Switzerland Day 10: Brienzer Rothorn, GoldenPass Belle Époque & a Magical Evening in Vevey

14 June 2024

Another day in Switzerland, another adventure awaiting!

After a wonderful night's stay at Grandhotel Giessbach, it was time to check out and continue my Switzerland adventure.

I took the historic funicular back down to the lakeside, where I boarded the boat heading towards Brienz. Along the way, I caught one last glimpse of the beautiful Giessbach Falls, cascading down the forested hillside into the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.

Goodbye, Giessbach Falls!

It was a lovely way to bid farewell to a hotel that had given me such a memorable experience. If only I could have stayed another night! But alas, Switzerland is expensive, and there were still so many places I wanted to explore.

BRIENZER ROTHORN BAHN

My next adventure was the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn, one of Switzerland's famous historic mountain railways.

Dating back to 1892, this charming cogwheel railway still uses steam locomotives to push its red carriages up the mountain. The journey takes approximately an hour, winding through forests and alpine meadows before reaching Rothorn Kulm, over 2,200 metres above sea level.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about travelling through the Swiss Alps aboard an old-fashioned steam train, and so, off I went on another mountain adventure!

All aboard the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn!

The iconic red carriages of the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn, a historic cogwheel railway that has been transporting visitors up the mountain since 1892.

The journey itself was very scenic, with the little red train slowly making its way up the mountainside. Along the way, the landscape gradually changed from dense forests and traditional Swiss chalets to wide, rolling alpine meadows.

The weather was a little cloudy that morning, but I actually thought it added a different kind of beauty to the scenery. There were patches of snow still clinging to the distant mountains, while wisps of clouds drifted between the peaks. I even spotted a few cows resting on the lush green hillsides. Such a quintessentially Swiss sight!

As the train began its ascent, I was treated to beautiful views of rolling green alpine meadows dotted with traditional Swiss chalets.

The higher the train climbed, the more dramatic the scenery became, with snow-dusted peaks appearing behind the lush green slopes.

We passed by some cows grazing along the mountainside. Sound on to hear their cowbells ringing — such a quintessential sound of the Swiss Alps!

The cows were resting peacefully on the green mountainside, completely unbothered by the spectacular scenery surrounding them.

Travelling through the Swiss Alps aboard the historic Brienzer Rothorn Bahn.

Wisps of cloud drifting across the green mountainside as the train continued its climb towards Brienzer Rothorn.

One of my favourite sights was the little red steam train winding its way across the vast green mountainside. Against the enormous landscape, the train looked almost miniature!

Another red Brienzer Rothorn Bahn train making its way across the mountainside. It looked so tiny against the vast expanse of green!

As the train climbed higher, the views became increasingly dramatic. The mountains seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance, with clouds floating through the valleys and occasionally revealing glimpses of the beautiful turquoise Lake Brienz far below.

The railway winding its way through the lush green mountains, with clouds spilling into the valley below. Such a beautiful sight from the train!

A breathtaking view of Lake Brienz from high up in the mountains! The turquoise lake looked so tiny from this altitude, framed by distant mountain peaks and drifting clouds.

A spectacular bird's-eye view of Lake Brienz, surrounded by towering mountains and wisps of clouds. The higher the train climbed, the more breathtaking the views became!

One of my favourite views from the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn! The turquoise waters of Lake Brienz stretched out beneath the snow-capped mountains, while the winding paths and patches of snow made the landscape even more picturesque.

A little video of the breathtaking scenery during my ascent on the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn. Just look at the incredible views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding Swiss Alps!

Upon reaching Rothorn Kulm, I spent some time exploring the summit area and taking in the panoramic views.

The view of Lake Brienz was actually rather similar to what I had already enjoyed during the train journey, but the beauty of being at the summit was that I could finally slow down and appreciate the scenery at my own pace. No more trying to capture everything from a moving train!

I took a leisurely stroll around the area, admiring the turquoise lake far below, the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the clouds drifting through the valleys. There was also a path leading towards the summit cross, which looked rather intimidating from a distance but was actually less scary to walk along than it appeared.

