Towns in Switzerland

The towns that I passed through in Switzerland tended to have a quaint, rustic, friendly feel. I felt much more at home here than in the stone cities of Italy.

(Click on an image to see a larger version. Click on the "++" link to see a huge full-size version.)

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One of the first semi-industrial cities our train passed after entering Switzerland. It was just this small settlement, nestled in a valley, with no suburbs; just green mountains in every direction. ++
Our first transfer in Switzerland, the town of Brig. This picture was taken from the exit of the train station, looking down main street. I was immediately reminded I was no longer in Italy when a passing driver stopped to let us cross the street, despite the fact he had no stopsign! That made quite an impression upon me of the character and friendliness of the Swiss... ++
The town of Spiez, where we transferred from the main train line to a local line that would take us to Interlaken. On the way back, we also had dinner, where I learned that I like Belgian beer... :-)

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Interlaken is a medium-sized town and tourist hub for the region where we stayed. Walking down main street, almost every other store sold Swiss Army Knives and watches, like this one. ++
A festively decorated street in Interlaken. ++
This dog looked so adorable, just sitting there enjoying the ride through town. Too bad I didn't grab my camera fast enough to get a front view...
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After a final transfer in Interlaken, we arrived at Lauterbrunnen, a small village up in the valley. My first impression was awesome; waterfalls were visible before we even left the train station. ++
Lauterbrunnen was more than I imagined could still be true about Switzerland. Imagine crossing this idyllic stream, just yards from the hotel where we stayed. ++
A better view of Lauterbrunnen, on the afternoon we left. The Monch and Eiger mountains were still mostly hidden by the low clouds.
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We arrived without reservations, but picked the Hotel Schultzen as our first choice from the brochures. Sure enough, they had space available. ++
On the way to our room, we passed this mounted buck... ++
And arrived in our room. A cozy, low-ceiling, wood-paneled taste of Swiss hospitality.
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Our room opened out onto a 2nd-story deck, where we were greeted with this magnificent view in the morning. ++
Looking to the right, we saw some of the waterfalls cascading down the opposite wall of the valley... ++
...and looking farther right, we saw the waterfalls on this side of the valley. Little did we know what glorious mountains were hidden by the fog...

Lucas Pereira
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++ One of the first semi-industrial cities our train passed after entering Switzerland. It was just this small settlement, nestled in a valley, with no suburbs; just green mountains in every direction.	++ Our first transfer in Switzerland, the town of Brig. This picture was taken from the exit of the train station, looking down main street. I was immediately reminded I was no longer in Italy when a passing driver stopped to let us cross the street, despite the fact he had no stopsign! That made quite an impression upon me of the character and friendliness of the Swiss...	++ The town of Spiez, where we transferred from the main train line to a local line that would take us to Interlaken. On the way back, we also had dinner, where I learned that I like Belgian beer... :-)
++ Interlaken is a medium-sized town and tourist hub for the region where we stayed. Walking down main street, almost every other store sold Swiss Army Knives and watches, like this one.	++ A festively decorated street in Interlaken.	++ This dog looked so adorable, just sitting there enjoying the ride through town. Too bad I didn't grab my camera fast enough to get a front view...
++ After a final transfer in Interlaken, we arrived at Lauterbrunnen, a small village up in the valley. My first impression was awesome; waterfalls were visible before we even left the train station.	++ Lauterbrunnen was more than I imagined could still be true about Switzerland. Imagine crossing this idyllic stream, just yards from the hotel where we stayed.	++ A better view of Lauterbrunnen, on the afternoon we left. The Monch and Eiger mountains were still mostly hidden by the low clouds.
++ We arrived without reservations, but picked the Hotel Schultzen as our first choice from the brochures. Sure enough, they had space available.	++ On the way to our room, we passed this mounted buck...	++ And arrived in our room. A cozy, low-ceiling, wood-paneled taste of Swiss hospitality.
++ Our room opened out onto a 2nd-story deck, where we were greeted with this magnificent view in the morning.	++ Looking to the right, we saw some of the waterfalls cascading down the opposite wall of the valley...	++ ...and looking farther right, we saw the waterfalls on this side of the valley. Little did we know what glorious mountains were hidden by the fog...