We anticipated a rainy day so we decided to visit the falls and a castle. In order to fit in these activities we had to get an early start. Traveling by train is a lot of fun but has to be carefully timed in order to catch the correct connections. In order to get to the falls at a decent time we had to but up at 6:00am so we get eat and be ready to leave the house by 7:04. Our itinerary was as follows:
- 7:06 – 7:18 Krattigen, Dorf to Spiez, Bahnhof
- 7:25 – 8:58 Spiez to Zurich
- 9:07 – 9:57 Zurich to Neuhausen Rheinfall
Neuhausen Rheinfall
The train went through 2 stops in Germany before it dropped us off back in Switzerland in front of Neuhausen Reinfall. Words cannot explain how beautiful the scenery was. The falls themselves were breathtaking. There was are also an island in the middle where people were able to take a boat tour and get off. We walked down one side of the falls to the tourist area where they had restaurants and stores with souvenirs. There was a bridge to the restaurant and underneath were hundreds of fish swimming against the current. We then walked past the town toward a bridge and then walked along the other side of the river back to the falls. We then climbed up a long flight of stairs to a castle on the riverside. Every angle of that walk was unbelievable. We then walked along the train bridge back to the train station so we did a complete circle around the falls. Next we caught a train to Schaffhausen and then a bus to the old fortress.
Schaffhausen
Schaffhausen is an old town on the river that dates back to 1045. The Munot Fortress was completed in 1377 when it was inhabited by guards who brought law and order to the old town below. This fortress has 171 bay windows and a spectacular view of the river, valley, and town below. As we entered the bridge to the fortress there were deer grazing in the grounds below. Then we walked into a huge round, dark gravel area where the majority of light comes from natural skylights high above the ground. There were several peak holes but the real experience came as walked up a winding cobble stone path up to the top of the fortress. Upon reaching the roof there were hundreds of benches and tables where tourists could sit, eat, and possible watch a live show. The views were stunning and we stood around for a bit just taking in the view. It is incredible to think of the history behind this structure.
When we left the castle we walking down the winding path to the bottom, then we continued further down the main path which led to stairs that went down further and further until we found ourselves past houses and buildings until we were in the middle of the old town. We walked back toward the train station. It kind of reminded me of old town Montreal. The streets were cobble stone and the buildings all had character. There were lots of flowers on patios and the buildings looked so rustic but well kept and clean. I can’t get over how clean Switzerland is! Before catching our train back, we stopped at a grocery store to pick up a bag of grapes for 1.90! We also picked up a few snacks and sandwiches to eat on the train back to Zurich.
Zurich
We caught the 2:14pm train back to Zurich. I have decided that trains are the only way to travel! These double decker trains have comfortable seats and it is so quiet and fast that you don’t even know that you are traveling directly to the next city. The tunnels are a bit difficult to get used to because the air pressure changes and your ears pop every time.
When we arrived in Zurich it was quite crowded. We immediately left the train station and walked through the old town. We saw huge churches and gardens. We walked to the river and sat along the boardwalk. Several swans came by looking for food. I never realized how large they were before. After a little rest we walked along the river to a park that had a great view of the city. Then we walked back toward the train station and we each ordered dinner from various shops. Sandra also spoiled us with some extremely tasty and expensive chocolate. YUM!!!
While we were eating Ari had to use a toilet. Unfortunately we were in the worst place. We scrounged up 1 swiss franc and Sandra and I took Ari to find restroom. Apparently the only place around had increased in price and there was now a 1.50SF charge to use a urinal and 2.00SF to use a toilet. Luckily I remembered that I had Mom’s emergency money belt and we had to break 20 francs so Ari could go pee in a urinal. Ari says “Thank you so much Grandma, I will pay you back!”
Around 7:15pm we boarded our train back to Spiez. There we saw our first rain of the day but luckily we got off the train and boarded the bus immediately without getting a drop of rain on us. Two minutes later our bus left for Krattigen. Apparently it rained all all day here so we went in the right direction today for sure.
Tomorrow is supposed to be the worst day for rain so we are planning to do a chocolate factory tour and a bunker tour.