From Interlaken, we used our Swiss Rail Pass for a day trip to Basel. The Express Train was 1 hour 45 minutes, there was so much to see along the way – time flew by.

Basel is located on the Rhine River near the borders of France and Germany, it is Switzerland's second-largest city. At the train station, we went to the Visitor's Information Desk – requested a walking map of Basel's main highlights.

Our first stop was The Bank of International Settlements. Frank read a book called "The Tower of Basel" by Adam Lebor. He was interested in seeing the building.

We walked over the Middle Bridge to the Rheinufer Basel and walked along the waters of the Rhein. There were many towers, buildings, museums, and restaurants to see.

There are many spots where one can sit, have lunch or a snack, and watch all the happenings on the water's edge.

We crossed the Rhein River on the cable ferry from underneath the Basler Pfalz. It was inexpensive and fun.

Basel Munster Cathedral, made of red sandstone with a multi-covered tile roof dating back to the 13th century.

Rathaus, Marktplatz Square

This unique City Hall building stands out among the row of buildings at Marktplatz square. The brick-red walls with colorful facades are striking, the decorations were done in the style of Art Nouveau.

The Basel old town is lovely as there are so many small streets where you can turn a corner and see more and more impressive buildings.

The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to one of the largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe. Admission to the museum is included in your Swiss Pass, free museums.

A collection of impressionists, from Monet to Van Gogh and Cezanne. The works thereof Picasso, Manet, Chagall, Klee, are seldom seen works. A delightful museum with an outstanding collection and an extensive and pleasant display. Also, the last hour is a "happy hour," so free.

Auguste Rodin's Les Bourgeois de Calais

Walked passed the very unusual Tinguely Museum which had many sculpture's that rattle, shake, or twirl, we did not know what to think about it – we only took one picture.

Walking back to the Basel Main Station, there were so many sights to see!

We stopped at a Café to rest our feet. 2 coffees, 1 pastry = $13.00, Switzerland is pricey.

Near the Basel Main Station, we passed the Union Bank of Switzerland.

We took the 4:30pm train back to Interlaken. We had an enjoyable and exciting visit to Basel!

I have not been everywhere, but I believe Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

March 2014

During a walk through the old town, past small boutiques, antique book shops but also shops of modern designers,

lmost 40 museums make Basel the city with the highest density of museums in the country. Internationally known museums, such as the Basel Art Museum,

Switzerland, Montreux

A Day Trip to Montreux, Switzerland

We spent a week in Switzerland. We stayed at the City Hotel Oberland in Interlaken. This hotel is in the heart of Interlaken and very near to the bus stations; everything is within walking distance. The room was clean and well maintained. We got a top floor room with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide selection of food to choose from.

Frank having a glass of wine on the balcony, the Swiss Alp's behind him.

This is a bike shop located behind the hotel.

Walking to the Ost Train Station

We caught the GoldenPass Train to Montreux.

On the train to Montreux, passed small villages and cabins in the snow.

At Montreux, took a bus to the Town of Vevy to visit the Nestle Alimentarium Food Museum on the lakeshore from Lausanne. Lovely Museum with many exciting things, pictures, information, and interactive games and tests. If you have the Swiss Rail Pass, there's no entrance fee, and it's worth a quick look.

Outside the Alimentarium is the statue of Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977), he lived in Corsier nearby.

In front of the Museum is a giant stainless steel fork is stuck in the lake. We had lunch outside on the picnic tables and just sat by the lake and enjoyed the view of the Fork with the Swiss Alps behind it.

We walked the promenade to visit the Castle of la Tour-de-Pilz, which hosts the Swiss Museum of Games. This Museum is located within old castle walls. It is situated on the edge of Lake Geneva. The Museum has a beautiful display of all types of (mostly antique) games, including board games, chess, lottery, playing cards, etc. Definitely worth a visit.

The Freddie Mercury Statue is located beside Lake Geneva on Quai de la Rouvenaz, in Montreux, Switzerland.

Took the bus to Montreux to visit the Chateau de Chillon

The entrance to the Chateau was included with our Swiss Pass. This is one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland and one of the larger ones too. It is a must-see when you visit Montreux.