Part 2 - A ROAD TRIP FROM THE UK TO INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
Day One: Setting Off From Hampshire
As we set off from Hampshire in early June 2023, our destination, Interlaken Switzerland, was over 700 miles away. The plan for our first day was pretty straightforward: drive to Folkstone, board the Le Shuttle, and then drive as far as we felt comfortable from Calais thru France. Then, when we felt like it, we'd stop at one of the 3 or 4 Aires I had researched in advance, depending on how the drive progressed.
We arrived early at Folkstone, so early that we were offered an earlier train for no additional cost. After a quick visit to the terminal shops and admiration of the +50 supercars heading to France with us, we were swiftly through customs and onto the train for the 30-minute crossing.
We decided to use the French Motorway system which contains numerous toll roads, it is possible to avoid them to save some money, but we'd use them. A few weeks before, we had ordered a 'blip&go' tag from emovis-tag.co.uk to avoid fumbling for cards or cash at the toll booths. The French countryside was soon whizzing by as we enjoyed open roads with little traffic. We were both surprised at how quickly we grew accustomed to driving on the right hand side of the road in the van for the first time.
Arriving in France two hours earlier than planned presented an unexpected dilemma. We had researched a couple of Motorway Aire stopovers all a few hours from Calais, but using any would mean stopping earlier than expected. So we decided to drive on and find a new Aire further along the motorway.
After a long day of driving, we finally found an Aire to stay the night. Finding one was more stressful than we expected, and we were relieved we'd booked campsites for the rest of the trip.
Day Two: From France, Into Switzerland and Towards Interlaken
We woke early at the Aire. The overnight heat increased due to our unwillingness to pop the roof just in case we felt the need to move on at short notice. However, our worries were unfounded, as the Aire was clean and safe. Interlaken was only 4.5 hours and 230 miles away, so we sought a petrol station and a fantastic French bakery as we swapped motorways.
The roads through France were just as kind as yesterday, and before we knew it, we arrived at a Swiss border checkpoint. We had to stop to purchase a 40CHF Vingette, allowing us to drive on all Swiss motorways & roads for what was left of 2023.
Once across the border the Swiss mountains were quickly upon us. We hardly had time to enjoy the views before they vanished as we entered tunnels, whisking us through the mountains, once out the other side we stopped for a short break.
Taken from the PDF version
Traffic was a little heavier through Bern, hampered by some major road improvements. However, it wasn't long before we were driving along the shore of Lake Thun, close to our first campsite. The excitement was building as we were now just a stone's throw away from our first campsite near Interlaken.
In just two days, we traversed 3 countries, different landscapes, and cultural shifts to reach one of the most picturesque places on earth: Interlaken, Switzerland.
This journey so far had taught us to be spontaneous and flexible and to trust our instincts. At the same time, it allowed us to enjoy the open roads, the changing landscapes, and the thrill of the unknown. As we arrived for our first night on Swiss soil, the adventures we had experienced so far were just a precursor to the many more to come on this wonderful road trip.