Which was your favourite train journey?
A few of my train highlights:
• The whole experience from getting on the train at our local station – a two-hour journey south to London – to passing quickly through security and stepping onto the Eurostar was relaxed and enjoyable. Having left home around 6am, we were on the Eurostar to Paris by 9:30am.
• We took a stunning rail journey with a steep ascent from Grindelwald to Kleiner Sheidegg beneath the north face of the Eiger. The ascent was made possible by a cog railway, which provided breath-taking scenery, with huge windows to view it through. And as with all Swiss trains we experienced, right on time. The train descended from Kleiner Sheidegg to Wengen, through meadows of alpine wildflowers, which were just beautiful.
• Another scenic journey was from Interlaken Ost to Spiez, right on edge of Lake Thunersee, passing people swimming in the unbelievably blue water and paddle boarding in the sun.
A few of my train highlights:
• The whole experience from getting on the train at our local station – a two-hour journey south to London – to passing quickly through security and stepping onto the Eurostar was relaxed and enjoyable. Having left home around 6am, we were on the Eurostar to Paris by 9:30am.
• We took a stunning rail journey with a steep ascent from Grindelwald to Kleiner Sheidegg beneath the north face of the Eiger. The ascent was made possible by a cog railway, which provided breath-taking scenery, with huge windows to view it through. And as with all Swiss trains we experienced, right on time. The train descended from Kleiner Sheidegg to Wengen, through meadows of alpine wildflowers, which were just beautiful.
• Another scenic journey was from Interlaken Ost to Spiez, right on edge of Lake Thunersee, passing people swimming in the unbelievably blue water and paddle boarding in the sun.
Was there a standout hotel?
All the hotels we visited were lovely in their own way. If I had to single out a ‘top’ one, it would be Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen. Spotlessly clean, recently renovated, and reachable by local bus, it felt like a hidden gem off the beaten track. It had the most spectacular view up the valley, and the hotelier went the extra mile to make us feel welcome, also serving a delicious evening meal of locally-sourced produce.
The wonderful Lauenensee, which is walkable from the hotel, was glorious to swim in. And lovely to see locals at the hotel bar drinking their morning coffee – it felt a real part of the local community.
It was an all-round fantastic trip. Switzerland is such a stunningly beautiful country; and it’s possible to experience so much of it via its efficient rail system. A highlight was meeting some of our hoteliers and seeing first-hand what a wonderful relationship we have with them.
All the hotels we visited were lovely in their own way. If I had to single out a ‘top’ one, it would be Hotel Alpenland in Lauenen. Spotlessly clean, recently renovated, and reachable by local bus, it felt like a hidden gem off the beaten track. It had the most spectacular view up the valley, and the hotelier went the extra mile to make us feel welcome, also serving a delicious evening meal of locally-sourced produce.
The wonderful Lauenensee, which is walkable from the hotel, was glorious to swim in. And lovely to see locals at the hotel bar drinking their morning coffee – it felt a real part of the local community.
It was an all-round fantastic trip. Switzerland is such a stunningly beautiful country; and it’s possible to experience so much of it via its efficient rail system. A highlight was meeting some of our hoteliers and seeing first-hand what a wonderful relationship we have with them.
And a few more...
Best meal?
Hotel Nidwaldnerhof in Beckenried served delicious food with a breathtaking lakeshore setting.
Favourite view?
There were so many spectacular views on this trip - many from the train window. If I had to name one, it would be Oeschinensee lake, which we walked to from the top of a gondola from Kandersteg. The clear blue lake with mountain backdrop was just beautiful.
Most memorable experience?
Wild swimming in Lauenensee near Lauenen. Such clear water, relatively warm, stunning mountain backdrop, and very welcome on a hot day.
Any tips for Inntravellers heading to Switzerland?
Have a chat with our hoteliers – they’re so very welcoming!