Sky High in Interlaken
Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird? Or standing on a snow-covered mountain with clouds beneath your feet? That’s exactly what I felt when I visited Interlaken, a magical town in the middle of Switzerland. It was one of the most beautiful trips of my life. Let me take you along with me, sky-high into the Alps!
Welcome to Interlaken
Interlaken is a small town between two beautiful lakes Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. That’s why it’s called “Inter-laken”, which means “between lakes”. But what makes it even more special are the giant mountains all around it, especially the famous ones Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. They stand tall like snowy giants, watching over the town.
I still remember the first time I saw Interlaken from the train window. The grass was green, the sky was blue, and the air was so fresh it felt like my lungs were smiling. It was like a painting come to life.
The Golden Train Journey: Sky High in Interlaken
To reach Interlaken, I took a scenic train from Lucerne. The ride itself was an adventure! As the train moved, I saw waterfalls, wooden houses with flowers on the windows, cows with bells, and snowy peaks far away.
One funny moment was when the train passed a tunnel, and I made a loud “Wow!” sound without knowing. A kind old lady next to me smiled and said, “Wait till you see Jungfrau.” I didn’t know then how true her words were.
Touching the Sky at Jungfraujoch
One of the biggest dreams of my trip was to visit the Jungfraujoch, also called “The Top of Europe”. It is one of the highest train stations in Europe, located 3,454 metres above sea level!
We took the cogwheel train, which slowly climbed up the mountain. The higher we went, the colder it got. I saw snow for the first time in my life! I pressed my nose to the window and watched as we went inside the mountain through tunnels.
When I stepped out at Jungfraujoch, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Everything was white. The sun was shining on the snow, making it sparkle like diamonds. I ran a little, and then slipped! My hands turned cold, but I was laughing. I made my first snowball and threw it at my friend. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
There’s also an Ice Palace up there, with ice sculptures and tunnels. It felt like walking inside a giant freezer! We also saw views of the Aletsch Glacier, which looked like a frozen river stretching far into the distance.
Paragliding – Flying Over Interlaken
Skydiving and a high ropes course.
Now comes the most exciting part of my journey paragliding. Yes, I actually flew!
At first, I was scared. My heart was beating fast, and my hands were cold. But the instructor was kind. He said, “Don’t worry, you just have to run. The wind will do the rest.” We were standing on a grassy hill, looking over the whole of Interlaken.
I took a few steps forward, then ran and suddenly, I was in the air!
The world below looked like a tiny toy village. I could see both lakes shining under the sun, the green trees, and the tall mountains all around me. The wind was blowing in my face, and I felt completely free. It was peaceful. I didn’t scream I just smiled. For a few minutes, I forgot everything else. It was just me and the sky.
When we landed gently on a field, I wanted to do it all over again!
Lake Adventures and Peaceful Walks
After the high-flying adventure, I spent some quiet time by Lake Brienz. The water was so clear I could see the stones at the bottom. The color of the lake was light blue, almost like turquoise. I sat on a bench, dipping my feet in the cool water, watching ducks swim by.
I also took a boat ride on Lake Thun, with mountains all around. The boat slowly moved, and I felt like I was in a fairy tale. On the way, I saw Spiez Castle and small villages that looked like they came out of a storybook.
In the evenings, I walked through the town. There were little shops selling Swiss chocolates, cheese, and souvenirs. I bought a snow globe with the Jungfrau mountain inside it. Every time I shake it, it reminds me of the snow and the sky.
Swiss Chocolate and Cheese
Let’s talk about food! Switzerland is famous for its chocolates and cheese. And yes I tried both!
I went to a small chocolate shop in Interlaken. The smell inside was so sweet, it made my mouth water. I tasted creamy milk chocolate, dark chocolate with nuts, and even chocolate with chili! Each bite melted in my mouth.
Then came the cheese. I had a dish called fondue, which is melted cheese in a pot. You dip bread into it using a long stick. It was fun and tasty—though I must say, it was very strong smelling!
