Hi rhon, Thanks a lot for appreciation.
I had read your thread about cancellation of your trip to France. It's probably a blessing in disguise. You took the right decision at the right time.

In fact I had read your trip report before we went for this trip. We have also come to a conclusion that rather than adding stamps of new countries on your passport, its better to visit the same countries that you like, See some new places there and re-visit the places that you liked a lot. I have been doing that on a smaller scale in Austria and Bavaria. That's how we would like to do our trips some day, when we will be done with our responsibilities and can spend 2 weeks in a Gite in one very small village that probably people back home or the tour companies have never heard of. Migrate for 2 months. Love the way you travel.
I am feeling the pressure of you experienced people reading my report.

Thanks Geetika. I am happy that you liked whatever little I posted. It's a great relief to interact with like minded people in this period of quarantine. Hope you guys are safe and are taking utmost care.

I hope my family knows about it. You are absolutely right. Researching is the most fun part of it. I think anticipation adds spice to it.

I am the researcher in my family.

We joke that as we get seated in the plane my husband asks....“ so where are we heading? “

....it’s not really like that, it just feels like it when I have spent months choosing the base locations, then look at day trip options, then accommodation, and so it goes on. I love it.

Such a wonderful experience to share with your family.

Same story with me also, in addition we always take one multi generation family vacation every year with my brother, sister and her family.

Choosing the destination is a joint decision and we kind of figure out the itinerary and tours we’d like to do. Then I work out the details and research everything. Luckily we have similar tastes, so it’s not too hard. Then of course we split up to do our own stuff and give each other some space.

We were in Andalucia early March and just made it back home before borders closed. A trip to London and Barcelona for May was of course cancelled...

ALSACE: 4 NIGHTS 3 DAYS
Alsaceis the Germanic region of France. It is a narrow vertical strip of land lying on the west bank of the river Rhine, between the Rhine and the Vosges mountains. To the north and east it shares a border with Germany. Historically speaking, Alsace was part of the German-speaking area of central Europe. In the last two centuries, Alsace has passed from Germany to France and back , and back again; consequently, it is a region that was not part of France at the time of the makings of the modern-day nation. In terms of heritage and culture, with its villages of brightly-painted steep-roofed half-timbered houses, Alsace is definitely Germanic than French.

DAY 3- Monday- 18th May 2016- STRASBOURG & NORTH ALSACE WINE ROUTE (Lower Rhine, or Bas Rhin)
Weather: 20 C- A Bright Sunny day
Drive: 170 km
Got up at 6.30 am. Had Upma and Tea as breakfast. Cleaned the car screen. Left at 7.50 am for Strasbourg via the main A35 road. No toll here. Filled Petrol at Selestat, off the highway.



This was unusual for us, as back in India, there is always an attendant to fill petrol and collect money.

It was fast moving traffic but we got some traffic before Strasbourg. Reached by 10 am. (68 km) We parked the car in the parking area on the centre divider, about 500 meters from the station at 20, Boulevard De Nancy. We walked to the station “Gare” The old building was covered with a big curved glass dome facade. Went inside the station to the Tourism office. Bought map. Bought Donuts and coffee there and we sat there sipping coffee and watching people.

Unique design of Strasbourg Station looks like a flying saucer.


Unique glass dome envelops old structure


A mobile charging cycle which keeps you fit while it charges the phone.

Walking Tour Map of Strasbourg


Golden light coming through the stained glass windows of Église Catholique Saint-Pierre le-Vieux


The Petite France section of Strasbourg is known for some of the most postcard perfect views. The half-timber buildings lining the canals, flowers spilling out of window boxes on buildings and bridges alike will have the shutterbug in you sighing and snapping all over this little area.

Spring in Strasbourg

Cafes are getting ready for the lunch time


Streetside cafe

The Barrage Vauban

This fortified bridge was a cornerstone of the city’s defenses from the 1600s when it was built, until as recently as the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. The walkway inside has some interesting stonework your camera will love, but even better is:

The Ponts Couvert is the true entry into Petite France, and is a set of fortified bridges between tall square towers. The name seems deceptive since these bridges are no longer ‘covered’ (yet the Barrage Vauban is!), but when originally built in the 1300s and up until the 1700s, the bridge did have long roofs covering them. After the Barrage Vauban was completed these weren’t necessary anymore, and were eventually taken away.


