By Chris Page
Copyright thescarboroughnews
And, thanks to multifunctual manufacturers Victorinox, UK visitors can easily assemble their own personalised versatile tool, consistently transcending transient trends. The guided bespoke engineering experience, available by emailing info.brunnen.ch@victorinox.com, is among off the beaten track attractions aplenty available to Brit trippers keen to stray from central cantons’ well-trodden tourism trail. Unforgettable memories await for “far from the madding crowd” types touring boutique towns, discovering eclectic culture and rich history amid amazing Lucerne scenery, fit to grace any Lindt packaging – other land of milk and money confectionery is available. Where to stay … FOCUS OF ATTENTION: Focus on first class hospitality is foremost, fittingly, at FOCUS Hotel (https://focushotel.ch/), perfectly located short walk from train station, superbly situated to explore expansive Sursee heritage and surrounding enticing environs. “Arrive, switch off, recharge batteries” mission statement is evident throughout modern four-star site’s 64 rooms, complemented by roof terrace, Baan Thai restaurant’s diversely authentic Asian tastes and, ideal to burn supplemental calories, fitness centre. Management confirm: “Home away from home, we offer unique symbiosis of relaxation and recreation opportunities. Perfect hospitality is also ensured by efficient and simple processes as well as professional service. We’re friendly, innovative, uncomplicated and personally take care of the well-being of all guests”. PREMIER POSITION: Waldstätterhof (https://waldstaetterhof.ch/) proved prime position for Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria, 140 years of stately splendour continuing apace across 91 newly renovated rooms in Brunnen four-star fin-de siècle hotel hugging Lake Lucerne. Exuding enduring elegance and cordial charm, standing within picturesque private park, captivating accommodation commands breathtaking vistas of Uri Rigi alpine range across cerulean waters. Boasting bar, bistro and banqueting as well as lounge, wellness centre and spa, tastefully restored restaurant snagged “Golden Fish” award, not least for flavoursome seafood speciality that is whole zander in salt crust. “Arrive, be amazed, feel welcome,” invite management. “Let yourself be enchanted by incomparable ambience with spectacular mountain panorama, place of longing, oasis of well-being and home base for those hungry for adventure.” Where to go … CYCLE OF LIFE: There’s no better way to explore stunning scenery than by bike, made effortlessly easier by electric cycles, whose turbo charge allows most asthmatic and arthritic among us to be King of the Mountains (polka dot top optional), all the gear – and gears – available from Sursee GO-IN (https://go-in.ch/sursee/). Leisurely long and winding road trip leads to Agrovision Burgrain (https://www.burgrain.ch/) where welcome light lunch awaits after witnessing why sustainable site is best in its field, environmentally friendly organic farming, fair trade fare and museum among agricultural attractions, before advancing, refueled by refreshments, to Flüss Kapelle’s spiritual solace. From there to the Caribbean … nearer than expected! Not West Indies, but Nottwil Lake Sempach oasis (https://www.caribbean-village.ch/), technicoloured as Joseph’s amazing dreamcoat, unexpectedly unique destination for almost half a century for those keen on water sports or (we know who we are!) wind-down beach rehydration. LIVING IN THE PAST: Culture vultures flock to Städtliführung Sursee (https://www.sursee.ch/stadtfuehrungen/24529) for educational and entertaining tours unearthing 700-year chronology of alley-strewn settlement, taking its title from Sure stream bisecting bygone buildings that include UNESCO World Heritage Site ancient village Halbinsel. History buffs also make bee-line for Bundesbrief Museum (https://www.bundesbrief.ch/en), Schwyz Charters of Confederation celebration, rich in mythology, home of shrine-like Federal Charter of 1291 pivotal pact perceived to be among nation’s founding documents. “TELL” TALE TRIP: William Tell is, appropriately according to his crossbow accuracy, apple of Schwyz residents’ eye, beloved legend whose worldwide fame is due to early 19th century dramatist Friedrich von Schiller. Fact or fiction, freedom-fighting folk hero’s footsteps can be retraced by boat then funicular to heady heights, overlooking Uri Rotstock, of “cradle of Switzerland” Seelisberg, whose lofty 850 metres above sea level altitude outnumber 700 inhabitants, previously including The Beatles’ transcendental meditation guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Putting “great” into great outdoors, Mother Nature abounds around Weg der Schweiz forest walk, rural idyl continuing until big reveal of Rütli meadow, venerated as edelweiss, symbolic centre of Swiss origins since 1291 oath swearing, this land’s birthplace marked annually on Swiss National Holiday which, this