And finally, the view from Brienzer Rothorn! Lake Brienz looked absolutely stunning from up here, surrounded by layers of mountains and patches of lingering snow.

Turning towards the other side of the mountain, I was greeted by an entirely different landscape — rolling green valleys, rugged rocky ridges and patches of snow that had yet to melt.

A cute wooden cow sculpture at Brienzer Rothorn, complete with its very own cowbell!

One more sweeping view of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains from Brienzer Rothorn.

Looking out towards the surrounding mountain ranges, where steep cliffs gave way to green pastures and little villages far below.

A narrow mountain path leading towards the summit cross at Brienzer Rothorn. The views were spectacular, although the steep slopes on either side made the path look rather intimidating!

The Rothorn Kulm mountain restaurant and terrace, perched high in the Swiss Alps.

After spending some time exploring Brienzer Rothorn, it was time to make my way back down to Brienz.

The descent was an experience in itself! Although I was travelling along the same railway, the scenery somehow felt different from the journey up. The clouds had begun to clear, revealing patches of blue sky and allowing the sunlight to illuminate the lush green mountainsides.

A little glimpse of the steam locomotive pulling me through the Swiss Alps! Or rather, pushing the carriages along the mountain railway.

I was once again glued to the windows, admiring the beautiful alpine scenery and snapping away with my camera. On the way down, the train passed through Planalp, where I spotted a few cows grazing peacefully on the lush green hillside.

And of course, there was Lake Brienz, looking even more vibrant under the brighter skies. Its turquoise waters were simply mesmerising!

The scenery looked completely different on the way down! With the clouds beginning to clear, the lush green hillsides and winding mountain paths looked even more beautiful under the sunshine.

A beautiful stretch of the Swiss Alps, with lush green meadows, little streams and winding paths beneath a gorgeous blue sky. The descent was every bit as scenic as the journey up!

More Swiss cows grazing peacefully along the mountainside!

And there was Lake Brienz again, looking absolutely gorgeous under the brighter skies!

I thoroughly enjoyed both journeys. The ascent had been beautifully atmospheric, with clouds drifting through the valleys, while the descent offered brighter, sunnier views of the Swiss countryside. I certainly wasn't complaining about getting to enjoy the scenery twice!

ALL ABOARD THE GOLDENPASS BELLE ÉPOQUE TRAIN

After returning to Brienz, it was time for another scenic train adventure!

I made my way to Zweisimmen, where I would board the GoldenPass Belle Époque train to Montreux.

The GoldenPass Belle Époque is a nostalgic train inspired by the elegance of the 1930s, with beautifully furnished vintage-style carriages reminiscent of the famous Orient Express.

Unlike the modern panoramic trains, the Belle Époque offers a more old-fashioned railway experience. The approximately two-hour journey takes passengers through the picturesque Swiss countryside, passing charming villages, rolling green hills and beautiful mountain scenery before descending towards Montreux and Lake Geneva.

Since the Belle Époque operates between Zweisimmen and Montreux, I first had to make my way to Zweisimmen to begin this part of my journey.

Arrived in Zweisimmen!

Even the benches in Switzerland are cow-themed! Spotted this rather adorable cow-shaped seat outside Zweisimmen station.

After arriving in Zweisimmen, I had some time to spare before boarding the GoldenPass Belle Époque, so I decided to have lunch and take a little stroll around town.

Before boarding the GoldenPass Belle Époque, I decided to have lunch at Brasserie zur Simme, a highly rated restaurant conveniently located near Zweisimmen railway station.

I ended up at Brasserie zur Simme, a cosy restaurant with a charming interior featuring black-and-white chequered floors, wooden furniture and vintage photographs decorating the walls. The restaurant had received plenty of positive reviews for its quality food, friendly service and charming atmosphere, so I decided to give it a try.

For lunch, I had a bowl of creamy soup, followed by Weisswurst served with a large soft pretzel and mustard. A rather hearty meal before another scenic train journey!

Lunch at Brasserie zur Simme, a cosy restaurant in Zweisimmen. I loved its charming interior, especially the black-and-white chequered floor and warm wooden furnishings.