Petit France is the most charming area of Strasbourg

Monster in the corner near the entrance of Strasbourg Cathedral

To the northwest of the cathredral, still in the same square, you can’t miss the Kammerzell House. This incredibly preserved house is called by some “the most beautiful house in Strasbourg.” The foundations date back to 1427 while the ornately decorated levels of the house were built between 1467 and 1589.



In some time, this area would be full with people who will be wining and dining

Interesting door

Signages

This famous landmark of the Alsace region was the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874, and still has the honor of being the 6th tallest church in the world, and the tallest building still standing that was built entirely during the medieval period. Today, if you climb the North Tower (all 300+ steps) you can see as far as the Black Forest on a clear day.

The spot where the Cathedral in Strasbourg was built was originally home to a Roman temple, emphasizing the long history of the city. The first version of the cathedrale started to be built in 1015.

Interiors of Strasbourg Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg,


The Rose window of the Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the biggest.

beatiful lighting inside the cathedral

Altar

Astronomic Clock, Strasbourg

Light of faith


Street Character

Gutenberg Square, it is believed Johannes Gutenberg perfected the idea of printing with movable type here in Strasbourg. Gutenberg Square is a tribute to this famous resident, with a statue dedicated to him in the middle, and a colorful and thoroughly enjoyed carousel beside it.


Ornate Street light in Gutenberg Square


Shopping street

Tram Tracks over the bridge

Nice old town with canals, bridges and watch towers, half-timbered houses. Nice walk along the canals in Petit France. Cafes, souvenir shops dotted the streets. The old cathedral was really magnificent and iconic. Nice astronomical clock inside. Used the washrooms on the right side of the cathedral. Vibrant plaza outside. We completed the walking tour and walked back towards the station. Bought a straw hat. Had Pasta in a street side cafe at 3 pm. Bought grocery at Carrefour. One more lesson in French pronunciation that Carrefour is "Ka-fu" We bought a frock for Priyanka as it was her birth day the next day. We walked back to the car. We were very tired by then. We left at 4pm.

Took A35 and turned right towards the inner route, which is narrow, slow, quiet and scenic. We went to the 1st village enroute, which was Obernai. Parked the car and walked a bit. The village wasn’t very small because of its proximity to Strasbourg, but was very interesting. We bought a cake for Priyanka’s birthday.

More of a city than a village, Obernai is the second-most visited town in the Bas-Rhin, after Strasbourg. Its city hall, bell tower, wheat market and ramparts are its main curiosities. It’s a very lively city, with old-fashioned charm is well worth a visit.
OBERNAI:

Obernai street

Rampart

Half timbered buildings, curved streets

Interesting plazas

Colourful buildings

Beautiful houses

Obernai is almost a town rather than a village

Ancient well

Weather vane

We took the slower and scenic route on our way back, which goes through several small and beautiful villages, vineyards, castle and countryside.

Poonam drove after Obernai. We passed many vineyards and small villages like Dambach-la-Ville, Eichhoffen, Itterwiller, Nothalten, Kintzeim; before we went up the hill on the right to Haute Koenisburg. It looks like a fairy-tale castle on the hill. Scenic drive uphill and panoramic view from top. The castle had closed at 5pm. We met some local cyclists there who clicked our pictures.

Vineyards on both sides

Vineyards

Mittelbergheim, Picture postcard Village

Typical street

Beautiful roads










We drove back to Beblenheim and reached by 8 pm.


We enjoyed the Reisling wine given by the landlord, had pizza for dinner. Cut the cake to celebrate Priyanka’s 21st birthday. We slept at 10.30 pm as we needed an early start on the next day.

Adelaidean, Thanks.

Those photos made me smile. Thank you. Oh, to sit at one of those outdoor tables right now....

We have been to Alsace 3 times now, really lovely region.

