Imagine a getaway to a quaint little town, where the coffee is always hot and the fire’s always going. There’s snow on the ground and the sky is dotted with hangliders, paragliders, and the occasional skydiving daredevil.

What if I told you that this adventure lover's dream was the city of Interlaken, Switzerland and that a weekend getaway was easier than you thought?

When I arrived in Interlaken for the first time, I arrived at my hostel late into the night and went right to bed. When I wandered outside the next morning, what I saw took my breath away. The snowcapped mountains surround the valley like palace gates, and the beauty only continues within its walls. The open fields, the bright blue lake waters, and the cool chill of the air make this spot one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever visited.

Even if you’re not into skiing, snowboarding or adrenaline rushes brought on by paragliding or skydiving, this town is still the perfect way to spend a cozy weekend!

Trip Highlights

• Balmer’s Hostel, the oldest hostel in Switzerland

• Night sledding and fondue

• Funky Chocolate Club Chocolate Making Class (sign up here)

• Applermac mac and cheese at Husi Bierhaus & Restaurant

• Lake Brienz

• Skiing and snowboarding in the Alps

• Balmer’s Club

• Day trip to Zurich

The beauty of this trip is the ultimate flexibility. You plan your weekend however you want. Have a thirst for adrenaline rushes? Pack your schedule with skiing, skydiving, and kayaking. Prefer a chill weekend? Sign up for the Funky Chocolate Club Chocolate Workshop, snuggle up with a good book in front of the fire in Balmer’s (Eat Pray Love anyone?) and treat yourself to applermac (applesauce-topped mac and cheese) at Husi Bierhaus (it sounds strange but trust me, it’s life-changing).

Have friends that want to hit the slopes, but you’re uncoordinated (like me) and would rather stay back? There are always people around to hang with, and Interlaken is small enough to explore on your own without feeling overwhelmed.

Interlaken is one of those places that truly has something for everyone. It’s not a trip to pass up; even if you’re stressed and loaded down with homework, bring your laptop and spend a couple of hours studying on a comfy couch before hitting the town! You really wouldn’t be spending every moment of the weekend hitting the books at home anyway, so you might as well balance work and play… Interlaken > your bedroom.

Bus2alps offers an amazing package with departures from Rome, Florence, and Prague, as well as a Meet Us There package if you’re coming from a different city or don’t want to take the bus (there’s a pickup from the Geneva airport). Discount code MURRAY will get you extra savings too! There’s no better way to experience Switzerland than with the travel company who calls Interlaken home; it’s literally in the name! The trip includes a stay at a top-rated hostel, guides who know absolutely everything there is to know about the city, and bus transportation to and from your city. Leave on Thursday night after class and return on Sunday evening. You get on the bus; leave the rest to the guides!

For those of you looking to do a weekday trip or if you decide to go on your own, Balmer’s Hostel is the place to stay. It’s cozy, close to everything, and the oldest hostel in Switzerland! There’s even an underground club if you want to dance the night away. The closest airport to fly into is Geneva, and then you can train to Interlaken. I definitely recommend the Bus2alps trip for ease and convenience, but I’m also a big supporter of independent travel!

Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message with any comments or questions on how to make this dreamland a reality. Happy traveling!