Coop Supermarkt, Switzerland

Previously:

Winterlaken - Interlaken, Switzerland

If you travel in Switzerland, one supermarket you'll quickly become familiar with is Coop.  I find myself going there almost every day, whether it's for snacks, drinks, quick meals or even small souvenirs to bring home.

In Switzerland, Coop is especially impressive.  Some stores dedicate nearly two full blocks of shelves just for cheese, which isn't surprising in a country famous for its dairy culture.  From well-known varieties like Gruyere and Emmental to local regional specialties, the selection feels endless.  You can even find cheese for raclette as well.

What also surprised me is how international the offerings are.  Asian cup noodles, for example, have their own large selection.  It's comforting to find familiar flavours from home while travelling and Coop does a great job catering to diverse tastes.

Beyond packaged goods, the fresh food section is a highlight.  You'll find ready-to-eat salads, sushi, hot chicken, pastries and seasonal items - perfect for a quick breakfast or dinner meal.  The quality is fresh and reliable, and compared to eating at restaurants in Switzerland (which I found, it can be quite expensive), the prices are much more affordable while still being pretty decent in taste and portion.  It's worth checking out while you're there.

Bread and pastries

Cakes and desserts

salad bowls

Asian section

Hot roast chicken

Instant noodles

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Swiss:

McDonald's in Switzerland

Winterlaken - Interlaken, Switzerland

Previously:

Hotel Krebs, Interlaken

This will be a short post, as I'm only sharing photos from Interlaken during our visit in wintertime.

In winter, Interlaken truly lives up to the nickname "Winterlaken".  Around this time, parts of the garden areas are beautifully set up with lights and seasonal decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that's perfect for a slow stroll.  You'll also find cozy cafes, chocolate shops and small boutiques along the main streets.  

When you cross the river, you enter Unterseen, which feels quieter and more traditional.  The streets here are lined with charming Swiss chalets, wooden balconies and historic buildings that especially beautiful dusted in snow.  

 

Together, both sides offer two different but equally magical winter experiences - one lively and festive, the other calm and full of old-town charm.

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Interlaken:

Coop Supermarkt, Switzerland

Hotel Krebs, Interlaken - Switzerland

Previously: 

Wirtshaus Taube Lucerne

Located right in the heart of Interlaken, Hotel Krebs Interlaken is one of those places that beautifully blends history with modern comfort.  Established back in 1875, the hotel has stood the test of time.  Over the years, it has undergone thoughtful renovations, ensuring that while the facilities feel fresh and contemporary, the traditional Swiss charm remains wonderfully intact.

The classic exterior reflects its rich heritage, but stepping into the rooms tell a different story, modern interiors, clean lines, comfortable furnishings and all the amenities you'd expect from a contemporary stay.  It's truly the best of both worlds.

We stayed as a family of five so the lounge area was converted into a second bedroom.  Even with the additional bedding, the room still felt spacious and comfortable.  

One small but delightful touch we absolutely loved was the complimentary Swiss chocolate on the beds.  A simple gesture, yet so memorable.

View from our window

Breakfast at the hotel was simple but satisfying.  While the selection wasn't extensive, every item was thoughtfully served and of high quality.  Sometimes it's not about quantity, but about getting everything just right and they certainly did.

The cold cuts and cheeses were excellent (as you would expect in Switzerland) and the variety of jams available was impressive.  I found myself going back to the same favourites every morning for three days straight and I never got tired of it.  That's when you know the breakfast truly hits the spot.

Drink section

Bread section

Cold meat and cheese section

Cereal, danish and jams section

In the afternoon and evening, this breakfast area turns into a restaurant.  Apparently, they're famous for their cheese fondue.  I had added it to my bucket list, but unfortunately, we didn't get the chance to try the cheese but we got to try the chocolate one instead. 

Hotel Krebs Interlaken 

Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3800 Interlaken

Ph: +41 33 826 0330

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Interlaken:

Winterlaken - Interlaken, Switzerland

Wirtshaus Taube Lucerne, Switzerland

Previously:

Ibis Budget Zurich Airport, Switzerland

Another big perk of staying near the airport is how easy it is to pick up a rental car.  We chose Budget Rent a Car for our 7-day trip and the whole process was super straightforward.  The price was reasonable and we were on the road in no time.  

That day we drove from Zurich to Interlaken, where we planned to stay for three nights.  On the way, we made a quick stop in Lucerne for lunch and a little stroll around the city.  It was such a lovely break!  The drive took about an hour to Lucerne and then another hour to Interlaken.  Short, scenic and super enjoyable.

I have to say, I was genuinely excited about driving in Switzerland.  Everywhere I looked, there was something beautiful to admire.  Every turn revealed stunning mountain backdrops, charming little towns and rooftops dusted in snow.  Like something straight out of a postcard.  Honestly, the views alone made the drive unforgettable.

We stopped for lunch at Wirtshaus Taube, a cozy spot in Lucerne with great reviews on Google - and now we totally understand why!  They serve traditional Swiss cuisine and the whole place has that warm, welcoming vibe that instantly makes you feel comfortable.  The staff were incredibly friendly too.

Chapubrogg-Roschti - Authentic Lucerne rosti CHF29.50 (around AUD 54)

Some classic Swiss dish that you had to try is of course Rosti.  This was comfort food at its best.  The rosti or potato itself was beautifully crisp on the outside, with that golden, crunchy layer that makes every bite so satisfying.  Inside, it stayed soft and fluffy, exactly how a good rosti should be.

The combination of toppings made it even better.  The bacon added a smoky, slightly salty flavor that paired perfectly with the creamy melted cheese.  And when you cut into the egg and the yolk slowly flowed over the crispy potatoes.  Absolute perfection.  Tomato in addition tied everything together and added rich taste to each bite.

Chalbs Cordonbleu CHF 46.50 (around AUD 85)

The Cordon Bleu was generously portioned and beautifully cooked.  The meat was tender and when you cut into it, the melted cheese inside just oozed out everywhere.  But it made the meat extra indulgent.  This veal cordonbleu was not only filled with melted cheese but it got some turkey hams too and accompanied with fried and vegetables.

Swiss lamb stew CHF 34.50 (around AUD 63)

The lamb stew ended up being my personal favourite.  The meat was not gamey and incredibly tender and full of flavour.  It was simmered in a rich, savory sauce that felt hearty and comforting, especially nice in the cool Swiss weather.  

We also ordered a green salad dish to balance everything out.  It was fresh, crisp and lightly dressed.  It was simple but refreshing alongside the richer main dishes.

If you're planning to dine at Wirtshaus Taube, I'd definitely recommend parking at Kesselturm Parking.  It's super convenient, just about a 2-minute walk to the restaurant. 

Chapel Bridge

Green pistachio velvet latte

Wirtshaus Taube Lucerne

Burgerstrasse 3, 6003 Luzern 

Ph: +41 41 210 0747

Stay tuned for the next blog in Interlaken:

Hotel Krebs, Interlaken