Interlaken & Gimmelwald
DO take the train up the mountain and hike to Gemmlwald
STAY Hotel Beausite
HIKE one of the 450 hiking trails for you to discover within the region of Interlaken
The hills are alive
christina
I had visited this area and went backpacking around here when I was in college, having studied abroad in Geneva. When people would ask about that trip I would always tell them about my favorite place on Earth - this tiny village in the Alps called Gimmelwald. My main intention in coming back to Interlaken was to show Julio this magical place and to revisit it for myself - I haven't been back since 1999.
It did not disappoint but it is a lot colder now in November than it was when I came here in July. I certainly wasn't expecting snow, but that's what we got on our hike - though it didn't take anything away from the majesty of this amazing place. Being back in these mountains is such a homecoming for me and couldn't come at a better time as I feel into our sense of newness, freedom and joy that we've been working on. The sheer size and scope of these mountains is something I dream about all the time wherever I am - they cannot be put into a box in my mind but rather instill in me a great sense of wonderment and grandeur. The air is so clean and the fact that there are no cars up on the mountainside add to the pristine sense of nature and the subsequent surrender to the elements up there. I think it would be impossible to explain it in words so I'll let the pictures talk - but even those won't do it justice - it feels like Heaven on Earth up there.
Aside from visiting Gimmelwald, I was amazed once again by the beauty of Interlaken. We got to take beautiful walks around the lake and through the town and I was reminded of how idyllic and truly gorgeous Switzerland is (aside from the cost). I hope to incorporate this place into our lives somehow in the future... not sure how yet but hopefully it will happen.
julio
Such a glorious place, tuked in between the emerlad colored Lakes Thun and Lake Brienz Interlaken is the stuff Swiss dreams are made of. Cutely decorated chalets with red flags blowing in the wind, cozy lodges, snow capped Alps, hot cocoas and mountain dogs. We hiked the town extensively along the lakes and watched gliders take off and land from Interlaken Rope Park. It really is all here in Interlaken, perhaps once you get past the fact that Switzerland is a very expensive country. A meal for one at a restaurant can be as high as 50-70 Euros and the trains/transportation is also not cheap. If you are prepared or can afford this golden playground, it is ultra dignified, picturesque and highly memorable.
Christina had studied abroad in Geneva so returning to the mountain village of Gimmelwald was a pilgrimage of sorts where we would have the perfect picnic. Her college years comfort foods of fresh baguette, an assortment of Swiss cheeses and chocolate would do perfectly on a singular bench at the top of the Alps. After our picturesque meal we took the funiculars down the mountains, explored the town and waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen and then returned to our cozy base of Interlaken.
the light was amazing!
Having a picnic in the Alps
the town of Gimmelwald
Things you find in Swiss vending machines. Papers? Condoms? Lighters?
The hotel Beausite
