EUROPEAN ODYSSEY
BY ADDISON SCHEUPBACH
Switzerland was the first leg of my European Excursion in ‘24
(during the summer before my sophomore year in high school), and it challenged every notion I had about the continent because, while of course, Europe does have its fair share of beach towns and historic cities, snow-capped mountains and ice-cold water, which are not often associated with the “European Summer” aesthetic. Most European holidays and itineraries brim with intent and excitement, but in Interlaken, Switzerland time feels lazy, inviting you to abandon planners and checklists in favor of pure experience. We rented a chalet (a Swiss cabin) tucked into the mountains of Beatenberg and overlooking Interlaken. We strolled idly through the trails of Lauterbrunnen, an alpine village cradled by a throng of towering Bernese Alps it was the most quintessential “Swiss Alps” stereotype with rolling green grass, waterfalls everywhere, and herds of cows with bells on their necks, ready to supply the massive amounts of cheese that the Swiss love dearly. The landscape is more than simply scenic; it holds power. Waterfalls cascade majestically and are even hidden inside a mountain, like Trümmelbach—the only accessible waterfall of its kind in Europe—which rages viciously as ten waterfalls twist & crash through the dark limestone. My family and I visited the slippery and chilly caves to experience this—I was shivering, damp, and nervous to stand close to the railing where water churned and expelled shocks of mist, but it was absolutely unbelievable to behold.
As the caves tested my courage, Grindelwald’s fun-filled activities invited a different kind of adventure. Grindelwald is proof that Switzerland is more than just its appearance. It’s a small village outside of Interlaken packed full of ridiculously fun rides. Go-karts down a mountain, four-person ziplines, cable cars, and Jungfraubahn or “The Top of Europe”. Swimming in the lakes of melted-glacier water reigns supreme in the whole of my Switzerland holiday. The water was breathtakingly cold considering it was late summer; it felt like the brand of cold-plunges Texans partake in during the winter. Bravely, I fought against my better judgement and waded into the lake as I shivered viscously.
Such bravery was a theme throughout my trip. In the days leading up to our flight I was wracked with nerves; most were, thankfully, subdued considering we were busy packing, but my jitters disturbed me all the same. Traveling to such a new place was daunting, but also—as I would soon understand—perfect because my Switzerland Experience is the most vibrant illustration I hold within my mind. Switzerland was enchanting, and heavenly, and utterly sublime! I felt reduced to nothing in the most spectacular way because everything around me was so grand. The fear I initially underwent was worth what I was later blessed with enjoying. “Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful,” said Mary Shelley, and I agree.
