That little thing that you see between mountains is the train
Have you been convinced to go to Switzerland to slide through the snow and you don't feel like it at all? Or worse: you don't know how to ski? If the answer is yes, don't worry: as we refuse to let you get bored, we offer you the most diverse and unique suggestions to do while they enjoy their hobby. And no, we are not referring to laundering money for the record. We tell you the best kept secrets to enjoy the country of cuckoo clocks and chocolate without having to step on the slopes and turn anti-ski into fashion . So now you know, while they are on the slopes of Diablerets or Gstaad you will be having a great time. Why leave après-ski for last when it's really the best?
FOR THE GREATEST GREATEST
A must visit great chocolatier Maison Cailler de Broc where the factory tour will feel more like a Disney attraction than anything else. The best is the tray of freshly baked chocolates at the end of the visit. You probably won't be able to resist and you'll end up filling a whole bag or two. The thousand chocolate bars they have are essential. And those who are on a post-Christmas diet can always get hold of the the light version, the so-called Air.
Those who cannot live without those so longed for macaroons from Ladurée they will be able to continue with their own macaron route strolling through the streets of Lausanne. Indispensable the wonderful caramel macaron with fleur de sel.
Another delight is to have a lemon tart for breakfast from the Confiserie Zurcher de Montreux with a very rich Japanese tea or a very hot chocolate at the Chateau d'Ouchy in Lausanne, preferably on a rainy evening to admire the storm sheltered in this palace with large windows that resembles Dracula's castle.
Chocolate from Maison Cailler de Broc
FOR MOVIES
The most freaks of the cinema will enjoy like children in the terrifying and perverse world of the Aliens in the H.R. museum Giger de Gruyere . The artist who inspired the film Alien with his drawings has a house museum dedicated to his designs, sculptures and drawings in the idyllic little town of Gruyère, world famous for its delicious cheese. Very necessary to have a milkshake or a very fresh Rivella , typical Swiss soft drink made from whey, inside the stomach of an Alien in the eccentric museum bar.
FOR CHEESE LOVERS
In Gruyere , there is nothing better than eating a good raclette in the beautiful Le Chalet restaurant or even some meringues with strawberries or raspberries and sweetened cream to taste . A typical Swiss restaurant where celebrities from all over the world or Prince Philip have met. If you want exquisite service, ask for the friendly Johanna.
Le Chalet: for lovers of cheese and... meringue
FOR FOODIES
The ideal is to get lost in the store Pernet Groceries of gstaad that will thrill anyone with its wide range of incredible gourmet products: the best caviar, products from splendid brands such as Fauchon and a wine cellar that makes you dream between its vintage Jeroboam de Dom Pérignon bottles, Cristal magnums and even a cigar humidor. And in Lausanne , should go through Globe to purchase Cipriani products (also available in Madrid through Bacoclub) perfect for make a bellini, all kinds of champagne , the most exclusive brands of water (yes, bottles of water can also be a luxury) and various delicacies.
FOR LOVERS OF HABANOS
On this anti-ski route, one should calmly stop in the magnificent and bucolic city of gstaad for its offer of activities. Something captivating is the cigar club of the ** hotel Bernerhof ** where, in a most privileged environment, one can sit in one of the leather armchairs and have a good scotch next to that magnificent limited edition cigar that you will only find there. And if you're hungry, the hotel offers two wonderful restaurants: the Blun-Chi, with delicious Chinese cuisine and authentic Italian restaurant Enough . It is essential, for sweet tooth, the wonderful Pavlova with chestnuts. In addition, the hotel has an indoor pool where you can relax.
The Bernerhof Hotel
FOR THE SHOPPING CRAZY
Shopping lovers will never want to leave the Gstaad Promenade with stores such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Prada and the multi-brand Tres Pommes with designs by Alexander McQueen and Mary Kratantzou. Another great option is to do it in Lausanne on the famous Rue du Bourg , just outside the Ladurée store, mentioned above, is the incredible Bon Génie, a Swiss-style Saks Fifth Avenue, and spend the day among designs by Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and many more.
After strolling the sloping streets of Lausanne, you will surely need to order a club sandwich to regain strength in the restaurant on the top floor of these department stores, the BG Coffee . In that same street and in the Rue de la Paix you can find fashion luxury brands and some of the most mythical and prestigious watchmakers . Switzerland is a country full of advertising posters for watches (and we are not talking about cuckoo clocks): from the moment you arrive at the airport, brands like Audemars Piguet, Ulysse Nardin, Cartier, Patek Philippe SA or Hublot are after you. We advise making a good investment and buying one: our recommendation is the Hublot Big Bang Zebra, it's up to date.
Gstaad Promenade: a shopaholic's paradise
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN
Those who, despite the cold, want to enjoy some splendid views at 3,000 meters above sea level they must ride the highest rack railway in all of Europe in Grindelwald and up to Kleines Scheidegg. From there go up to Jungfraujoch (141 euros, round trip) . While you wait to climb up to Glacier 3000, you can stay warm in the restaurant Bahnhof devouring a bratwurst with fries or enter the historical Hotel Bellevue des Alpes where License to Kill (Clint Eastwood, 1975) was filmed. Another good option, which will unite this fondness for rail transport with the unconditional love of cheese, will be to get on the Fondue train in Bulle where you can taste this fabulous dish with a glass of white wine aboard a little train that runs through various Swiss villages between green valleys and towering snow-capped mountains.
Climb the Jungfrau by train: a good plan
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE ART
The wonderful and innovative art gallery ** Simple in Gstaad ** is essential, where you can admire a life-size crocodile or reindeer made only with sweets (refrain lovers of sweets, this work is not eaten).
FOR MUSIC FANS
The best is border the Léman lake until reaching Montreux where Freddie Mercury spent his last stage of the life. This is also the cradle of the International Jazz Festival in summer. You can take some photos at the large statue dedicated to the artist dancing to the tune of Queen's 'We Will Rock You'. In addition, in this little town, gambling fans can have a good time playing the Casino while betting everything on red.
The Simple Art Gallery
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE SPIRITS
In Montreux, lovers of good drinking will be able to admire the Lake from the Bar 45Bis of the Hotel Suisse Majestic while they drink a good Porto. Other options include having a bottle of **Chardonnay Francis Coppola at the Hotel Chalet du Lac ** in the charming town of Iseltwalt near Interlaken while discovering this bucolic spot in the middle of nowhere or warming up with a tasty Glühwein on Gstaad's charming Promenade while doing some shopping.
FOR THOSE IN LOVE WITH DINOSAURS
If ever since you fell in love with Jurassic Park (Steven Spielberg, 1993) you have been crazy about those majestic Mesozoic reptiles, do not hesitate to go to the caves and the prehistoric park of Réclère. You can also take a look at the complete Platosaurus skeleton on display at the ** Frick Dinosaur Museum ** or even attend the dinosaur mini-exhibit at Cantonal Museum of Geology in Lausanne.
The Jungfrau