After a “challenging” yet fulfilling season, Neeraj Chopra, India’s golden boy and Olympic javelin champion, decided to take a well-deserved break, not on a beach or in a city, but amidst the serenity of Switzerland, a country that has quietly become his haven for reflection and renewal.
As he recovers and readies himself to return “sharper” next season, Neeraj found solace and joy in Switzerland’s mountains, a landscape that mirrors both the calm and the intensity of his own journey. From paragliding over Mürren to walking along Schilthorn’s glass skywalk, every experience became a metaphor for balance, courage, and peace.
Paragliding Over Mürren: A Flight to Freedom
“Paragliding over Mürren was honestly surreal,” Neeraj recalls, eyes lighting
up at the memory. “Flying high above those charming little chalets, lush valleys, and cascading waterfalls felt like something out of a dream.”
The Swiss Tandem Pilot, he says, made the entire experience “super safe and smooth,” allowing him to simply soak in the moment, “har angle se picture-perfect!”
After landing, he treated himself to a quiet lunch at the Panorama Restaurant in Allmendhubel. “The food was delicious, but it’s the mountain view that truly stayed with me. Pure peace.”
Schilthorn – Piz Gloria: The Summit of Serenity and Spectacle
For Neeraj, the ascent to Schilthorn – Piz Gloria wasn’t just about the view, it was about the journey itself.
“The journey to Schilthorn was just as amazing as the destination. The new Funifor cable car was smooth, modern, and gave panoramic views the whole way up. And when I reached the summit? Wow. I was surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it felt like the mountains were telling their own story.”
He pauses before adding, “On a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc and the Black Forest from there. Full mazaa, honestly. You don’t just see the Alps from Schilthorn, you feel them.”
Piz Gloria & Walk of Fame: Where Mountains Meet Movies
“Piz Gloria is one of those places where everything feels larger than life,” Neeraj shares, describing the 80-metre glass walkway that stretches into the clouds. “Walking along the glass path with snowy peaks all around, it felt like I was literally floating.”
The James Bond Walk of Fame, featuring handprints and stories from the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, brought a touch of cinematic nostalgia to the experience. “Thoda filmy, thoda fantastic and it all just works in that setting.”
Spy World: Nostalgia and Action, Swiss Style
At the summit, Neeraj also explored Spy World, the James Bond-themed interactive museum. “Spy World at Schilthorn is such a fun surprise,” he says. “The Bond theme runs deep from original props to behind-the-scenes secrets and even the actual screenplay. You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to enjoy it; it’s super interactive and genuinely cool. Thoda nostalgia, thoda action, it’s the kind of place where you lose track of time.”
Birg – The Skyline Thrill
“Birg took things to another level, literally and emotionally,” Neeraj laughs. At over 2,600 metres, the views were breathtaking, but it was the Skyline Walk that gave him that extra rush. “You’re standing on a platform above sheer cliffs, and everything around you just disappears into the horizon. Thoda sa fear, but full thrill. If you’re chasing that balance of beauty and bravery, this is the spot.”
Thrill Walk: Courage with a View
Neeraj’s adventurous spirit found its match at the Thrill Walk, a daring pathway clinging to the cliffs of Birg. “The Thrill Walk is for anyone who wants to push their comfort zone,” he says. “I crawled through steel tunnels, walked over a glass floor, and crossed rope bridges hanging off the mountain. My heart was racing the whole time but in the best way.”
For him, it wasn’t just about adrenaline. “It’s a reminder that thoda daring hona zaroori hai kabhi kabhi. And the views along the way? Total bonus.”
A Season of Challenge, a Moment of Calm
Reflecting on his journey, Neeraj says, “It’s been a challenging season, but one I’m proud of. Switzerland gives me space to breathe to just be myself without the noise. It reminds me why balance is so important, not just in sport but in life.”
For a man who soars on the strength of his arm, Switzerland offered a different kind of flight, one of stillness, clarity, and renewal. Whether gliding over Mürren’s valleys or standing above the clouds at Schilthorn, Neeraj Chopra found what every athlete ultimately seeks: peace in motion.
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