Switzerland Is More Than Mountains

When people think of Switzerland, they think mostly of snow capped mountains, fondue and cows - they're (mostly) wrong.

Vineyards and a boat ferry on the Bielersee in northwest Switzerland (no mountains in sight).

I did the same, before living here.

It’s nothing out of the ordinary.

I mean, there’s good reason Switzerland is known for fondue, snow capped mountains and cows (with bells, no whistles).

The country is a mountain paradise for winter and summer outdoor enthusiasts.

I’m one of them.

But you’d be mistaken to think that that is all there is to this little historically neutral region. The bigger lakes towards the west, northwest, central and north east of the country being a case in point.

We live in the southwest of Switzerland, in the mountains of the upper Simmental Valley.

Not that far from the famous Matterhorn and the Italian border.

As such, you see a lot of that from me (images, recommendations, family outings etc.).

But as these things go, it took people from another part of the world to visit us to make me realise the title of this post:

Switzerland is more than mountains.

Indeed it is.

And as we headed northwest to the Bielersee on a day outing with my visiting parents (everywhere in Switzerland is a day outing if you’re from South Africa), I was reminded of the diversity of such a small country.

A picturesque walk along the village of Erlach on the Bielersee (Lake of Biel).

We arrived in Erlach, a little village on the Bielersee, and were pleasantly surprised by the ambience.

Beautiful lake.

Vineyards for miles.

And restaurants offering traditional Swiss fair, along with regional delicacies such as fish from the lake.

Where to eat?

• If you’re on a budget but want a good food: Restaurant Cabane du Pêcheur (we ate here)

• If you’re into (Michelin Star) fine dining: Aux Trois Amis (the friends of my parents we were visiting)

Tourists in our own (my adopted) country.

I recall the same being true in South Africa, though.

We get so caught up in our daily routine and habits that it takes poeple from elsewhere to visit and remind us of the awesomeness of our own home country and / or region.

A selection of fish from a local restaurant Restaurant Cabane du Pêcheur on the Bielersee (Lake of Biel).

That’s it for this week!

Any interesting stories or thoughts to add?

Simply hit reply and let me know / comment below (so we can all benefit).

Have a great week!

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Until next time ✌🏽.

Cornelius

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