The captain of this Airbus A320neo will soon make a smooth landing on runway 34 at Zurich Airport after a short hop from Geneva. Despite its size, Switzerland has four official languages. During this 30-minute flight, we cross the "Röstigraben", which marks the boundary between the French and German-speaking areas of the country named after a national dish.
Welcome on board LX2819
As the Airbus A320neo gracefully descends towards Zurich Airport, completing a brief journey from Geneva, we are reminded of the captivating diversity that Switzerland unfolds beneath us. Despite its modest geographical expanse, Switzerland is a land of rich cultural tapestry, vividly reflected in its four official languages. On our 30-minute flight, we have the privilege of traversing almost the entire width of this gem, nestled at the heart of Europe and the place I proudly call home. With several flights per day, we connect the two gateways to Switzerland and offer unique perspectives as we traverse the country's entire width. Above all, we are also crossing the symbolic divide known as the "Röstigraben," marking the transition between the French and German-speaking regions, aptly named after a beloved national dish. Come along and join me in exploring Switzerland from above.
Departing from Geneva, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the French-speaking canton of Geneva, the view is adorned with the picturesque charm of the Lavaux vineyards and the majestic Alps to the south.
From the moment we took off, the landscape below transformed, mirroring the linguistic and cultural shifts of the Swiss terrain. The French influence is palpable, evident not only in the language spoken but also in the architectural flair and culinary delights that define the region. Thanks to the short distance, our flight profile takes us to a relatively low cruising altitude of only 5000m or 15000ft. We gaze south while climbing over Lake Geneva, admiring the 4805m high Mont Blanc. The massif of the same name is located right at the border triangle of France, Italy, and Switzerland, and its peak is the highest mountain in the Alps and Europe outside the Caucasus range. Our eyes shift slightly to the left, quickly catching sight of the Matterhorn, undoubtedly the most famous mountain and a national symbol of Switzerland. The Valais Alps surround it, which boast remarkable distinctions among the Alpine groups: they have the most extensive glaciation and are home to the highest number of four thousanders among all Alpine groups. Just behind the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa massif comes into view, adorned with glaciers and hosting the highest mountain in the Swiss Alps. Standing at 4634 meters, the Dufourspitze is Switzerland's tallest peak, presiding over the Matter Valley that links Zermatt to the north with the canton of Valais.
Au revoir Genève, Grüezi Zürich
After just a few minutes of flight, we reach the eastern end of Lake Geneva and are about to cross over the invisible boundary of the Röstigraben. The scenery gradually transforms as verdant valleys and charming Swiss towns replace the vineyards, marking our arrival into the heartland of German-speaking Switzerland. Here, the architecture takes on a traditional Alpine character, with chalet-style homes dotting the landscape and precision-engineered infrastructure weaving through the valleys. The term "Röstigraben" refers to a cultural and linguistic divide in Switzerland, particularly between the French-speaking and German-speaking regions. It traverses Switzerland from north to south, weaving an invisible line through various cantons from the French border in the north to the Italian border in the south. Literally translating to "Rösti ditch," Rösti is a traditional Swiss-German potato dish. The term humorously symbolizes the division between the French-speaking western part of Switzerland and the German-speaking eastern part. While mainly marking the linguistic border between the French and German-speaking areas, it also represents the subtle but perceptible transition between these two regions, where the customs, architecture, and even cuisine may subtly shift as one moves from one side to the other. Among these regions lies the rolling hills of Fribourg, presenting a unique juxtaposition: cold limestone summits to the south and mild, Mediterranean-like lakesides to the north. As we marvel at the stunning blend of landscapes framed by the majestic Swiss Alps in the distance, an instruction from air traffic control reminds us of the significance of the Röstigraben, even from an aviator's perspective. This invisible boundary delineates the separation between the Geneva and Zurich control centers of Skyguide, the air traffic control company overseeing Swiss airspace. "SWISS Two-Yankee-Alpha, contact Zurich Control on 135.680, Bon vol!" Moments later, the welcoming "Grüezi" from Zurich Control marks our entry into Zurich airspace, signaling to the pilots in the cockpit that we have crossed the Röstigraben.
Halfway into our 30-minute flight, we soar over Bern, Switzerland's capital. The UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets, is visible, and we can even spot iconic landmarks like the Zytglogge Clock Tower and the Federal Palace. To our right, the majestic Bernese Alps unfold, boasting stunning peaks, pristine glaciers, and picturesque valleys that have long captured the hearts of travelers. Rising over 4,000 meters, iconic mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau offer breathtaking vistas and shape what we affectionately call the Swiss Skyline. Adventure enthusiasts can partake in skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in winter, while summer invites mountain biking, paragliding, and alpine trekking. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on a scenic train journey aboard the Jungfrau Railway for unparalleled views of the alpine landscape. Additionally, the region is dotted with picturesque lakes like Thun and Brienz, ideal for leisurely boat cruises and water sports. With its fusion of natural splendor, cultural richness, and thrilling activities, the Bern and Bernese Alps region promises an unforgettable Swiss adventure for every traveler.
As we glide over the rolling hills of the Emmental, our descent marks the beginning of our approach to Zurich Airport. North of the Alps, Central Switzerland unfolds, showcasing the captivating beauty of Lake Lucerne. Mount Pilatus and Rigi stand proudly at the center of it, casting shadows over the tranquil waters below. Lucerne, to me, epitomizes the essence of Swiss charm, with its picturesque Old Town and iconic Chapel Bridge offering postcard-perfect views against the backdrop of the towering Alps. For an unforgettable experience, ascend the steepest cogway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, where panoramic vistas await, revealing the true splendor of Central Switzerland.
"SWISS Two-Yankee-Alpha, turn left heading 010, cleared ILS approach runway 34," the crisp voice of air traffic control directs our path towards the approach path of runway 34 as we glide gracefully over the rolling hills of Zurich's countryside. As we prepare for our imminent landing at Zurich Airport, it's impossible not to reflect on the remarkable journey we've embarked upon in just a short time. Crossing the Röstigraben, we've transcended more than mere geographical boundaries; we've traversed through layers of history, language, and culture that collectively form the essence of Switzerland. It's a testament to the country's remarkable ability to embrace diversity while fostering unity—a delicate balance that has defined its national character for centuries. As flight crews and air travelers, we are privileged to witness this diversity from our aerial vantage point, gaining a newfound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of identities that make Switzerland unique. With a smooth touchdown, our journey across Switzerland under the guidance of our skilled captain draws to a close.
Of course, Switzerland's linguistic and cultural diversity is not confined to French and German regions alone. Italian is spoken in the southern canton of Ticino, and Romansh is spoken in the southeastern region of Graubünden. The country is a melting pot of cultures and languages, each adding its own unique flavor to the Swiss identity.
About the Image
The March image in my current photo calendar, titled "Across the Röstigraben," takes us into the cockpit of an Airbus 320neo as it executes its final approach to Zurich Airport following a short flight from Geneva. This immersive picture vividly captures the precision and skill demanded in aviation, particularly during the intense focus required for the final approach. Moreover, it narrates a captivating tale of the awe-inspiring scenery one experiences while traversing the skies over Switzerland.
Captured with a Canon EOS R5 + EF to RF Adapter + Samyang 12mm f/2.8 at ISO 1600, f/5.6, and 1/30 sec.
About "Behind the Image"
In my photo calendar "Up in the Sky" I get to share my favorite aviation pictures with you. This blog series will complement the product and will tell the story about the moment the picture was taken. It will also share comprehensive information about what happend on the flight deck and how the picture was created.
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