Our home base in Interlaken is a charming 130 year old Swiss chalet style hotel, offering spectacular views of the Swiss Alps from the balconies of this historical establishment, and only a 5 minute walk from the station and town center.
I have had the pleasure of staying here for almost 2 decades now, and would not stay anywhere else! Come see for yourself, why my tour members fall in love with the hotel the moment they arrive!
Rooms are renovated on a continual basis using local pine wood felled from our host's farm. The rooms are decorated with rustic furnishings. All rooms have private facilities, in room hair dryers, TV, and clocks. Some rooms also have a writing desk. At night, snuggle up with your goose down comforter and pillows. Some rooms have balconies with a spectacular view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau!!
If you can't join us on tour, and need the best place to stay in the Interlaken area, email Kim at The Post Hardermannli for reservations.
At night, its customary for the group members to gather around the fireplace and relax with a cup of hot coffee, cocoa or your favorite nightcap, as we make plans for the next day.
On my walk back to the hotel one evening, I purchased a salad, roasted chicken, rolls and a Pepsi, and headed straight for the table on my balcony. I lit the candle I purchased that day, spread my dinner on the table, and with the 18th Variation of Rhapsody playing in the background, I sat down to a very relaxing and peaceful dinner, with reflections of the days activities sifting through my mind.
As I watched evening embrace this magical setting, I realized I had just witnessed a fantastic day in the Alps turn into an incredible evening. The moonlight framed the massive snow capped peaks I had explored earlier that day. I knew the morning's sun would bring another day to explore sleepy mountain villages, or ride a cable car, or a steamer on a glacier lake, or maybe shop or visit a museum.
The Ristorante Arcobaleno, where you will be personally greeted by Giuseppe Fanciullo and Giacomo Verrardo, is THE favorite place to eat in Interlaken among the locals. The atmosphere is casual and serves lunch, dinner and drinks. A great way to end the day's adventure is with one of their beautiful desserts and ice creams!!
Swiss cuisine is rated among the highest in the world. Each morning, enjoy your included breakfast buffet, featuring: Farm fresh hard boiled eggs, 2 types of fresh yogurt, 4 cereals, milk, 2 juices, 2 types of jam, butter, cheese, croissants, rolls and nut breads, hot coffee and hot cocoa. Many of our breakfast pleasures come straight from Andreas' and Kims' organic dairy farm.
Switzerland is one of, if not the safest place in the world. There is less violent crime in the whole country in one year, than in New York City in one day.
The historical Hotel Schiff, originally built in 1832, is quietly situated on the banks of the River Reuss, in the centre of Lucerne's old town, with splendid views of the mountains and the lake.
Shopping and exploring the old world charms of one of most beautiful cities in the world, will be a treasured memory of your trip. Centrally located, the train station, the carnival and Lake Lucerne, are only a few minutes walk. Catch the bus, and spend some time at the marvelous Lion of Lucerne, often said to be the saddest piece of rock in the world. The rooms are equipped with bath/shower and WC, direct-dial telephone, TV, radio, hair dryers and digital safe. Some rooms have river views, some a view of the old town, some with balconies. A large breakfast buffet is served daily, consisiting of a variety of breads, cereals, various konfitures, fruits, a stove to boil eggs, a meat platter, cheese platter and yogurts, milk and orange juice. Breakfast waiters serve hot beverages of choice (coffee, tea, chocolate). Coffee and tea are complimentary in your room. The Schiff is home to one of Lucerne's most famous historical restaurants, where you can enjoy their Swiss specialities and international fare. From the open air garden restuarant, watch the swans as they glide along with the currents of the river. Have a night cap before ending your day of sightseeing and exploration.