Following Bern and Jungfrau, the journey heads to southwestern Switzerland, offering new charms of the Alps. This section, which crosses borders into Germany and France, holds the appeal of distinctly different mountain landscapes and village scenes from one Swiss region to another, and completely shifting architectural styles and urban atmospheres with each border crossing.

Zermatt and the Matterhorn: Symbols of Switzerland The first destination is Zermatt. Upon entering the village, the majestic figure of the Matterhorn rising above the rooftops captivates the eye. The sharply chiseled triangular peak is the familiar sight seen in photographs and on chocolate wrappers, but encountering it in person reveals its overwhelming scale. At 4,478 meters above sea level, the Matterhorn is regarded as the most iconic peak in the Alps. Even in summer with less snow, permanent snow and glaciers remain near the summit, creating a striking contrast with the green slopes.

Zermatt, where internal combustion engine vehicles are prohibited, allows only electric cars and small trains, fully preserving the serene landscape of the mountains and village. Wooden chalet-style buildings line the foot of the mountains, creating a layout where one naturally encounters the Matterhorn simply by walking. Additionally, along the routes to and from Zermatt, one can spot the 'Glacier Express,' the panorama train connecting St. Moritz, Davos, and Zermatt. This train, with its striking red body and white stripes, operates on one of the most renowned routes through the Alps, and seeing it stopped up close is enough to feel the solid presence characteristic of mountain railways.

Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva and the Romance of Heidelberg, Germany On the way toward Lake Geneva lies Chillon Castle, which has stood on a rocky island above the water for nearly a thousand years. Surrounded by a moat, this castle gives the impression of floating on the water.

Crossing the border into Heidelberg, Germany, the color of the landscape changes dramatically. The Renaissance-style Heidelberg Castle, built with red sandstone, features a coexistence of ruins destroyed by war and fire alongside a facade preserving intricate sculptural decorations. This directly reveals the history the castle has endured. Looking up at the castle walls, statues and heraldic ornaments are layered tier upon tier, hinting at the former power of the Elector Palatine. From the castle on the hill, the city of Heidelberg stretching along the Neckar River and the characteristic red roofs of the old town come into view at a glance. Befitting Germany's oldest university town, the riverside promenades are still bustling with the energetic footsteps of students today.

Strasbourg, France: Gothic Architecture and Exotic Ambiance Moving into Strasbourg, France, one encounters the Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral, constructed from red sandstone. The two massive rose windows on the front façade are a highlight, and beneath them sits an astronomical clock indicating the time, day of the week, and zodiac signs. Although two spires were originally planned, only one was built, and the resulting asymmetrical structure creates a uniquely distinctive silhouette. Gazing up at the front covered in intricately carved statues of saints and reliefs, the sheer height of the building becomes palpably real.

True to the Alsace-Lorraine region, which has shifted historical belonging between the German and French borders, traces of blended styles from both nations can be found throughout. The coexistence of traditional half-timbered houses and French-style squares within a single alleyway adds a special charm unique to this area.

Return to Switzerland: Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument Returning to Switzerland, the next arrival is Lucerne. The Chapel Bridge, situated where Lake Lucerne meets the Reuss River, is one of the oldest wooden covered bridges in Europe. Flower decorations in full bloom along the railings add a sense of season, and paintings depicting Swiss history and patron saints line the ceiling inside the bridge, naturally revealing the city's old stories as one walks across. The harmonious landscape of the octagonal water tower, the silhouette of Mount Pilatus, and the turquoise lake vividly demonstrates why Lucerne is called Switzerland's representative beautiful harbor city.

On a rock face not far from the Chapel Bridge, the 'Lion Monument' is carved to commemorate approximately 700 Swiss Guards who were wiped out while defending the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution in 1792. This poignant sculpture, depicting a lion struck by arrows yet still shielding a shield as it falls, was designed by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved directly into the sandstone cliff by stonemason Lukas Ahorn. American author Mark Twain once called this sculpture the saddest and most moving work in the world. This site is a quiet memorial space in Lucerne, distinct in character from the glamorous city center.

From the Matterhorn in Zermatt to Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva, the old castle of Heidelberg, Strasbourg Cathedral, and finally the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument in Lucerne—crossing borders and sequentially encountering the grandeur of the Alps, the ambiance of medieval Europe, and the tranquility of Swiss lakeside cities made for a truly precious journey.