Texts and photos by Monsi A. Serrano
Switzerland doesn’t just impress the eyes—it stirs the heart. Whether you’re chasing alpine adventure or timeless heritage, you leave feeling peaceful, inspired, and wonderfully alive.
What makes it even more intriguing—almost mind-boggling—is how everything seems perfectly tied together in one compact country, as if every corner were designed to complete a traveler’s bucket list.
And for me, it doesn’t matter what season you choose to fulfill that list—winter, spring, summer, or autumn each carries its own magic.
This journey led me to two extraordinary destinations, St. Moritz and St. Gallen —each saintly in its own way, each offering a unique encounter with Switzerland’s soul.
St. Moritz: Where luxury meets alpine purity
St. Moritz is known worldwide as the cradle of winter tourism, it embodies sophistication wrapped in snow, sun, and sparkling lakes.
Yet beyond its glamorous reputation lies a gentler, more intimate charm—one you discover when you slow down and simply wander.
While exploring the town center, one particular shop captured both my curiosity and my senses: Läderach Swiss Chocolates.
Stepping inside was an eye-opening, drool-worthy experience. If I weren’t diabetic, I would have indulged endlessly.
Their dark chocolates were exceptional—bold yet refined—and the display of handcrafted creations of every shape, taste, and texture was irresistible.
Inevitably, I bought a few pieces to take home, though they barely survived the trip!
Läderach is a master of traditional Swiss artisanal methods, using only the finest ingredients to create chocolates that perfectly balance innovation with heritage.
What makes it even more remarkable is the brand’s commitment to sustainable production.
In Switzerland, sustainability isn’t a slogan—it’s a lived principle, quietly and meticulously practiced. In that little chocolate shop, I tasted not just sweetness, but a glimpse of Switzerland’s deeper values.
Traveling around Switzerland is a delight in itself. The Gotthard Panoramic Express train we took gave us a breathtaking experience traversing Lucerne and Lugano, crossing the Alps via the historic Gotthard route.
Each ride feels like a moving postcard—majestic peaks, shimmering lakes, quiet valleys, and charming villages.
Along these routes, classic Swiss images come into reality, something you will only wish and imagine when you see the reels in the social media.
It is a gentle reminder that Swiss excellence begins not just in its kitchens, but in its respect for balance between people, nature and tradition.
In St. Moritz, culture and nature intertwine effortlessly.
The Segantini Museum honors the artist who immortalized the Alps, while the Leaning Tower and ancient mineral springs reflect centuries of heritage.
Whether skiing, hiking, or quietly gazing at the mirror-still lake, St. Moritz leaves an impression not only on your camera—but on your heart.
St. Gallen: A sanctuary of knowledge, culture, and timeless grace
If St. Moritz dazzles, St. Gallen enchants.
The crown jewel of this northeastern city is the Abbey of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the world’s most treasured medieval libraries.
Stepping into the library feels like entering a sanctuary where time stands still—its Baroque beauty, ancient manuscripts, and scent of polished wood forming a harmony that humbles the soul.
But the magic of St. Gallen does not end at the abbey walls. Beyond this sacred sanctuary, the city unfolds with a quiet charm that lingers long after you leave.
The Textile Museum pays homage to St. Gallen’s storied past as Europe’s embroidery capital, preserving designs that once captivated royal courts.
Just a few steps away, the car-free Old Town—with its colorful oriel windows and beautifully preserved façades—invites slow, joyful wandering.
Every corner reveals another layer of history, another glimpse of the city’s artistry.
A gentle uphill stroll leads to Drei Weieren, where serene ponds reflect the sky and sweeping views of the city reward the climb.
As for me, St. Gallen is a city that whispers rather than shouts, wrapping you in quiet elegance.
Switzerland’s seasons, Switzerland’s promise
Even after experiencing the grandeur of St. Moritz and the timeless elegance of St. Gallen, I found myself drawn to the lesser-known corners of Switzerland, places that whisper stories of culture, charm, and hidden beauty.
It is in these quieter regions, away from the glitz of alpine resorts and historic city centers, that Switzerland reveals another layer of its soul—intimate and endlessly inviting.
What makes this country unforgettable is how it seamlessly ties everything together.
Landscapes, culture, food, history, technology, tradition—each piece feels like part of a single, masterfully woven tapestry.
When I return, and I surely will—I hope to immerse myself more deeply in Ticino.
My half-day visit there was far too short, leaving me wanting more of its blend of Swiss elegance and Italian charm. I long to wander through Lugano and Locarno, and to stand before the majestic Bellinzona Castles, another UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
It is a promise I’ve made to myself, Deo volente, the next time I find my way back to this alpine paradise, I will give Ticino the time it truly deserves.
Two saints, one lasting memory
For Filipinos who, especially after the pandemic, have learned that life is about balance—saving for the future while embracing moments that bring joy—Switzerland offers a perfect reminder that the world is full of wonders worth working for.
Here, every peso saved can be exchanged for experiences that linger in your memory for a lifetime.
So, when you finally plan your trip, prepare to be genuinely mesmerized.
Whether it’s the alpine splendor of St. Moritz, the spiritual grace of St. Gallen, or the countless marvels tucked between snow-draped peaks and crystal-clear lakes, Switzerland’s true magic isn’t only in what you see—it’s in how it makes you feel: peaceful, inspired, grateful, and fully alive.
We only live once, and it’s worth enjoying the incredible beauty God has placed in this world.
But here’s the honest truth: Switzerland is not cheap.
It’s an investment—one that asks you to save wisely and use your hard-earned money for experiences that nurture your spirit and broaden your horizons.
Yet every moment you spend there will remind you why you chose to explore this extraordinary corner of the world, where beauty rests in snowy mountains, pristine valleys, and the unforgettable peace of the Alps.
In the end, Switzerland blessed me with two unforgettable revelations, St. Moritz and St. Gallen, the two “saints” whose beauty, spirit, and stillness I will always carry in my heart.