Scoots & Chutes

Our Swiss adventure began by lugging our baggage through the small town of Interlaken at 11pm. Upon arrival at our hostel, Balmer’s Herbetage, we were informed that the only place open for food was Hooter’s. Although puzzled as to why Hooter’s of all American restaurants made it in Interlaken, we were happy to enjoy some chicken cheesesteaks after a long day of travel. Now Caitlin, Ray, and Galen can all claim that their first meal at a Hooter’s was in Switzerland!

This morning we woke up in a storybook. Interlaken, Switzerland, we have decided, is the most beautiful place in the world. Although chilly, the tiny town situated between giant green mountains and two lakes could prove to be our favorite place yet. Our hostel is a kind of backpackers’ resort with free wifi, a kitchen, a totally cool club called Metro, a biergarten and convenience store. Plus our free breakfast consisted of muesli, fresh fruit, and local Swiss cheese so we knew it was going to be a good day!

We quickly got ready and headed next door to rent motor scooters for our great adventure through the Swiss countryside. We headed north on small windy roads. Almost every kilometer we stopped to admire a small village, a herd of cows (wearing real cowbells!!), snow-topped mountains, or white water rapids. The 20 km trip took us an hour as we tried to take it all in.

We finally arrived at trummelbach falles, ten glacier-fed waterfalls (or “chutes” as the Swiss call them) inside a series of caverns. They’re the only accessible waterfalls of such size in Europe! Hiking through trummelbach falles and the surrounding caves was awesome-just like The Goonies- and of course, we couldn’t get enough pictures.

On the ride back we scootered to one of the two lakes surrounding Interlaken. The fresh, Caribbean-blue water was unbelievable.

The day ended with a trip to the local supermarket for dinner supplies (and lots of beer). Chris cooked delicious pasta with vegetable sauce while we snacked on Swiss cheese, tomatoes and bread. We were finished just in time to hang out at Metro with our new hostel-mates from St. Louis.