Would you go on a winter holiday to Interlaken if you didn't like skiing? certainly! We found lots of opportunities to enjoy winter in a different way. From active to passive, from icy cold to sweltering hot: here you can have a good time without standing on skis. We enjoyed the Swiss snow and the highest mountains in Europe.
It's still dark on the platform. I see skiers and snowboarders everywhere, but there is no snow. Today skiers go from Interlaken to Grindelwald, then to the Eiger Glacier and on the slopes. And I go with them, even though I don't like skating. I still love snow, winter and cold. Although I don't want to go down the mountain quickly, I like to be active. This is possible around Interlaken. Are you going up?
Interlaken: Look for snow
It rarely snows in Interlaken this year. For a white world I must go to a higher level. But I will note that the city makes a great base for this in the coming days. The famous Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are located close to the hotel. Going in the snow during the day and going to a restaurant without slipping in the evening: I actually quite like that. I will also note that Interlaken has many options for “exotic” winter sports.
The new gondola reaches 2,200 metres
Switzerland: Top of Europe
I feel nervous with excitement! I go up with the skiers to the Eiger Glacier and take the new cable car. But then our paths separated. I'm going up, I'm going to the highest train station in Europe! It is located at an altitude of 3454 metres. It is also the summit of the Jungfrau Mountains, and is located on the highest point of Europe's longest glacier: the 22-kilometre-long Aletsch Glacier. Top three times today! It's -10°C here, wind force 8, and it's snowing around my head, but it keeps me warm. What a beautiful, picturesque view up here: it's no coincidence that James Bond movies were filmed there.
Top of Europe: 3571 m high
The Jungfraubahn took me to an altitude of 3454 metres
Jungfrau (3500 m high) and Aletsch Glacier (22 km long) in one photo
My guide today has been a pilot for thirty years. Then you love heights. He talks at length about the building of the railway, about the types of stone, and about all the famous people who came here. And about altitude sickness. I stay on this peak for a maximum of 2 hours and I already have a severe headache. What was it like when the railway was built in the early 1900s…it must have been very slow.
The Alps are also affected by climate change. At present, snow is only certain to fall above 2,200 metres. So actually I shouldn't travel here at all. But Switzerland is doing everything it can to hold winter sports in a sustainable way: almost everything is powered by green energy from hydropower. If you also travel to Switzerland by train via Interrail, the damage may not be so bad…
Interlaken: walking on ice
It's nice for other people to enjoy the slopes. I prefer to avoid crowds and noise. So the next day I took a small cable car from Interlaken up a steep slope to go snow walking in Eisenfluh (towards Lauterbrunnen). There is a sign at the elevator: one cow or eight people maximum. You probably only see this in Switzerland.
Lots to do for non-skiers
Snowshoeing in Interlaken
At an altitude of 1600 meters the snow is not significant. But I put on my snowshoes and it turned into a great active day. Eventually it started raining and I ran back to my hotel in Thun like a drowned cat. But the sauna is waiting for me there where I can warm up again. After an hour of cozying up with the soothing scent of alpine herbs, I feel reborn.
Interlaken: Relax on the lake
Those who do not want to be too active can spend their day in a completely different way. How about a floating hot tub, for example! As a romantic couple, or as a group of up to six people, spending a few hours at the lake is easy enough. The electric outboard motor takes you everywhere and is complemented by refreshments. Don't forget to bring your ice cream hat with you this January.
Sailing hot tub near Interlaken
A little more active: winter kayaking on the lake
There's more to the lakes around Interlaken than just hot tubs. If you like, you can also enjoy real Swiss chocolate fondue on a catamaran boat. The most active of course is the winter rafting trip on the lake! Then do it when the sun rises over the mountains. Then I know for sure: a crowded ski slope is not for me…
Panoramic train
Interlaken is very centrally located. Bern, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfrau and Eiger: everything at hand. By bus, by coach or for example by the famous Swiss panoramic trains. From Interlaken, the Golden Pass Express runs to Montreux on Lake Geneva, and the Panorama Express runs to Lucerne. I took the latter myself, then boarded the world's oldest cog railway in Vitznau, the Rigibahn from 1871, with a fantastic view of the snow-capped peaks around the lake at the top.
Trip with Rigi Bahn near Lucerne
There is chocolate everywhere
As always in the mountains, the clouds, fog and blue skies change quickly around Interlaken. But a ride on one of the panoramic trains is always an amazing experience. At the corner of each mountain, fog can suddenly disappear or loom, and the large windows, even at the top, ensure I'm never in my eyes and the train is never too busy: most people are out skiing.
Swiss travel card
Perhaps the greatest pleasure during my trip around Interlaken was owning Swiss travel card. Thanks to this card, I have unlimited access to all trains, buses, boats, museums and much more. Don't think, do whatever you want. This really makes my trip very enjoyable.
Enjoyable stay near Interlaken
Switzerland is a country of trains. The app is available to find all options Grand Train Tour of Switzerland Recommended. like Swiss travel guide program. Add to that the perfect layout from SBB (Swiss Railways) and a trip through Switzerland can't go wrong. Enjoy the scenery, the many types of activities, and the delicious food and drinks. Going to Switzerland and not skiing? For me this is the best winter sport!
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Traveling makes me wiser. As a travel journalist, I would like to share my stories with you. I've seen a lot, but I'll never forget my first trip through Kenya.
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