know I keep going on about St Moritz, but it is special.
And here’s a reminder that the horse racing takes place this Sunday.
So if you are in Switzerland this weekend, cancel your plans and get down to the frozen lake for a truly fantastic spectacle.
www.whiteturf.ch

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