Mountain activities in Interlaken
We decided to go tandem paragliding in Interlaken. There were tons of activities and excursions at Balmer’s Hostel, and the paragliding advertisement caught our attention. After thinking long and hard about spending the money (100 Francs), we decided to go for it.
Balmer’s is a fun hostel amidst lush green mountain slopes, snow capped peaks, turquoise lakes and crisp alpine air. This traditional Swiss chalet has all the amenities and more, like a games room and cozy common room to hang out with fellow travellers. As welcoming as the hostel is, the location is the real prize. The hostel offers a slew of outdoor activities to experience the mountain scenery from every angle.
We happily followed the Balmer’s itinerary. We spent some time relaxing in the hostel with other backpackers, playing cards and watching cheesy movies. The hostel’s location in the shadow of the treacherous Eiger mountain was a perfect backdrop for Clint Eastwood’s Eiger Sanction.*
*Clint Eastwood, the man. Eiger, the mountain. A deadly combination. The trailer says it all.
We also met an Australian (Jeff) interested in the same excursions.
A chilly boat ride on Lake Thunersee took us to some limestone caves where we toured grottos crammed full of pointy stalagmites and stalactites. Another day, the three of us took a misty hike into the Lauterbrunnen valley. The clouds hung around us, creating mystical views of the lush emerald valleys dotted with alpine chalets. The hike up the steep mountain tested our stamina, as the air became colder and wetter, the high altitude steeling our breath. We rewarded ourselves with a cheese fondue and a cold Reuben Brau, the local brew.
The fresh mountain air is exhilarating. You feel like you can fly!
Okay, so about the paragliding. It was canceled due to the cloudy weather. But we had every intention to see those mountains from the sky.
We were ready to fly.
This is one entry from my 1992 European backpacking trip with my friend Sarah. If you want to start at the beginning, please check out The journey starts in Nice.