ALSACE
Day 4- Tuesday 19th may 2015- Lake Titisee, Black Forest (GERMANY), Colmar and Egisheim (Alsace)
Weather: 15 C- Cludy and a little rains in Black Forest. / 19 C and Bright Sunshine in Colmar

Got up at 6 am. Had Omelette and coffee for breakfast and left at 8 am for Lake Titisee, Black Forest, Germany.


The route went via Colmar and we crossed River Rhine to enter Germany. We went via Freiburg, the capital of black forest. Went up the mountains through dark coniferous trees which give the name Black forest to the region. Reached Titisee Neustadt. Parked in some hotel parking lot near bahnhof. Reached by 9.15 am. Walked 10 minutes to the lake Titisee. There were lot of Grand gift shops along the lake which displayed and sold the famous cuckoo clock that is made in this region. It is a centuries old art of making precision mechanical clocks that work only on winding. It was cold and rainy. The lake was very beautiful. Would have looked better on a sunny day. We did some shopping.

Crossing the river Rhine from France to Germany.

It was cloudy when we left Colmar and it looked very serene. We were a bit worried if it would be raining in Titisee.

The Black Forest or Schwarzwald in German, gets its name from the 100-mile stretch of pine trees so dense the sun struggles to reach the forest floor.

We passed beautiful villages enroute.

We chanced upon farms and barns on the way.


This detour was not planned

We always wanted to visit a real farm

The farm is in a remote rural area but is managed very professionally with latest technology. Each cow has a computerized tag in the ear.


Birthday girl had a great time

We could see the farm very closely


The house of famous Drabba Cuckoo Clocks. Black Forest cuckoo clockmakers preserve the rich history of the region, using the same means as their forbearers to produce hand carved cuckoo clocks famous for their quality and craftsmanship.

We did some shopping near the lake. We had Black Forest cake which was my daughters' wish. Black Forest cake is not named after Germany’s Black Forest but rather a specialty liquor from the Black Forest region. Distilled from tart cherries, Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser is what gives Black Forest cake its flavor.

The lake Titisee (pronounced as Titty ZAY) was very scenic but it was very windy and cold. Roman general Titus camped near the lake, which he loved so much he named it after himself.

We ambled alongside the lakefront. Went tome boutique shops like Drabba. Admired various types of Cuckoo clocks. The clocks are not made here but at some place away from Titisee. I would have liked to see the factory. I bought a Statesons cap and a hat while kids at a burger. Did some shopping. We walked back to the car park and left at 1.30 pm.

We wandered around the German countryside, went to a real farm with cows and cowbells. It was fun. Clicked some photos.


Freiburg
We visited Colmar and Eguisheim On our way back

We crossed the French border again and reached Colmar by 3 pm. parked the car in a lane outside the city centre. Ate egg sandwiches. We walked to the tourist office. Collected a map. Used toilets nearby.
Colmar is the capital of Haute or upper Rhine in the south Alsace. It is the third largest city in Alsace after Strasbourg and Mulhouse. It still has a small town feeling. It is so pretty that it doesn’t feel real. Cobblestone streets run next to canals lined with half-timbered houses in shades of rose, sky blue, lemon, peppermint, and apricot, many dating back to the 14th century.

charming lanes of Colmar





A beatiful sculpture in a courtyard









Little Venice... So much beauty everywhere


Monster heads to ward off the evil



people with a common thing... Zest for life

street side cafes are the best places to people watch

little Venice



Projecting cast iron & wrought iron signs are a characteristic

Each of them creative and different from the other. Depicts their line of business in a very creative way

Few of the things that make Europe, Europe


We did a walking tour of Petit Venice. Old town centre is a very lively place with lot of canals and pretty half-timbered houses, fountains, plazas, outdoor cafes bustling with tourists.
We had some sandwiches there.
Poonam was very tired, so we wound up our tour and walked back to the car. Drove to a small village Eguisheim.Surrounded by vineyards, nestling in a fold of green hills, Eguisheim is a medieval village whose narrow, concentric streets highlight the architectural merits of its half-timbered houses, lovingly decorated with flowers. Since 1985, this passion has been rewarded with the "4-flower" rating of France's National Floral Award.



