Switzerland. WHAT A DREAM. Victoria Jungfrau…and even better dream!
By far my favorite country to date, which is saying a lot considering I’m pretty picky when it comes to “favorites”. Sadly, I didn’t get to spend as much time there as I had hoped, but the entire experience is making antsy to go again! If you read my post Backpacking Europe, you would know that I had an old friend from Orlando who was living in Switzerland at the time as a Chocatier…pretty fucking cool right?
I asked him to take some time out of his busy schedule to show me around Interlaken. As excited as I was to tour the city, some awesome news came my way when a beautiful Swiss girl surprised us with a gift. Not just any gift…a 2-night stay at Victoria Jungfrau in the heart of Interlaken! Here is our magical experience!
Transport & Transit
How do you get to this magical little city hidden between two Swiss lakes? Well, the closest major airport is Geneva. Since I was coming from Paris, I took a fast train to Geneva, spent a little time looking for a pub, roaming around and then made my way to Interlaken! Leaving, however, I took the train up to Zürich and went on from there. Victoria Jungfrau is situated between a lot of major towns that are only a couple hours away in each direction…it’s the perfect place!
Rooms & Suites
A room fit for the queen that I am 😉 Wow is really all that I can say. Speechless actually. After being on the road, staying in confined hostel rooms and Airbnb’s that were nothing to write home about, these rooms felt like heaven. I had the absolute pleasure of staying in a Junior Superior Suite and boy oh boy did I feel more than superior there.
(source)
The room boasts vibrant colors that aren’t overwhelming, a sitting area for conversing over lots of alcohol and windows that open up to the beautiful city. Did I mention that in the distance you could see it snowing over the Alps? I had to slap myself a couple of times to remind me that this was all real! Being from the southern United States, the decor reminded me of old plantation houses with velvet upholstery and ornate drapes. Like I said, a room fit for a queen!
Eating & Drinking
Two restaurants, a summer terrace, a bar, AND a bistro. Everything you could ever want is right here in Victoria Jungfrau. Such a range of multi-cultural food mixed with sheer luxury. Each and every room you enter at Victoria Jungfrau is decadent, and the food is no different. I have to brag about the Sunday Brunch we had here because it was unlike any Sunday Funday I had ever experienced. As soon as you walk downstairs, you hear the melodic sounds of a piano that entice you in. The smell of warm croissants and fresh fruit fills the air…and then you step inside!
Row after row of bread, cheeses, charcuterie, yogurts, exotic fruits and lots of top-shelf champagne! I obviously headed straight for the champagne, since no brunch is actually brunching without a mimosa! Before I could even take it all in, I turned around to find a metal tree with fresh strawberries hanging off like flowers AND an actual honeycomb! A HONEYCOMB, PEOPLE. This is what fairy tales are made of! By far the best Sunday brunch buffet I’ve ever had. Even better than that hung over Vegas breakfast buffet at 10 am, so you know it’s good!
Okay, enough about brunch…I didn’t actually eat dinner in the hotel because I was too busy being pampered in the spa. I did however get to grab a seat at the Victoria Bar which specializes in simple cocktails and excellent service! Have I mentioned the decor in this place because everything is so ornate?! The hand-carved embellishments on the walls make drinking a scotch on the rocks that much more bearable; or in my case, lots of champagne. No matter which restaurant/bar/bistro you decided to eat and/or drink in, none will disappoint!
Spa & Wellness
Rest. Relaxation. Recovery. Rejuvenation. Ha, I sound like a pamphlet…but all of these words are what come to mind when you enter the Victoria Jungfrau Spa. AMAZEBALLS. You don’t understand how badly I needed to take a break from being on the go. I had already been in Europe for 15 days and still had 12 more to go! So yeah, much-needed.
We were greeted with welcoming smiles from the staff who showed us to each wing of the facility. Like most spas, there was a men and women’s side. Each had its own steam room, sauna and lockers. In the common area, you could relax together in their lounge chairs that had a floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the Alps. A complimentary snack bar with my personal favorite, dried Papaya, and for a small charge, all the champagne your little alcoholic heart desires!
It doesn’t stop there, a state of the art swimming pool that just so happens to have an outdoor Jacuzzi! Luckily I was there during winter, so this amenity was used a lot that day! If you get tired of swimming, why not get a nice rub down 😉 The massage is just what the doctor ordered! Bad hair day? Nah, not here. Get a consultation and new look at the hairdresser! Feeling fat because you scarfed down every item on the menu? No problem, their fitness center is sure to help you burn off that 2,000 calorie lunch! Seriously, this place has everything to make you feel like a STAR!
Want to hear something funny? Okay great! Ramona and I decided that we wanted to act a little extra and wear our robes EVERYWHERE. We sipped drinks in them, strutted around the hotel in them, even took a stroll through the city in them! ha, call us crazy but I call it genius!
I wasn’t kidding when I said we walked around town in them!
Adventure & Activities
I’ll just write you up a short list of what to do in and around Victoria Jungfrau!
Go Paragliding
This should be a no brainer for all my adventure seekers!
