A Day in the Alps

This was truly a day to remember! We learned so much about the rich culture of Alpine Switzerland while taking in magnificent vistas and charming mountain towns by bus to gondola to trains. As we made our way out of Zurich, we enjoyed a scenic drive through beautiful lake and rural areas.

Brienz was the first charming village we visited. The predominant occupation here is woodcarving, and we were lucky to spend some time visiting with a wood carver who is keeping this traditional craft alive.

The homes in Brienz, all made of wood, are of classic Swiss chalet design and reflect the quaint, traditional architecture of the area. Whole streets are bursting with charm and color.

Strolling along the Lake of Brienz, we came upon a beautiful 12th century church that looks like something out of a story book.

We continued on to the town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. There we sipped rich hot chocolate while strolling through this inviting and relaxed pocket of Switzerland that lures mountaineers and hikers with its gracious hotels and thrilling summits…and a charming casino.

Our next adventure was a ride from Grindelwald on the Eiger Express gondola. This thrilling half hour ride provided panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking mountain passes, and stunning views all around.

And if that wasn’t enough, we boarded a cogwheel train to climb a bit more to Kleine Scheidegg where we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a mountainside cafe.

After spending some time walking off lunch, we boarded another train for our return trip through beautiful ski areas that are beginning to prepare for the busy season ahead.

As the afternoon faded into evening, we took a three hour ride into Basel, Switzerland where Switzerland, Germany and France meet. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and it is here where we boarded the Viking Hild to begin the next phase of our adventure: River cruise.