After falling head over heels for Lucerne (and a certain pot of fondue), the next logical step was higher ground - literally. So we packed up the van, gave Lucerne a final wistful wave, and headed for the big stuff: the Swiss Alps.
What followed was a few days of glacier-blue lakes, mountain air so fresh it should be bottled, and some very enthusiastic tail wags from Bonnie. Spoiler: it was perfect.
First Stop: Lake Brienz – Paddle Board Bliss
We rolled into Lake Brienz. Imagine turquoise water, mountain peaks like jagged postcards, and a peaceful little campsite that felt like we’d won the Alpine lottery. It was quiet, clean, and steps from the lake - aka Bonnie’s new favourite paddling pool.
Naturally, we inflated the paddle board. Bonnie, who considers herself a seasoned sailor after the pedalo in Titisee, climbed aboard like she was born for the water. We then spent the next hour floating in a state of pure Swiss serenity.
Mountains to our left, crystal-clear water below, and Bonnie perched proudly at the bow like a furry pirate. We didn’t want to leave - but then the mountains started calling.
Lauterbrunnen – Waterfalls and Wallet Warnings
Next up was Lauterbrunnen, a valley so beautiful it looks Photoshopped in real life. We parked up just outside town and wandered into what felt like a dream: waterfalls cascading from cliffs on both sides, alpine houses covered in flowers, and cows with bells that sounded like nature’s wind chimes.
We explored the valley floor, soaked in the views, and we both spent too much time staring up at Staubbach Falls.
Grindelwald – Too Fancy, Then Just Right
From Lauterbrunnen, we headed to Grindelwald. It was stunning, dramatic, and… eye-wateringly expensive. We quickly realised Grindelwald First, while iconic, wasn’t quite within our humble campervan budget—especially when Bonnie doesn’t even need a zipline to feel alive.
So we pivoted to Pfingstegg, and honestly? What win.
The cable car was dog-friendly, the views were still jaw-dropping, and it had fewer crowds and more character. Bonnie loved the ride up - nose pressed to the wind - and at the top, we explored alpine trails with scenery that made us both stop and stare.
We skipped the toboggan run (Bonnie politely declined) and instead spent the afternoon picnicking and soaking in the silence of the peaks. It was everything I wanted from the Alps - without the queue, the price tag, or the panic about parking.
After our mountaintop picnic, we headed to the Glacier Canyon (Gletscherschlucht) - a dramatic walkway carved through the rock just outside town. We wandered the suspended metal walkways over turquoise meltwater, with echoing roars of the Lütschine river below and towering walls of rock on either side. Bonnie trotted along like a professional canyon explorer, occasionally pausing to peer into the depths (and once, very nearly licking a waterfall). The highlight? A crazy net suspended over the rushing river - Bonnie sensibly opted out, but I stepped out, legs wobbling, heart racing, and grinning like a lunatic.
Final Thoughts: Switzerland, You Show-Off
From paddle boarding on Brienz to hanging out on a mountain in Pfingstegg, this part of the trip hit all the right notes. The Alps are bold, beautiful, and somehow peaceful and powerful all at once.
And though Bonnie didn’t master paddle boarding quite as gracefully as she thinks she did (we both got wet), I think this might be her favourite leg of the trip too. Mountains, lakes, picnic snacks, and lots of admiring strangers - what’s not to love?
Next stop? The Italian lakes! But for now we’re full of cheese, high on altitude, and ready for the next adventure