Take a train to “The Top Of Europe”
A four-hour train ride might set you back a pretty penny and a big chunk of time…but in the right weather, it is worth it! I went when it was NOT the right weather, so when I got to the top there was nothing but clouds and snow. Kind of a bummer but I still celebrated making it up there by poppin’ some Prosecco at 13,000 ft!
Open Air Sunday Market
In front of Victoria Jungfrau on Sundays, they host an open air market. Similar to a Farmer’s Market with little trinkets, local goods, and hand-made items. Worth a look around!
Check out the local bar scene
Interlaken is not the most happening place on the planet, but probably because the people who travel there are looking for some adventure and not looking to get shit faced with randoms who like to throw up on themselves. Taking a walk downtown is a sure-fire way to get your bearings on the city while sippin’ on some brews.
Day trips to other cities such as Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen
I’ve only seen pictures…but that’s enough to make me put it on the list. I MUST GO.
(photo source: Grindelwald)
Service & Staff
What stuck out the most to me during my stay was the eagerness of the employees. I was never left with a question or concern that wasn’t answered in a professional and timely matter. Since my new friend Ramona worked at Victoria Jungfrau, we got to tour the kitchen and ballrooms. The kitchen staff not only fed up chocolate desserts and lemon tarts but wanted to get to know me and my story. It was nice to meet such sweet (literally), people!
Now, you might not get this special attention, but I promise you will be taken care of from the moment you walk in until the time you leave. One staff member, in particular, stuck out to me. I was drunk obviously one night and decided to try to play the piano in one of the bar areas. Instead of shoeing me away, the pianist heard me, came and sat down, and taught me a tune! I’ll never forget that moment we were playing in sync, and I look over and it’s snowing. My two friends start dancing to our song and that moment was something I wish I could freeze in time.
Going back to the amazing Sunday Brunch, the pianist was the one playing there too, accompanied by a trumpet player. He waved and I blew a kiss…like I was some well-known high society member, or so I felt. You can stay at the most luxurious hotels on an island, or in the mountains or where ever, but if you get treated like garbage, no view is worth it. In all sincerity, I appreciate the golden hospitality I had here. I say golden because gold=royalty and that’s literally how you feel at Victoria Jungfrau!
The Conclusion?
The most important piece of information I can give you is to visit this beautiful country. (You might be thinking…is this a plug for Switzerland? Nope, I just really love it there.) Save up some money and treat yo’self to a royal experience. From the windowsssss to walls, to the walls…haha I meannnnn, from the over the top decor to the friendly employees, Switzerland, and Victoria Jungfrau will leave you wanting more! I couldn’t stop thinking about my time here, and I still talk about it to this day. If adventure and luxury are what you seek then WTF are you waiting for??
OVERVIEW
Price Range: $$$$$
Hotel: Victoria Jungfrau
Location: Interlaken, Switzerland
Would you recommend? YES!!!!
Have you staying in a luxurious hotel?? Was it anything like this? Let me know in the comments…but until next time
I was in Interlaken last July 2015. I saw this grand hotel and I never went inside since I we were booked in different hotel. You’re such a lucky girl to experience luxurious accommodation. Just by looking at your pictures I must say you really love your stay there. 🙂
Joy | fatmoments.com
I am very very lucky! It was an amazing experience!
Wow, what an absolutely awesome place… from the landscapes surrounding the hotal to the awesome wellness area!!! And what a perfect gift from your friend. Honestly, I’m jealous!!! PS: Love the pics and the symetry you created! 😉
Yes! All of it was fantastic! It was the perfect gift!! Thanks for the sweet comment
Switzerland seems amazing – I love mountains and hiking, I mus visit this summer 🙂 The hotel looks… magnificent, and you were lucky to get such a gift because I don’t want to even think about the prices – especially in Switzerland 😉
Yeah, let’s just say the shittiest room goes for around $600 a night!
I absolutely LOVED Interlaken. It was my favourite Swiss destination! Your hotel looks incredible..
I stayed at the Fairmont Chateau in Lake Louise, Canada and it was soooo luxurious. Quite a lot similar to the Victoria Jungfrau! X
Awesome! Yes it is such an adventurous little city! I love it there. I’ll have to check out that hotel too!
I’ve heard such good things about Switzerland (my friend just came back from Basel), and this hotel looks incredible. I definitely think it is one of those underrated places to go and see. Also, I cannot believe your friend was working as a chocolatier?! COOLEST JOB EVER.
Right?? I would be so fat if that was my job because I am a sucker for some good chocolate! If you haven’t been you should totally go!
Years ago I visited Europe by train and Interlaken was gorgeous then – I see that it hasn’t changed! That swimming pool looks to die for. As for the photo of you 2 wandering around in your bathrobes, I have to say kudos to you both!
Omg this hotel is just so beautiful! I’m actually super envious!! Love the idea of paragliding, now I need to go back to Jungfrau to experience it.
Wow! Such an amazing gift to be given to you. It looks like you had a great time staying there. And yes you are a little crazy to walk out with your robes on around the city, haha. Genius. Time to save some dinero and get pampered.
haha thank you. Yes we just felt like being queens so we were! 😉
Switzerland looks amazing, and that hotel is incredible! I can’t get over how delicious all that food looks, and the spa too, everything sounds very relaxing. What an awesome adventure, sounds like you had a great time!
