Europe2013: Day 17 Mon 1st July Montreux to Interlaken

Where do I begin to describe the most PERFECT day? Clear blue sky and forecast 25^o We had breakfast in our beautiful hotel restaurant overlooking Lake Geneva and the snow capped mountains. It was like something out of a movie.

The station was just over the road so we caught the Golden Pass Scenic train from Montreux to Interlaken without any trouble. Words can’t describe this train trip. It’s a MUST DO for anyone travelling to Switzerland. We were in a carriage with windows all around and we wound up the hill from the lake around and around with the most spectacular indescribable views of the lake, the town of Montreux and the snow capped mountains. It was like a fairy tale. The only disappointing thing was that the sun was so bright there was a lot of reflection on the glass windows and the photos didn’t come out well. I’m not complaining though. What we got to see was far better than any photo. We got to within 15 mins of Gruyeres – how frustrating (for those who don’t know Paul & I lived in Gruyere in the Yarra Valley for 35 years) It will be a good excuse to come back to Switzerland!!!

We travelled for an hour through the most spectacular scenery – just as we imagined Switzerland to be. Farmhouses dotted on steep hills, little villages scattered everywhere, stunning lakes. So pretty. We then changed trains and on the next train we were able to pull down the windows so the photos were better. We arrived in Interlaken about 1.30. It was still a perfect day. Our rooms weren’t ready so we walked over the road to the Harder Kulm which is a vertical railway that takes 10 mins to get to the top. 1200 metres (thanks Robyn C for recommending this) A little scary on the way up with the carriages very overcrowded and the train very creaky. At the top we could see forever and standing majestically in front of us was Jongfraujoch the mountain we are going up tomorrow. What a pity we couldn’t go today with such perfect weather. Back down the mountain and a walk through this very pretty tourist town and we were tired but very satisfied with our wonderful day.