Travel to Interlaken, Switzerland with SmartTrip Europe

You’re probably in Florence, wondering where you should travel to for the weekend. Or maybe you’ve already booked something for every single weekend for the next 2 months. Either way, I hope you took a good hard look at all the trips you can do with SmartTrip Europe. Perfect for students looking to meet new people, travel affordably and have an amazing time. 

Their social media says it all: have the time of your life during your time abroad. 

I’ve traveled with SmartTrip a number of times and wanted to share everything you need to know when booking the Interlaken Trip to Switzerland.

Itinerary Overview:

The trip begins on a Thursday evening, with an overnight bus ride. You’ll wake up in Interlaken and spend the next few days eating fondue, chocolate, drinking beer and participating in extreme sports. There is no shortage of optional add on activities you can sign up for. From paragliding, to night time sledding and a brewery tour, you’ll never be bored. Busses are loaded early Sunday afternoon with a projected arrival back in Florence between 10PM and 11PM.

The full package trip includes:

• Roundtrip transportation

• 2 nights and 3 days accommodation at Funny Farm Backpackers

• Early check in to hostel (5AM on day of arrival)

• Breakfast each morning

• Expert travel companions available 24/7

Optional add-on activities:

• Snowboarding, Skiing and Sledding

• Night time sledding & fondue experience

• Paragliding

• Skydiving

• Hangliding

• Day trip to Bern

• Chocolate making class

• Brewery tour

• Family dinner

• & more!

First thing you need to know is that the bus ride is about 8 hours long. There is one pit stop made halfway through that allows for a snack and bathroom break. And since it is an overnight ride, the bus usually arrives at the hostel around 5:30 AM. Luckily, SmartTrip has worked out an agreement with the hostel that usually allows us to immediately check in. 

Personally, I recommend a quick nap in an actual bed before starting a FULL day. I opted for sledding this time around since I wanted to try something new and typically snowboard back home in Arizona. SmartTrip guides wearing bright orange jackets take a large group of students up the mountain from Interlaken to Grindelwald to get their lift passes and their rental gear. 

If I had been entirely on my own, I think I would’ve been confused by the complexity of the journey. You hop on a bus, get your pass, hop on a train, get your gear and then finally hop on another bus before actually arriving at the lift. 

Quick, easy and painless, Buri Sport provides EVERYTHING you could possibly need for any snow sport. Snow pants, jacket, boots, helmet, gloves and goggles. You’ll get your skis, snowboard and sled there too! As a complete beginner, I need to warn you that a green slope in the United States is NOT the same as a green slope in the Swiss Alps! Start at a lower level than you would back home and work your way up! 

Other than that, be sure to sign up for the family dinner that typically happens on Friday night at Bebbis for the fondue experience of your life. If Bebbis himself is in town, he’ll put on a show you won’t ever forget that usually ends up with everyone singing and dancing from their chairs. Saturday is your opportunity to visit the capital city of Switzerland: Bern (NOT ZURICH). And lastly, I personally used Sunday morning to unwind and relax before a long ride back to Florence. 

Other Important PSA’s:

• READ THE SIGNAGE. Don’t get lost like I did.

• Switzerland is EXPENSIVE. Expect to spend at least 30 Swiss Francs on a plate of chicken nuggets, fries and a beer.

• PACK LAYERS. You never know if it’s going to be snowing, blasting wind, or fair enough to just wear a hoodie.

• Tap water is SAFE to drink. Probably some of the best water in Europe, it comes straight from the Swiss Alps.

• Aprés Ski is real! There are a TON of places you can party on the mountain! Ask anyone in the area and they’ll point you in the right direction.

• Switzerland uses SWISS FRANCS, not Euros! While you can get some cash out at an ATM, most places take credit/debit cards. 

This trip is perfect for anyone regardless of what your travel type is. You can have an action packed weekend with little to no down time. OR you can relax with a view from your hostel, at the highest point in Europe or the local chocolate shop. The panoramic views are something you’re not likely to find anywhere else in Europe. 

If you’ve already booked Interlaken, see you there! If not, visit the SmartTrip website because there’s only THREE departure dates left for the semester. Don’t forget to use promo code “SCARLETT” to save on your trip! 

Interlaken Packing List:

• Heavy coat

• Thermal under layers

• Scarf 

• Gloves

• Neck pillow for bus ride

• Snacks

• Leggings & sunscreen (if going skiing)

• Passport & ID

• Go Pro if you have one!