Summary of My 1310N Spring Switzerland Trip (2022)

SUMMARY OF MY SWITZERLAND TRIP
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur → Istanbul via Turkish Airlines
Day 2: Istanbul → Zurich→ Lucerne
Day 3: Mount Titlis and Mount Rigi 
Day 4: Colmar (France) + Basel + Bern
Day 5: Lucerne → Interlaken
Day 6: Bernese Oberland (Murren, Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald)
Day 7: Geneva
Day 8: Interlaken → Zermatt
Day 9: Zermatt
Day 10: Zermatt → St Moritz → Zurich
Day 11: Vaduz (Liechtenstein) 
Day 12: Zurich → Istanbul 
Day 13: Istanbul → Kuala Lumpur  

FLYING IN & OUT

We chosen to fly with Turkish Airlines and our entry and exit point are the same, which is Zurich. However, we didn't book directly from their official website but we booked from Go To Gate website instead cause it's slightly cheaper by at least RM100. I booked from this website before for my trip to Morocco and it's pretty legit. Airfare wise, we managed to book round-trip ticket for RM1,862 per person. 

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Zurich took nearly 14 hours flight with a short 3-hours transit at New Istanbul Airport. 

Turkish Airline's Amenities & Services: 

• For economy class passenger, each is entitled to check-in luggage per-bag weight of up to 30 kg.
• Access a full range of complimentary in-flight entertainment, onboard food including main meal and breakfast as well as amenity kit which contains a sleep mask, ear plug, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste and lip balm. 
• For our flight, we're served with 3 meals (2 meals for flight from KL to Istanbul and 1 meal for flight from Istanbul to Zurich).

VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Malaysian citizens do no need a visa to travel to Switzerland for up to 90 days. Currently, there are no entry restrictions due to the pandemic and visitors do no need proof of vaccination, recovery nor testing for entry into Switzerland. 

We're considered to be quite lucky that during our travel period, all the travel restrictions were lifted up including performing pre-departure test prior to departure to Malaysia. All we need to do is just to fill up the Traveller's Card in MySejahtera apps but beginning from 1st August 2022, inbound travellers to Malaysia will no longer need to do so anymore. 

CURRENCY & CARDS 
The official currency for Switzerland is Swiss franc (CHF). However, I did notice too that majority of the shops, supermarkets and eateries do accept cards too (both debit and credit card).

My advice? Do bring along both Swiss franc and card(s) if possible cause some shops only accept cash and some places accept cards only. 

Post: Things To Do Before Travelling To Switzerland

SWISS TRAVEL PASS
Don't feel like driving around Switzerland? Then, I would highly recommend to get the Swiss Travel Pass where this pass will give you unlimited travel on the public transportations such as buses, trains, trams and even boats throughout the nation with hassle-free. Not just that this pass applies on the public transportations, you can even get free admission to more than 500 museums as well as get up to 50% discount on most mountain excursions to Swiss peak.

For more info about Swiss Travel Pass, you can check out my post on Swiss Travel Pass Guide.

RECAP OF MY TRAVELOGUES 

Flying To Switzerland With Turkish Airlines


Lucerne, Our First Trip in Switzerland

Snowy Mountain In Mount Titlis


Lake Lucerne & Mount Rigi

Colmar, A French Fairytale 


Half Day in Basel and Bern


Scenic Train Ride from Lucerne To Interlaken & We Did Paragliding


Crash Landing On You In Iseltwald 


Bernese Oberland - Lauterbrunnen, Mürren and Grindelwald


Panorama Bridge Sigriswil 


Day Trip to Vevey & Geneva


Lake Blausee From Interlaken


2 Days 2 Nights in Zermatt, A Car-Free Village


8-Hours Train Ride From Zermatt To St. Moritz With Glacier Express


Zurich, Our Final Stop Before Leaving Switzerland


Half-Day Trip to Vaduz of Liechtenstein from Zurich

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PAX 

PARTICULARS	AMOUNT
	CHF	RM
Air Fares Turkish Airways KL – Zurich – KL   Accommodations Lucerne – Galaxy Serviced Apartments (3 nights) Interlaken – CityChalet historic (3 nights) Zermatt – Residence Patricia (2 nights) Zurich – ibis Budget Zurich City West (2 nights)    Transportation Swiss Travel Pass - Consecutive 15 Days  Glacier Express Reservation (50% Off) Mount Titlis Cable Ride Basel – Colmar – Basel   Attractions & Activities Paragliding in Interlaken Add: Photos & video Sigriswil Panorama Bridge Patek Philippe Museum Geneva Lake Blausee House of Laderach Food and beverages   Others 12GB Travel Prepaid Sim Card MSIG Travel Insurance	-     - - - -     - 39.00 48.00 32.70     160.00 40.00 7.00 15.00 10.00 5.00   -     - -	1,862     849 911 622 495     1,923 180 219 151     733 183 32 68 45 22   710     81 237
	TOTAL	9,323

