Memories made in Ticino

Going to the Ticino, for me, is always like coming home. I spend many summer holidays there as a child and have so many sacred memories connected to it. So way back in May I went to Locarno with one of my best friends. We became quite good travel buddies over the years and had a wonderful time exploring Locarno and its surroundings. Even with gloomy and rainy weather the Ticino never disappoints.

But first we stopped at the Rofflaschlucht (Schlucht=gorge), which is a sacred place to my friend, whose ancestors built a way to a beautiful waterfall back in 1907, it took them 7 years to finish. There’s also a hotel located right at the entrance to the gorge and it is still led by some of my friend’s relatives.

We left the Rofflaschlucht and drove about 1.5 hours over the San Bernardino Pass and finally arrived at Locarno, from where it was a short but winding drive to Orselina, a pretty village situated in the hills above Locarno.

The mountains surrounding the San Bernardino were still covered with snow. While further down the highway between San Bernardino and Locarno is embedded between lush green mountains. I never get enough of this view it’s just so calming.

We stayed at a lovely hotel and were enchanted by the breathtaking views from our room and the interior of the house.

You really can see the love for detail in this house, we found so many antiques, like this quite old book, on how to behave like a lady, hilarious. Also the bathtub had feet for crying out loud!!

We had a delicious dinner at a charming grotto, with a view over Lago Maggiore that would take your breath away.

The next day we got up rather early to drive along the lakeside of Lago Maggiore and headed to the market in Cannobio, Italy. Found some nice souvenirs, had a quick lunch and then made our way back to Ticino up to Lavertezzo a pretty little village situated in the Valle Verzasca.

Market in Cannobio

Lavertezzo

Look at the color of the water. Depending on the light, you will find all shades of green in it.

As we left Lavertezzo and drove down the winding streets of this beautiful valley we stopped at the dam wall of Lago di Vogorno and had an ice cream, where once a bungee jump of the James Bond movie “Goldeneye” was filmed. So if you’re an adrenaline junkie you still can do your own bungee jump there.

Our quick weekend trip came to an end and I think I speak for both, when I say, we returned home refreshed, relaxed and inspired by the things we've seen, the company and the talks we had.

A quick trip to Colmar

It was on my birthday when I went on a trip to Colmar. It’s the third largest city of the Alsace.

I wanted to visit Colmar for years and, why not doing it on my birthday. It is charming and colorful, somehow surreal and makes you feel like going back in time. It's about a two hour drive from Zurich.

I’ll let the pictures tell the story.

Delicious treats everywhere

Heart attack

Luckily the sun came out eventually.

Our way home led us through picturesque villages and beautiful landscape, surrounded by green mountains and over Le Grand Ballon, from where we enjoyed a nice view and some more summer sun.

It was the perfect day to celebrate.

Hidden treasures of nature

Sometimes we are unaware of the hidden treasures nature has to offer and when we find them, we look at them in awe and wonder. At least that’s what happened to me, when I visited the Reidbach Waterfall the first time. It’s located a few hundred meters from the street on the Giessen Peninsula between Wädenswil and Richterswil.

I was lucky enough to go there with one of my best friends.

Exploring the picturesque Romandy

Back in spring time I went on a day trip to the western part of Switzerland with a good friend of mine. First we stopped in Murten, her hometown, for an incredibly delicious brunch with some more friends. It’s quite easy to get there from Zurich main station and will take you about 2 hours by train.

We really had a good time, enjoyed the food and the conversations we had, we strolled through town, took in the sights and marveled at all the pretty spring flowers that were in full bloom.

The castle.

We walked around the castle and got up the Ringmauer, from where we had a pretty nice view over the charming little town.

The Chesery in Murten is probably the most pretty and charming little restaurant I’ve ever been to, but it’s not just a place to eat, it’s also a junk shop. Chesery means home and it’s really how you feel there. There are lots of pretty things to buy, from accessories to furniture, chandeliers to shabby chic items. The staff is very nice and welcoming and the food, ooh the food, it is tasty!

The generous buffet.

A selection of different wines in the background.

After the brunch we headed to Fribourg, about an hour train ride away from Murten. I’ve never been ther before and fell in love with this picturesque town immediately. We walked the streets that led us to the Café du Belvédère. On the patio we had a drink and were gifted with a breathtaking view of the scenic view of Fribourg.

That view is just so charming.

It's always a good and fun time, when we go on a trip together.

We definitely had the most fun and lazy Sunday and lucked out with the weather. The French part of Switzerland has so many beautiful places to be explored.