World in my Words

Perched high above Lake Thun, the village of Sigriswil became our peaceful base in the Bernese Oberland—a true alpine hideaway where time seems to slow down. We arrived just as a gentle snowfall began to settle, blanketing rooftops, tree branches, and winding lanes in soft white. The air was crisp and still, and the only sounds were the distant bells of a nearby church and the crunch of snow under our boots.

The village itself felt like something out of a storybook: charming chalets with sloped roofs, smoke curling from chimneys, and panoramic views that looked too perfect to be real. From our window, we could see the turquoise shimmer of Lake Thun far below, framed by pine forests and the jagged silhouettes of the Alps.

Sigriswil wasn’t just beautiful—it was calming. It wrapped us in stillness. Each morning, we’d watch clouds drift lazily over the lake while sipping coffee, and by afternoon, our daughter would be outside rolling snowballs or sliding down gentle hills near the chalet. We crossed the famous Sigriswil Panorama Bridge, marveling at the dramatic drop below and the breathtaking mountain views on all sides.

It was the kind of place that makes you forget schedules and screens. Just snow, silence, and a deep sense of being exactly where you’re supposed to be.

A short drive through Interlaken brought us into the heart of Lauterbrunnen—a fairy-tale valley lined with vertical cliffs and laced with frozen waterfalls. Even as seasoned travelers, we were stunned by the beauty of this place. Towering rock walls framed a narrow, peaceful valley where waterfalls tumble from dizzying heights. In winter, those falls turn to elegant ice sculptures.

Our little one was in awe of it all—the frozen droplets glistening in the sun, the silence broken only by the occasional distant swoosh of a base jumper cutting through the cold air (yes, even in winter!). It was like stepping into a Tolkien novel—raw, epic, and humbling.

We followed the snow-dusted valley trail, took in the magic of Staubbach Falls, and wandered through the village with hot chocolate warming our hands. But the real gem? Flavours Café.

Tucked into a quiet corner of town, Flavours Café was exactly what we needed. Warm, inviting, and filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee, it was the kind of place you don’t want to leave. Our daughter found a cozy corner with children’s books, and we sank into soft chairs surrounded by wooden shelves, fairy lights, and steaming mugs. Their cappuccino? Easily one of the best of the trip.

It was one of those rare, perfect travel moments—cold cheeks, warm drinks, good company, and nowhere else we’d rather be.

Back in the Thun region, we explored the lakeside at a slow, snowy pace. The lake was super still, with mist floating over the water and snowy mountains all around. We just walked along the edge, taking it slow, sipping warm coffee, and enjoying the view. Our daughter was so happy when we found a little playground by the lake. She jumped right on the swings and laughed the whole time, with the snowy mountains behind her. She ran around in the snow and didn’t want to leave.

Thun town was Back by Lake Thun, everything felt calm and quiet. really pretty—old buildings, cobblestone streets, and a castle up on the hill. We grabbed some fresh pastries from a bakery and wandered around, no rush, just exploring. It was such a simple day, but one of our favorites. Peaceful, beautiful, and full of small moments we won’t forget.

The drive from the Thun area to Montreux took a few hours, but we didn’t mind. We weren’t in a rush and just enjoyed the ride. The scenery kept changing—snowy forests, little villages, wide open valleys, and frozen lakes. Every now and then, we pulled over to take in the views or let our daughter stretch her legs in the snow.

Switzerland really shows off during a drive like this. It felt like every 20 minutes the landscape shifted into something totally new. We passed through a few tunnels, some winding roads, and even spotted trains running along the mountainside.

By the time we reached Montreux, it was late afternoon. The sun was low, the lake looked beautiful, and the town had that cozy winter vibe. We made it just in time to catch the last couple days of the Christmas Market, which was a lot of fun—lights everywhere, mulled wine for us, and chocolate treats for our kiddo. We walked along the lakeside, stopped at food stalls, and even saw the Freddie Mercury statue.

It was a relaxed day. No stress, just enjoying the drive and everything along the way.

Staying in Montreux – Royal Plaza : While in Montreux, we stayed at the Royal Plaza Montreux, and it was such a great choice. The hotel is right by the lake, and the views from our room were beautiful—calm water, snow-covered mountains, and in the mornings, the soft light reflecting off Lake Geneva. The staff were friendly, the rooms were warm and comfortable, and everything felt smooth and stress-free.

Preferred Language in Montreux : French

One of our favorite things was the lakeside walk just outside the hotel. The path is wide, flat, and perfect for a stroll with kids. We walked it every day, sometimes just to grab coffee, sometimes just to enjoy the view. Along the way, there were orange trees, even in winter, which added a pop of color to the snowy setting. It gave the whole place a really unique, relaxed feel.

The hotel’s breakfast was amazing—a big spread with fresh bread, cheeses, eggs, fruits, pastries, and even local specialties. Everything was fresh and delicious, and the best part? You could sit by the window and enjoy your meal with a full view of the lake. It was the perfect way to start the day.

Getting Around Montreux: Getting around Montreux was also super easy. The hotel gave us Montreux Riviera guest passes, which meant we didn’t need to buy bus tickets. We could just hop on and off as needed. The buses were clean, punctual, and the stops were close by—super convenient, especially with a little one.

From Montreux, we took the cogwheel train up to Rochers-de-Naye, and the ride itself was an experience we won’t forget. It starts right near the lake, and slowly climbs all the way up to over 2,000 meters. The train is small and cozy, with big windows on both sides—perfect for watching the views change as you go higher.

The journey took about an hour, and it felt like we were traveling through a snow-covered storybook. We passed little villages, forests blanketed in snow, and hills where deer had left fresh tracks. As we climbed, the snow got deeper, and the views got bigger.

Our daughter was glued to the window, pointing out trees and mountains and shouting every time she saw snow falling off a branch. The higher we went, the quieter it got outside, and the whole train seemed to slow down with the peacefulness of it all.

At the top, Rochers-de-Naye was covered in thick, soft snow. It looked untouched, like a giant white playground. And that’s exactly what it became. Our little one couldn’t wait—she ran straight into the snow, sledded down small hills, threw snowballs, and rolled around laughing.

The views were incredible—Lake Geneva far below, surrounded by layers of mountain peaks in every direction. It really did feel like being on top of the world.

We stayed up there for a while, just playing and enjoying the silence. Then we grabbed some hot chocolate before taking the train back down, watching the same landscapes from a totally new angle.

It was one of the best parts of the whole trip.

As a grand finale, we drove over the Simplon Pass into Italy—and wow. The drive was stunning but smooth, with clear roads and epic mountain views. Snowy forests, icy cliffs, and winding roads made it one of the most scenic parts of the whole trip.

We stopped a few times just to take it all in—the kind of silence that only exists high up in the mountains. The snow sparkled in the sun, and every turn gave us a new view that felt unreal. Our daughter loved spotting little alpine huts and waving at the occasional passing truck. There weren’t many cars on the road, which made the drive peaceful and easy. Crossing into Italy felt like slipping into a new world, but the mountain magic stayed with us.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a family winter road trip through the Swiss Alps, do it. Traveling with a little one made the magic even more vivid. The country is well-prepared for winter—clean roads, cozy towns, and plenty of snow for play without chaos. Bring layers, rent a solid car, and take your time. The memories will be warm, even if your toes aren’t.