I have to admit that our first day in Switzerland (well,
travelling to Switzerland at least) was one of the most stressful we have had
so far on our trip. We had left Croatia on an overnight train from Zagreb to
Venice, and were supposed to arrive at about 7.30 or so. Anyway, 7am comes
along, our alarm goes off but we realise that we are still in bloody Slovenia!
In fact we were a good 5 hours from Venice. We realised that our ‘full’ day in
Venice was now to become a half day, at least that’s what we thought at the
time. Once we arrived in Venice we needed to then reserve our place on the
evening train into Switzerland. However we were told that everything was
absolutely packed already and the only way we’d be getting to Montreux would be
the next day, unless we left in the next 20mins. Since we had no choice having
already booked (rather pricey) accommodation in Montreux, we had to take
whatever route we could to get there. So that was our Venetian experience;
30mins in the train station. Disappointing to say the least.
But enough of the negativity – once we actually arrived in
Switzerland we had nothing but the most incredible time during our stay.
Montreux is stunning. Set on a hillside overlooking the Eastern half of Lake
Geneva, every street has a postcard view. We were only in Montreux for one
night but it was still enough for us to get our first taste of Swiss cuisine.
Now since the Swiss are so heavily influenced in all facets of life from the
French and Germans, and in some areas the Italians as well, most of Swiss
cuisine (along with language) is foreign. However they do have two dishes of
their own, both of which everyone should know, Cheese Fondue and Potato Rosti
(pronounced Roshti). I’m not that big of
a fan of strong cheese, but I love me a good Rosti, haha. So the next morning
we took the ‘Golden Pass – Panoramic’ train from Montreux to Interlaken. I can
tell you the only train we’ve been on to rival the scenery on this train is the
Rocky Mountaineer in Canada – and that’s saying something! The Swiss alps in
early Autumn are simply spectacular. Accompanied by lush green meadows at their
base littered with Wooden cabins and Cows, all framed with beautiful Pine
trees. It was an amazing journey.
Interlaken has as equally a stunning backdrop as Montreux.
Set between two lakes of differing shades of blue, and at the entrance to two
giant canyons leading to the triple Peak combination of the Eiger, Monch and
Jungfrau. During our stay in Interlaken we made use of our VIP rail passes for
the local region generously provided by the local tourism office for
Jungfrau. Each day we travelled up a different
mountain railway, all offering beautiful views and a destination equipped with
mountaintop restaurants and countless hiking trails.
First we visited Harder Kulm, the lowest elevation of the railways, but I would
say definitely the steepest! The 1100m ascent is made in just 8 minutes by the
45⁰
angled tracks the train climbs!
The next day we took what is known as the ‘Romantic’ railway up to Schynige
Platte – romantic because of the old style carriages and quaint countryside it
passes through. I wouldn’t say it was overly romantic as we chose to travel at
the same time as a massive group of elderly German tourists – it was like a
geriatric sardine can haha. We did
however get in some good hiking (our first in the Alps). A couple of hours and
our untrained tired legs had had enough.
Day three in Interlaken saw us make the journey up to the highest train station
in Europe; Jungfraujoch. A station built inside the peak of the Jungfrau one
hundred years ago. An incredible feat. Sixteen years to dig the 10km tunnel
through the three peaks up to the eventual height of ~3500m at the last stop
Jungfraujoch, completed in 1912. Over the years the station has obviously had
some big renovations and additions to it, especially once the swiss realised
what an amazing tourist attraction they had now created. The complex is now
equipped with numerous restaurants, cafes, lookout points, an Ice palace carved
out of a glacier that you can walk through (so cool), a snow play area and even
helipads for scenic flights. Oh, and the landscape up on top of Jungfrau – jaw
dropping (you gotta check the pics). On the way back down, we made another stop
to do some more hiking (subconsciously preparing for Oktoberfest me thinks),
then took a Cable car down off the mountain straight into the Fog, which was
quite eerie.
Our final full day in Interlaken was by far the most fun!
That morning we looked at each other and decided “bugger it, we know it’s
expensive as all hell, but let’s do it anyways”, and that is when we decided to
go Paragliding. Fricken amazing! I can’t fully describe how incredible it was.
I will now be pleading like a MoFo with God after I die to send me back as an
Eagle for sure!
That afternoon we went for a trip through Grindelwald up to First (pronounced
Fee-erst) at the top of a good 12km Cable car journey. The way down the
mountain was slightly different. We Zip-lined the first third, hiked the second
and then hired mountain scooters for the bottom third. I can tell you, Ingrid
is a bit of a speed demon when she wants to be. Every time she has a go at my
driving now I will remind her of how she was on those mountain scooters.
Our final day in Switzerland we spent in Lucerne. A gorgeous
city just made for fashionistas and shop-o-holics. We spent our time wandering
the old city streets and fighting the urge to purchase more clothes which we
most definitely do not have the space for.
The next morning we boarded a train bound for Munich and
OKTOBERFEST BABY!!!!!