Started lunch with a bowl of creamy soup, topped with croutons and fresh herbs.

For my main course, I had Weisswurst, traditional white sausages served with a soft pretzel and mustard. The Weisswurst was really good. A hearty lunch before my next train adventure!

After lunch, I wandered around Zweisimmen for a bit. I did not plan to do much sightseeing here, since my main reason for visiting was to board the GoldenPass Belle Époque, but it was nice to explore the neighbourhood before continuing my journey to Montreux.

A little stroll through Zweisimmen, with its traditional Swiss chalets and mountains in the background.

Then, it was finally time to board the GoldenPass Belle Époque! Stepping aboard, I immediately understood the appeal. The interior was gorgeous, with polished wooden panelling, intricately decorated ceilings, brass luggage racks and plush turquoise seats arranged around little wooden tables.

Finally, the train I had travelled to Zweisimmen for — the GoldenPass Belle Époque!

Stepping aboard felt like travelling back in time. I loved the beautifully carved wooden ceiling, plush turquoise seats and vintage brass luggage racks. Such a lovely contrast to modern trains!

The carriage had comfortable, face-to-face seating with little wooden tables in between. A lovely setting to sit back and enjoy the journey through the Swiss countryside.

The scenery was just as lovely. As the train travelled towards Montreux, I passed through endless green meadows, charming villages, traditional Swiss farmhouses and rolling hills. Snow-capped mountains occasionally appeared in the distance, while dramatic clouds made the landscape even more picturesque.

I spent much of the journey looking out of the window, admiring the beautiful scenery and taking photographs. Though I must admit, I think I dozed off at some point along the way. As lovely as the scenery was, I guess all that travelling was finally catching up with me!

Eventually, the scenery began to change again as the train approached Montreux, with beautiful views of Lake Geneva appearing in the distance.

The views on the ride were so peaceful, with vast green meadows, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains peeking through the clouds.

The countryside looked almost like a painting, with endless green pastures, scattered farmhouses and mountains stretching into the distance.

As the train approached Montreux, the scenery opened up to beautiful views of Lake Geneva, with little villages, winding roads and mountains surrounding the water.

The sun was breaking through the clouds, casting beautiful rays of light across Lake Geneva. What a lovely way to end the journey!

A COMFORTABLE STAY AT ROYAL PLAZA MONTREUX

After a lovely journey aboard the GoldenPass Belle Époque train, I finally arrived in Montreux and made my way to my hotel, Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa.

I was really pleased with my accommodation! The room was spacious, comfortable and had a separate sitting area. After spending much of the day travelling, it was lovely to have somewhere comfortable to unwind.

One thing that surprised me about the room was its rather Chinese-inspired decor. Hahaha. There was a traditional-looking bamboo painting with Chinese calligraphy above the bed, porcelain lamps and even artwork featuring Chinese vases. Not quite what I expected to find in a Swiss hotel!

My spacious and comfortable room at Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa.

There was even a lovely little sitting area where I could relax after a long day of travelling.

The bathroom was spacious too.

There is also a bathtub for a relaxing soak after a busy day.

A thoughtful welcome from Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa, complete with sweet treats and bottled water.

But the best part was undoubtedly the view. My room came with a balcony overlooking Lake Geneva, with the mountains stretching across the opposite shore. By the time I checked in, the sun was beginning to set, and the evening light filtering through the clouds made the lake look especially beautiful. I could have happily spent the evening just sitting on the balcony, taking in the scenery.

And this was the view waiting for me beyond the balcony doors!

The view from my balcony.

Soft rays of evening sunlight breaking through the clouds over Lake Geneva.

All in all, it was a really comfortable stay, and the lake view made it even more memorable.

Royal Plaza Montreux

Address: Av. Claude-Nobs 7, Montreux, Canton of Vaud, 1820, Switzerland

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zv1JCS6gKznS2zaW8

Room Type: Junior Suite Balcony with Lake View

Price: S$1157.53 (2 nights, inclusive of breakfast)

AN EVENING STROLL ALONG VEVEY'S LAKESIDE PROMENADE

After settling into my hotel in Montreux, I headed to the nearby town of Vevey for a stroll along Lake Geneva.

