Day trip to Mount Titlis: Switzerland

Does Mindset for Tourism Matter?

As my Switzerland trip is being planned and we are picking up places to visit .. “Mount Titlis” tops the list. I wonder, the 10,000-foot or so-high mountain how am I going to see its beauty …  back home we can go only to the base of a massif or if the roads are in good condition to a certain height but to the TOP is still a dream.

So the mindset for tourism does matter. The mindset of the Government, the mindset of the people of that country. I strongly believe the attitude needs to be developed right from childhood. May it be tourism, cleanliness, discipline or you name it.

I can say developed, inculcated, and then followed diligently. If the government and the citizens transgress, high penalties must be in place.

As far as tourism is concerned every inch of this planet needs to be experienced for multiple reasons. It has Natural wonders, History, Man-made wonders, and of course Culture which has people, lifestyles, and food. Each of which is fascinating.

Changing Times & ERA

To do all the above we need Infrastructure. In today’s fast-paced world, time is the key, unlike in the olden days, when we could savor travel with the saying

 “The Journey is more important than the destination”

The destination is vital and time is the essence. As the human race evolved with technology and resources, they are now adventurous, looking for thrill and luxury. What they need is the right Infrastructure.

“Mount Titlis”

Coming back to “Mount Titlis” Day trip. Yes, day trips can be easily taken based in and around “Mount Titlis” in cities/towns or villages like Interlaken, Lucerne, or Zurich. It’s a matter of an hour or so of travel to reach the base.

We are based in Lucerne and taking a day trip from here. On this particular day, we take a train from “Lucerne ” to “Engelberg” a small resort town some 35 km away.

The Tickets for the train journey are covered in our SWISS PASS and a train departs every hour to “Engelberg” The Journey to this monastery town takes about 45 minutes.

Weather your friend or Foe

We had missed ” Jungfraujoch ‘” one-day prior because of the weather conditions. So checking the weather App is a great suggestion.

It’s May, the shoulder season in Switzerland, we can experience the traces of Severe winters on the steep and lofty ALPS as the spring bloom peeps out in shades of greens, yellow, and pink in the “Engelberg valley”

All that said the train and the thoughts race as the thick cloud cover threatens us, every ray of the sun is a ray of hope for clear skies.

The landscape though has cast its spell on our thoughts as we pass by stunning turquoise lakes bearing the mirror image of whatever stands on its bank, making it a craze of today’s photographer’s delight – a mirror image in the water.

The Alps seem to have a lush green carpet of rolling meadows, with a red” Euro Rail “passing by, it makes a picture-perfect postcard.

“ ENGELBERG”                                

From “Engelberg” train station, it’s a short walk to the ” Mt.Titlis ” Gondola ride station. Walking past the river we arrive to purchase our tickets for the Gondola ride. Many of our fellow passengers have purchased tickets from the many outlets from the cities that  they are stationed.

The ticket purchase is a breezy experience and we are off to the Gondola, having secured the best possible place to take us to the next level.

As the Gondola starts its ascent we see the trail for MT. Titlis, few enthusiasts bracing it, but it’s early spring, and a word of CAUTION peeks in, be very careful of the slippery path.

Ascending , we see the landscape change again from  lush green rolling meadows to black and brown and then to snow-covered Alps. The cookie and cream idea seems to have originated from here.

The Gondola drops us to the next level” Stand ” where another smooth & seamless experience awaits us.” THE ROTAIR”.  World’s first revolving aerial cableway

Here we aren’t so lucky to have the best viewing spot and the space is crowded and yet the experience to reach the top is surreal.

 ” ROTAIR “ though it’s been a clear day from ” Engelberg ” , at the top mist has descended and we can hardly see ahead and yet we are eager to climb further and to play in the powdery white snow.

It’s the most magical moment standing there watching people have the time of their life. Somethings in life, however old you get fascinate you ..my list  comprmises  of a train passing by, an airplane in the sky, and playing in the snow.

The Child-like feeling surges and allows you to forget everything.

On the top you can experience The Ice Flyer: This chairlift has spectacular panoramic views at 9,842 feet.

Cliff Walk: This suspension bridge is 9,977 feet above sea level, 1,640 feet off the ground, and is the Highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe.

Glacier Cave: This impressive cave takes you through a 492-foot-long tunnel 65 feet under the glacier’s surface.

We spend some beautiful time amidst the mist and tourists trying out all above and content we begin our descent back.

RECOMENDATIONS

1. Travel light: The backpacks if are not needed l suggest carrying something lighter.
2. Shoes: If you are a snow enthusiast wear well Grip shoes playing and otherwise too.
3. Snow walking stick: A must to maintain balance.
4. Clothes: Wear Super dry clothes and layer it up. If at all you get wet the super dry layer will help. (Carrying an extra set might make your bag heavy)

Benefits

1. Your tickets allow you to spend ample of time at the top. So no need to hurry back.
2. Kids under 5yrs or under are free and the ones aged 6 years to 15 years get a 50% discount on the pass.
3. From the Engelberg train station you can catch a shuttle bus, but I suggest to Walk.

Travel

– Train from Lucerne is every hour- Luzern-Engelberg Express

-Takes 45 min to reach ” Engelberg”

– Train tickets are covered in your SWISS PASS

Climate:

– Check the weather App before you leave for Mt.Titlis.

Tickets

-I paid a total of 108 CHF inclusive of the cable car

Mindset Matters

Mount Titlis is a seamless experience with superb facilities to reach the top. The transport infrastructure and the systems of the country showcases the Country’s Mindset to encash on tourism.

What l loved best about Switzerland was, that l could travel anywhere in this beautiful country, hike, trail, trek, and yet be back to the base from where ever l was.

It made travel simple, easy, and very much enjoyable. Yes, everything comes with a cost and every traveler is ready to pay the same for the ease and comfort they get while in Switzerland.