A Time Capsule in the Alps

Most come for the Alps and banks, but underneath Switzerland's democratic and efficient public persona lie the well-preserved remnants of its 200-year-old history.

-  LU YAWEN

As I peered down onto the snowcapped valley on the Swiss Alps from the Sphinx Terrace at 3,571m above sea level on Jungfraujoch, the frenetic jostling of 30 other tourists faded away. The white peaks looked satin soft, punctuated by black rock peeking through.

On the horizon, the Alestch Glacier reached out towards the French and German border, meeting the clouds in the distance. It was a view undoubtedly deserving of its Heritage title.

UNESCO World It was springtime in May when Switzerland Tourism invited me. In two weeks, we traversed through six cantons via train (and sometimes boat) with the First Class Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Door-to-Door Luggage Service in an ambitious itinerary showcasing Swiss train engineering prowess and dependability.

`STATUESQUE AND ANCIENT

Switzerland is famed for many things: abundant natural beauty, reliable banks, modern-day chocolates, luxury watchmaking, its hospitality and culinary schools, and, of course, cheese fondue.

Noted for maintaining armed neutrality for more than two centuries, it has become one of the most developed countries in the world, flourishing in a long period of peace.

More importantly, it has continued to preserve its historical buildings and artefacts dating back to medieval times, turning its cities and towns into unique time capsules.

On Europe's highest point, the ancient peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfraujoch have modernised the towns of Interlaken and Grindelwald.

The sprawling Grindelwald Terminal is the newest in the Alps and is the starting point for the Eiger Express tricable gondola, an intimate introduction to the Eiger's staggering North face as it climbs up to Eigergletscher station in 15 minutes.

The rest of Jungfrau Railways, however, has kept its old-world charm.