The Perfect Swiss Adventure

Milk maids. Dairy cows roaming the hills. Handmade chocolate and cheese fondue. These are the stereotypes that came to mind when my sister (and part-time travel buddy) suggested Switzerland as our next summer destination. Naturally I wasn’t convinced – surely I could save such quaint visits for retirement? I kept my scepticism to myself until we reached the Swiss Alps, when looking outside the bus window I see snow-tipped mountains glaring at me in the morning sun. Such a sight was not for the faint hearted.

We had arrived at a little town called Interlaken, almost 600 metres above sea level and nestled between two large lakes and pristine forest. It was here that I experienced five days of adventure and more than I had ever expected. While the stereotypes were actually true, what blew my mind was the fact that Interlaken (normally a ski resort in Winter), attracted thousands of thrill seekers during the summer months, where activities such as sky diving, bungee, hang gliding, rock (and ice) climbing and canyoning were among the best in the world.

I jumped off a cliff. I will say it again. I JUMPED off a cliff, 80 metres high, with nothing but a rope around my waist and the fear of death in my heart. They call it the ‘Canyon Swing’ because you literally jump into a narrow canyon and swing between two mountain walls like Tarzan! Watch the video of my temporary insanity.

I soared like bird, 800 metres high, in a hang glider that relied on the wind and technique of my instructor to keep us in the air. The initial shock was quickly replaced with a feeling of complete freedom and exhilaration, as I flew over the breathtaking views below. The world was mine that day.

I climbed, swung and jumped my way through an obstacle course… in the trees! Try walking across a tight rope 20 metres above the ground, with no instructor or assistance. The staff at Seilpark are very efficient – you get a 10 minute safety instruction and a harness which you operate yourself. My advice: pay attention to the lesson and don’t forget to tie yourself off when enjoying your moment as a possum!

Once you’re done taking to the skies, get your feet wet with a ‘canyoning’ adventure. Wearing a helmet and wetsuit to protect you from the icy river, you will scramble, climb, jump and swim your way down a watery descent, passing waterfalls and rock pools as you go. With an experienced guide, this is something that people of all skill level can do. All you need is to be a little daring and a willingness to try something new. This was by far the most unique experience, one which you shouldn’t pass up when in Interlaken.

For those who are afraid of heights (and any intense physical activity), the town offers a wonderful array of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Buy a one-of-a-kind Swiss watch, choose from hundreds of different hand-made chocolates (the taste was so good I literally cried) or enjoy a light bike ride around Lake Brienz, where you can stop for afternoon tea and scenic photography.

On my last day, as I sat and watched the council workers clean the trees that lined the streets (yes, the Swiss wash their trees), I realised that perfection was indeed possible – perfect country, perfect holiday, perfectly happy.