Zermatt - Switzerland

Previously:

Grindelwald and Lunch at Hirschen, Switzerland

We set off from Interlaken today on a little mission: find the famous Toblerone peak, better known as the Matterhorn, in Zermatt.  As usual, we did a bit of research before heading out, but once we plugged the route into the GPS, something felt a little off... After driving for more than half hour, we figured it out why (thanks to our bro who was ahead of us).  We returned to the correct way, such a detour.

We should have set the way via the Lotschberg car transport tunnel.  Instead of driving the long way around the mountains, cars can actually board a train that carries you through the mountain.  The car shuttle runs between Kandersteg and Goppenstein, takes about 15 minutes and costs CHF 31 for a standard car. 

You can only drive and park your car in Tasch.  Then catch the train into Zermatt since the village is completely car-free.  The train runs frequently and takes about 12 minutes. 

Ticket locket for car transport tunnel

Car transport tunnel

Matterhorn terminal - Tasch

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for us.  The sky was overcast and light snowing too.  The Matterhorn was completely hidden behind the clouds.  No Toblerone peak in sight today!!!

Still the trip was far from a waste.  The alpine scenery around Zermatt was beautiful as expected, even under the moody sky.  We wandered around, took in the atmosphere and warmed up with a rich Lindt hot chocolate and freshly baked pretzel from a local Backerei.  Honestly, sometimes those simple moments - warm drinks, mountain air, good views and lovely companions - make the whole trip worthwhile.

Matterhorn or not, it was still a pretty lovely day in the Swiss Alps.

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Swiss:

Grindelwald and Lunch at Hirschen Restaurant, Switzerland

Previously:

Tom Yum Kung and Chasstubli, Interlaken - Switzerland

That day, we took a scenic train ride to Grindelwald, and it was incredibly convenient.  From our hotel, it was just a 5-minute walk to Interlaken West Station.  The train ticket from there to Grindelwald costs CHF 29.60 for an adult and kid is half price.  The journey itself takes about 35 minutes in total.  Depending on the schedule, some trains are direct while others require a quick change at Zweilutschinen Station.  Still, it's so easy even when travelling with kids.  The entire ride is breathtaking, with panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and charming Swiss villages along the way.

Grindelwald is a picturesque alpine village nestled in the Bernese Oberland region.  It's famously known for its stunning views of Eiger North Face, attracting both skiers in winter and hikers in summer.  During winter, everything is blanketed in white snow, transforming the whole village into a magical winter wonderland.  The scenery was absolutely beautiful.  The kids were especially thrilled.  We found a quiet little snowy spot where they could freely play and simply enjoy the soft powdery snow.

 

For lunch, we dined at Restaurant Hirchen.  We ordered the German-style pizzas, also known as Flammkuchen.  A thin, crispy flatbread topped with delicious ingredients.  It was so light and thin that we could easily eat 10 slices without feeling too full!  The taste was fantastic, simple yet flavourful.

Mushroom and bacon flammkuchen CHF 22.50 (around AUD 41)

Original flammkuchen with bacon, onion and cream cheese CHF 19.50 (around AUD 35.50)

Raclette (comes with potatoes and four type of pickles) CHF 29.50 (around AUD 53.70)

We also tried Swiss raclette for the first time, and we were so excited about the experience.  Raclette is such a fun and interactive dish.  We melted the raclette cheese on a small heated pan at the table, sprinkled it with spices to our liking.  Once it reached that perfectly gooey consistency, we poured it generously over steamed potatoes.  Paired with tangy pickles on the side, it was pure comfort food - warm, rich and satisfying, especially in the cold weather.

Apfelstrudel CHF 12.50 (around AUD 22.80)

To end the meal, we had apple strudel - a buttery, flaky pastry filled with sweet apple filling.  The warm strudel paired nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complimented the dessert perfectly.

Initially, we had planned to visit Lauterbrunnen, but the lady at the ticket counter advised us not to go as there was a ski competition happening and it would be extremely crowded.  Looking back, we were glad we stayed in Grindelwald instead.  It turned out to be a wonderfully relaxed and memorable day surrounded by snow, mountains and good food.  It was truly a well-spent day in this charming Swiss village.

