Camping in the Bernese Alps

This past weekend, we ventured to the Bernese Alps in Switzerland to a small town, Kandersteg.  We had heard about a particular lake in the mountains, Lake Oeschinensee, and we added it to our list of places to visit.  When looking up hotels, the search results were limited, so we decided to try out camping.  We have never camped as a family, but thought Switzerland would be the perfect place to start.

On Saturday morning, we arrived in Kandersteg, about  2 1/2 hours away from Geneva.  We immediately boarded the cable car to begin our hike to see the lake.  After a short hike across pastures and through pine forests, we had arrived and the view was amazing.  Even though it was cloudy, we were blown away by the natural beauty.  It was fun to see people along the lake making fires with the wood around them and enjoying a true outdoor picnic.  After our hike, we took a row boat on the lake.  

The hiking trail we took along the lake-

Beautiful-

Happy little hikers! 

Our boat guide-

Cow grazing along the lake-

After our descent down the mountain, we headed to the campground to set up camp.  The girls were so excited to be camping!!  Our friends arrived shortly after, and we started the grill to prepare for dinner.  Unfortunately, they didn't allow bonfires at the campground we were staying at, so we made dinner and s'mores on the grill.  It was a perfect Americana night!  It was a very chilly night, 40 degrees, but we all survived out first night camping as a family!  Camping in Switzerland is definitely a humbling experience.  Everyone around us had a story about a mountain they had just climbed, or were planning on climbing.  

So excited! 

Making s'mores- 

View from our campsite-

On Sunday, it was a beautiful day so we knew we had to spend some more time in the area.  We went to Interlaken for lunch and enjoyed the view.  After that, we headed to one of our favorite places in Switzerland, the Beatus Caves.  We stumbled upon this place two years ago on our trip back from Interlaken and knew we had to revisit.  We have never done the cave tour, we mainly go for the breathtaking views.  Once again, it did not disappoint.

Lake Thun 

It was such a memorable weekend.  It was so fun to see the joy of camping through their eyes- definitely makes it worth it, plus no mosquitoes was a HUGE plus!!!

Camping requires a lot of luggage-  

Maybe next time we will stay for two nights! 

Beauty in the Alsace Region

This past weekend we visited the Alsace region, which lies on the border of Germany and France.  Some of our friends had been to this region and after seeing their pictures, I knew it was a place we had to visit.

We stayed in Eguisheim, which was the town that inspired the opening scene in the movie, Beauty and the Beast.  It is a very tiny village, but filled with character.

Beautiful center of town- 

My favorite place in the village-

We also visited Colmar, which is another charming town in the Alsace region.  Picturesque would be the perfect word to describe this town.  We felt like we were in a fairytale as we walked through the narrow streets lined with colorful homes, beautifully decorated with flowers in every window.  The highlight of Colmar for us was taking a gondola style boat ride down the Lauch River, located in  "La Petite Venise" quarter of Colmar.  

Stunning- 

Loved the boat ride- 

I want to build a house like this! 

Adalyn eating the Alsatian equivalent to pizza, Flammekueche.  A very thin crust, covered with sour cream, cheese, onions, and bacon. She is always up for trying the local foods-

On Sunday, we drove to Strasbourg, France.  Strasbourg has been fought over for centuries between the French and Germans.  Since it lies right on the border, the town has a very Franco-German vibe.  We spent the day wandering through the town admiring the old half-timbered homes, Renaissance buildings, and the stunning cathedral.

Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre-Dame

Known as one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.  

Could not get enough of the architecture!  

Besides being known for their charming villages, the Alsace region is also well-known for their wine, particularly white.  They are known for their Reisling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, and Gewürztraminer.  On Sunday, we drove the Alsace wine route which begins in Strasbourg and passes through small towns along the beautiful vineyards ending near Colmar.  Without kids, this route would be so much fun!!  So many different wine caves offering wine tastings.  Unfortunately, it was getting late in the day, and the girls were not so keen on wine tasting, so we stopped at one cave and then headed back to Eguisheim.

We had a wonderful time exploring this area of France.  These villages are also known for their Christmas markets, so we may have to take a trip there again in December!