Fourth Stop - Interlaken West, Switzerland
Via Trains from Barcelona Francia to Bern, Bern to Interlaken West
Total Travel Hrs: 14 (including waiting time)
Though this backpacking trip seemed to parallel Violet, Klaus and Sunny's series of unfortunate events, riding the 13-hr, Switzerland-bound train made us feel a bit closer to Utopia. The monumental Alps, entrancing lakes, quaint hillside towns and beautiful sunny weather along SBB's scenic routes held so much promise of a relaxing and memorable two-day visit. Our final destination Interlaken West, is a small, charming town minutes away from the Alps' different peaks and with its main train station five minutes away from our clean and well-kept hostel. Ja, Switzerland delivers.
Via Trains from Barcelona Francia to Bern, Bern to Interlaken West
Total Travel Hrs: 14 (including waiting time)
Though this backpacking trip seemed to parallel Violet, Klaus and Sunny's series of unfortunate events, riding the 13-hr, Switzerland-bound train made us feel a bit closer to Utopia. The monumental Alps, entrancing lakes, quaint hillside towns and beautiful sunny weather along SBB's scenic routes held so much promise of a relaxing and memorable two-day visit. Our final destination Interlaken West, is a small, charming town minutes away from the Alps' different peaks and with its main train station five minutes away from our clean and well-kept hostel. Ja, Switzerland delivers.
Wilkommen Switzerland!
Unwilling to waste any time, we first set out to grab some uber-licious Rosti and sausages, chicken curry, homemade chocolate cake and ice cream at Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen - a lavish village lying in the valley, and set against the backdrop of a towering waterfall. From there, we went up to one of the main Swiss peaks, Jungfraujoch at 11,000+ ft. And perhaps, the most expensive train ride ever, even with our Eurail passes at 200EU / person roundtrip. Was it worth it? With a second to stop and think...Yes, considering it as once in a lifetime experience - seeing sun and snow harmoniously co-existing in the beginning of September, walking through the ice sculptures inside the Ice Palace, and splurging on a cup of hot chocolate for warmth. Plus, the stunning view of the Alps and all earth beneath - can't put a price tag on it!
With the hostel room booked...get this....ALL to ourselves, the exhausting couple of weeks melted in our sleep. The next day, Ralph, sis-in-law and I prepped for another of Ralph's extreme sports adventures - Canyoning. Despite the mistaken dates for our booking (go figure), they still managed to squeeze us in the same day. And there...we rappelled, slid, and jumped off rocks and waterfalls at Saxeten. But NO, keep those hopes a notch lower - I rappelled through the 30ft high rock instead of jumping it. I prefer keeping my feet on the ground, thank you very much.
After the short, unwinding visit, we bid Switzerland in tears, or at least I did. The serenity and breathtaking surroundings including our more lax schedule will be surely missed. And as always, time always finds a way to move us on. On board the euro trains once again,
we headed to the culture-rich boot-shaped country, Viva Italia!
we headed to the culture-rich boot-shaped country, Viva Italia!
RSS Feed
