Hi, I’m Ananya Sharma, a solo travel content creator, filmmaker, and a dreamer who dreams of traveling the world almost daily. After traveling to different countries like Scotland, Austria, and Sweden, I am more than excited to go to Switzerland. I believe that ‘stories within you make you feel alive’, and I know you can never be a better storyteller than a person who has stories of the world written in their diary and captured in their camera roll. Here, I was up for another adventure, story, and experience for life.
As it is said that ‘To drive in Switzerland, you first need to go neutral’. This is exactly something I’m looking for right now — peace, tranquillity, and solace. Being prepared to witness the unreal beauty of Switzerland’s mountains, lakes, and valleys, I started to browse the internet and came across Thrillophilia’s reviews for Switzerland. Just after a glance, I felt this could be the best I could offer myself. With Thrillophilia’s package, the trip started to feel like an adventure that lifted my spirits, tested my limits, and filled me with stories I just can’t stop sharing.
Starting it Like a Dream
Stepping off the flight in Zurich, carrying nothing but a backpack that had a camera, a few pairs of clothes, and my laptop inside. My head was filled with expectations and camera shots that I already had in my mind. I spent days reading reviews of Thrillophilia that screamed about wonderful traveler experiences, and booking with them was one of the best decisions ever made.
It was a beautiful Swiss evening with a setting sun and the sky painted with hues of yellow, orange, and shades of purple. I received a call from my guide and was told that the taxi is already waiting for me outside the Airport. All the details were shared, and just as I sat and left the airport.
This was me just starting with my Switzerland story. I took out my camera and started to capture the beautiful sky through my lens. That evening, after reaching my hotel, I wandered Zurich’s charming old town with a cup of hand-roasted Swiss hot chocolate in hand. It was a slow and gentle evening with the golden glow of street lamps, and thoughts of visiting the Alps tomorrow.
Dawn on the Matterhorn
I hopped on a journey to Zermatt, where I joined a small group that was setting off towards the Klein Matterhorn’s base. Klein Matternhorn is the world’s most photographed mountain, a majestic peak of about 4,450 meters rising high in the sky, and oh my god, it was so calm up there.
“This is huge and beautiful,” I gasped the moment I saw Matterhorn
Our guide Marco, standing behind me, smiled and handed me my trekking backpack. Before we start off, I could feel the adrenaline rush through my body.
Upon reaching the summit, just as first light brushed the Matterhorn in shades of blush and gold, I pressed my glove-clad hand against the cold glacier. The mountain’s grandeur left me speechless. At the summit station, a hot cup of chai, spiced perfectly, and a delicious meal were waiting, courtesy of Thrillophilia’s local team. I had the warm tea, and at that moment, I felt at peace.
Chasing Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen
Next, I traveled to Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to an astonishing 72 waterfalls cascading from dramatic cliffs. Here, I met Sophie, my local Thrillophilia host, who greeted me at the station with a bright smile. We trekked through meadows until the thunderous roar of Trummelbach Falls limited us. I could feel the mist settling on my skin slowly, making me feel more lively.
“It feels alive,” I laughed, and Sophie captured my grin on camera.
When a sudden rain shower began, she unfolded some snacks, and we watched Staubbach Falls sparkle under the steady sunlight. The weather changes in layers, up to a few kilometers. It was raining. Later, in a cozy cafe, I warmed up with lentil soup and had some garlic bread flavored to perfection.
According to my itinerary, I had to leave for Lucerne the next morning. Waking up to Lake Lucerne was like stepping into a live painting. I saw mist falling on the lake and blending smoothly with the lake. I had my cruise arranged by Thrillophilia, and to meet my cravings, a complete package with a basket of local fruits, some snacks, and steaming chai. As the boat moved forward, I could hear distant church bells chime, and feel the serenity of the lake.
It was a slow and peaceful day for me. Trekking through the Matterhorn, to beholding beautiful Staubbach falls, this part of my trip brought a physical balance to me.
Stepping down from the cruise, I strolled around Lucerne’s old town, saw the 14th-century old bridge lit with lanterns. I also visited a local restaurant that was said to be famous and also mentioned in Thrillophilia reviews, prepped my meal perfectly, and was taken care of by my coordinator, who had it pre-arranged. It felt calm and good to just sit and enjoy the food, observing the culture and people of that place. I was also at peace because I knew about tomorrow’s plans, the train to Interlaken, and the hotel check-in.
Evening Glow in Interlaken
Interlaken buzzed with activity, paragliders flew like silent kites above the twin lakes of Thun and Brienz. A friendly kiosk worker, recommended and pre-briefed by Thrillophilia, handed me a local SIM card loaded with data and support contacts. As dusk made its way, I rode the funicular to Harder Kulm. The wooden carriage climbed sharply, offering views of the lakes twinkling below.
At the summit, lanterns cast a golden glow over the terrace, where I indulged in cheese-topped rösti and warm apple strudel, pointing out a paraglider descending against the twilight.
“That’s freedom,” I said softly. Sophie nodded while I was savoring the last bite, marveling that every dinner reservation, dietary preference, and safety briefing was arranged before I arrived.
The Train That Became Home
I couldn’t believe the trip was coming to an end; after bidding goodbye to Sophie, I slid onto my hotel bed, slept, and the next morning, I woke before dawn. With my mind still alight with memories of Harder Kulm, I made my way to the station, where a sleek, panoramic train awaited, another Thrillophilia-arranged marvel of Swiss travel.
In the morning, I sat on an eight-hour scenic train journey through the heart of the Alps. I could see beautiful landscapes from the train’s windows, transitioning from snowy to green fields. There were passengers awestruck with the views, and children pressing their noses against the glass.
I settled into my first-class seat, sipping herbal tea, and letting the world flow by. When the attendant offered freshly baked biscuits, I realized how every small comfort had been anticipated. Hours slipped past, and for once, I didn’t glance at my watch.
Switzerland challenged me, thrilled me, reminded me of my strength, and brought back to peace. And all the while, Thrillophilia made sure I was free to feel it; every step of the way.
