The Adventure Capital of Europe

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."- Eleanor Roosevelt 

Our next stop was Interlaken, Switzerland also known as the Adventure Capital of Europe. In a fashion befitting adventures, we took an overnight train from Berlin to Zurich that was a bit disastrous. We were supposed to be in a sleeping car with seats that reclined almost horizontally. However, there was an issue with that car so we were instead in seats that didn't recline.  12 hours! On a train ride through the night... it was hell.  Furthermore, the only open room on the train was with a man who may or may not have been a serial killer. I slept a grand total of one hour.

Couldn't wait to get to Interlaken

Despite our struggles getting to Interlaken once we were there it was a dream come true. It was raining quite heavily when we got there, and yet that only added to its charm. Interlaken is a small town in the Alps that honestly seems like it is straight out of a fairytale. I would have stayed there forever if it was possible.

Roses in the Rain 

Backpacking in the rain

Misty Mountains  

We arrived at the fabulous Balmers Herbage hostel (which took us forever to find in the rain). We settled into our room and took a much needed nap. We decided to explore the hostel a little bit and upon finding a door marked 'hangover recovery' our interest was piqued. Inside there were tens of colorful hammocks in a wooded slatted room. We ended up in the Metro bar on the property and made a couple of friends over a couple drinks.

Hammocks everywhere!

The next morning we awoke to a gorgeous day. By far the best weather we had seen since arriving in Europe. Interlaken was even more beautiful than the day before.

View from our window. 

My dreamland

Since Interlaken is the adventure capital of Europe we decided to go rafting and canyoning with the greatest company, Outdoor Interlaken. We had a great time risking our lives in class 4/5 rapids and in huge gorges in the alps.

Before Rafting 

While Canyoning 

We also were lucky enough to be in Interlaken over Canada Day. The Hostel threw a huge party at their tent village. We ended up riding on the handle bars of some of the Outdoor Interlaken guides bikes back to the bar to continue celebrating Canada.

Interalken surpassed my expectations be leaps and bounds and I would recommend it to anyone that likes a thrill or beautiful scenery. 

The Alps

Wild Roses

Cheers!