‘Come at one’ to Switzerland’s magnificent Reichenbach Falls, where Sherlock seemingly fell to his death
With snow-capped mountains and its mirrored lakes, the Alpine country is truly mesmerising
“COME at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.”
Sherlock Holmes’ command to sidekick Watson could just as well apply to Switzerland, which is a stunning Mecca for detective fans.
With snow-capped mountains and its mirrored lakes, the Alpine country is truly mesmerising.
Stepping off my flight in the capital Bern, I was immediately struck by how fresh and crisp the air was.
Lungs filled, I boarded a train to Meiringen, where Sherlock seemingly fell to his death at the magnificent Reichenbach Falls.
The train sped along the mountain edge cloaked in a blanket of snow, and my eyes were transfixed by the pristine lakes.
Yes, it’s a bit better than my normal Tube commute.
I arrived at Parkhotel du Sauvage, where Sherlock author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stayed back in 1901.
From there you can follow in Sherlock’s footsteps up to the edge of the waterfall.
Padding through the glittery snow, it felt like I had fallen into Narnia.
After a short trek down the Bernese Alps, I reached the fateful waterfall but with the temperature barely nudging above freezing, it looked more like a cascade of giant icicles.
And I wouldn’t want to face my arch enemy here — like Sherlock did in The Final Problem — because the rocks beneath plunge further than the eye can see.
After enjoying the views, it is a good idea to set off to one of Meiringen’s cosy tearooms to warm up those frozen toes.
And while there, you have to sample a world-famous meringue — named after the town itself.
They were nothing like I had seen before. Almost as big as my head, the light and airy sugar bomb was served piled high with double cream and a pot of steaming tea.
Batteries recharged, I then took a tour of the Sherlock Holmes Museum and had a quick selfie with a life-size statue of the man himself.
The museum, tucked away in the underground of an old church, was a packed treasure trove dedicated to the famous detective.
My favourite part was the room that had been decorated to look just like Sherlock’s home at 221b Baker Street.
Organised chaos would probably be the best way to describe its style of ancient rugs, Victorian furniture, discarded newspapers and half-smoked pipes.
A welcoming fire was lit in the huge hearth and everything — down to the detail on the wallpaper — was matched as closely to Doyle’s descriptions as was possible.
With the sound effects and commentary on the audio tape, you really feel like you have stepped back in time to Sherlock’s lair.
The following day I travelled back to the capital and took a walking tour of the city.
I stopped off for the best afternoon tea I have ever tasted, at the 5* Hotel Schweizerhof.
The dainty sandwiches, warm scones topped with cream and jam and the delicious cakes and chocolates were a luxury treat, made all the more special by the knowledge I was at the same table Elizabeth Taylor once sat at.
After a quick stop-off at Einstein House — one of seven apartments lived in by the genius physicist — it was time to say goodbye.
Switzerland, you gave me an epic detective adventure and just like Sherlock, I will definitely be making a surprise return.
GO: BERN, SWITZERLAND
GETTING THERE: Flights to Bern with SkyWork Airlines operate twice daily Monday to Friday, daily Saturday and Sunday from London City Airport. To book, visit .
STAYING THERE: The Parkhotel du Sauvage in Meiringen has double rooms from £116 per night. See .
MORE INFO: See .