The highlight of my European tour was perhaps Mt. Titlis and the charming city of Engelberg.
By the time we reached Engelberg, dusk had set in and lights were popping on all over the city. After checking in, we decided to take a walk and soak in the surreal beauty of the city. As we headed out, we noticed small lanes running in every direction - each of them offering panoramic views of the Alps. The buildings were mostly old and featured quintessential Swiss architecture.
When I look back at my time in Engelberg, one scene particularly stands out - that of a small lane - flanked by residential houses on both sides - curving into the darkness and leading to the Swiss Alps; with its massive structure and sparkling white snow clearly visible in the fading sunlight. I’m sure a picture will help you envision the scene better.
By the time we reached Engelberg, dusk had set in and lights were popping on all over the city. After checking in, we decided to take a walk and soak in the surreal beauty of the city. As we headed out, we noticed small lanes running in every direction - each of them offering panoramic views of the Alps. The buildings were mostly old and featured quintessential Swiss architecture.
When I look back at my time in Engelberg, one scene particularly stands out - that of a small lane - flanked by residential houses on both sides - curving into the darkness and leading to the Swiss Alps; with its massive structure and sparkling white snow clearly visible in the fading sunlight. I’m sure a picture will help you envision the scene better.
Walking to the town centre we spotted a beautiful fountain, its crystal clear water added to the scenery of the snowy Alps rising in the backdrop. If one stood at the heart of Engelberg and looked around, one would see snow covered majestic Alps rising in every direction. This town certainly made me think of paradise.
The next day we began our ascent to Mt. Titlis. Our first cable car seated four people and was obviously made of glass to ensure that tourists could soak in the panoramic magical view that surrounded them. As we started moving it seemed as if we were on a roller coaster- albeit one which travelled at a dreadfully slow pace. We were surrounded by Swiss Alps on all four sides and below us lay the beautiful city of Engelberg, with its small cottage like houses surrounding a sparkling blue lake.
The feeling of rising higher towards the majestic snow covered Alps, as the town below became smaller and smaller is one which I shall treasure for a long time to come.
The next day we began our ascent to Mt. Titlis. Our first cable car seated four people and was obviously made of glass to ensure that tourists could soak in the panoramic magical view that surrounded them. As we started moving it seemed as if we were on a roller coaster- albeit one which travelled at a dreadfully slow pace. We were surrounded by Swiss Alps on all four sides and below us lay the beautiful city of Engelberg, with its small cottage like houses surrounding a sparkling blue lake.
The feeling of rising higher towards the majestic snow covered Alps, as the town below became smaller and smaller is one which I shall treasure for a long time to come.
We then boarded a revolving cable car, which is a popular tourist attraction. However, the cable car turned out to be a damp squib. Instead of soaking in 360 degrees views of the Alps, most of our time was spent looking at each other’s backs. However the few glimpses of the Alps that we caught certainly left us spellbound.
On reaching Mt. Titlis the level of infrastructural development present there left me dumbstruck. The structure had five levels each leading to a different attraction, be it a coffee shop overlooking the glacier, or a specially designed walk where one could climb to the top of the glacier. The top itself was absolutely mesmerising. The experiences of holding snow in our hands, playing with it and even falling on it made this trip extremely special.
After a short climb we reached the top of the glacier and on reaching there we were left agape for a while. Ahead of us stretched the Swiss Alps for mile after mile, their snow covered peaks glistening in the blazing sunlight. The sensation of standing there and being greeted by snow covered mountains on every side left us feeling dizzy.
On reaching Mt. Titlis the level of infrastructural development present there left me dumbstruck. The structure had five levels each leading to a different attraction, be it a coffee shop overlooking the glacier, or a specially designed walk where one could climb to the top of the glacier. The top itself was absolutely mesmerising. The experiences of holding snow in our hands, playing with it and even falling on it made this trip extremely special.
After a short climb we reached the top of the glacier and on reaching there we were left agape for a while. Ahead of us stretched the Swiss Alps for mile after mile, their snow covered peaks glistening in the blazing sunlight. The sensation of standing there and being greeted by snow covered mountains on every side left us feeling dizzy.
We then rode on the ‘Ice Flyer’, another popular tourist attraction. Basically it is a roller coaster that runs over the Alps range at intimidating speeds. The thrilling ride left us gasping and yet at the same time we fought to keep our eyes open, to soak in the mesmerising scenery that encompassed us.
Later, we walked on a steel bridge that acted as a means of connection between two glaciers. As we looked down at the thick snow cover from the gently swaying bridge we definitely felt butterflies fluttering in our stomach.
As we left Mt. Titlis we felt a mixture of sadness and happiness, however the memories of Switzerland’s snow covered peaks are those which I can never forget.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Stay tuned as I explore Italy, France, UK and a lot more. Till then sayonara and happy exploring!
- Subin Mitra
Later, we walked on a steel bridge that acted as a means of connection between two glaciers. As we looked down at the thick snow cover from the gently swaying bridge we definitely felt butterflies fluttering in our stomach.
As we left Mt. Titlis we felt a mixture of sadness and happiness, however the memories of Switzerland’s snow covered peaks are those which I can never forget.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Stay tuned as I explore Italy, France, UK and a lot more. Till then sayonara and happy exploring!
- Subin Mitra