Vevey is known for its lovely lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It is also home to a few interesting landmarks, including a bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin, who spent the later years of his life in the area, and an enormous fork standing right in the lake!

The giant fork was particularly interesting to see. It is actually an artwork associated with the Alimentarium, a museum dedicated to food.

A first glimpse of Vevey's historic architecture, with the evening sunlight illuminating its old stone buildings.

Walking through Vevey's charming old streets on my way to Lake Geneva.

Passing the Alimentarium, Vevey's museum dedicated to food and nutrition, on my way towards the lakeside.

Wandering through the quiet streets of Vevey, with Lake Geneva just visible at the end of the road.

Little white chairs scattered along the rocky shore of Lake Geneva. Such an unexpected and lovely place to sit and enjoy the view.

Vevey's famous giant fork.

A familiar face along the Vevey waterfront! This bronze statue honours Charlie Chaplin, who spent the final decades of his life in nearby Corsier-sur-Vevey.

I spent some time walking along the waterfront, admiring the scenery and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. After a day filled with train journeys, it was a lovely way to spend the evening.

As the sun began to set, people gathered along the waterfront to enjoy the changing colours over Lake Geneva.

And then the sky turned gold. The evening light spread across Lake Geneva, turning the water into a beautiful sea of shimmering orange.

I had initially been so captivated by the sunset over Lake Geneva that I barely paid attention to what was happening behind me. The sky was glowing in beautiful shades of orange and gold, and I was happily admiring the changing colours when I happened to turn around.

And there it was — a rainbow!

Not just a little rainbow either, but a beautiful arc stretching across the sky above the lake. I couldn't believe my luck! On one side was a gorgeous sunset, and on the other was a rainbow, with the mountains catching the last golden rays of sunlight. I kept turning from one side to the other, trying to take it all in. HAHAHA.

It was one of those completely unplanned moments that made travelling so special. I had come to Vevey simply to explore the lakeside promenade, but somehow ended up witnessing one of the most beautiful evenings of my Switzerland trip.

A beautiful rainbow appeared over Lake Geneva, with the last rays of sunlight illuminating the mountains.

Taking a little break by the lake, enjoying the view as evening approached.

The rainbow grew more prominent, arching above the lake and the sunlit mountains.

One side of the sky was glowing with the sunset, while the other was graced by a rainbow. I was so focused on the sunset that I almost missed it!

The last sunlight caught the rugged mountain peaks across Lake Geneva.

The evening sky slowly transformed, casting a soft golden glow over Lake Geneva.

Locals and visitors gathered along the promenade, enjoying the last moments of daylight by the lake.

By the time I left the lakeside, the sky had gradually turned from brilliant orange to soft shades of blue and grey. I had spent far longer at the waterfront than I originally intended, but with a sunset and a rainbow like that, how could I possibly leave?

I also managed to take a quick look around Vevey's streets, as I made my way to the train station.

A final glimpse of Vevey's beautiful architecture as I made my way back towards the train station.

Leaving the lake behind, I wandered through Vevey's charming streets on my way back to the station.

What I had expected to be a simple visit to see the famous giant fork and Charlie Chaplin statue turned into one of the loveliest evenings of my Switzerland trip. Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones I never planned for.

GOODNIGHT, LAKE GENEVA...

By the time I returned to my hotel, darkness had already settled over Lake Geneva.

Looking out from my room, I was greeted by yet another beautiful view. The mountains had become dark silhouettes against the deep blue evening sky, while the lights from the buildings along the waterfront shimmered on the water. The lake that had been glowing in golden hues just a little earlier now looked wonderfully peaceful.

Thinking back on the day, what stayed with me most wasn't necessarily a particular attraction or landmark, but those unexpected moments when I simply stopped to admire my surroundings.

I had been so captivated by the sunset in Vevey that I almost missed the rainbow appearing behind me. It was such a lovely reminder that sometimes, there's beauty waiting in a direction I haven't even thought to look.

And with that, another memorable day in Switzerland came to an end.

Love,

Shu