Most charming village


A small plaza... of Egusheim Scale



It is undoubtedly the prettiest village in Alsace

Each street corner calls yu to come and explore further

Signages

While Colmar was stunning, our trip to Eguisheim was even sweeter.
The village is arranged in two concentric streets around a central square and at every turn we found ourselves stopping and take yet another picture-perfect snap. In fact, we did that during our time in both Equisheim and Colmar. Eguisheim is to wander the pretty streets, taking it all in and stopping for lots of photos. It’s like an open-air museum.


Statue in the centre courtyard


Centre of Eguisheim

“It’s just like the village in Beauty and the Beast.”
This was my first thought when arriving in the tiny village of Eguisheum, just down the road from the equally charming town of Colmar in France. With cobbled streets, candy-coloured houses and wooden beams, it was like stepping into a scene from the film I’d watched just a week before. I half expected Belle to appear and the whole street to burst into song. It was a fairytale bought to life

Explored this unique village: historic fountains, tithe manors, a yellow sandstone church with a 13th century "Opening Virgin" statue.
Strolled along its narrow streets and admired the broad spectrum of its coloured houses, where ancient inscriptions can be deciphered on the stone lintels. We fell in love with the personality of this most typical Alsace villages.



It has a walking route marked on the concentric layout. Makes it easier to do a walking tour.
Would have liked to spend some more time in Eguisheim.

We left at 7.30 pm and reached Beblenheim at 8.15 pm.

Somewhere on the Route de Vin and Beblenheim

I explored Beblenheim, a very small village, but centrally located on the Route De Vin. Good thing is that it is beautiful and non-touristy, as it is not among the star villages that anyone would visit.

Beblenheim Church and my Gite next to it. Still golden sunlight at 8.30 pm




small and charming


Cuteness personified

We had “Ready to Eat” vegetables and bread and desserts for dinner and slept by 10.30 pm.
It was a long day since morning. We drove about 110 + 120 km , total of around 230 km.

Adelaidean, I feel good that I am not the only one who wants to BE in Alsace again and again.
You are extremely fortunate. Touch wood.
We clicked maximum photos in Alsace. Posting some of them. They are still a lot. Is that normal?

DH and I haven’t been to Alsace in a very long time, somehow we’ve focused on other parts of France in the last 10-15 years.

Please keep your photos coming Paragkash, they bring back so many happy memories, they also add that extra zing to your narrative...😉

Hi Geetika, Thanks a lot. It's my pleasure.

Still enjoying your fab report. I got all teary eyed over the Strasbourg photos.. I took my Mum there not long before she died , I’ve photos of her in the same spots as your photos. Thanks for the memories.

great photos of everywhere... well done.

schnauzer, you and your mom are lucky.
Very few people can take their parents to these lovely places.
Thanks for the kind words

ALSACE
DAY 5- Wednesday- 20th May 2016- STRASBOURG & NORTH ALSACE WINE ROUTE (Lower Rhine, or Bas Rhin)Route De Vin villages- Relaxing day (Upper Rhine, or Haute Rhin- South Alsace)
Weather: 17 C- Partly Cloudy Day
Drive: 42 km
Got up at 7.30 am. Had breakfast and left at 9.00 am


This was our last day in Alsace and we wanted it to be a bit relaxed. Roamed around in quaint Alsace villages. This is one of the most scenic part in France.
We drove on the Route De Vin. Picturesque landscape with church spires, small villages nestled in lush green vineyards.
Our first stop was

Hunawihr- ***

Sleepy laid back village. On the Alsace Wine Route, in a vineyard setting, Hunawihr is a typical Alsatian village, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Hunawihr was founded in the 7th century by Hunon. His wife, Hune, the saint of washerwomen,gives its name to the village. The pilgrimage of Saint Hune, who was canonized in 1520, grew up around the fountain situated at the foot of the village, the tradition claiming that she came there to wash the clothes of the poor.

Colourful half timbered houses are common in all of them

Overlooking the village, the 15th/16th century Church of St Jacques le Majeur, surrounded by a fortified cemetery, has preserved an unspoiled environment, and is a good example of the unity of the Alsace region. This Church also served as a donjon where the inhabitants could take refuge in case of attack.

