Week 12: Switzerland, The Netherlands, and Germany

After Easter Sunday at the Vatican I left Rome and took the train to Zurich, Switzerland. Attending mass that day was a very interesting experience since we were one of the last people to see Pope Francis alive, unfortunately he passed away the next morning.

The train ride to Switzerland was so beautiful! I would argue that it is one of the most naturally gifted places in Europe. It is incredibly clean and filled with many mountains, lakes, and other sites.

That being said, Switzerland is incredibly expensive. I thought I knew what expensive was since I live in Hawaiʻi, but Switzerland is truly on another level. If you're on a budget, I would highly recommend just cooking your meals and to keep eating out at a minimum. One time I paid about $9 USD for a cappucino and $4 USD for a croissant.

$13 USD in total! 🥲

Zurich had a very interesting vibe. The city was very orderly and serious. For the most part people were very nice to me when I talked to them, I had the impression that people try to remain reserved as much as possible.

Recommendations:

• Hostel: Oldtown Hostel Otter

• Sites:

  • Lindenhof

  • Zurichhorn

  • Aussichtspunkt Riesbach

  • Rentenwiese

  • Strandbad Mythenquai

  • Lindt Home of Chocolate

    • (!) I regret not visiting the chocolate museum! I wanted to go here but I didn't book tickets in advance so it was full. I heard that the museum was definitely well worth the money, I think its roughly $18 - $20 USD for a day pass, so definitely look into it. They give you so much chocolate! (Not including transportation though).

      
      

After Zurich, I then took the train to the Interlaken area where I spent around three days. I loved it! This region of Switzerland was breathtaking and I am so glad I got to visit.

Here are some photos!

Lauterbrunnen & Murren

Oeschinensee & Kandersteg

I met so many amazing people in Switzerland, by far it was one of my most favorite trips!

After my time in Switzerland, I headed to Rotterdam and Amsterdam of the Netherlands for my last leg of the trip and to meet with Mia and Aidan once again to regroup.

We decided to go to Amsterdam for Koningsdag "Kings Day," since it was a very unique holiday in Dutch culture.

Here are some photos!

Amsterdam and Rotterdam

Kings Day was a very wild experience and it was very fun! Safe to say it was very crowded with people and crazy but nonetheless I was happy I got to experience a unique Dutch holdiay. Mia and her friends were able to show us around too, which I was really happy about since they spoke Dutch and knew alot about their culture. It was a pleasure to get to know them. I hope some time in the future I can experience Amsterdam and other Dutch cities on a more normal day too.

After leaving the Netherlands we did something a little spontaneous and ended up doing a five hour stop in Hamburg, Germany.

Hamburg was a very cool city and we had some amazing food there. If you're ever in Hamburg, make sure to get seafood! They're a port city and are known for their fresh and very delicious seafood.

That wraps up my two week trip from Italy to Switzerland to the Netherland and to Germany.

Thank you for following along! 😁