Exploring the Snowy Swiss Alps

Now it’s time for the crème de la crème of Switzerland! The jagged snowy forces of nature that remind you of just how small you are compared to the overwhelming power of Mother Nature. The Alps! 

We begin early in the morning, with our full kit in tow stashed with a variety of snacks, courtesy of my Swiss family. At Zurich station another friend, Juerg, joins our tour for the day adding another snack called Kambly to our swag. Juerg explains that his grandmother lived close to the original factory of this Swiss treat, granting it a special place in his heart. Later, after eating one… we lose all self control and devour the entire packet… cementing our love for Kambly also! Back on the train, we enjoy endless gorgeous scenery. The kind that’s difficult to transpose into a photograph but we try all the same so that we may never forget.

Our conversation meanders through a potpourri of topics, from Swiss property laws to difficulties of navigating American tax systems to finally landing on the night’s accommodations in Iseltwald, something we’d chosen out of necessity. On this seemingly bland topic, we discover something unexpected. “Iseltwald is just a small town, nothing much going on… but recently the Korean tourists are flocking there” Juerg says with a chuckle in his voice. “Oh? Why’s that?” We ask lazily… with mild interest… “There’s a scene from a Korean drama shot on the pier there” Juerg continues sending my metaphorical tail into a wag frenzy! “OMG!! I know the scene! I know what it is!” I bounce knowing that there can’t be too many Korean dramas with a scene like that except for my favourite K-drama of all time. How perfect! 

With added buoyancy in my step, we exit the train onto Grindelwald Station Platform, a happy reminder that everything is just WAY cuter covered in snow. With a temperament comparable to giggly little school children, we wait for trains to pass by to catch a glimpse of their popping bright colours juxtaposed against the harsh white terrain. Continuing further into the village we find  the main street bustling with restaurants, people and dogs in precious little puffy jacket costumes. Inspired by this cozy scene we hole up in a cafe to enjoy continued conversation over coffee for the rest of the afternoon until we must depart for Iseltwald. First via train and then bus. 

Following a narrow and windy snow covered road, our bus, is indeed filled with mostly Korean tourists. We join them as we all make a beeline for the pier… only to be obstructed… by a robust card operated turnstile gate. Why? Well, I’m told the pier almost broke because of too many tourists. To this plight I am partial, but at a farcical price of 5CHF($10 AUD)… I think someone is having a laugh. 

Luckily Iseltwald has more to offer than one pier! Its  beautiful lake view and deserted park surrounded by charming chalets enchants us to be swept up with the romantic atmosphere of the place. I even purchase a mischievous “champagne in a can” for the occasion. Later, strolling back to our picturesque accommodation we feel refreshed but ready to drift off into a comfortable sleep. Little did we know… though the building itself was stunning… the guests… were demonic…

In addition to unrestrained yammering, I think they were conducting a séance, complete with furniture scraping across the floor and unexplained rattling. Not for even one moment, did the noise stop. All night, it continued, and come first morning light, we were out of there faster than you can say “Boo!”. 

A little missed sleep isn’t likely to stop us from hitting up our next destination, the top of Europe or Jungfraujoch. In fact, a few things had to align for this to even be possible! Firstly, upon hearing we were thinking of skipping this due to the cost, my amazing auntie in Switzerland, insisted we absolutely must go, donating a hefty sum to the cause. Secondly, our friend Juerg provided a discount deal he’d won at a grocery store! This meant that this once in a lifetime and very expensive experience was absolutely free. It can’t get much better than that. 

So, what is “the top of Europe”? It’s an engineering marvel. The highest train station in Europe at 3’454m, with rail lines bored straight through mountain rock. And though on the journey up you can’t see anything aside from those rocks, the significance is brilliant. Reaching the train station itself, we escape the rock tunnel to a plethora of options, from panoramic viewing decks to other worldly ice tunnels carved straight into a glacier. And with a variety of shops, you might even mistake the place for a shopping mall. 

The most memorable retailer was situated at the very tippy top, where there is a small glass viewing room with space for only one more booth. Taking in the most breathtaking scenery, pray tell, what good, would you be most likely to purchase…? For me it would have been a mulled wine. The option presented to us however, was an array of Swiss luxury watches. Unlikely. No need to keep time when you’re having fun! And that we did for the rest of the afternoon.