Switzerland in the snow
Our trip started with a flight from Leeds Bradford airport to Geneva. On arrival we were swiftly escorted through the airport, having collected the luggage quickly and hassle free. We were travelling by Swiss Rail to our destination and finding the station was very easy. Once on the double decker train, the second part of journey began. What a wonderful way to travel across Switzerland; the scenery was breath-taking, especially the view of Lake Geneva.
We arrived into Lauterbrunnen in the dark so we made our way to the apartment and settled in. It wasn't until the morning when I walked onto the balcony that I remembered just how beautiful the area was. Our apartment looked straight down the Lauterbrunnen valley; it is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland. It is set between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. It is also famous for its 72 thundering waterfalls and alpine meadows. Not only a great destination in winter but stunningly beautiful in summer.
On our first day we organised lift passes from the local sports shop, and this is where I booked my daughter into her first ski school in Wengen. The whole process was quick and easy. From Lauterbrunnen station which is in the middle of the resort, we took the old wooden train up the mountain towards Wengen and beyond.
Wengen is a famous Swiss holiday resort at the foot of the Eiger - Mönch - Jungfrau mountain range in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. It has many shops, bars and traditional restaurants with a friendly feel. After exploring Wengen we returned to the train and continued to Kleine Scheidegg. This is where all my childhood memories came flooding back, and where I had my very first ski lesson, and I can confirm I have not improved a lot in the last 25 years.
My weeks return to the area was an action packed fun-filled experience. Taking a 32 minute cable car journey up to 2970m and to the Schilthorn was amazing. There is also the revolving restaurant used for the James Bond film 'On her Majesty's Secret Service' where you can see as far as Germany's Black Forest and Mont Blanc is also visible. Next we went to the Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe at 3454m its Switzerland’s highest altitude railway station travelling through the rock of the Eiger. Once at the top you will experience the Ice Palace and the alpine wonder world of ice, snow and rock. It’s simply breath-taking. Other activities we took part in included sledging down the Eiger run, with the dominating Eiger watching on was so much fun, if not a little bit scary when you pick up speed.
I could go on and on describing this wonderful family trip, but I will refrain. Switzerland is a great place to visit as a couple, single or as a family. The cost of eating out and everyday expenses are on a par with the UK. The people are friendly and helpful and the country is simply stunning. It should definitely be on everyone's wish list.
Thanks for reading and just let me know if you need to know anymore!