white rose county native noted, shares August 1 Yorkshire Day celebrations. VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY: Aquatic adventures await at Adventure Point (https://www.adventurepoint.ch/), paddling your own canoe or sharing guided tour, group kayak following slipstream of traditional trade routes, encircled by breathtakingly beautiful shores, scattered homesteads clinging resolutely to sheer hillsides as stubborn steinbock. And, for unexcelled combination of class and comfort, invest in Legends of Lake Lucerne (https://www.lakelucerne.ch/en/legends/) exclusive excursion, good ship Gallia offering supreme steamboat experience extraordinaire, awash with quality cuisine, fascinating facts and fables relayed by modern-day embodiment of 1835 pioneering navigator Casimir Friederich Knörr. All aboard 63 metre vessel, weighing 330 tons, full steam ahead at 1085 hp, for up to 900 guests. To quote childhood favourite film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang “port out, starboard home, posh with a capital P-O-S-H”. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/lifestyle/outdoors/i-went-on-the-grand-train-tour-of-switzerland-and-this-is-why-i-found-myself-at-the-height-of-luxury-4858768 Where to wine ‘n’ dine … CHEW CHEW: The service arriving at Restaurant Bahnhöfli (https://www.sursee-bahnhoefli.ch/) is consistently first class, generating fresh footfall for Sursee steam railway station, building imbued with yesteryear nostalgia fast gathering traction among today’s discerning gourmets. Fresh, regional seasonal ingredients include belly pork chunks, salad swerved by we committed carnivores, fine food accompanied by Brauhuus 531 house beers, including special edition Höfli, refreshing as Lake Sempach skinny-dip! LOCAL DELICACIES: “Dishes from the region, coordinated with rhythm of nature, relaxed conversations, beautiful atmosphere and Swiss ambience” is promised – and duly delivered in success on a plate style – at iheimisch restaurant (https://restaurant-iheimisch.ch/). Quality over quantity epicurean ethos sources superior flavours from France to Austria but, as indigenous title suggests, mostly locally produced ingredients, ales travelling further afield from Appenzell to Sursee, supporting smaller suppliers to further promote nation’s economy. ON THE WATERFRONT: Key to Quai 2 Bar & Café (https://quai2.ch/) popularity is adaptable diversity, recent reimagining ensuring Brunnen site “awakes from hibernation”. Latest concept includes self-service counter, innovative in-café travel agency … and arguably tastiest oven-fresh tarte flambée this side of Alsace, pizza thinner than Bern “Bond girl” Ursula Andress in svelte Sixties prime. Outdoor area offers added attraction of ring-side seats, weather permitting mid-week summer evenings, to witness at close quarters boat station spectacle of alphorns, once used for calling and calming cattle, enhanced by gravity-defying flag juggling. HIGH CUISINE: Two people, one passion, adds up to Janick and Maren Büeler’s Bellevue (https://brunnen-bellevue.ch/) baby. Having met and fallen in love there, marriage and business partners now invite all-comers to share their affection for for Ingenbohl “special” place. “We are particularly motivated to do our best and make every visit an unforgettable experience for our guests.” Truly international menu features Irish beef and cheese rind with red snapper from far-away waters of Sri Lanka, all appreciated in cavernous hall, savouring lakeland peaks picture postcard panorama that’s truly intoxicating … as is vodka-soaked sorbet! Fact check … TAKE FLIGHT: Swiss International Airlines SWISS (swiss.com) connects Switzerland with the UK, offering 160-plus weekly flights from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, London Heathrow and City airports, one-way fares from £76 to Zurich, £54 to Geneva, including all taxes, fees and surcharges, one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 23kg and single hand case. TRAVEL CLASS: Travel Switzerland (travelswitzerland.com) Swiss Travel Pass offers UK visitors consecutive days unlimited travel across rail, bus and boat networks plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply), local trams and buses around 90 towns and cities, also including Swiss Museum Pass, granting free entry to 500 exhibitions, prices from £229 for three-day second class ticket. EXTRA, EXTRA: Holiday Extras is market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges and transfers, all guaranteeing “more holiday with less hassle”. Customers last year saved average £196 per trip by booking airport parking in advance, Flextras allowing change or cancellation without charge, Manchester Airport 13-day meet and greet £114.99 with October 31 arrival. Same Flextras support available, Manchester T2 Holiday Inn overnight stay, dinner and breakfast £238 based on October 17 arrival, more information and booking available at HolidayExtras.com or by calling 0800 316 5678.