We could see the castle on the way



Hunawihr now has only 504 inhabitants

This charming flowered village is an ideal starting-point for visiting neighbouring tourist sites, and also offers a history trail. notable places are- The church and its fortified cemetery (with Historical Monument status), the Schickardt House, the Renaissance Town Hall, The Fountain of St. Hune, the Stork and Otter Reintroduction Centre and the Butterfly Garden.

circular bastion

Heading towards Riquewihr, it becomes apparent that the visit to this village nestled between a wooden glen and protected from north winds by the Vosges Mountains, will live up to all expectations. The shades of the half-timbered houses are typical of Alsace: in red, green or bright yellow, adding a very picturesque stamp to the site.

Riquewihr is the jewel in the crown - famous for the Riesling and other great Alsace wines produced here - and looks today exactly as it did in the 16th Century. Riquewihr is a wonderful and romantic little medieval city

There is a small tourist train that takes the visitors through the main streets

Riquewihr currently has 1228 inhabitants and is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It's bigger than Hunawihr or Eguisheim, but much smaller than Colmar

All the signs are unique and beautiful

These signs add the essential flavour

Storks are there in almost every village, adding to their fairytale feel.

It drizzled for some time. After visiting the "Hotel de Ville", Town Hall, we decided to take a small break

The restaurant was beautifully decorated and served good Italian food. We had some soup and Pizzas.

Beautiful street signs

The street has several beautiful restaurants. We missed visiting the "Michelin Star" restaurant. Realized it late.

Shops cell some local handicrafts

Sitting in a beautiful small cafe and watching people is the most favourite activity

The Route De Vin is extremely scenic

With origins dating back to Roman times, Turckheim is another of the lovely towns on the Alsace wine route that is well worth a visit. The main pleasure of a visit comes from strolling along the cobbled streets in Turckheim, lined with brightly coloured half-timber houses. En-route you can admire its three fortified gateways and remaining parts of its ramparts.
The medieval gates of Turckheim The medieval ramparts that still surround Turckheim are accessed by three distinctive gateways: – the Munster Gate (through that gate, the tortured witches were lead to the square to be burnt at the stake). The Munster Gate has windows decorated with scallops which suggest that Turckheim was a stopover for pilgrims on the Way of St. James.


We started our walking tour in the main square in Turckheim which is very attractive with its fortified gate, a lovely 16th century building which is home to the tourist office, and a selection of pretty half-timbered houses. We then wandered along the 'Grand Rue' to see more of these attractive half-timbered houses and lots of wine houses offering tastings (degustation).





The old town of Turckheim In the town centre, many buildings reflect the prosperous past of Turckheim, which was a member of the Décapole: the Guardhouse, the Town-Hall, the parish church, as well as several half-timbered houses.



A good place to start your visit is in the main square in Turckheim which is very attractive with its fortified gate, a lovely 16th century building which is home to the tourist office, and a selection of pretty half-timbered houses.

Spring flowers

half timbered houses

pastel houses

main street, we had waffles here

main square is extremely attractive





The red-coloured guardhouse was originally used as a covered market and a town-hall before being assigned to the guilds in 1575. The gable wall is decorated with an imperial eagle. The guardhouse houses a bell in the tower which dates back to 1658. The fountain standing in front of the Guardhouse was mentioned in 1667. It is surmounted by a statue of Mary the Virgin with Child.










This medieval town was originally mentioned in 1227 when Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire acquired a castle in present-day Kaysersberg. Initially named “Kaisersberg” (in German) or “Emperor’s Mountain,”

Curio shop


Even with a population of less than 3,000 people, this charming town on the Alsace Wine Route is bustling with colorful buildings and quaint architecture. Having been growing wine for over 400 years – and still being one of the main economic sources for this town

In 2017, Kaysersberg was named France’s favorite village, beating out 12 other finalists. It won due to its friendly locals, walkable streets, and adorable architecture (look at all the half-timbered houses!). To be honest, due to the German influence, it felt like I was in a German village most of the time.

Through the gun hole on the bridge

The city of Kaysersberg and its viticulture are dominated by the castle ruins, which only consists now of a beautiful round tower.

