The Lauterbrunn Valley in Switzerland is, hands down, the most jaw-dropping, unbelievable place I ever been.  It really should be on everyone’s bucket list.  

Lauterbrunnen Valley, often call “The Land of 72 Waterfalls”, is located less than a two hour drive from Zurich.  The area features glacial waterfalls, endless hiking trails, downhill and cross-country skiing, paragliding, boat trips on emerald-colored lakes, panoramic train journeys and breathing-taking gondola rides.

Interlaken is a good base to explore the Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland. The town is built on a narrow stretch of land between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and exudes a casual, but chic, lakeside resort feel.  For a magnificent view over both lakes take the 64-degree funicular up the Harderkulm mountain.

Gimmelwald is a small, traffic free village and must visit. Take the gondola  up from the convenient parking area below to explore the small wooden chalets that dot the hillside.  Soak in the views of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn while enjoying a casual lunch at the Mountain Hostel restaurant. 

Grindelwald is often described as a postcard perfect Swiss village and is best known for its ski slopes and from where one can catch the train to the Jungfraujoch, a saddle that connects the Jungfrau and Mönch mountains both approximately 11,000 feet. Take the scenic train, on the railway built in 1912, to the “Top of Europe” for stunning views.