Just moved to Switzerland

A true and rare winter wonderland experience in Switzerland. This was a big one on my bucket list and I’m so happy I got to do it in my second year here

Today, eating here, surrounded by original paintings of Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miro among others, is like eating inside a museum. But besides its stunning art collection, historic decor and impeccable service that hasn’t changed in generations, Kronenhalle is famous for one more thing: it does the best “ “Zurich’s chopped veal in sauce”, served with Rösti (another Swiss classic) and it’s so delicious that you’ll be sure to finish the full portion (which is quite big and gets divided in half when served, but they will gladly heat up the second portion for you, right at your table). Restaurant decor has not changed and the original owners passed down strict instructions for where the paintings should hang, what table cloth must be used, and exactly how each table should be served.

Weekend getaway dream: to wake up in the mountains, put on your fluffy robe and slippers, and have your morning cup of tea from the balcony, with a view of a snow-covered village and day full of fun activities ahead. It started with a 3pm train from Zurich HB, a big suitcase and ski bag in tow (for my other half, I’m still learning) and though it was the last November weekend and by all accounts just the beginning of the season, the train was packed with people, skis and snowboards. Most of the shops were still closed (it was Nov. 25th and the full season as I understood would only open the weekend after), but cafes were open and plenty of skiers were rushing to the ski-lifts (the glacier is open for skiing all year round). The CERVO has this incredible patio with views of the Matterhorn, plush pillows and thick blankets and it’s where we decided to end the weekend before hopped back on the train to Zurich.

Here is me realizing that I’m dressed just like the mountain: After a short and easy hike (about 20 minutes), you begin to descend down to the lake. The first left leads to a bench overlooking the lake (like in the photo above), the other is a little longer and slopes more gently towards a restaurant right on the lake shore. From the Kandersteg train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the gondola station. And, for those who are still kids on the inside, like me, there is a super fun activity and it will only cost you 5 francs: the Oescheninensee toboggan aka Alpine Slide 🙂