Brig
Brig grew up because of its position at the north end of the
Simplon Pass, the south end of the Loetschberg route and where
these cross the Rhone Valley. The most important building in the
town is the Stockalper Palace, built 1658-78. There are many
alleyways and pedestrianised streets in Brig that are worth
exploring. The town was hit by bad floods in 1993 and required
restoration work on many of its buildings. Brig's two most
important churches are Spiritus Sanctus on Simplonstrasse and
Chapel of St Sebastian in St Sebastian square.
Lac Leman (Lake Geneva)
The journey takes you back down the Rhône valley to Lac
Leman (Lake Geneva), the largest lake in Switzerland. After
reaching the lake the train passes through Villeneuve and, shortly
afterwards, passes the Castle of Chillon as made popular in a poem
by Byron. The train then reaches the lakeside resort of Montreux
where there are many options. There is a lakeside footpath through
Montreux that goes to Villeneuve in one direction and to Vevey in
the other. Vevey is 5 minutes beyond Montreux from Brig, but about
2 hours walk. This is the home of Nestlé, but also an attractive
lakeside town. The old town is between the station and the lake.
There is also a trolleybus service between Montreux and Vevey every
10 minutes.
Rochers de Naye
From Montreux, you can head up to the summit of the
Rochers de Naye for spectacular views across Lake Geneva and the
surrounding region. Travel by cogwheel railway to the summit; an
hour's journey to the top at over 6,562 feet (2,000 metres).
Centovalli Railway to Locarno
Probably the most popular optional excursion from Brig is
to Locarno, on the Centovalli Railway. This narrow-gauge line winds
its way across "a hundred valleys", over high bridges and past
sleepy villages on its way to Locarno, on the northern shore of
Lake Maggiore.
Chamonix on board the Mont Blanc Express
Travelling across the Trient Gorge and ascending to
breathtaking heights towards Chamonix, the Mont Blanc Express takes
you past waterfalls and across valleys with majestic mountain crags
rising in the background. Shady forests alternate with cosy
villages and ultimately give way onto the grandiose glacier of Mont
Blanc, Europe's highest peak. Remember to bring your passport, as
this journey crosses into France.
Bern
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, despite its
population of only 134,000. The old city lies in a U-bend of the
River Aare (turn left out of the railway station on arrival in the
city). Main features are the arcades lining the streets; the
Zytglogge (clock tower), the oldest building in the city, be there
at least 5 minutes before the hour to see all the effects; the
Cathedral (building started 1421); the Bear pits just across the
Nydeggbrucke at the end of the main street.
