If you want to choose a destination with marvelous natural beauty, snow covered peaks, lush green farms, a peaceful place with lot of character in people, then head to Switzerland. Switzerland is a small country and you can drive from one end of the country to other in 6 hours, but it has a lot to offer. Out of many cities like Geneva, Bern, Zurich, Lucerne and Interlaken we chose Interlaken to visit as this is between two lakes and surounded by mountains Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch. Wherever you go in Interlaken you will be able to see beautiful swiss Alps.
About Interlaken
Interlaken is a small town which attracts lot of tourists from around the world. You can see whole town on foot but if you want to visit places nearby which are very very beautiful then you will need a car. In Interlaken we couldn't find any place where we could rent a car. So we rented a scooter from xtreme rentals near Balmer’s Herberge Hostel. The guy assured us that we can see nearby waterfalls and glaciers on scooter but we had to return it in 20 minutes. Roads there are mostly single-lane and if you are on a scooter which goes maximum of 45 km/h, most of the traffic line up behind you making it embarrasing and unsafe. So don't try to rent a scooter there. After returning the scooter, we rented a fun car from http://www.funrental.ch/rental-interlaken-fun-cars-beup.htm which worked well for us. You can take a map and start exploring near-by areas. While in Interlaken, I would recommend seeing the lakes near Interlaken, waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen and glacier near Grinderwald. There are many trails for hiking where you get beautiful view of Alps. You can always hear water flowing around you which makes hiking lot of fun.
Fun activities you can do in Interlaken
1. Hiking
2. Biking
3. Canyoning – Swimsuit required
4. Rafting – Swimsuit required
5. Para Gliding
Visit to Jungfraujoch
Every 1 hour a train leaves from Interlaken which will take you up to Jungfraujoch which is 14000 ft high. When we went in August 2009, ticket was 180 Swiss franks per person. If you have Euro rail pass then you get a discount of 45 franks. Initially we found the ticket expensive but after seeing Jungfrau it is definitely worth the money. The one way journey is 3 hours and is very beautiful. Train stops at various places for few minutes so that you can take pictures. In Interlaken, you might or might not need warm clothes but you will need a warm jacket at Jungfraujoch for sure. So take one with you even if weather is warm. At Jungfraujoch, you will see an ice palace which I liked the most. Other than that there is a small museum and access to glaciers. There is an Indian restaurant up there where you can get buffet lunch. I haven't tried it but heard that it's good. There is a snacks shop, restaurant and a small theatre which shows documentarty on how railroad to Junfraujoch was made.
Hotel stay in Interlaken
Hotels in Interlaken are very expensive. There are few hostels there which are relatively cheap (approx $100 for a very small room). I will recommend Balmer’s Herberge if you decide to stay in a hostel.
Dining in Interlaken
There is almost every cuisine available in Interlaken. If you are in Interlaken then I will recommend cheese fondues and sandwiches. Their is a place called Coop outside Interlaken OST (east) railway station which is a good place to eat. You can also try restaurants in Launterbrunnen, Grindelwald and other nearby towns which are also very nice.
Swiss Chocolates
I am not very fond of chocolates but after trying Swiss chocolates specially the unpacked ones which they sell by weight are amazing. They were so delicious that just for chocolates I can visit Switzerland again. Definitely try these chocolates specially the ones which have nuts in it. If you are allergic to nuts then I feel sorry for you 
.
Shopping
1. Swiss Watches – I think they were pretty expensive there. I would probably buy one on the internet or outside switzerland.
2. Swiss Cow Bell – Must buy.
3. Swiss Chocolates – Must buy.
4. Swiss Knives – They are very expensive there. You will probably find the same swiss knives for 1/4th price in US.
I hope you have a great trip to Switzerland. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” So try to read as many page as possible.
Enjoy…
Neha
