Spirited and Spiritual: Brussels to Zurich

We visited Brussels for a few hours on our way from Paris to Luxembourg. This was part of our Europe package tour with Soman’s Leisure Tours.

The drive from Paris to Brussels was indeed scenic.

Paris to Brussels

Wind Mills on either side of the road en route to Brussels

When we reached Brussels after a three and a half hour drive it was raining heavily.

Brussels

Place Royale

Our first stop was at Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a beautiful square which houses the Town Hall and beautiful other buildings of stunning architecture including restaurants, pubs, chocolate shops etc. It’s one of the top things to do in Brussels.

Grand Place of Brussels

I grabbed myself a Belgian waffle with rich chocolate sauce

and super soft cream. We bought some Belgian Chocolates

as well to take back home. You cannot visit Belgium and not

try their waffles and chocolates. A short walk from the
Grand Place is the Manekkan Pis, a tiny bronze statue of
a cute little boy, a little peeing fountain.

Manekkan Pis

Manekkan Pis - the little peeing fountain

Our next stop was at the Atomium which has become an icon of the city of Brussels. Nine large spheres are connected with tubes to form the shape of an atom of iron. It’s a unique looking structure which houses restaurants and exhibits inside the spheres. We just admired this iconic building from outside but didn’t go in.

In front of the Atomium

The Atomium

Brussels also has a large collection of comic strip street art and is home to Tin Tin....

Comic Strip

There are museums, cathedrals, palaces, castles......

Except for the rain we really enjoyed those few hours in Brussels and then proceeded to Luxembourg where we retired for the day.

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries of Europe. It’s also one of the richest countries. One of the most charming places as well. We stayed at Urspelt Castle which is a restored castle in a very calm area.

Hubby in front of our hotel - Urspelt Castle

Urspelt Castle

Luxembourg was not in our itinerary and it was just an overnight stay on our way from Paris to Zürich. It's is a serene, beautiful little country. We enjoyed the drive through the country side. In fact this length of the journey was one of the most beautiful part of our drive through Europe and it was everyone’s favourite. We all wished we could spend more time in this charming country. In the morning after breakfast we continued our journey.

Kirchzarten in Baden-Württemberg - On the way to Black Forest

Falkensteig, Germany - on our way to Drubba

Bassin Vauban

A small break at Mahlberg, Germany

Our first halt was at Drubba the land of the cuckoo clock in the Black Forest area.

The lovely Pedestrain Zone

Titisee

Many in our group purchased cuckoo clocks. There are two types, the traditional ones which are weight driven and the electronic ones. We had a demo of the making of authentic cuckoo clock which was really very interesting.

The cuckoo outlet

The Black Forest in south Germany is a beautiful Fairy tale like place. Lake Titisee is another picturesque place and is one of the best attractions in the Black Forest area with mountains surrounding it. The place is crowded with tourists. There are beautiful shops on either side of the street near the lake.

Titisee

Lake Titisee

Titisee

Lake Titisee

After spending a few hours in Titisee we headed for Switzerland. By evening we reached the Rheinfalls at Neuhausen near Schaffhaussen in Switzerland.

Rhein Falls - Schauffaussen

Schauffaussen

It’s Europe’s biggest waterfalls. It was a lovely feeling. After spending some time there and clicking a few snaps we proceeded to our Hotel Swiss Star in Wetzikon.

At Hotel Swiss Star

Hotel Swiss Star

Next day early morning after a hearty breakfast we continued with our sightseeing

On the way to Engelberg

Engelberg

At around 10 in the morning we reached the charming alpine town of Engelberg from where we took the cable car and the Rotair, the rotating cable car which gives 360 degree views, up to the top of Mt. Titlis. It was indeed a spectacular journey . And on our way we saw adventurous skiers gliding down .

In the cable car to Mt Titlis

Going up to Mt. Titlis

It’s a breathtaking sight on top with snow all over . Mt Titlis

is covered with snow throughout the year. The walk through the glacial cave was awesome. Ice flyer rides are also available. We had lunch at a restaurant on top.

On top of Mt Titlis

At the restaurant on top of Mt. Titlis

Playing with snow on top of Mt Titlis

My Jain food on top of Mt Titlis

After half a day of fun and frolic we took the cable car back down and then continued our journey to the beautiful town, Lucerne .

Engelberg - The cable cars to Mt. Titlis

I loved this wonderful city. Our first stop was at Kapellbrücke bridge, (Chapel Bridge) the symbol of Lucerne. It’s a beautiful wooden bridge across lake Lucerne .

Kappel Bridge

View of Lucern city from Kappel Bridge

Lucerne

Inside the Kappel Bridge

Another must see is the Lion Monument. This monument of a dying lion above a pond is a memorial for Swiss guards who laid down their lives for the country during the French Revolution.

The Lion Monument

After some shopping we drove to Zurich.

I was excited to be back in this city after 9 years. I was here as part of a training program during my employment days and had made good friends from across the globe.

It was raining heavily this time and hence just did a short Photo stop at Banhoffstrasse and the Zurich river before returning to our hotel.