On The Train To Gimmelwald

We headed by train, from Lucerne to Interlaken, an unforgettable journey along the shores of crystal clear lakes, romantic waterfalls, and over the magnificent Brunig Mountain Pass. Settled in a restaurant cart, we toasted with beers, as we meandered through the stunning snow covered Swiss Alps.

We took a bus to Stechellberg, and a gondola up to Gimmelwald. Snowball fights, racing up hills of snow, winter wonderland, we love you Peaceful Gimmelwald!

Esther’s Guesthouse provides the perfect Swiss hospitality.

This charming chalet-style guesthouse is located in car-free Gimmelwald, just a two minute walk to the cable car station.

Amazing Sunsets Nightly!

Let It Snow. Let It Snow. Let It Snow.

Up To Schilthorn

We took the cable car up to Schilthorn for a day of panoramic views, sunshine, snow on the ground, and James Bond. “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service ” was filmed here in 1969.

Sipping a Cappuccino at the rotating 360 – Piz Gloria Restaurant, was delightful.

A Pleasant Hike from Murren to Gimmelwald

This downhill, countryside hike to Gimmelwald rated as one of our all time fondest memories … peace, quiet, and amazing beauty every step of the way.

We named this beautiful cat, Walter, and he followed us, and pranced on the wooden rail the entire way.

Beautiful scenery for a beautiful horse.

Magical – Dream Come True – Sleigh Ride on Christmas Eve

This romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride followed a narrow trail, along a glistening sunkissed slope, through snow covered forest, beside the lake, and back to the valley of Lauenen.

Kutscherei Reichenbach is a family business. They build handcrafted sleighs and wagons, as well as use their farm to breed and train their well loved Freiberger horses.

Mount Rigi, Queen Of The Mountains

We traveled by Cogwheel to the top of Mount Rigi, to overlook 13 lakes and the spectacular snowcapped Swiss Alps.

In 2014, a stone from Mt. Rigi was shipped to Emei Shan, China. In 2015, this rock from Emei Shan was placed on the top of Mount Rigi. These “sister mountains” share similar silhouettes.

Lovely Lucerne 

Lucerne, is known for it’s medieval architecture. The Gütsch Tower was built in 1590, destroyed in the great fire of 1888 and in 1901, the hotel received it’s fairytale castle appearance. Today, Château Gütsch has accommodated kings, queens, diplomats, and world stars.

Jesuitenkirche, a baroque Jesuit Church, was constructed in 1666 by architects from Italy and Austria, and dedicated to Francis Xavier.

Lucerne shines during the holiday season with festive lights, and the scent of mulled wine. Central Switzerland’s largest advent wreath is located here at Barfüssen Fountain on Franziskanerplatz.

Advent calendars, used to count down the days till Christmas, are a large part of Swiss Christmas tradition.  A giant advent calendar is displayed on the Schild Fashion House beside the Reuss River.

Be sure to visit  Confiserie Kurmann, to experience the most luxurious, mouth watering chocolate, truffles, tarts, and pastries EVER!!!

From the rooftop of Hotel Montana, we watched the sun set over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. We will always cherish the amazing memories of our Swiss Christmas forever. It was truly a dream come true.

Until we meet again. Hope to see you soon, Switzerland. ♥