Switzerland is a Paradise

October 15, 2018

Switzerland is a Paradise

Last weekend I spent a few days in Interlaken, Switzerland.

We took a train to Spiez (above) and then a smaller train to Interlaken

I left my host family for good last Thursday in Montefiascone with a tearful goodbye and a vow to return. I spent the night in Milan at Courtney's apartment, the next morning we traveled by train to Spiez, Switzerland and then took a smaller train to Interlaken Ost train station, getting in on Friday morning.

Train station

While Switzerland had always been on my list, it wasn't top priority for me until my friend Courtney mentioned she would be traveling there with her roommates. Like any person with manners, I quickly invited myself along and ended up in probably one of the most scenic places I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

As soon as I stepped off the train I was in awe. Now don't get me wrong, Italy has been amazing to me, but Switzerland is basically like you stepped into a slice of heaven. Their country is doing great economically and everything is INSANELY expensive but that also means new regional trains, clean streets, updated hostels and so much more that you do not see a lot of in other parts of Europe.

Even the money is beautiful

Friday

Our first day was spent exploring the small town and getting familiar with the local food. My German roommate, Lydia, in Montefiascone told me that I must try rosti, which is potatoes covered in whatever you want! Cheese, bacon, onions, eggs, the list goes on.

Rosti

It was also appropriate fall weather, which I welcomed with open arms as a sweet relief to the 90 degree weather I have been enduring all summer.

After lunch we headed to one of the two lakes that Interlaken is nestled between. They offer clear waters and mountains in 360 degree view.

Lake Thunersee

We then took one of the many hiking trails and this is where Anne and I created the album cover to our mix tape, dropping next month. 😉

Anne and I

Then we got lost and wandered around the small neighborhoods outside the touristy area. We may have wandered into a few backyards...

Honestly I am still not over these views

The rest of the evening was spent trying to find cheap food since a regular meal will cost you 20 Swiss Franks or more. Right now the USD is close in value to Swiss Franks but that does not stop the prices from being outrageous. Courtney and I split most meals and still paid 15 USD or more when we dined out. Even souvenirs that typically can be found in other places for a dollar were 6 dollars.

Saturday

Though unprepared clothing wise for the physical exercise I would be doing, we heard that taking a train up the mountain to Schynige Platte was a must do. Again, not the cheapest journey as it set me back around 40 USD for a return train ticket but I would do it again in a heartbeat! The views are not to be missed!

Confession: The hostel we stayed at had an incredible buffet breakfast included in the (again very high) price of the room. This is extremely unusual for hostels to 1. have breakfast and 2. have a breakfast that is actually good. So though it was "frowned upon" to take food to go, we all made sandwiches and took fruit to go hiking with us. Saved us 20 dollars so definitely worth the risk!

The train that takes you up the mountain. We were surprised to hear it took an hour and a half but as soon as the train took off at its glacial pace we quickly understood why.

The views from the train

At the top!

Once you reach the top, there is a single restaurant sitting on the hill. Other than that, you chose a hiking trail and you are free to explore. Seeing as how my hiking skills are very limited and I am so out of shape I cry just thinking about it, our group of five split up and three of us took the 2 mile trail instead of the all day ones. My love for taking pictures also got in the way of the hike so it was a half hike, half photo shoot day.

They have a swing at the top that overlooks the valley

And a seesaw!

Not so far away once you begin the hike there is a garden and benches to hang out on. They even have bells that you can ring. Not entirely sure of the reasoning behind them but I had fun doing it!

A seat with a view

The bells

Once we reached the overlook to the city we decided to eat our lunches and take in the view. From the top you can see all of Interlaken and both lakes.

One lake to the right

One lake to the left

I tried to hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon but all I heard was my mom's voice saying "get back from that ledge!"

As we figured out where to go next we saw a small wooden ladder in the middle of a rock formation and I thought, perfect this seems totally safe, let's do it!

Rock formation

Turned out to be steps, not a ladder

The view half way up

Once we made it to the top

Upon our descent, we ran into a wild Yeti and decided to head safely back down the mountain for a sport better suited for my body, eating.

Almost didn't get away

After a quick trip to the city Bonigen to see the other lake, Brienzersee, we made reservations to try my first ever fondue and headed first to a recommended chocolate shop by my close friend and fellow world traveler, Ashley Edwards!

Lake Brienzersee

The water was a deep blue

Funky Chocolate Club located on a side street in the center of Interlaken was the chocolate fix I needed. I prefer fried foods over sweets any day but this shop made my loyalties waver if only for a few moments.

Outside of the store

They had chocolate sculptures displayed around the store and I even found my grandpa's dentures!

I decided on the chocolate covered strawberries

Restaurant Taverne located inside Hotel Interlaken turned out to be an amazing first place to try fondue. Everything from our amazing waiter, Tristan, to the ambiance and endless food you get when you order the fondue made our dinner fantastic!