Travelogue Road Trip Germany and Switzerland

August 1530 2020 (16 days)


Switzerland > Around the Davos Lake

Dag 6 - Thursday 20 August 2020

Before we leave the Principality of Liechtenstein, we visit the castle one more time. Two days ago, when we walked to the castle, the sun was in the wrong position. In the morning, the sun shines on the residence of the principality. This time, we drive up by car. Much easier. The sun is shining brightly again this morning—a perfect combination for a nice photo. On the other side of Vaduz lies the old Rhine bridge. Since 1870, a covered wooden bridge has connected the banks between Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Since then, the bridge has been rebuilt several times.

Switzerland - The old wooden bridge over the Rhine

It used to be the main connection between the two countries. Nowadays, heavier traffic goes over modern bridges. Right in the middle of the bridge lies the border. There are no customs formalities here. A signpost with the two country names marks the border. Several passersby stop to take a photo here. We conclude that we have seen enough of this small country. We set course for Davos. The mountain town of Davos is one of the highest situated cities in Switzerland. Due to its remote location, Davos used to be a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Nowadays, the town focuses on tourists: skiers in winter and hikers and mountain bikers in summer. Our hotel is right in the center of Davos-Platz. Hotel Alte Post is a cozy, centrally located little hotel. We receive a warm welcome. “You must be the Van der Veer family?” Our accent gave away our Dutch origin. We get a nice room on the top floor. We also receive tickets for the bus. With these, we can travel free between Davos and Klosters. That comes in handy. Shortly after, we board the bus to Davos-Bahnhof-Dorf. Here lies Lake Davos, a large, clear blue mountain lake. Due to the nice weather, many visitors are on and around the lake. At Bachi’s Strandbad bar, we order something to eat on the terrace. While waiting for our order, we see people sailing, SUPing, and surfing on the water.

Switzerland - The beautiful mountain lake near Davos

On the table is a card indicating the walk around the lake is just over three kilometers. That is actually more than we had expected. Nevertheless, we decide to walk the loop. From every angle, the view of the lake and the mountains behind it is magnificent. By bus, we return to Davos-Platz. In the evening, we eat on the main street. The restaurant looks cozy. The waiter says it is busy and it may take a while. No problem, we have time. The waiter seems to be the most bothered by the crowd himself. Hastily, he takes our order and, just as hurriedly, places the drinks on the table. Faster than expected, our meal arrives. The waiting time was better than we had feared.

ZermattThe village of Zermatt between the mountains
Baroque churchThe baroque Jesuit Church in Lucerne
Munster of BaselThe impressive Munster Cathedral
Basel MonasteryThe cloisters of the Munster of Basel