Our Trip to Switzerland:
Experiences and Adventures
Join us as we share our journey through Switzerland. From the moment we arrived, we were eager to explore the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming villages that make this country so special. Over the course of our trip, we experienced unforgettable hikes, breathtaking scenery, and cultural highlights. Whether you're planning your own adventure or simply dreaming of Swiss mountains. Our story will inspire your next trip.
Day 1 - Arrival in Zurich
Our Swiss odyssey commenced with a smooth flight from Gatwick to Zurich. Upon arrival, we utilised the convenient SBB Lockers at Zurich Hauptbahnhof to store our luggage, allowing us to explore the city unencumbered. We enjoyed a nourishing lunch at Ass-Bar, a local favourite known for its fresh, vibrant salads. After checking into Hotel Montana, situated in the heart of the city centre, we spent the afternoon wandering through the historic, cobbled streets, immediately captivated by the rhythmic pulse of Zurich. We concluded our first evening with a hearty meal at Rheinfelder Bierhalle, a traditional beer hall that perfectly introduced us to the local flavours.
Day 3: The Ascent to Wengen and Männlichen
Our journey into the heart of the Alps began with a scenic train ride to Wengen. After dropping our luggage at the Braunbär Hotel & Spa, we ascended by cable car to Männlichen to experience the Royal Walk. The panoramic vistas of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks were truly breathtaking, offering a sense of serenity found only in the high mountains. We hiked down to the midway station, filling our lungs with the crisp alpine air before returning to Wengen. The day concluded with a restorative session in the hotel spa and a hearty dinner at The Deck, surrounded by the dramatic silhouettes of the mountains.
Day 5: The Mürren Trek and Alpine Meadows
An early start saw us travel to Lauterbrunnen and then upwards to Grütschalp to begin our trek toward Allmendhubel. We ascended through fragrant forests and meadows brimming with alpine flora, eventually reaching the viewpoint at 1,932 metres. After a scenic lunch on the terrace, we continued along the flower trail to Mürren, passing through the traditional mountain pastures of Schiltalp. The peaceful atmosphere and spectacular glacial views made for a memorable trek, perfectly capturing the quintessential charm of the Swiss high country.
Day 7: Standing at the Top of Europe
Today marked a pinnacle of our trip: the journey to Jungfraujoch. We boarded the early train from Wengen, transitioning through Grindelwald Terminal to the historic cogwheel railway. Arriving at the highest railway station in Europe, we explored the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory, standing in awe of the vast Aletsch Glacier stretching out below us. After a morning of alpine exhilaration, we descended to Kleine Scheidegg for a scenic hike back to Wengen, walking through sun-drenched meadows as we processed the magnitude of the "Top of Europe".
Day 9: Reflection in the Heart of Wengen
As our alpine residence drew to a close, we bid a fond farewell to our fellow travellers, reminiscing over the shared heights and trails of the past week. We spent the day leisurely exploring the quiet, car-free streets of Wengen, savouring the peaceful atmosphere that had become so familiar. A quiet coffee at a local shop provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the breathtaking hikes and the enduring beauty of the Bernese Oberland, cherishing the serene moments before our return to the city.
Day 11: Farewell to the Swiss Skyline
Our final morning began at Französ Coffee Shop, enjoying a quiet moment in its cosy interior. We took a final, leisurely walk through Zurich’s vibrant districts, admiring the blend of historic and modern architecture. For lunch, we visited Yard Bird to enjoy a modern taste of the city before making our way to the airport. As we flew back to London Gatwick, we carried with us the indelible memories of glacial peaks, thundering falls, and the serene beauty of the Swiss landscapes that had so thoroughly inspired us.
Day 2: Artisanal Chocolate and City Exploration
We transitioned to the Crowne Plaza Zurich, once again utilising the SBB Lockers at the main station to remain unencumbered as we explored. A smooth tram journey brought us to Albisriederplatz, a brief stroll from our new base. The afternoon was dedicated to the sensory delights of the Lindt Factory, where we delved into the history of chocolate making and savoured an array of exquisite treats. Our evening was spent in the company of our new tour group, sharing stories over a vibrant spread of Spanish tapas at Iberia Tapas, a perfect introduction to the friendships that would define our Swiss adventure.
Day 4: Mirror Reflections at Lake Bachalpsee
We embarked on one of the region's most iconic trails, beginning with a cable car ascent from Grindelwald to First. The scenery was a tapestry of lush meadows and vibrant wildflowers, leading us to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bachalpsee. We paused to capture the perfect reflection of the surrounding peaks in the lake’s still surface, a truly mesmerising sight. The leisurely walk back down to Grindelwald allowed us to fully absorb the tranquillity of the landscape, leaving us energised and deeply grateful for the natural beauty of the Bernese Oberland.
Day 6: Cascades and Lakeside Serenity
We travelled to Interlaken to board a boat across the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, bound for the village of Giessbach. We hiked alongside the roaring Giessbachfälle, where the powerful waterfalls cascade through the forest in a spectacular display of nature's force. After exploring the various vantage points, we descended to the picturesque lakeside village of Iseltwald. Wandering past colourful houses and along the quiet shoreline, we enjoyed a moment of profound calm before returning to Interlaken by bus, reflecting on a day of varied and beautiful landscapes.
Day 8: The Hidden Thunder of Trümmelbach
We descended into the Lauterbrunnen Valley to witness the remarkable Trümmelbach Falls. These ten glacial waterfalls are hidden within the mountain, accessible through a series of tunnels and galleries carved by the force of the water itself. We marvelled at the thunderous resonance of the torrents as they surged through the rock, a humbling demonstration of natural power. The return hike to Lauterbrunnen offered a gentler perspective of the valley’s towering cliffs and verdant scenery before we ascended back to our mountain home in Wengen.
Day 10: Golden Hour at the Polyterrasse
We departed the mountains for our return journey to Zurich, enjoying the shifting landscapes from the comfort of the train. After re-establishing ourselves at Hotel Montana, we enjoyed a final traditional meal at Rheinfelder Bierhalle. As evening approached, we took the historic Polybahn funicular up to the Polyterrasse. From this elevated vantage point, we watched the sunset bathe Zurich in a warm, golden glow, a spectacular finale to our Swiss odyssey as we looked out over the spires and rooftops of the city.
