Forty years ago, a video was released that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. It was 1984, and the band Queen had just released their hit song “I Want to Break Free”. The music video, filmed in the snowy Swiss village of Saas-Fee, captured the hearts of fans all over the world with its catchy tune and iconic imagery. And even after four decades, fans still flock to this picturesque location to relive the magic of the video.
Saas-Fee, also known as “The Pearl of the Alps”, is a charming village nestled in the Swiss Alps. With its stunning mountain views, quaint chalets, and traditional Swiss charm, it’s no wonder that this village was chosen as the backdrop for the iconic music video. And even though the video was released over forty years ago, Saas-Fee has not lost its appeal to fans.
Every year, fans from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Saas-Fee to experience the magic of the “I Want to Break Free” video for themselves. They come to see the iconic chalet where the band members dressed in drag and performed their famous dance routine. They come to walk the same streets and take in the same breathtaking views that were captured in the video. And they come to be a part of the unique events and activities that are organized in honor of this beloved video.
One of the most popular events in Saas-Fee is the “I Want to Break Free” themed scavenger hunt. Fans are given a list of locations from the video and must race against the clock to find them all. It’s a fun and exciting way to explore the village and relive the scenes from the video. And for those who are feeling extra adventurous, there is even a version of the scavenger hunt that takes place on skis, just like in the video.
Another must-do activity for fans is the “I Want to Break Free” karaoke night. This event gives fans the chance to channel their inner Freddie Mercury and sing their hearts out to the iconic song. It’s a night filled with laughter, music, and a sense of camaraderie among fans who share a love for this timeless video.
But the highlight of any fan’s trip to Saas-Fee is undoubtedly the chance to see the iconic chalet for themselves. The chalet, also known as the “Queen House”, has become a pilgrimage site for fans. Many take photos in front of it, while others even try to recreate the famous dance routine on its steps. And for those who want to take their experience to the next level, there is even a “Queen House” tour that takes fans inside the chalet and gives them a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video.
But it’s not just the events and activities that make Saas-Fee a must-visit for fans. The village itself is a charming and picturesque destination. With its traditional wooden chalets, cobblestone streets, and stunning mountain views, it’s like stepping into a fairytale. And for fans of the video, it’s like stepping into the music video itself.
Saas-Fee has also become a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, with many couples choosing to tie the knot in the same location where their favorite band filmed their iconic video. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the video and the village itself.
As we celebrate forty years since the release of “I Want to Break Free”, it’s clear that the magic of this video is still alive and well. And Saas-Fee, with its charming beauty and unique events, continues to be a place of pilgrimage for fans from all over the world. So if you’re a fan of Queen and their iconic music video, make sure to add Saas-Fee to your travel bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.
