Part 3 - MANOR FARM CAMPING: AN AMBLING ADVENTURE IN SWITZERLAND
Manor Farm Camping lies in the heart of Switzerland, nestled near the picturesque city of Interlaken and perched on the shore of Lake Thun. Our journey to this dreamy campsite was marked with anticipation and excitement, and it did not disappoint. This is a tale of our adventure, from the moment we arrived at Manor Farm to our exploration of the surrounding areas.
We arrived in Manor Farm, Interlaken around 1 pm with a bag full of local wine and food from a visit to the local supermarket. The check-in process at Manor Farm was a little different than what we were used to. After walking the site to find a pitch, we returned to the reception to advise them of the pitch number. The pitches were slightly smaller than we expected, but the crystal-clear lake and the promise of adventure made up for it. The afternoon was spent exploring the campsite and the lake shore, with the nearby Lido area proving to be a popular spot for families to enjoy the cool water. After 2 days of driving, we decided to just relax and enjoy a well-deserved glass of wine and some sun.
Day Three: Exploring Harder Kulm and Interlaken
Our first full day in Switzerland was earmarked for a visit to Harder Kulm and exploring Interlaken. Instead of catching the free businto Interlaken, we walked 3 miles to the rail funicular that travelled up Harder Kulm. The lovely walk along the river and the mountain's base offered leafy shade from the morning sun and spectacular views of the mountains and into the gardens of any Swiss lucky enough to live here.
Harder Kulm, became affectionately known (to us) as Heidi Klum offered epic views from the top. We took an early funicular to the top with a plan to explore, grab a coffee at the restaurant, and then hike the ridge before returning to Interlaken for lunch. The funicular might cost around 40CHF per person, but the breathtaking views were worth every penny.
After descending Harder Kulm, we spent the late morning strolling the streets of Interlaken. The town lies between the two crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz and features various hotels and shops selling typical Swiss goods such as watches, chocolates, and souvenirs.
When it came to food, Interlaken offered a plethora of choices. We found a gem in the Reinle Bakery, where we assembled a small picnic of quality baked goods and mouth-watering strudels. We enjoyed our picnic by the impossibly blue/green river, sipping hot coffee whilst soaking in the view.
Taken from the PDF version.
Day Four: Day Trip to Thun
On our last full day at Manor Farm, we explored Thun, a beautiful old town at the other end of Lake Thunersee. We took an early bus (not free) to Thun from the campsite entrance and spent the morning wandering the cobbled streets, drinking coffee, and enjoying a nice lunch by the river. The views from the 12th-century castle overlooking the city were worth the visit.
While in Thun, we discovered the charming Hotel Restaurant Rathaus, just off the main square by the river. With a menu consisting mainly of pizzas and pasta, we enjoyed excellent dishes and drinks while watching the world go by.
Our journey back to the campsite was by the BLS ferry service, offering fabulous lake views as we soaked in the sun.