Beautiful lanes

The river Weiss passing through the town makes it unique and different than others.

River Weiss cascading through the village

The famous Fortified Bridge (1514) replaced an old wooden structure. Unique in Alsace, it spans the small river of the Weiss which separates the old city and the upper part of town. It is equipped, on both sides, with parapets and arrowslits, in order to prevent any action that may occur along the Weiss River.
In the middle of the bridge, is an aedicule surmounted by the coat of arms of the German Holy Roman Empire and of those of the city (which had an emblem of a pouch) which houses an 18th century polychrome statue of the Virgin. Residents who had committed minor crimes were locked up here, and who, for a short time became the laughingstock of the town.


picture postcard hoses are so well maintained by each individual. The immaculately painted houses have beautiful flower beds on their windows.



The parish church of Kaysersberg is dedicated to the Holy Cross. Tradition has it that Empress Helena discovered the real cross in 327 in Jerusalem.

The (modern) statue of the saint is placed in a niche in the pediment of the church and the statue of Emperor Constantine, her son, on the beautiful fountain in front of the sanctuary.




Out of the villages we saw, I would rate them as
Riquwihr- * * * *

Kayeserberg- * * * *

Turchheim- * * *

Eguishem * * * *

The villages are picture post card and the most beautiful in France. One can visit these 4-5 villages to get the best out of Alsace.
I would have liked to visit the car museum at Mulhouse and Ronchamp Chapel designed by Le Corbusier.
We came back by 4.30 pm and chilled at the apartment. Packed bags.
I wrote my travel notes and revised the details of the next day.
Had “Ready to eat vegetables and bread and slept by 10.30 pm.
We had a long drive the next day and were planning to leave early.

This continues to be fascinating. You packed a lot into each day. The warm colors of the buildings kind of surprise me; I think of warm colors as more like southern France.

Thank you so much for posting this. It's fascinating, and readers are benefiting from your generous and painstaking report. The photos are making me rethink my now, postponed, itinerary.

Much appreciate it.

Your pictures are absolutely stunning, the one with the dark clouds over the landscape looks like a water colour!

Normandie also has a lot of half timbered houses, though I don’t seem to remember these rusts and browns, need to go back and look at my pictures again...

The Alsace is lovely and your photos show it at its best. We have only spent a week there and that was way back in 2006. It really makes me want to return. One of the things we really enjoy about travelling around France is seeing how the house styles vary from region to region. The Alsace is very different, but the more areas you visit, the more differences you can see.

I am always thrilled whenever anybody promotes Alsace like this even though it has now become too popular during the summer months, especially with German tourists, who find it really exotic. That's what makes me laugh when people call Alsace "Germanic" -- the Germans don't think so at all.

If one good thing come out of the current health situation, it will be that a lot of pressure will be taken off the main tourist sights and those who manage to travel will be able to see them at their best.

I am anxiously awaiting the next installments of your report.

SWITZERLAND : 2 DAYS
Day 6 Thursday- 21st may 2016- Drive to Krattigen, Lake Thun, SWITZERLAND
Weather: 15 Degree C- Cloudy and with showers
Drive: 230 KM- 3.15 hours


The owner of our Gite in Beblenheim was really very sweet and humble. Gave us personal attention.

Our destination for the 7th night was on the banks of Lake Annecy, France. Drive to Annecy through France via Besancon Via N5 A41 would have been an 9 hours& 397 km drive through mountainous region with an estimated Toll of €105. As we had decided to not do such a long journey on one day, we had to look for some night stop in between. We decided to take a shorter and cheaper route Via Switzerland and re-visit some of our favourite places. This was our 4th Visit to Switzerland. We had taken Eurail or Swissrail pass on our earlier trips. Driving on Swiss roads and going to the stunning places in between the small picturesque villages was the main attraction.
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Got up at 5.30 am Had Breakfast and left by 7.15 am for Switzerland. I was realizing by then, that 1 hour was not enough for all of us to get ready, have breakfast and leave. We were 45 minutes late as per the original plan. Though it didn't make any difference on this day. So I was cool.

