Attracting droves of tourists every year, Europe promises the ancient, the diverse, and the completely fascinating. Most travelers scurry past the major sites and cram in as much as possible in order to get through a list of 'must sees.' Unfortunately, much is overlooked due to lack of time and money while the infinite unique treasures sometimes hidden for the resourceful traveler remain undiscovered and unappreciated. Not that visits to the key attractions should be dissuaded!



On the contrary, I'm simply inviting the European travelers to dig a little deeper into their destination country and find the gems that will make them smile as they recall them even decades later. Remember and celebrate the taste of a fresh German pretzel, the sweet smell of the air in a Tuscan vineyard, or the baby soft petals in a colorful field of Dutch tulips. Savor an entire spectrum of sensory bliss as you skip from one country to the next, searching for that tiny unique detail that you will fondly relish for the rest of your life.

You've got to wonder where the Swiss go to relax and unwind as their entire country is pure heaven. Chocolate, yodeling, mocha-colored cows with bells that gently sing with each step, and charming chateaus ? all set within the mountainous bliss of the Alps. I can't speak for all Swiss, but plenty of them as well as masses of international visitors migrate to the quiet town of Interlaken each year.

Interlaken's name means 'between the lakes' ? appropriate, as it sits elbow-to-elbow between the Thun and Brienz Lakes. Scenery meant for a jigsaw puzzle, this Swiss Town blends a traditional look with modern times. Ice-cold alpine waters boisterously rush through the town. Colored with a slightly blue-green tinge from the mountain minerals, it provides a source of power for the area. This water power ensures an uninterrupted energy supply and residents and visitors alike enjoy breathing the invigoratingly crisp, fresh air.

A simple walk around town is enough to excite the sense ? trendy shops, traditional gifts and books, and restaurants that practically drag in a passerby with the tantalizing aromas floating out from the kitchen. The Metropole Hotel claims the best view in town ? climb to its rooftop restaurant and take in the breathtaking panorama while enjoying a tasty lunch. Hikers can continue their strolls up the peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and M'nch Mountains. Those not wanting to travel vertically can instead take a boat ride out on one of the crystal clear lakes that reflect the brilliant blue heavens and towering summits.

Conversely, those in need of an adrenaline rush in the mist of this quaint village can hire the services of a local paragliding company. Take a deep breath and jump with one of many experienced paraglider pilots ? let the wind gently lift you up and carry you off the side of a mountain, over hundreds of toothpick-sized pine trees. Despite wind-burned cheeks, freezing fingers, and the deafening hum of the cold wind in your ears, a paragliding trip is well worth the unsurpassed birds-eye view of the sparkling lakes below.

(Note to iSnare editor: These articles are reprinted with permission of Vicki Landes, author of Europe for the Senses. The first two paragraphs are an introduction for each article, but the body of each article describes a different location in Europe. This article is about Interlaken).