Exploring Swiss Villages of Lauterbrunnen, Gimmelwand & Mürren, Episode 5 - Switzerland in Rs 75000

Summary

In this laid-back episode of Traveling Desi’s Swiss series, the host explores the beautiful town of Interlaken and its neighboring villages. After a scenic detour, he checks into a hostel in Interlaken, using it as a base for his adventures. He discusses affordable accommodation, including holiday homes and BnBs, before visiting the historic villages of Gimmelwald and Mürren, both accessible via cable cars. The episode highlights scenic views, traditional Swiss village life, hiking routes, and local hospitality, with tips for budget travelers. The video concludes with a promise of more Swiss adventures in the next episode.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The narrator made Interlaken their base for a 3-night stay to explore nearby villages and mountain activities.
• 🏨 They stayed at the Backpackers Villa hostel in Interlaken, which had free parking and affordable accommodations.
• 🚞 Interlaken is a popular tourist hub, with many visitors arriving by train from Lucerne or Bern to explore the region’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
• 🍽️ Accommodation options range from budget hostels to expensive BNBs, where holiday homes can cost 8000 to 12000 rupees per night.
• 🛏️ The BNBs are popular, run by locals, and often more expensive than 2- or 3-star hotels. One BNB owner rents three rooms, with prices stable year-round.
• 🍲 Cooking at hostels or BNBs can save money, as many offer kitchens and free food sections where previous guests leave behind unused items.
• 🚌 Visitors receive free bus passes when staying in hostels or hotels, allowing for unlimited local travel during their stay.
• 🏞️ The narrator explored nearby mountain villages like Gimmelwald and Mürren, accessible by cable cars, buses, or hiking.
• 🚠 They chose a less touristy route to Gimmelwald via Stechelberg, hiking up to the village instead of taking a popular cable car route.
• 🧀 Gimmelwald is a well-preserved village where tourists can buy fresh eggs and cheese on a self-service basis from local farmers.

Q & A

What makes Interlaken a popular tourist destination?

Interlaken is popular for its proximity to beautiful Swiss villages, mountain excursions, and daring outdoor activities. It serves as a base for exploring the natural beauty of the region and offers a variety of accommodations catering to different budgets.

Why did the speaker choose Interlaken as their base?

The speaker chose Interlaken as their base because it is centrally located, allowing easy access to nearby villages and mountain activities. Additionally, there are many accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and BNBs, with amenities like free parking.

How can travelers reach Interlaken, and what are the transport options from major cities?

Travelers can reach Interlaken by train, typically from Lucerne or Bern, with tickets costing around 20 Franks. The scenic train routes offer breathtaking views. The journey from Lucerne to Interlaken takes about an hour and a half.

What are some budget accommodation options in Interlaken?

Budget options in Interlaken include hostels like Backpackers Villa, which costs around 2000 rupees per night, and BNBs available for 4000 to 7000 rupees per night. Hostels often offer free parking, laundry facilities, and a free bus pass.

What activities are available for tourists in Interlaken?

Tourists in Interlaken can enjoy mountain excursions, village tours, cable car rides, and scenic hikes. Popular mountains like Jungfrau and Schilthorn are accessible via cable cars and cogwheel trains. There are also local attractions like the casino, a church, and a statue of Yash Chopra.

What are Gimmelwald and Mürren, and how can one reach them?

Gimmelwald and Mürren are beautiful, historic mountain villages near Interlaken. Visitors can reach them by taking a train or driving to Lauterbrunnen, followed by a cable car ride. Alternatively, visitors can drive to Stechelberg and hike up to Gimmelwald and Mürren.

How much does it cost to visit Gimmelwald and Mürren?

A cable car ride from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald and Mürren costs around 22 Franks (approximately 1500 rupees). If one chooses to hike from Stechelberg, the cost is limited to parking fees, around 300 rupees.

What is the appeal of staying in BNBs in Switzerland?

BNBs in Switzerland offer a more authentic experience of Swiss village life, often located in scenic, rural areas. They provide access to full kitchens, allowing guests to save money by cooking their own meals. Prices range from 140 to 200 Franks per night.

What insights did the speaker gain from interacting with locals in Gimmelwald?

The speaker interacted with a local farmer in Gimmelwald who mentioned the long lifespans of residents in the village. The friendly farmer also talked about planting trees and how global warming might impact the area. The speaker appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the locals.

What tips does the speaker offer for reducing costs while traveling in Switzerland?

To reduce costs, the speaker suggests staying in hostels or BNBs with kitchen access to cook your own meals. They also recommend utilizing free bus passes provided by hostels and taking advantage of unused food left by other guests. Additionally, checking weather conditions before planning expensive mountain excursions can help save money.