When I first started working for the railways in the UK there was always an advert within Railnews (which was really the British Rail monthly newspaper) saying "Visit Interlaken" and Heather remembered similar adverts from when she started work on the railway too. Nearly thirty years later we have finally made it to this part of Switzerland. In hindsight this should not have been the first visit as we have been really, really impressed with just how much there is to see and do in this stunning Swiss alpine area. The journey by train from Lucerne, on the Zentralbahn, was just under two hours and went through some stunning countryside. Part of the trip makes use of rack railway technology to climb up and control the speed downhill on the steep gradients until you reach the valley at Meiringen. Interlaken felt really comfortable from the moment you stepped out of the station and started walking across the town. It was certainly busy, possibly more so than normal at this time of year, as it was a national holiday in Switzerland. People where just out enjoying food, drinks and the fabulous mountain scenery. After a cheap and cheerful lunch at a Subway (this helped save a few £s) we were able to enjoy a boat trip on the Thunersee as our railway concessions let us travel from Interlaken to Spiez for absolutely nothing on the BLS ships. This was a great journey of around an hour and a half and even better as this was not part of the plan - in fact we did not really have a plan at all! With a journey back to Interlaken Ost station by a BLS operated train we arrived with enough time to catch the 1704 train back to Lucerne. The scenery if the way back was just as good as the way out although with the sunlight now providing completely different views of the lake and mountain scenery. This really was a wonderful day out and has made us put this area on the 'return to' list. We will however need some extra money to do all of things on offer when we return as like the rest of Switzerland things are not cheap - a return ticket from Interlaken to the 'Top of Europe' on the Jungfraubahn will set you back nearly £150 each. Kerrching!