Our first day in Interlaken we checked into Balmer's (a very hoppin' hostel) and then explored the main street and cathedral. In the cathedral, there was an amazing stained-glass window of a lion:
After having lunch at Co-op (a.k.a the best grocery store ever) we decided to head for the Alps. After taking a scenic train to Lautenbrunner (which, we discovered the hard way, was NOT covered by our rail pass), we took a bus to Schechtenberg, and cable car to Gimmelwald. It was a lot of traveling, but it was well worth it. Gimmelwald is an isolated community of about 120 people and there are only two last names in the entire town. As you can imagine, this led to a lot of character. We found some fantastic gnomes and a large collection of cowbells.
Perhaps the best part of Gimmelwald was its peaceful quiet and fresh air. It was amazing just to sit on a bench and look at the Alps uninterrupted.
