Turnip Jack-o’-Lanterns in Switzerland
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  On the second Saturday of November, you’ll find a magical scene at the Räbechilbi festival in Richterswil.  The houses and grounds in Richterswil are covered in turnip lanterns, another type of jack-o-lantern on display in Switzerland. The community building (Gemeinde) lines its windowsills with the little lanterns and creates an enchanting scene for passerby, and walkways are outlined in carefully-crafted turnip lanterns. This house was probably my favorite display of jack-o'-lanterns at the festival. It was decorated with turnip jack-o'-lanterns in the shape of lotus flow ..read more
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Climbing the Ice Palace at Schwarzsee
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  After a day of ice skating, I found this enchanting scene nestled in the woods of Schwarzsee. Each winter, the sculptor Karl Neuman brings this world of ice to life — complete with igloos, ice grottos, and a towering ice palace.    Visiting by Day Before the sun sets, you can admire the expert craftsmanship up close. If you walk past the igloos, you will see some special scenes on display. Perhaps the best part of about the ice palace at Schwarzsee is that you can climb on it, sit on it — and maybe even slide on it! For me, the ice palace at Schwarzsee is one giant ..read more
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7 Tips for Ice Skating in the Alps
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  There are so many fun things to do in Switzerland, especially in the winter. This year I went ice skating on a frozen lake called "Schwarzsee" in Fribourg. This was my first time skating on a lake, and it sure took some getting used to. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go.   1. Know When to Go If you're interested in skating on a frozen lake in Switzerland, the best time to go is between December and March. By this time, the ice is thick and safe enough to skate on. Not every lake in Switzerland freezes over. It often depends on the size of the lake and it ..read more
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A Night at the Lucerne Christmas Markets
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  One of my favorite times of the year is Advent Season in Switzerland. Lights twinkle in the city and Christmas Markets begin to open, one by one. I've been to many Christmas Markets in Switzerland — from Interlaken, Bern, Basel, Zurich and now finally, Lucerne.   Sunset on Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) The sun is about to set. I make my way across the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) in search of the Christmas Markets. I know I'm getting close when I see a building disguised as an Advent Calendar.   Visiting Lucerne's Old Town Across the bridge and around the corner, a charm ..read more
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Waking Up for the Onion Market in Bern
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  It's five o'clock in the morning. I shouldn't be awake... These are the first words to cross my mind one cold November morning. I hit the snooze button a few more times, until I realize — I'm late for the Onion Market in Bern! I roll out of bed and grab the warmest clothes in sight. Then I catch the next bus into Bern city and walk towards the Government Plaza (Bundesplatz), which is in front of the Swiss Federal Palace (Bundeshaus). From here, I have the best view of the Onion Market in Bern.   The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) With over 50 tons of onions, this is Bern's larg ..read more
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Experience this Magical Pumpkin Festival after Dark
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  This month, I attended one of the most magical events — a pumpkin lighting festival in the village of Rudolfingen, Switzerland. If you're planning a visit to Switzerland, this is a wonderful festival to attend. It's typically held during one of the first weekends in November. The moment you arrive, you can feel the magic in the air. Pumpkins line the street, filled with candles. Some twirl around in a sort of metal carousel, pictured below. Dusk is fast approaching, and the village is hastily preparing for a large amount of guests. I can feel the temperature start to drop. Before the ..read more
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Where to Find the Perfect Pumpkin near Zurich
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  As soon as it’s September in Switzerland, I race to the pumpkin patches near Zurich. It's never too early to find good pumpkins for Halloween. This year I visited Bachli Farm (Bachlihof) in Rapperswil-Jona, located near Zurich in the canton of St. Gallen. In previous years, I visited Jucker Farm (Jucker Farm) in Seegräben. There are many pumpkin varieties to choose from at Bächli Farm and Jucker Farm. I found myself a green pumpkin right away. There are many white pumpkins and gourds to browse through as well. Both farms host an impressive pumpkin exhibition (Kürbisausstellung) from S ..read more
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Why You Should Visit Rapperswil Castle in Switzerland
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  Come rain or shine, I can't resist a walk through the medieval town of Rapperswil.  With its cobblestone streets and high castle walls, it's like taking a walk back in time. Rapperswil Castle sits atop Lindenhof hill, which belongs to the canton of St. Gallen. It was formed by glacial debris during the last glacial period in Switzerland.  After a steep hike up Lindenhof hill, I stop to enjoy the view. Through silver skies and winter boughs, I glimpse a view of Rapperswil Castle.  A layer of fog obscures the castle, giving it a ghostly glow.  As we approac ..read more
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Don't Miss this Spectacular Lightshow in Bern
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  Once a year, a spectacular lightshow is displayed on the facade of the Federal Palace of Switzerland in the Swiss capital Bern. It is called "Rendez-vous Bundesplatz" and runs for one month in autumn. Each year, the lightshow has a different theme. Last year it was "Gem of the Mountain," where the Matterhorn came alive and spoke to the crowd. In previous years, it was the story of a princess and her castle—this was the first "Rendez-vous Bundesplatz" I ever attended and definitely one of my favorites. This year, the theme will be "Tutti Fratelli", but that's the only teaser we get. We ..read more
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Pick your own Flowers in Switzerland
Something Swiss Blog
by Christy Blum
2y ago
  I love stumbling across a field of flowers in Switzerland—especially when there's a big sign outside that says Blumen selber schneiden. This means I can pick and cut the flowers myself! If you're wondering where to buy lilies and other flowering plants, look no further than your local flower grower in Switzerland.  When I pass by a field, I'm reminded what season it is. Tulips mean it's spring, lilies say it's summer, and sunflowers signal that fall is near. I found this field of flowers outside of Bern in a city called Köniz. I spotted it from the window of the bu ..read more
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