In search of cascades

For the first time since we arrived in Europe, it rained a little this afternoon just as we were heading back to the hostel after an afternoon of visiting waterfalls -- cascades located both on the inside and outside of the steep Swiss Alps. 

It was a great way to spend our last day in the Swiss countryside, a place that both Chris and I have enjoyed so much since we arrived Sunday because of the idyllic location, relaxed atmosphere and myriad of adventurous activities that surround us.

We spent Monday hiking to the top of a mountain, Tuesday canyoning through waterfalls and today getting an up close look at waterfalls. 

Here are two views we saw as we trekked through the dark and damp cave-like area to explore the cascades nestled within the mountain side.

We made a day trip to Lauterbrunnen, located about 20 minutes or so from Interlaken via train. We went to see the Trümmelbach Falls, 10 waterfalls located inside a mountain. The falls are just a few minutes on bus from the small town of Lauterbrunnen. Once we arrived, we took a tunnel lift to the top and then explored the cascades. The clear water was moving so fast and the current was even faster as we climbed up and down navigating the slippery trail alongside the cascades. The fast-moving brisk water comes from three nearby glaciers: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It is hard to believe that these three glaciers provide enough water in the summer months to keep the cascades flowing so forcefully. Incredible. 

Here are a few pictures from inside.

After spending about an hour around the cascades, we returned to Lauterbrunnen to do some souvenir shopping in one of the small stores located near the train station. We also bought some brats from a vendor on the street, and they were delicious. 

Downtown Lauterbrunnen, with the Swiss flag, the Bern flag and a cascade in the background

Street vendor selling brats ... great lunch!

It started to rain as we made our way back to the train station, so we decided to return to Interlaken. The rain continued as we returned to the hostel to rest for a little while. My ankle was still sore from yesterday's fall and was swelling a little, so a few hours of R&R as it rained were much needed.

We had decided two nights ago to return to the restaurant Goldener Anker for dinner, the same place we ate Sunday night. And once again, the food was incredible. The special tonight was lamb chops, so we both ordered it. The meat was so tender that it almost melted in your mouth. For dessert: flan! If you ever travel to Interlaken, be sure to have dinner at the Goldener Anker.

This was the view on the way to dinner ... the summit of Jungfrau!

Tomorrow, we are hitting the train tracks again. We are leaving Interlaken around 7 a.m. and will arrive in La Spezia, Italy, located in the northern part of the country, around 3 p.m. We will be in northern Italy two nights and will spend our time hiking the Cinque Terre, visiting Florence and eating as much Italian food as our stomaches will hold and then some. I can't wait to sample all the pasta and pizza.

It will be difficult to leave Switzerland but we are both very much looking forward to seeing northern Italy.

Look for an update from along the Italian Riviera tomorrow night.

Hasta pronto,

Justin