Switzerland is one of the most exciting all-season destinations in Europe. The country has an impressive 208 mountains over 3,000 meters and thousands of lakes including the Interlaken area, between the Thunersee and Brienzersee lake.
Get around in Switzerland by train
One of the main reasons I chose Interlaken as my first destination in Switzerland was because of its excellent transportation system. It’s incredibly convenient for travelers like me, with a well-connected train network. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it only took me two hours to reach Interlaken from Zurich Airport. What’s even more impressive is that you can also travel from Basel to Interlaken in the same amount of time.
The train journey itself was absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Switzerland. As I sat back and relaxed in the comfortable train seats, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before my eyes. From lush green valleys to majestic snow-capped mountains, every minute of the journey was filled with awe-inspiring views.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, I would also suggest checking out the Swiss Pass website. They often have special offers and deals that can make your travel experience even more affordable and enjoyable. Whether it’s discounted fares or additional perks, exploring the Swiss Pass website is definitely worth it to make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
Interlaken – Your base for Top of Europe
I had a clear plan in mind for my trip – to spend as much time as possible exploring the beautiful surroundings. With that in mind, I made sure to book a hostel that would provide a safe place to store my belongings while I ventured out. Upon arriving in the evening, I quickly checked in and headed to my room. Grabbing a towel and some brochures from the reception, I settled down and began to plan my activities for the next day.
As I sipped on a warm cup of tea, I perused the various options available in the area. There were so many activities to choose from, ranging from seasonal adventures to those dependent on weather conditions. It was exciting to have such a wide array of choices at my fingertips.
The following morning, I made the wise decision to wake up early, allowing me to beat the crowds at the breakfast area. While enjoying my meal, I glanced up at the screens displaying live webcam footage from the nearby peaks. The wind seemed quite strong up there, so I decided to postpone my visit to Jungfrau until the next day when the conditions might be more favorable.
Fortunately, the weather turned out to be good enough for paragliding, which I had been eagerly anticipating. I couldn’t wait to soar through the sky and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes. In addition to paragliding, the area offered a plethora of other activities to suit every taste. From thrilling skydiving experiences to visiting the rope park or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride on the lake, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Grindelwald
Getting to Grindelwald village is incredibly easy. I simply hopped on the train, which conveniently took me directly there. To make things even smoother, I had downloaded the Koomot app the day before. So, without wasting any time, I swiftly opened the app and located a trailhead. Time was of the essence, as I wanted to make the most of my day. However, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret as the morning sunshine disappeared and the clouds started descending from the mountain.
Undeterred by the changing weather, I decided to proceed with my hiking plans. Equipped with a rain jacket and a positive attitude, I set off on the trail. As I ascended higher into the mountains, the misty atmosphere created an ethereal ambiance, adding a touch of mystery to my adventure. The sound of my footsteps echoed through the quiet forest, and occasional glimpses of wildlife added to the sense of serenity. Despite the cloudy conditions, I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of nature surrounding me.
The footpaths in this area are clearly marked, making it easy for hiking enthusiasts to navigate and explore. With approximately 300 kilometers of panoramic trails available, there is no shortage of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
For those who prefer a faster mode of transportation, mountain biking is an excellent choice. With its ability to cover more ground in less time, a mountain bike allows riders to explore a larger area and experience a wider range of landscapes. Whether you’re seeking thrilling downhill descents or challenging uphill climbs, a mountain bike provides the versatility and speed to satisfy your adventurous spirit.
So whether you prefer to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace on foot or zip through the trails on a mountain bike, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences and make the most of your outdoor adventure.
The magnificent Grindelwald mountains of Switzerland have been featured in several Star Wars films, such as Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. These breathtaking snowy peaks were also chosen to represent Alderaan, the home planet of Princess Leia.
Top of Europe – Jungfrau
I planned my trip to be as flexible as possible, considering the unpredictable weather. However, there was one place that I had a strong desire to visit. I had heard from my Swiss friends that many of them had been to this place and I wanted to experience it for myself – the Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe.
This day began with two train rides. First, I traveled from Interlaken to Wengen, and then I took another train to the top. Along the way, we made two stops for a few minutes each time due to the rapid change in elevation. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to step off the train during these stops. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the viewpoints at the station.
After a 2.5-hour train journey from Interlaken, I arrived at Eismeer (Sea of Ice), the highest-altitude railway station in Europe. If the weather is favorable, you can catch a glimpse of the Voges mountains in France or the Black Forest in Germany. Other notable attractions include the Sphinx observation building, Ice Palace, and snow plateau. Additionally, there are restaurants and cafes available to cater to visitors.
During the descent, I experienced a slight headache, but it was completely worth it. To alleviate the discomfort, I indulged in the Swiss chocolate gift given to me by the ticket inspector, and I felt much better afterward.
After a fulfilling experience at the previous station, I continued my journey and embarked on another trail. Since it had already been a long day, I decided to descend to the next station marked on the map. This led me to the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen. Nestled in a valley adorned with 72 breathtaking waterfalls, one of them being the magnificent Staubbach, which can be found just off the main street. Lauterbrunnen serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. However, if you are on a budget, I would still recommend Interlaken.
Place to revisit
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, although it felt too short. I highly recommend spending a week in order to fully explore the area at a more leisurely pace. Keep in mind that some activities are weather-dependent, so if there’s something specific you really want to try, plan accordingly. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to fit in one more place I wanted to visit. If you’re a James Bond fan, I highly suggest adding Schilthorn to your list. This iconic location was featured in the 1969 James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and now serves as a restaurant and visitor center.
