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Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

I was crestfallen when I pulled open the curtains this morning to see a heavy overcast sky. Perhaps it would burn off? We went to enjoy our breakfast downstairs and then checked out and to our surprise we received a bill for breakfast – wasn’t it included? Nope. I checked my booking email and could not see it included, yet when we were looking at places the day before both of us were under the impression it was. We did not have time to do the dishes so had no choice but to pay. Clearly an error on our part, of all the countries and hotels to slip up we choose possibly one of the most expensive! 60 franks for the two of us, which is more than we have paid for a dinner on holiday so far ……. Darn and double darn.

Ah well, not worth letting it ruin the day, and we are trying to laugh about it. Lessons to learn or person to blame? No not really – we were tired, had useless internet when we were trying to flick around information, and we didn’t check clearly enough – we did it together so that is that – an experience to chalk up 🙂 Whilst it was an expensive breakfast it was very good and we had an amazing view in an atrium style room overlooking Lake Geneva so that is some consolation.

Our seats on the train were in the special VIP section of the Golden Pass line from Montreux to Zweisimmen and then second class on the Golden Pass to Interlaken. According to research this line is the most scenic in Switzerland and if you are only doing one rail trip – this is the best to take. There are only 8 seats in the VIP section and it was fun and great views as you sit where the driver normally does (he is above) so you get front and side view!

The sky had lightened a bit as we departed and slowly climbed the hill above Lake Geneva. It has lots of large trees – conifer, beech, poplar and beautiful swiss houses. There are wildflowers in profusion everywhere amongst the soft green grass – yellows, whites, purples and pinks. Some that they let grow are what we would consider weeds like buttercup, dandelion and red clover but amongst the mass of other flowers it all looks so ‘right’. It was a shame the lake was not reflecting its lovely blue, but at least the rain was not falling.

The train continued to wind slowly up and then flattened out frequently passing through little tunnels, over bridges and wooded hills with pockets of pasture and little villages of dark and coloured wooden houses, bright flower boxes, fancy roofs and churches with tops like a witches hat. The whole scene unfolding was like one you would see on a jig saw or chocolate box lid. Streams rushing over small round boulders frequented the scene and to our delight the sheep, goats and Simmental cows we saw all had bells around their necks. On the livestock note I have never seen such fat content livestock anywhere munching on long grass and flowers or simply lying in the sun.

Yes sun – about 30 minutes into our trip we came through a tunnel nec minute the sky was blue. I couldn’t help but audibly voice my delight – to the smiles of the other VIP’s! The first part of the train trip lasted about 2 hours, and whilst I took loads of photos I have deleted most of them as it was one of those things you have to experience. Photos merely snapshot a tiny bit of a vista and when I review them, not only are they lacking clarity due to motion and speed, but they are missing their context. Have uploaded a bit of video though to try and give an impression. Needless to say it was yet another wonderful experience that we both will treasure.

Arriving into Interlaken was very beautiful too, it is between two alpine blue lakes with peaks of snowy mountains. From there we got a short train up the mountains to a valley at 2612ft and the town of Lauterbrunnen. There are about 72 waterfalls in the valley including one internally crashing through a mountain, and the most spectacular is just 1km away and right outside our window. What a treat.

We had another little bit of excitement at the Interlaken train station (what a day) – when we were finding the exit we saw that there was a departure in about 8 minutes to Lauterbrunnen on Platform 2A (up some stairs) I suggested that I run to get tickets and Vern wait there – save going up and down stairs with bags again for both of us.

OK, I shot off, found the ticket place, waited in a queue, and then raced to the platform (via a different tunnel). Husband was no where to be seen – but the train was docked. I paced up and down the platform looking through windows to see if I could see him – no – and no head hanging out to motion me in. Time was ticking and Swiss rail is very prompt (unlike the Italian) and I didn’t want to hop on unless I saw him (we don’t have two phones either) I ran down the stairs and looked in the tunnel but couldn’t see him, then back up the platform – no husband. Oh well, I will just wait and see. The train tooted and pulled away so feeling lost and alone I thought I would go back up to the ticket office in case Vern had followed me there.

To my relief there he was in the plaza with our bags looking for me. I have to admit I was cross – why didn’t you go up to the platform? Because I was waiting where you left me (in tunnel). Ahh and I had returned via a different one hadn’t I. Lesson number 2 for the day – try and be as explicit as possible – just because I thought he should go up the platform doesn’t mean he can audibly hear it! So no big deal we had a coffee in the sunny plaza and got the next train 50 minutes later.

Our afternoon exploring took us up the hill to the town of Murren 5361ft via a steep cable car (right beside hotel) and then a little electric train. More awesome scenery of sheer cliffs, flowery slopes, woodlands, waterfalls, brooks and snow topped mountains playing peek a boo with misty cloud. Wow!

Had an early dinner at a well rated restaurant of Rosti (swiss hash browns) with local pork sausage and onion gravy and a cheese fondue. Both sadly lacking but thats a check list of local food …. 50 franks for the err experience.

Big day planned for tomorrow so hope the weather is kind again – we see there are nasty floods through Germany and South East so are very thankful for our weather so far.

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