Steve V hits Switzerland with full force…
Switzerland is, of course, the country that boasts truly spectacular scenic vistas. The first place on this four-destination trip was Arosa to coincide with the annual gay ski week, and it did not disappoint. A good tip would be to try and get to the resort during daylight as the journey through the winding valleys is breathtaking, extremely picturesque and the sense of the climb going up and over bridges that span the mountain passes is a testament to man’s achievement to conquer the elements. A Raetian train journey to be remembered.
At 6,000ft, a change in altitude is very noticeable here so, forget London’s carbon monoxide-choking haze, you will be breathing pure mountain air here.
After your first day’s skiing, snowboarding, curling and general fun and games it’s time for the first traditional après ski party – a great mix of guys coming together from all walks of life and nationalities. It was to the organizers credit that the party was a huge success with all tastes catered for, including a very special classical concert featuring renowned musicians Michel Dalberto on Klavier and Henri Demarquette on cello performing works by Beethoven, Schubert and Bach with the majesty of the venue adding to the splendor of the occasion. A week of varied activities to encompass all tastes.
Getting around in Switzerland could not be easier as the internal train network is par excellence with the Swiss rail flexi pass cutting out the need to buy tickets for individual journeys. When visiting Arosa, a ‘must do’ trip is to take the Weisshorn gondola to the Tschuggenhutte where you can relax on the sun loungers overlooking a panoramic view that will take your breath away. Fondue is available, and after a snowshoe’s walk this hearty meal will go down a treat… and there are plenty of sexy guys to look at both off and on the piste en route!
The unique city of Lucerne is where the avant-garde and classical architecture blend seamlessly; the museums, theatres and festivals make this a true city of culture. It is very easy to immerse yourself here, case in point strolling along the lake, charming and magical for first timers. Highly recommended would be a visit to the Sammlung Rosengart Gallery where one of the finest and largest collections of Picassos covering one of the most creative periods of the artist’s life can be enjoyed.
Lucerne’s hotels cover all price ranges. Hotel Astoria is a recently completed boutique hotel with the emphasis on providing congress and business services. Situated in the middle of the city it is ideally placed. The Montana is one of the high class four star hotels situated overlooking the Lucerne Lake, tucked harmoniously into the hillside and should be visited as this is a wonderful example of art deco design to be found anywhere in Europe. If you are into jazz, the Louis Armstrong bar beckons to be tried out – there are over 90 single malt whiskeys on offer! See info box below for useful venues, parties and organizations.
A nostalgic but also very efficient mode of transport that should be tried are the ship steamers that operate on most of the Swiss lakes. Use one to get to Weggis in preparation to take the cable car to the top of Mount Rigi. When the car breaks through the cloud mist and you are out in the open and under the bluest of skies, the sensation is simply that of wonderment. Nature at it’s most beautiful and unspoiled. Have a good sun block on you as it is easy to underestimate the strength of the sun at this height and the way it reflects off the snow.
Then you can decide to garner the strength and courage to sledge down the mountain, exhilarating but not for the faint hearted! A quick lesson on how to master the sleigh would be advisable, or a shot of schnapps heated through will do to give you that extra bit of courage. Then take the blue mountain railway to complete your journey down Mount Rigi, which then connects back to the main train and bus systems.
Another way to keep warm is to pay a visit to a local kirsch distillery indicative to this part of Switzerland, a good example being the Fassbind Company. Offering a guided tour taking you through the brewing process and then inviting you to try as many of the liqueurs as you like, with some at 54% proof, caution is encouraged but not compulsory!
Back at lake level, Lucerne’s Post Hotel is a great place for an early evening drink, people watching and in the spring and summer months, a great place to hire a speedboat. The hotel has fantastic spa facilities, which are open to non-residents.
My final port of call was Zurich. One of the most bohemian of Switzerland cities boasts a very healthy and vibrant gay scene, is liberal in attitude and even the city’s mayor is gay. Zurich West should be visited to see how once the industrial heart of the city has been transformed into a very trendy part now full of renovated spaces and eye-catching design concepts. The gay bars and clubs of Zurich cater for all tastes. Recommended are the Cranberry, Mannerzone (location of the RoB store), and T&M. The Langstrasse quarter of the city should also be checked out to see how Zurich has developed as a city, incorporating its now multicultural status.
• Further information
• GENERAL AND TRAVEL INFO
www.MySwitzerland.com
Airline: www.swiss.com
Rail travel: swisspasses.com and www.stc.co.uk
Arosa: www.arosa.ch
Lucerne: www.rainbowline.ch and www.uferlos-luzern.ch
• HOTELS
www.seehof-arosa.ch
www.hotel-montana.ch
www.astoria-luzern.ch
www.poho.ch
www.marriott.com-Renaissance (Zurich)
• GAY VENUES AND EVENTS
www.luzern.com/en/gay-lesbian
www.zuerich.com/gayandlesbian
Gay Ski Week: www.gayskiweek.ch
Map: www.gaymap.info www.gaycity.ch
Menergy Party Nautilus club: wwwmenergy.ch
The Loft: www.frigaynight.ch
Discus Sauna: www.discus-sauna.ch
Cruising world: www.cruisingworld.ch
Every November: Pink Panaorama Gay and Lesbian Festival www.pinkpanorama.ch
LGBT movies: www.stattkino.ch
General: www.halu.ch
• Photos by Boje Ploeg: www.bojeploeg.nl Thomas Haywood: www.thomashaywood.com
