Interlaken, Switzerland

From Luzern, we headed to Interlaken. The drive was gorgeous, pretty much anywhere you drive in Switzerland is breathtaking. There is always a lake, a waterfall, a river and a mountain within view. It’s so beautiful it seems fake.

Interlaken is on a river that runs between two lakes. It is the capital of extreme sports. There are companies that will take you rafting, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding, canyoning…you name it, they do it. There are also lot’s of mountains to hike, and of course very expensive gondolas to help you see the view without having to hike. The first evening there we found a little mountain to hike, Heimwehfluh, just a short 20 minute hike up and it had an awesome view and a fun park on top.

Next we went to watch Aneesa jump to her death. She did a “canyon swing” where you jump off of a platform and instead of springing up and down like bungee jumping, you swing back and forth between canyon walls. Scarey!

The next day we went up just past Lauterbrunnen to the Trummelbach Falle. A series of waterfalls in caves. They are the run off of the glaciers up on those big mountains and they have carved out these awesome caves that you can walk through and stare in awe at the power of water.

 Then while Aneesa went white water kayaking, we went for a peaceful kayak ride on the lake.

We went for a little walk near Lauterbrunnen, and found a very old sign, see how old fashioned the car on it looks? I think if I had lot’s of money I would rent a place in Lauterbrunnen next time we go. It was such a cute little town and felt less touristy then Interlaken. The waterfalls in town are said to have been J.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for writing.

Lauterbrunnen, see the waterfall?

Awesome car at the campground

Our plan was to head to Zermatt next. We needed gas though, so we decided to drop down into Italy, get some gas (buying it on the economy is $9-10/gallon, I have no idea how anyone affords to drive here, the price of oil puts an oil change at at least $100). When we got to the border the gas station was on the swiss side and wouldn’t take coupons, so we drove further. The next station was closed (this was Saturday, I’ve heard of them closing on Sunday or Monday and every afternoon for reposo but not Saturday), so we drove on. By the time we found a gas station that was open we had discussed the possibility of going home and all decided that we were tired and just wanted to go home, so we did.

Getting down into Italy we passed through an amazing mountain pass, it was beautiful! And there were all these crazy road bikers going up it, it was insanely long and steep too. Some of the bikers were at least 70, I was impressed.

Jonah on top of the mountain pass