Filled petrol at a pump at 9 km from Beblenheim. Petrol was slightly cheaper on the inner roads.
We crossed Switzerland border near Basel. Paid 43 Euros as a one-time yearly toll sticker to enter Switzerland. Crossed 3 tunnels after that via Olten, Bern into the Bernese Oberland. It was raining throughout our journey. The roads were excellent. So was the scenery. But the grey skies made it look dull.

We took a smaller road downwards towards Spiez on Lake Thun. It was still drizzling and we thought of not getting down. The lakeside and the castle are beautiful. We just had a photo-stop. Poonam took the wheels then. We went along the lake. Saw the Picturesque Spiez castle along the shore. Didn’t get parking anywhere. So drove ahead towards Krattigen.

Reached our wonderful Chalet Hotel Seeblick after a pleasant 2.15 hours drive by 10.30 am.
They allowed us early check in. Gave us the best room no 113 with the best view on the 1st floor.
This suit has one bedroom, Living room with a sofa cum bed, kitchen and a toilet. It has a 6 feet wide wrap around deck. The beds were very comfortable with fresh super-white linen. Situated high on the hillside above Thunersee Lake, every apartment has a balcony overlooking the lake and surrounding areas from Thun to Interlaken. Apartment was spacious, with proper kitchen fully stocked with pots, pans, utensils, etc The interiors were immaculate.
This suite had a breath taking 270 degrees view of the lake Thun and father away, Brienzersee; surrounded by snow-capped Alps, green meadows, and countryside and tiny. hamlets around. We could see waterfalls on the mountains and ships in the lake. This place has some of the best views I've seen in my travels. Indeed an unforgettable experience! This hotel is one of the most wonderful hotels I've stayed in.. ever.
In 15 minutes, the door bell rang. At the door was Naja, the owner lady herself, with an exotic bouquet of flowers from the hotel garden.
Wish you a Happy Wedding Anniversary! She wished me. I had almost forgotten that I had asked for the best possible room as it was our wedding anniversary. She did give us the best room indeed. My anniversary was one month later, but this was our customary annual trip around our anniversary. So though it was not 100% true, it wasn't false too. This works almost every time. She was very sweet. I hope she didn't see the element of surprise on my face.

We made our ready to eat lunch and had it with local french bread that we had bought. Had some nice milkshake.
It was still raining outside and was cold and breezy. From our apartment we had the best view of the lake and the alps beyond. We were stunned by the wonderful view from our apartment. It had everything that Switzerland had to offer. We decided to gaze at it and just laze around on the cosy bed and get the much needed rest. The two of us slept in the afternoon while the girls checked their whatsapp and FB messages on Wifi. We got up at 4.30 pm. Had a cup of hot coffee and cookies.

We had cancelled our sightseeing plan (Lauterbrunnen valley and Grindelwald) on that day due to rains. But decided to explore the area around. Left at 6 pm.
We drove 5 minutes downhill to the shores of lake Thun. It looked like a busy road connecting Interlaken. Parked at a designated parking lot next a lake side café. Parking was free after 6.30 pm. We had a lazy stroll along the shore of Thunersee, admiring the beauty for about an hour. Drove back to the hotel. We missed one turn and entered a tunnel that took us almost till Interlaken. Took a turn back and reached hotel. Had a wonderful dinner on the dining table. There was a blue light in the sky. We saw one of the most glorious sunsets from our deck, while we enjoyed our desserts. The Sun was glowing through the clouds. It was getting very cold. It was a good idea to look for a place with a view, or this rainy day would not have been memorable.
I was hoping to have good weather the next day, so that we could visit some quaint places. We slept at 11 pm.


View towards Spiez

View towards Interlaken.

Our beautiful Chalet.

The panoramic view from our apartment.

The cafe on the lakeside

a relaxed time on the lawns


Stroll along Thunersee


We had a tranquil time which helped us forget the feel of being on a trip and looking forward to something, rater than living in the moment.

Sunset from deck

Cosy dinner

It looked so ethereal in the blue twilight. The pendant light reflecting in the window. People must be so lucky who can have this view for a lifetime. Such moments make me feel like giving up my city life and settle down in some tranquil village surrounded by nature.