Imagine this:
You wake up in the morning to silence – no car horns, trucks racing past or people chattering loudly. The sun is pouring in through your window. You step out of bed to gaze out your window and focus your eyes on the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains in the near distance. Everything looks green.
If that’s something you would be interested in, then you MUST visit Interlaken, Switzerland for yourself! During my time in the UK, I visited Interlaken three times in about 4 months. I just couldn’t stay away. Even after I moved back to Australia, I managed a fourth trip back.
Visiting a friend
I’d done so much travel in major, busy cities around Europe, when a friend of mine asked me to visit her in Interlaken, Switzerland. She completely sold me on the natural beauty of the place, the outdoor living and the laid-back, friendly people/vibe. I was tired of the hustle and bustle of busy city life and hopped on a plane over.
After a short flight, a three-hour train trip from the airport and a 15-minute walk, I’d arrived in Interlaken and was not left disappointed. As soon as you step off the train, you are met with beautiful mountains and blue rivers.
Having a friend who works there was definitely a bonus to show me the ropes and the best touristy tips.
Feeling safe
How could you not?! Rated as one of the safest countries in Europe, it is evident when you take a walk through the towns. I would walk alone through Interlaken day and night. Having said that, I wouldn’t advocate walking alone at night. You should always be a smart traveler. If in doubt, ask a local/someone who works at your accommodation.
The people
I’ve seen some stunning landscapes and met some fun-loving, spontaneous, adventurous people. There’s something about Interlaken that connects people. I’ve loved meeting fellow travelers who I’ve been lucky enough to take further adventures with and still keep in contact with today. The locals and people that worked locally also made my time there that much more special with their friendly, welcoming personalities.
Outdoor living
I was seeking a travel destination that provided plenty of outdoor activities. I won’t lie, I’m not a huge thrill seeker (although I’d like to pretend I am), but Switzerland provides options for all types of travelers. There are SO MANY things I didn’t get to do so a fifth trip is definitely in the cards! That’s one of the best things about Interlaken – there’s so much to see and do, that it keeps pulling you back.
Water rafting
Not so surprising how cold it was (even in July) with the water coming from glaciers.
Hiking Harder Kulm
Try hiking Harder Kulm. If the 4.1km hike to the top isn’t your style, you’ll be happy to hear they have a train that takes you right to the top!
Walk to the stunning lakes
Interlaken literally translates to ‘between lakes’ – Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. A walk out to either of these lakes is sure to help you feel relaxed.
The things I wish I had done! (and will return to check it off the bucket list)
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Paragliding
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Ice Climbing
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Sledging
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The Via Ferrata
The Via Ferrata would have to be my main bucket list goal! An adrenaline boosting climb along mountain cliffs between Murren and Gimmelwald.
Magnificent mountains nearby
Interlaken is located on the edge of Jungfrau region, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, which makes it the ideal location to stay and reach the mountains, the villages within the mountains and all outdoors activities. Another reason why I fell for Interlaken.
Jungfrau
I was told that this mountain was a must for the trip and they were right! The view from the Jungfrau is simply stunning no matter what time of year you travel. I made the journey up (peaking at 3454m above sea level) during winter. It was freezing but so worth it. There were so many things to see and do if jaw-dropping views are not enough for you.
Schynige Platte
This mountain hike took me so long to complete, not because of the difficult trek but because there are so many moments I wanted to capture. When I returned after a long day out, I went through my photos – hundreds of photos!!
First
Unfortunately, I arrived in First too late and couldn’t do the hike up to Lake Bachalp but the views I got where definitely ‘good enough’! For the adventurous types, they have a ‘First Flyer’ (you’re attached to a rope and travel at speeds of up to 80km/hr) and Trottibike scooters down the mountain. I settled for a Cliff walk by Tissot.
Quaint mountain villages
Interlaken is surrounded with quaint mountain villages that left me wanting to pack up my life at home and take up living in the mountain tops. Walking through these quiet villages tended to make me forget about everything else – any stresses, work, time, everything! The following villages were just a few I have visited.
Gimmelwald
I’ve taken both a cable car and walked to this quaint old village. This car-free village makes you feel like you are getting back to nature. The one sound you can hear anywhere in the village is the sound of cow bells in the near distance.
Lauterbrunnen
An impressive valley within the Alps, Lauterbrunnen took my breath away. This was the first mountain village I saw in Switzerland. With 72 waterfalls, untouched, natural scenery and huge rock cliffs, it’s not difficult to see why this place has been such an inspiration to so many. A drawing card for me was the fact that JRR Tolkien traveled there and based Rivendell from Lord of the Rings on this stunning place.
I was lucky enough to be there when they had a cow parade through the village. What an awesome surprise!
Grindelwald
Surrounded by mountains, you could spend hours here just staring in marvel at the views.
The country is so beautiful, you honestly don’t even need to take a good camera with you. It’s incredibly difficult to take a bad picture there. They say a picture tells a thousand words, so I will leave the post there with the pictures I took that inspired me to want to keep going back.
Companies I used during my time/s in Interlaken |
jason timms
Wow Steph, those photos look super awesome and so scenic. I love the creative writing style too. You should check out my blog too at https://westcoastus17.blogspot.com/
Stephb
Thanks Jason, It was definitely at the top of my list to return to!