Thanks doll, reading it over makes me wanna go back!!!
I have never been to a spa or had a spa day, let alone at a luxury hotel. This makes me want to.
My favorite part was how you guys walked around in robes all day. That’s the kind of stuff that sticks out to me when I travel-along with the dumps I usually stay in and the stories from them.
Only thing missing: pictures of the bedroom. I would have loved to see that too-but the pictures you shared were gorgeous. Especially the pool.
No freakin way??? No spa?? No spa day? Girlllll you are missing out!! I know I really had none and mean’t to put one from google but got too excited!!
“Ramona” is a song by The Ramones. LOVE your robe in the city idea! Geneva is the only city I had the chance to visit in your favorite country.
I couldn’t agree more. I need to save much to earn a flight to Switzerland and also enjoy this place. Thumbs up for your awesome vacation!
thanks angel!
Whoa! Splendid settings. I am reminded of my trip there. But walking around in the robe… really gutsy!
The pictures are so well taken, you have given attention to the symmetry part and I like that. 🙂
The robes were the best part haha. Thanks doll!
This looks like an amazing place to stay! I love the idea of the actual honeycomb at brunch! And the pool looks completely stunning. I’ve only been to Zurich and Geneva, but this is making me want to see more of the country.
I seriously wanted to cry when I saw the honeycomb because of how cute it was. I wish I could take a whole month to explore all of Switzerland!
Oh my Got it looks absolutely amazing! It seems the adventure was great (paragliding, wow!) and the hotel looks like a real palace, I’d love to swim in that pool!
Paragliding was a dream!!
That hotel looks very luxurious and expensive. What an amazing experience you had there in the spa. The pool is beautiful and the breakfast looked epic.
Yes it was all of those things!! Loved it!
I’m pretty sure I’d go just for the food! This looks awesome!
Right? How amazing did it look.
This is MUCH more luxurious than the lackluster campsite I stayed at in Junfrau. Still a gorgeous destination I would love to return to!
Campsite in Jungfrau?? Never even heard of such a thing!!
I have seen so many great posts about Switzerland lately and this is another one to add to the list. Wow, this hotel looks and sounds amazing. The smell of warm croissants, a luxurious pool and spa, seeing it snow on the Alps. Yes, please! When I finally head that way I’m going to check this hotel out.
Even if you don’t stay there, the spa is worth a visit!!
I’ve never been to Switzerland but it definitely looks like it has everything, mountains, lakes, green fields, snow and that Spa looks stunning – I’d probably have stayed in my robe and slippers all day too if I could.
It does have everything! I want to explore more!!
This is perfect getaway vacation idea with you best friend. It looks like you guys had amazing time.
Victoria Jungfrau looks like an ideal foil to the beauty of Switzerland. We too love Switzerland and Interlaken is magical, We did not stay in Interlaken but just passed through while changing trains on our way to Jungfraujoch.
It’s so amazing there, you should go back because it’s a lot of fun!
Our more than year stay in Switzerland was a heavenly experience and Interlaken has some of the surreal locations which we can only dream of. Victoria looks sumptuous with its ornate interiors and best of the services. That picture of Victoria Jungfrau Spa is amazing indeed 😉 We are sure you must have had a great time when in Switzerland.
Right?? I think all of Switzerland is like a postcard, definitely my favorite country!!
your photos are amazing! what kind of camera do you use?
That swimming pool looks incredible!
Hi doll, at the time I only used my Iphone! It was just so magical you almost didn’t even need a nice camera!! Now I use a Sony A5000
This hotel was EPIC! I remember staying at a nice property too at Jungfrau, but maybe I need to look up Victoria Jungfrau on my next trip there 🙂 And I missed out on the spa too 😐
DO ITTTT! You won’t regret it I promise!! Spa is like #1 on my list always haha
Wow, what a beautiful place! Both the hotel and the surrounding area look incredible. How would you even decide where to spend your time?? It would be hard to leave that hot tub, I think!
What an amazing gift it is. I loved all your pictures and seems you had a cozy luxurious stay. I really need to plan to visit Switzerland soon, to experience these amazing views and adventures through my own eyes.
You should!!
Roaming around the town in them … hahaha . That’s cool. I love the spa and the pool of the hotel and the breakfast spread looks amazing time. Beautiful place to stay in Switzerland.
Thanks babydoll!
I went to Switzerland three times, but never heard about Interlaken..and it’s so weird since this small town looks really beautiful from your pictures. The hotel is so luxurious and the Spa surely was amazing…for me the best part would be the paragliding…with that view is an unique experience
Yes Interlaken is a small town but sooooo amazing! You should try paragliding it was the best time!
This is such a beautiful place. I mean its great that you can just hang up your coats and relax from the sole pressures of life. How good is the food there? Do
In Interlaken, the food is just okay but at the hotel its amazing!!
Interlaken looks amazing and the Victoria Jungfrau hotel even better than that! The majestic architecture makes the hotel look like a proper palace! I can’t believe you walked around town in your bathrobes, weren’t you cold? :))