Hotel Restaurant Hirschen - Grindelwald

Dorfstrasse 135

3818 Grindelwald

Ph: +41 33 854 8484

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Swiss:

Zermatt - Switzerland

Tom Yum Kung and Chasstubli, Interlaken - Switzerland

Previously:

McDonald's in Switzerland

Originally, we planned to enjoy a classic Swiss cheese fondue at Chasstubli, the cozy restaurant inside Hotel Krebs.  After a long, packed day of sightseeing, though, we were feeling exhausted and craving something heavy and filling, but in an Asian comfort food way.  So, at the last minute, we decided to go for Thai food instead.  So, we went to this restaurant called Tom Yum Kung. 

We ordered two soups: a spicy tom sap for us and a simple tomato and egg noodle soup for the kids.  For mains, we chose garlic pork and lemon pork, two dishes that usually feel like safe, satisfying options.  To be completely honest, the Thai food here just couldn't compare to what we're used to back in Sydney.  I wouldn't say it was bad, but it definitely wasn't great either.  The spice level was acceptable but overall dishes were far too salty.  At around CHF 25 per dish, the portions we received felt quite underwhelming for the price. 

Looking back, we really should have stuck with the cheese fondue plan.  After postponing it that night, we never got another chance to try cheese fondue during this trip - something I genuinely regret.  Very, very much.

Tomato and egg noodle soup

Garlic pork

Lemon pork

Tom sap soup - spicy and sour soup

Toblerone schokoladenmousse - Toblerone chocolate mousse CHF 9.50 (around AUD 17.30)

Schokoladen-Fondue mit Fruchte and Biscuit CHF 16 (around 29.10)

Chocolate fondue served with fresh fruit and crispy biscuits

On the bright side, we still managed to end the evening on a sweet note.  We went back to Chasstubli for dessert and ordered chocolate fondue and a chocolate mousse.  That part did not disappoint.  We had so much fun stuffing ourselves with their delicious chocolate desserts.  The Toblerone chocolate mousse was sooo rich, smooth and delicious.  That chocolate fondue was amazing too.  I literally scrapped up the last drop of melted chocolate because it was just too yummy.  Honestly, wish we ordered more!!!!  If only we had gone for the cheese fondue too - it would have been the perfect Swiss dining experience.

 

Tom Yum Kung

Centralstrasse 7, 3008 Interlaken

Open: Daily 11:00 - 21:00

Chasstubli Restaurant

Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3800 Interlaken

Ph: +41 33 826 0330

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Swiss:

Grindelwald and Lunch at Hirschen Restaurant, Switzerland

McDonald's in Switzerland

Previously:

Coop Supermarkt, Switzerland

One thing I always do whenever I visit another country is to try their McDonald's.  It may sound a little weird but hear me out.

McDonald's in every country always has something special - menu items that you can't find anywhere else.  It's like a small cultural experience served in a paper box.  You get a taste of local flavours but still wrapped in that similar golden-arches comfort.

Here in Switzerland, they have some seriously unique items.  Two of the best things I've ever had from McDonald's around the world are the McExtreme Bacon Burger and their chocolate pie.  Let's start with the burger.

The McExtreme bacon burger is rich, saucy and incredibly meaty.  It's stacked with juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese and a bold, creamy sauce that ties everything together perfectly.  It's not your average fast-food burger.  It tastes premium, hearty and deeply satisfying.  Definitely not something I expected to fall in love with at McDonald's.

An then... the chocolate pie.  Oh My Goodness!!!

This is hands down the best McDonald's pie I've ever had.  Unlike the usual pies you find in other countries, where the filling can taste like artificial jam or overly sweet custard.  This one is different.  The chocolate filling is rich and smooth, almost like real melted chocolate.  Nothing can go wrong with Swiss chocolate.  It's not overly sweet either, which makes me think they're using something closer to dark choc.  It tastes deeper, more intense and way more luxurious that you'd expect from a fast-food dessert

McExtreme Bacon meal CHF 17.50

The M CHF 11.10

Chicken wings (6pcs) CHF 6.60

Schokoladentasche (chocolate pie) CHF 2.90

So yes, trying McDonald's in every country might sound strange.  But for me, it's like a mini food adventure inside a global brand.  Sometimes you may unlock something unforgettable.  Like this bacon loaded burger that hits all the right notes or a chocolate pie that completely redefines your expectations.  And Switzerland?  You definitely did not disappoint.

Stay tuned for the next blog in Swiss:

Tom Yum Kung and Chasstubli, Interlaken - Switzerland