Early Saturday morning, we boarded a train to Montreux for a day of hiking in the Swiss Alps—something I had been looking forward to since the beginning of the trip. Back home in Seattle, hiking is a huge part of my life. I spend most of my summers trying to cross off as many trails and summits as I can, so getting the chance to explore a new mountain range in another country felt like a dream come true.
After a scenic train ride through Switzerland’s wine country, with rows of vineyards stretching along the hillsides, we transferred to a smaller mountain train that began our gradual climb upward. We arrived at a charming farmer’s market tucked into the mountains. There were stalls full of fresh empanadas, local wine tastings, handcrafted jewelry, and artisanal goods. It was a lively and colorful place, and the perfect way to start the morning.
From there, we took a short but steep tram ride to the trailhead and began our ascent into the Alps. The hike reminded me a lot of home—tall pine trees lined the path, and we passed fields bursting with wildflowers. The air felt crisp and fresh, and the views grew more expansive with every step. After about 30 minutes, we reached the summit. The view was absolutely breathtaking: Lake Geneva shimmered below us, stretching farther than the eye could see, with the town of Montreux nestled along its edge. We could spot football fields, terracotta rooftops, brightly colored homes, and distant villages dotted along the mountain slopes. It felt surreal.
After soaking it in—and taking lots of photos—we began our descent. While technically going “down,” the trail zigzagged in steep switchbacks and rolling hills, alternating between climbs and drops. At one point, we passed a field of cows that, according to Bella, are considered the happiest cows in the world (and I believe it). About an hour later, we reached the bottom and returned to the lakeside, where we rewarded ourselves with fresh pizza, salad, and gelato.
Next, we headed to Château de Chillon—a site I knew little about before arriving but quickly became one of my favorite experiences of the trip. Perched on a rocky outcrop over Lake Geneva, the castle is one of Switzerland’s most visited historic landmarks. We explored its dungeons, banquet halls, bed chambers, and towering lookouts. The entire structure was both massive and majestic, with huge windows overlooking the lake and courtyards that seemed frozen in time. We wandered every corner, listening to guides explain what life would have been like there centuries ago. It was both haunting and awe-inspiring.
Back at the hotel that evening, I squeezed in my summer fitness packet before rejoining classmates for a light dinner. Though today was more about sightseeing than the Olympics, it sparked some interesting thoughts. One key element of both the Ancient and Modern Olympic movements is the idea of the Olympic Truce—using sport as a vehicle for peace, unity, and diplomacy. At Château de Chillon, we learned about the region’s history of conflict, invasions, and violent defense tactics. It made me wonder: could Olympic-style events have brought about a different kind of communication in medieval times? Could sport have been a unifier, even in this small mountain region?
We often think of the Olympics as a global event tied to major cities, but this experience reminded me how powerful sport can be, even in smaller communities. The way the modern Games promote tourism, culture, and peace makes me wonder what their influence might have looked like back then. One thing I do know: if Switzerland ever wanted to add hiking to the Olympic events, the Swiss Alps would be the ultimate venue—because that was no easy feat!
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