Thursday - October 10, 2024
Up early at 7:30. Had breakfast, then checked out and walked to the train station. At 9:15, we boarded the Goldenpass Express train to Interlaken. We were in the very private section at the end of the train. There was a French couple along with Jeff & Tracey from Lake Tahoe. We had a great time talking with them as we all enjoyed the fantastic views and scenery as the train wound through the Swiss countryside. The weather cooperated, and we got some but skies mixed in with clouds.
Arrived in Interlaken just after 1 p.m. Walked the 15 minutes to the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel, a spacious and grand hotel right along the main strip of the town. Had a nice room overlooking the park in front of the hotel. Our luggage was waiting for us, really loving the Swiss Traveling Bellboy service! Had a glass of wine, then headed out for a walk around town. Stopped for some coffee (with added chocolate!). Walked through the cute town and then back to the hotel.
Changed to swimsuits and headed to the pool area and the fun indoor-outdoor hot tub. After showering, we changed and headed out for some dinner. After our first choice was closed, we walked and found Goldener Anker, a fun restaurant where we had a selection of appetizers for dinner. Walked back to the hotel, grabbed iPad and laptop, then headed down to the hotel bar for some wine and computer time.
Friday - October 11, 2024
After breakfast, we put on a couple of layers and scarves and walked down to the train station. Ended up being there early, so we took an earlier than planned train to Lauterbrunnen, and then another to Kleine Scheidegg.
Since we had some extra time there, we walked through town and checked out a big waterfall pouring out of the side of a tall mountain. Made our way back to the train station, then took a cog train halfway up the mountain, switched trains, then continued to the top of Jungfrau.
Headed up to the Crystal restaurant, had a great table by the window overlooking the glacier where we had a tasty fondue lunch with a fun waiter. Afterwards, we walked through the "Discovery Loop", checking out the ice tunnels and the observation area and outdoor deck. Blue skies made for some spectacular views. Just made the train down the mountain to the gondola station.
Rode the gondola back to Grindelwald where we boarded a train back to Interlaken. Walked back to the hotel and spent a couple of hours in the hotel café relaxing and reviewing pictures.