Exchange Rate as at April 2022: 
CHF 1 = RM4.60 

My souvenirs and travel haul from Switzerland:  

• Chocolates are must buy when visiting Switzerland.
• Spices and herbs bought from supermarkets whereas Victorinox knife (Swiss-made brand)
• Starbucks mug and tumbler. 
• Fridge magnets to add into my collection.   
  

If I had the power to rewind the time, I will try to extend my trip to at least to 15 days as the longest duration for the Swiss Travel Pass is 15 days. There are few attractions which I miss out such as Stein am Rhein, Rhine Falls, Montruex, Chur and more.   

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Colmar, A French Fairytale

<< Previous Post: Lake Lucerne Cruise & Mount Rigi <<

Originally our trip to Switzerland is just to fully focused on exploring the nation but being me, I wanna do some cross-border trip. While browsing some Instagram stories, I came across Bibie Karim where she travelled to Colmar from Basel. This fairytale town in northeastern France has always been one of my wishlists to go ever since I came back from Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Coincidentally, I have added Basel in our Switzerland plan and the travel time from Basel to Colmar only takes less than 50 minutes (better than taking train from Paris as it will takes nearly 3 hours to Colmar). 

HOW TO GET TO COLMAR FROM LUCERNE & BASEL

We began our trip from Lucerne and from there, we took train to Basel. As usual, both of us always kick off our trip as early as we can. The journey from Lucerne to Basel takes roughly an hour plus for the direct train. For your information, ticket to Colmar is not covered under Swiss Travel Pass and you can't purchase it from the ticket machine. So once you arrive at Basel Station, immediately head to SBB ticket office in the main hall to get the ticket to Colmar. And don't forget to bring along your passport. One way train fare from Basel to Colmar costs CHF17 (approx. to RM77).  

#1: We began our journey from Lucerne as we're based there for 3 nights. 

#2: Ticket to Colmar can only be purchased at SBB Ticket Office and must bring along your passport with you. The ticket is not covered under Swiss Travel Pass. 

ARRIVING COLMAR 
The train to Colmar from Basel was incredibly fast and we're almost missed our station. There is no border control as France and Switzerland are part of the Schengen area. We alighted at Colmar Station and from there, we walked to the magical fairytale town which is about 10 minutes of walking. Luckily the Sim Card we bought from Shopee was workable in France too. 

#3: Colmar Station is 10 minutes of walking to the magical fairytale town. 

THINGS WE DO AND SEE IN COLMAR  

1) La Petite Venice (Little Venice)

This is the first place we visited before the crowds arrive. A definitely spot you must dropby no matter how short your trip is as this area is lined with colourful houses and buildings along the river. Not just that it's feast for the eyes but perfectly feast for the Gram too. 

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2) Marche Couvert (Colmar Covered Market)

Not far away from the Little Venice is the indoor market features various stalls selling meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, pastries, coffees and more. 

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3) Historic Centre of Colmar 

The historic centre of Colmar is undeniably one of the most beautiful historical centres in Europe. This area has kept its authenticity where everything is unique and can only be found and see in Colmar town. One of the buildings you shouldn't miss is Au Vieux Pignon, one of the oldest houses in town. Every year this building was decorated regularly and renewed decorations. 

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#11: One of the buildings you shouldn't miss is Au Vieux Pignon, one of the oldest houses in town

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4) The Pfister House

One of the symbols of the city of Colmar is the Pfister House. It is an example of Renaissance architecture in Colmar. The scenes, paintings are inspired by the Bible and the Old Testament but there are also portraits of Germanic emperors on its facade. "Pfister House" got its name three hundred years after it was built when François Joseph Pfister became the owner of the house. It is an emblematic place in Colmar and classified as historical monument. 

 

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5) St. Martin's Church 

This Roman Catholic Church is a huge striking edifice set in tiny of Colmar old town streets. It dominates the town skyline with its lavish Gothic beauty. 

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6) Best Croissant and Pastries at Gilg 

A trip to Colmar is incomplete without savour one of the French's most popular pastries, which is the croissant. And Gilg claimed to be one of the best pastries in Colmar.  

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Colmar is quite popular for Christmas holiday and if you are planning to visit Colmar, perhaps you can plan on this festive season.  

>> Next Post: Half Day in Basel & Bern >>

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