Switzerland opens its doors to fully vaccinated Indian tourists

Experience Europe’s most famous cultural wonders
2021-07-27
/
/ New Delhi
Switzerland opens its doors to fully vaccinated Indian tourists

Switzerland provides a perfect mix of nature and cultural experiences for tourists (photo: My Switzerland)

Despite India being on the red list, Switzerland has now reopened its doors to Indian travellers, but limiting it to those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Most Indian tourists often flock to resorts of the majestic Alps and Gstaad for skiing holidays, but should not miss out on some of these unique sights which make Switzerland a cultural haven.
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Travelling abroad for Indians has been almost impossible since the beginning of the year due to onset of the second wave of Covid-19 and subsequent variants putting India in the highest risk red category. But Indian tourists can now plan a trip to the beautiful Alps as the Switzerland government has eased restrictions and recently announced that even visitors from countries where “the Delta variant is widespread (such as India or the United Kingdom) do not have to quarantine on entry,” adding “as long as it is certain that the vaccination offers good protection.”

Covishield, which is a World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved vaccine, is on the list the vaccines recognised by the Swiss. The timing of the relaxation could hardly have come at a better time. Switzerland provides a welcome respite from the stifling heat of Indian summers, and the variety of experiences it offers appeals to both young and old tourists.

In the beginning of 2020,Aleena Singh, a 25-year old Delhi resident, had already booked tickets for a graduation trip with her friends to Switzerland, but like many others, the sudden onset of Covid-19 and lockdown rules had put a spanner in her plans.

“I have basically stayed home for almost two years now and even though travelling locally is nice, being able to take a proper holiday without worrying about tests or quarantining would be a dream come true, so I am really happy that Switzerland is finally opening up,” Singh tells Media India Group.

Exploring the dreamlike medieval castles

The colossal Oberhofen castle on Lake Thun (photo: My Switzerland)

One of the most unique features Switzerland has to offer is a historical tour of its magnificent castles. Due to the country’s long history of neutrality during world wars, it boasts some of the best-preserved castles in Central Europe, such as the fortress of the gigantic Montebello Castle and Spiez, which has courtrooms built in the Renaissance Era.

The Château de Chillon is the most popular among tourists and is situated on an island in Lake Geneva. Its soaring walls and high towers are evocative of classic fairy tale charm and have attracted romantic writers and poets over the world including Alxendandre Dumas and Lord Byron. The interiors are beautiful recreations of courtyards and great halls decorated with 14th century murals. Remarkably, the surrounding fortress served as a state prison during the 16th century.

Another gorgeous castle is Oberhofen Castle, located on the shore of Lake Thun. The castle, which dates back to the 16th century, has a unique myriad of architectural styles, with one of its largest turrets placed right in the water. The castle is situated against the stunning backdrop of a mountain landscape and colourful flower arrangements and garden art of the surrounding park, which makes it one of the most photographed locations for newlyweds. Inside, visitors can find carefully restored interiors which include a rare Turkish smoking parlour and a 13th-century chapel adorned with Romanesque frescoes that can still be used for baptisms and marriages.

Bern: An urban gem

The beautiful Japanese cherry blossoms bloom in Spring at The Rose Garden (photo: My Switzerland)

The official capital of the Swiss Confederation, Bern, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The enchanting city is the birthplace of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and is perfect for tourists looking a modern, city life experience over nature adventures. The city offers a vibrant mix of culture and nightlife and is packed with gorgeous open-air cafés and gourmet restaurants and sites such as towering fountains and the Zytglogge (clock tower).

The Rose Garden is a mecca for flower lovers and an exquisite park to unwind with friends and family, where locals and tourists can be found sharing picnics, reading books or enjoying the picturesque sunsets. The garden has a diverse array of flora: over 400 types of roses and irises, rhododendrons, a delicate water lily pond and an explosion of Japanese cherry blossoms in the Spring, which make for a striking scenery.

It also serves as an ideal spot for memorable Instagram snaps such as the iconic #einsteinselfie with the Einstein Bench, a panoramic snapshot of Bern and photo-shoots during special events like birthdays, weddings and engagements.

“I think for millenials and Gen Z, half the fun of going on trips is taking aesthetic Instagram pictures so that is one of the things I am really looking forward to. We have all the prime locations planned out, and the Rose Garden is definitely one of them. Lucerne and the Matterhorn for the iconic Toblerone photo, are also on our list,” says Singh.

Experience futuristic living spaces

The Bubble hotel offers tourists a unique experience, isolated from the rest of the world (photo: Switzerland Tourism)

Another inimitable experience the country has to offer is the new initiative launched by Switzerland Tourism, called The Million Stars Hotels. Spread across 12 Swiss tourist regions, this exclusive offer is only valid until the end of October, and offers a plethora of curious accommodation options, from a bed inside an herb garden or hanging tent to a transparent bubble hotel.

One of these rooms is a rustic, trailer-style cube close to the Great Aletsch Glacier, which is higher than 2800 m above sea level. It is a perfect place for stargazing and can be reached by cable car. The towering glacier itself can be viewed from the tip to its entire length. The Bubble Hotel in Warth is a fully-furnished, see-through, spherical “tent” that overlooks sprawling fruit orchards and a scenic lake view.

These accommodations are especially great for those who prefer to stay in isolated locations post-pandemic, and mostly provide spaces for small groups or couples only.

“I think it is a really great initiative because it lets you enjoy your holiday without having to worry about Covid-19 safety protocols or big crowds like in normal hotels. It is way better to stay in an open environment and it would definitely make a really unique photo,” says Singh.

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