At the very end of our Christmas Markets River Cruise we taken to Switzerland and stayed in Interlaken before heading home from Zurich. This trip was organized by the Smithsonian.
It was an odd time to be there. Definitely off season. Interlaken is one of the oldest and most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Tourists started coming to this area in the early 1800s attracted to the beautiful scenery. Today 80% of the people who live there work in the tourism industry.
Actually it was fun. By the time we got to Switzerland, my senses were on overload and having a low key day at the end of colorful and busy trip was great.
So, what is the big deal about Interlaken? It means between two lakes and I suspect in the summer, it is gorgeous. If I were there then, I’d be hiking and taking boat cruises.
We were really there pre-ski season, but more about that later.
A big claim to fame is the huge resort—Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel and Spa- that was established in 1864 and catered to a wealthy adventurous crowd in, the beginnings of tourism as we know it.
We stayed there. It’s a beautifully restored hotel—a bit empty but that’s ok. The service was great. Our room was lovely. I enjoyed the holiday decor. Interestingly a Hooters situated itself very near by. I’m sure the original owners would be horrified.
The town was cute as well. I meandered a bit capturing clever stuff on exteriors, a Swiss Army knife store, reflections of course, and laughed at the Mad Cow Shop. They must have something about cows. Saw Holy Cow in the Zurich airport.
WE took a train and then the cable car to go up to the mountain to see the views and a Swiss ski area.
The scenery was majestic. After day after day of gray gloomy weather on the boat trip (didn’t matter….the markets were so colorful that I didn’t notice) it was a joy to have blue sky. I snapped away.
What surprised me were the unattractive ski buildings and no outdoor seating areas. Guess I was expecting something out of Sound of Music or a mix of what I’ve seen on ski trips to Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen or Lake Tahoe. They have pretty places to hang out. Not what I saw here. Maybe when the official season opens. We did see skiers though.
As usual I did some people watching and captured reflections in the buildings.
I’m glad we had some time to explore. Lovely spirit.
For more about the Christmas Markets trip, enjoy these blog posts.
Christmas Market Towns along the Rhine River.
