The Swiss Alps ~ BERNER OBERLAND
The Swiss Alps was the deciding factor in choosing this tour: 3 nights in pure nature! While the weather was far from perfect -- clouds and rain most of the time -- that didn't stop us from having a good time: exploring villages, sampling Swiss chocolate and cheese, and gawking at mountains when the sun came out. Rick himself was even in town, leading his own tour, but unfortunately, because of his tour's schedule and despite Rolinka's attempts, we weren't able to arrange a meeting.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-An evening of traditional Swiss folk music at our hotel. As a bonus, since it was our fourth anniversary this night, everyone sang "Happy Anniversary" to us and presented us with a special card. Thank you, friends!
-The crashing waters in Trummelbach Falls.
-Chocolate-making demonstration in Interlaken.
-Enjoying the Sportzentrum spa in Murren.
-Hiking to Gimmelwald.
-Funicular ride to Allmendhubel.
We'll describe these stops briefly, but since it's Switzerland, we'll also let the photos speak for themselves!
LANGUAGE TIP!
Even if you don't speak German, sometimes it's not hard to decipher! Give it your best guess!
HIGHLIGHTS:
-An evening of traditional Swiss folk music at our hotel. As a bonus, since it was our fourth anniversary this night, everyone sang "Happy Anniversary" to us and presented us with a special card. Thank you, friends!
-The crashing waters in Trummelbach Falls.
-Chocolate-making demonstration in Interlaken.
-Enjoying the Sportzentrum spa in Murren.
-Hiking to Gimmelwald.
-Funicular ride to Allmendhubel.
We'll describe these stops briefly, but since it's Switzerland, we'll also let the photos speak for themselves!
LANGUAGE TIP!
Even if you don't speak German, sometimes it's not hard to decipher! Give it your best guess!
Murren
This pleasant car-free town is a great home base, as its close to several funiculars, hiking trails, and other nature-related activities. It's very small -- you can walk across town in about 15 minutes -- but whether you choose to get around on foot or by train, gondola, or funicular (or the jaw-dropping Via Ferrata!), Murren is perfect.
One of our favorite memories was an evening of traditional folk music. Böbs (pronounced "bups") on the Alphorn and Christian on the accordion entertained us with a selection of Swiss music (including a Swiss rendition of "Happy Anniversary!") and yodeling. We ended with a Conga line around the hotel! One of April's favorite tour memories was a happy hour at our hotel in Murren. In addition to enjoying local wine and cheeses (April was recruited to slice them), Rolinka had a great idea: email her baby or childhood photos. She arranged a slideshow on a projector, and we had fun guessing who was who! During free time, Justin enjoyed the Sportzentrum, complete with pools, spas and saunas, and other athletic activities. He was really missing Baden Baden... |
TIP!
You will have the opportunity to exchange your money, likely in Basel, into Swiss francs prior to arriving in Murren, around at a dollar-for-dollar rate. Take some time to browse through these "rest stops on steroids" that feel like the size of a Target and even extend across the highway! They're a great place to pick up Swiss souvenirs, coffee, or chocolate! Restrooms cost 1SF, but you get a voucher of equal value to use in the store. We pool ours together and get three types of Toblerone to enjoy on the bus! |
FUNNY MEMORY:
There are many theories as to what happens to the person who drops their bread in the fondue pot. One holds that they have to kiss the person seated on their left. Our guide offered another theory: "If a lady drops it, she has to sing for everybody. If a man drops it, he... has to kiss Rolinka." Says one female tour member: "They'll be dropping them all the time!"
There are many theories as to what happens to the person who drops their bread in the fondue pot. One holds that they have to kiss the person seated on their left. Our guide offered another theory: "If a lady drops it, she has to sing for everybody. If a man drops it, he... has to kiss Rolinka." Says one female tour member: "They'll be dropping them all the time!"
Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is trapped in time: a perfect example of working Swiss farm life and old traditions. We meet the locals as they tend their farms or by visiting their shops, some of which are on the honor system. Here we buy "Gimmelwald Tee", cheese, and some souvenirs from the Honesty Shop.
It's fun to walk, but if not, pick up a ticket like the ones on the left, and take the funicular.
It's fun to walk, but if not, pick up a ticket like the ones on the left, and take the funicular.
Interlaken
A big town at the base of the mountain, we visit here as a group as a rainy day alternative. We get a private "schoki-show" (chocolate demonstration) at the world-renowned Schuh, plus free time for lunch and shopping. Watches and pocket knives, anyone? (Some cost tens of thousands of dollars!)
While white chocolate is yummy, they don't consider it real chocolate. No matter... milk chocolate, dark chocolate, pure 100% chocolate... it was all good!
While white chocolate is yummy, they don't consider it real chocolate. No matter... milk chocolate, dark chocolate, pure 100% chocolate... it was all good!
Trummelbach Falls
Many people reserve the word "awesome" for the Grand Canyon. Justin says: "I'd also save it for Trummelbach Falls."
The most powerful waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, we tour Trummelbach by first ascending an elevator inside the mountain. The waterfall zig-zags, corkscrews, and thunders down from the top of the mountain to the valley below. Approximately twelve viewpoints offer views of Mother Nature roaring in action. Caution: slippery, wet... and simply amazing!
The most powerful waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, we tour Trummelbach by first ascending an elevator inside the mountain. The waterfall zig-zags, corkscrews, and thunders down from the top of the mountain to the valley below. Approximately twelve viewpoints offer views of Mother Nature roaring in action. Caution: slippery, wet... and simply amazing!
ALlmendhubel
A funicular whisks us steeply up the mountain to a 6300+-foot elevation. While it's raining down in Murren, up here it's... snowing! Snowball fight!
Allmendhubel is popular with families for its easy hiking trails, including the Flower Trail, scenic views, and rides. But it's too cold out today. So we enjoy lunch at the restaurant, including the best cream of mushroom soup of our lives, soothing Swiss hot chocolate, and mint tea with rum.
Allmendhubel is popular with families for its easy hiking trails, including the Flower Trail, scenic views, and rides. But it's too cold out today. So we enjoy lunch at the restaurant, including the best cream of mushroom soup of our lives, soothing Swiss hot chocolate, and mint tea with rum.
Alas, our time in Switzerland was short, but we'll be back. Now it's back to Germany, with a taste of Bavaria in Munich.