This blog article was written by Allison Baldwin.
Switzerland has more banks than dentists. The average Swiss eats 23 pounds of chocolate per year compared to the 11.7 pounds consumed by Americans. It is also the home to over 1,500 lakes. If you are not warming up to the idea of Switzerland yet, then go watch a Ricola commercial, and tell me you don’t want to go there.
Spending three months in Europe without going to Interlaken, Switzerland is one of the dumbest things that I have ever heard. It shares a border with Italy to the north, it is a short (and cheap) flight from Barcelona, London, Paris, Cairo and pretty much anywhere else you may be. It is close, beautiful, and safe, and really freaking fun.
I’m going to be honest. I was not even sure that I wanted to go to Interlaken when I was a student. I was a little confused about what it was like. I did not want to spend money on activities so I felt like it would be a waste of time…and I am really glad I changed my mind. Interlaken is by far the most naturally beautiful place I have ever seen. I have been three times, and I would go back tomorrow. It appears that blue Gatorade was dumped in the rivers and lakes, because they are the bluest bodies of water I have ever seen. Now don’t you believe me that not taking the time to see the Alps while you study in Europe would be simply foolish. There is nothing as humbling as standing in a hiking trail in the Swiss Alps. The mountains are so monstrous that sometimes the clouds sit down on them. I literally cannot wait until our November trips there.
Interlaken, Switzerland is the adventure capital of Europe. Anyone who gets a rush from jumping off rocks, swinging in canyons, or jumping out of airplanes needs to probably book their Interlaken trip right now. The first time I was in Interlaken last summer, I went canyon jumping. I was a little short on cash, but still wanted to be a little adventurous, so I decided to jump 85 meters in the middle of a canyon in the Swiss Alps…it was awesome. If you are slightly nervous about a 7 second free fall (there is a rope attached to you of course), there are about a million other things to do in Interlaken as well. Paragliding, night sledding, skiing, snowboarding, chocolate tasting…am I interesting any of you? My friends who went skydiving say that doing so in the Swiss Alps was the most incredible experience of their lives.
Interlaken, Switzerland is one of my favorite trips. I have been three times and I can’t wait to go back. The hostels we stay in are great; the bar we go to is fun; the location is great…there is literally no reason not to go. Don’t make the mistake on missing out on Interlaken this semester…it’s going to be really fun.