One evening, I even had rosti, a dish made of fried potatoes, with some sausages. It reminded me a little of Indian aloo tikki, but crunchier.
People and Culture
The people in Interlaken were very friendly and welcoming. Most of them spoke German, but many knew English too. Whenever I asked for directions or help, they answered with a smile.
I learned that Swiss people love nature and are very disciplined. Everything was clean and organized. Even the cows had rules! (They wore bells around their necks so people could hear them in the mountains.)
I also saw a few people in traditional Swiss dress playing long wooden horns, called alphorns. The sound echoed through the valley like music from a dream.
A Moment to Remember
One early morning, I woke up before sunrise and walked to a viewpoint called Harder Kulm. I took a funicular train up the steep mountain and waited quietly.
And then it happened. The sun slowly rose behind the Alps. The sky turned orange, pink, and gold. The mountains lit up, and the lake below sparkled. I stood there in silence. It felt like the world had paused to show me something special.
That moment stayed in my heart.
What I Learned
My trip to Interlaken taught me many things. It taught me that:
- Nature is powerful and peaceful.
- Adventure helps you grow braver.
- Travel teaches you more than books sometimes.
- Being up in the sky shows you how beautiful the Earth is.
And most of all, I learned to say “yes” to new experiences. Even if something feels scary, like paragliding, sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and fly.
Tips
If you ever get a chance to go to Interlaken, here are some tips from me:
- Wear layers. The weather can change quickly.
- Try the train rides. They’re slow but full of amazing views.
- Don’t skip the chocolates. You’ll thank me later!
- Respect nature. Don’t litter and follow the paths.
- Speak kindly. Even a smile or a “Thank you” makes people happy.
Conclusion
Interlaken is not just a place; it’s a feeling. A feeling of flying without wings, of standing still while the mountains whisper stories, of tasting life one snowflake at a time.
When I closed my eyes at night, I could still feel the wind from the mountain, hear the cowbells ringing softly, and see the stars twinkling over the Alps. That’s what it means to go sky high not just in height, but in heart.
So, if you ever get the chance to visit Switzerland, don’t just take photos. Breathe it in, run in the snow, try something new. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll come back a little taller not in body, but in spirit.
Book Tickets: Sky High in Interlaken
FAQs
Q1: Where is Interlaken located?
A: Interlaken is a small town in Switzerland. It is between two lakes—Lake Thun and Lake Brienz—and surrounded by big mountains.
Q2: What is Interlaken famous for?
A: Interlaken is famous for its beautiful mountain views, adventure sports like paragliding, and being close to the Jungfraujoch, also known as “The Top of Europe”.
Q3: How do you reach Interlaken?
A: You can reach Interlaken by train from cities like Lucerne, Zurich, or Bern. The train ride offers amazing views of mountains, rivers, and valleys.
Q4: What is Jungfraujoch?
A: Jungfraujoch is one of the highest train stations in Europe. It is called “The Top of Europe” and is covered in snow all year. You can see glaciers and visit the Ice Palace there.
Q5: Is paragliding in Interlaken safe?
A: Yes, paragliding in Interlaken is done with trained instructors. You wear safety gear, and they help you fly safely over the town and lakes.
Q6: What activities can I enjoy in Interlaken?
A: You can enjoy train rides, boat trips, paragliding, hiking, eating Swiss chocolates and cheese, and visiting snowy mountains.
Q7: Do people speak English in Interlaken?
A: Yes, most people speak German, but many also speak English, especially in hotels, shops, and tourist places.
Q8: What is the best time to visit Interlaken?
A: Interlaken is beautiful all year. Visit in summer (May to September) for green views and adventure sports, or in winter (December to February) to see snow and enjoy winter fun.
Q9: What food should I try in Switzerland?
A: Try Swiss chocolates, cheese fondue (melted cheese with bread), rosti (fried potatoes), and sausages. They are all very tasty!
Q10: Is Switzerland expensive for tourists?
A: Switzerland can be costly, but you can save money by using travel passes, staying in budget hotels, and eating at small cafes.
