Just about anyone visiting Europe,
be it the first time or the tenth, is eager to explore all of its many
different cities. Yet time is limited. For those in study abroad programs, a semester or even a year may sound like a
long stretch, but it’s not enough time to thoroughly explore all that Europe has to offer. One must make choices.
During a long but limited stay,
the student or tourist based in
Florence, aside from spending time in Tuscany and the many, unique regions of
Italy, may make visiting some other countries a priority. England, Spain,
France and Germany are
among the most popular destinations. Switzerland, however, is often
overlooked. Yet after a weekend in Interlaken,
Switzerland in
early December, I’m happy to inform that it’s not just a haven for skiing and
snowboarding aficionados. There are so many things to do there that it’s
impossible to get bored.
The Swiss Alps are ideal in the
wintertime. Aside from sliding down the beautiful snow-covered mountains,
daredevils can also skydive, canyon jump and paraglide. Those who still want to
engage in action, but want to pump less adrenaline, can go ice-skating or snow
tubing. Several local organizations in Interlaken
(among them Outdoor Interlaken) specialize in booking appointments and
providing the necessary equipment for sports and activities.
I decided to do something a
little different. I rented an ATV (mountain bikes were also available) and
cruised for approximately an hour until I reached the nearby village of Lauterbrunnen.
The journey was just as visually pleasant as the destination. Fresh-fallen snow
covered the trees, houses and streams that line the road. Lauterbrunnen is also
accessible by public transportation (bus or railway) and worth the short trip.
It’s best known for the Lauterbrunnen
Valley, which has 72
waterfalls and an incredible view of the mountains.
From Interlaken, many people go to Kleine
Scheidegg, a mountain pass location, with a snowboard or ski poles in hand.
Visitors can also rent sleds for 10 euro. Or head to the teepee tent next to
the railway station: it has a fun vibe as a result of the friendly people, cool
music and good eats. Chow down on a Tipiburger (delicious bacon cheeseburger)
or German sausage while drinking a Rugenbräu beer or hot chocolate and talking
to people from all over Europe.
Kleine Scheidegg also happens to
be the last stop before the connecting train to Jungfraujoch, the highest
railway station in Europe. The 3,545 meter (11,333 foot)
destination, nicknamed the Top of Europe is popular for its breathtaking view
of the Alps as well as its unique features such as the Ice Palace,
the Sphinx observation hall, and husky-drawn sleds. To reach the Top, you ride
through the inside of a glacier.
However,
reaching the Top of Europe is not cheap: the ride alone can cost as much as 120
euro. For the traveler on a tighter budget, the following options are just as
satisfying (believe me). Aside from the Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, known as
the glacier village because of the two glacier mountains surrounding it, is
pretty nice, too. There are several souvenir and chocolate shops, but it’s also
the perfect place to go with a friend if you just want to pass a few hours at a
café without making a long trip. Gimmelwald and Wengen are two other mountain
villages easily accessible by railway and ideal for hiking and biking during
the spring and summer.
Speaking of
which, although Switzerland’s
visitor count peaks during the winter season, it doesn’t empty out during the
warm months. In fact, it is quite the contrary. The flowers bloom, the grass is
green and the tips of the mountains are still frosted with snow, providing a
beautiful picturesque landscape. Popular activities to keep in mind during this
time of the year are rafting, horseback riding and swimming.
Seen enough mountains? Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is only an hour away.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city attracts visitors for its medieval charm,
historic buildings and museums.
In following up on these
suggestions for day trips, don’t forget to explore Interlaken itself. Visit Lake Brienz
(to Interlaken’s east) and Lake Thun
(to its west). Take a walk into town. And on the last night, be sure to have a
Swiss cheese and chocolate fondue dinner! You can never go wrong with that.
