Rigi

When my human family told me that we are going to see the Rigi mountain, I was not excessively happy. After all, we have already been to Mount Pilatus less than two years ago. And Lake Lucerne is not my favourite lake on the planet. But since horse of value always overcome their fears, I decided to spend this lovely summer day with you in the Swiss canton of Schwyz and even get close to what was my most dreadful experience ever. First, we will take a cable car to arrive to Rigi Kaltbad, where people enjoy some mineral water spa with an amazing view.

From here, we will go further up with a cogway train, being the oldest mountain railway in Europe.

As we move up, you can notice this wooden platform. If you thought it is standing here because there will be a dancing party tonight, you definitely know little about the pre-Alpine folklore.

This is a platform prepared for Schwingen, a traditional Swiss wrestling contest. And if you think that Swiss people do not take it seriously because it is "only" folklore, watch that.

Finally, we arrive to the top of the Rigi Kulm.

One of the most amazing things about Rigi is that it is almost entirely surrounded by water. It has three lakes at its feet. The first is Lake Lucerne that we all know too well.

Then come Lake Zug which we have already seen in the city of Zug ...

... and just next to it Lake Lauerz.

Rigi is referred to sometime as the queen of mountains. To improve its status even more, it arranged to become a sister of a goddess. Or more precisely a sacred mountain, Mount Emei.

Let's jump on the train again and move down the Rigi mountain towards the shores of Lake Lucerne.

I love this sign towards sheep and goats.

As we approach the lake, I recalled why I always thought this is one of the nicest areas of Switzerland.

It almost makes me want to get closer. I am not yet ready to be in the lake. But why not trying to be on the lake?

Everyone on board!

Safety first so let's check the lifeboats.

The engines seem to work fine as well.

I am now reassured, we can sit on one of those nice benches.

The nice building in the back is a luxury hotel.

Have you noticed something special on the mountain? Yes! This is a huge Swiss flag over there!

Time to get off the ship and move towards new adventures. I hope that you have enjoyed the time we spent by the Regina montium. If you would like to see more, I truly recommend you to watch the panoramic views available under the link.

Lugano - Mt. San Salvatore

Today we will start a journey through Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. Out first stop will be the beautiful city of Lugano. This time we will not visit it by walking around - I will show it to you from bird-eye perspective. But since horses cannot fly, we will need to use the funicular to Mount San Salvatore.

The train is already waiting for us.

Off we go!

In the middle we have to switch trains. I assume the cable that moves the funicular would be otherwise too long.

The upper part of the trail is really steep.

Finally, we arrive to the top. This mountain is called Monte San Giorgio. We will visit it soon.

The road that runs through the lake is leading to Melide.

Here comes Lake Lugano. It reminds me a bit of Lake Lucerne that we have seen from the top of Mount Pilatus.

Let's go a bit further up, in the direction of the television and radio antenna.

On top of the hill you will find a church devoted to Saint Saviour (or San Salvadore). It was built at the beginning of eighteenth century and is managed by the Confraternity of Saint Martha and the Good Death.

It is possible to go on roof top of the church.

There, you will find the most spectacular observation deck in the region.

And here it comes, the city of Lugano, as seen from the top of San Salvatore church on the top of San Salvatore mountain.

In the back you can see the snow alpine peaks.

The lake is long and includes many sections. The area behind us is less populated.

Though some small villages are crouched to the mountain and lake side here and there.

Time to get back on the funicular so that we do not miss the last one and do not have to go down on foot.

It is the best place to admire the marina of Lugano.

One day we need to come here again and take a cruise on the Lake Lugano, similar to the one we took on Laggo Maggiore. But now we need to catch a train, there are still some places in Lugano that I want to share with you.

Dreilinden

Last week we have visited the Abbey of St Gallen with its famous library. We will stay a bit longer in the city to enjoy its location (and the nice weather). Let's leave the abbey and the old town by one of these nice narrow streets.

We will cross the river Steinach ...

... and after about ten or fifteen minutes we will arrive to the lower station of the Mühleggbahn.

 If you would have doubts in which city you are, it is enough to look on the walls.

 We will take the funicular to go up the hill.

On your right you can notice a nice waterfall. It shows a bit how steep this hill is.

The funicular runs most of its length in a tunnel. But I see some light at the end of it.

Next to the upper station I noticed a bakery shop. But what was even more interesting was that it seemed to have a parking space for broomsticks! It seems that some witches have faster ways of going up the hill.

I have spared you the walk up the hill because I wanted you to keep your strength. The goal of our trip is the Dreilinden weg, one of numerous hiking trails in canton St. Gallen. It runs on top of the hill, at your feet you can see the city of St. Gallen.

You will quickly notice the abbey.

I propose we stop here for a moment and use this nice device. 

It is a sort of telescope that will allow me to demonstrate to you that St. Gallen is actually lying on the banks of Lake Constance.

It is time we return to the upper station of the Mühleggbahn. Once again, the light emerges from the tunnel.

Let's jump in and move on to new adventures.