A 7-night European Adventure

Hi everyone! 😊

I've put together all of our Europe trip posts into one blog, with links throughout that take you to more detailed story if you'd like to explore a particular post further.

This was our 7-night Europe trip in mid-January this year, covering four beautiful countries: Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Germany.  From stunning alpine scenery and charming villages to delicious food and unforgettable memories, this itinerary packs a lot into one week.

Personally, out of the four countries we visited, I'd love to go back to Austria and Germany.  Even though we only had a short time there, we had an amazing experience.  The scenery was breathtaking, the people were friendly and the food was delicious too.  There's still so much more to see and I'd definitely love to return to explore more cities and experience everything these beautiful countries have to offer.

I hope this blog helps anyone planning to visit any of these destinations.  Feel free to browse through the posts and if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help as much as I could.  Happy reading, and I hope it inspires your own European adventure! 

Muscat International Airport

Fly out from Bangkok to Zurich with Oman Air, with a short transit at Muscat Airport click here

Ibis Budget Zurich Airport

Stayed for one night at Ibis Budget Hotel, Zurich click here

Lucerne, Switzerland

Enjoyed delicious local Swiss cuisine at Wirtshaus Taube in Lucerne click here

Hotel Krebs, Interlaken

Charming and historic stay at Hotel Krebs in Interlaken click here

Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken in wintertime click here

Chocolate pie from Mcdonald's in Interlaken

The best chocolate pie from McDonald's in Interlaken click here

Coop Supermarket

Everything you could possibly need - from snacks and drinks to ready-made meals - you can find them in Coop Supermarket click here

Chocolate fondue

We had Thai food from Tom Yum Kung Restaurant and chocolate fondue for dessert from Chasstubli Click here

Grindelwald

Beautiful Alpine village of Grindelwald  Click here

Pretzel from local bakery in Zermatt

The hunt for the iconic Matterhorn Click here

A vignette for driving in Europe

Vignette or Motorway pass Click here

Liechtenstein Castle

One of Europe's smallest countries click here

Innsbruck

Innsbruck for a night click here

Karaage Restaurant, Innsbruck

The best karaage chicken I've ever had Click here

Chocolate and cherry strudel from Kroll Strudel cafe

A must-try Austrian strudel in town Click here

Donut from Austrian McDonald's

McDonald's Click here

Pension Bergfried, Hallstatt

One night in my dream town, Hallstatt Click here

Wiener schnitzel from Restaurant Zum Salzbaron, Hallstatt

A no-regrets dinner at Restaurant Zum Salzbaron inside Seehotel, Hallsatt Click here

Hallstatt

Peaceful morning walk in Hallstatt Click here

Maislinger Bakery in Hallstatt

Local bakery in Hallstatt click here

Pork ribs burger from Mcdonald's in Germany

German McDonald's Click here

Koos Hotel in Munich

Stayed at Koos Hotel for the night Click here

Frauenkirche Cathedral, Munich

Wandering through Munich on foot Click here

Hofbrauhaus Munchen

Prost to German beers! Click here

Goodbye and see you again

Some pictures from the Aspire Lounge in Zurich Airport Click here

Tom Yum Kung and Chasstubli, Interlaken - Switzerland

Previously:

McDonald's in Switzerland

Originally, we planned to enjoy a classic Swiss cheese fondue at Chasstubli, the cozy restaurant inside Hotel Krebs.  After a long, packed day of sightseeing, though, we were feeling exhausted and craving something heavy and filling, but in an Asian comfort food way.  So, at the last minute, we decided to go for Thai food instead.  So, we went to this restaurant called Tom Yum Kung. 

We ordered two soups: a spicy tom sap for us and a simple tomato and egg noodle soup for the kids.  For mains, we chose garlic pork and lemon pork, two dishes that usually feel like safe, satisfying options.  To be completely honest, the Thai food here just couldn't compare to what we're used to back in Sydney.  I wouldn't say it was bad, but it definitely wasn't great either.  The spice level was acceptable but overall dishes were far too salty.  At around CHF 25 per dish, the portions we received felt quite underwhelming for the price. 

Looking back, we really should have stuck with the cheese fondue plan.  After postponing it that night, we never got another chance to try cheese fondue during this trip - something I genuinely regret.  Very, very much.

Tomato and egg noodle soup

Garlic pork

Lemon pork

Tom sap soup - spicy and sour soup

Toblerone schokoladenmousse - Toblerone chocolate mousse CHF 9.50 (around AUD 17.30)

Schokoladen-Fondue mit Fruchte and Biscuit CHF 16 (around 29.10)

Chocolate fondue served with fresh fruit and crispy biscuits

On the bright side, we still managed to end the evening on a sweet note.  We went back to Chasstubli for dessert and ordered chocolate fondue and a chocolate mousse.  That part did not disappoint.  We had so much fun stuffing ourselves with their delicious chocolate desserts.  The Toblerone chocolate mousse was sooo rich, smooth and delicious.  That chocolate fondue was amazing too.  I literally scrapped up the last drop of melted chocolate because it was just too yummy.  Honestly, wish we ordered more!!!!  If only we had gone for the cheese fondue too - it would have been the perfect Swiss dining experience.

 

Tom Yum Kung

Centralstrasse 7, 3008 Interlaken

Open: Daily 11:00 - 21:00

Chasstubli Restaurant

Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3800 Interlaken

Ph: +41 33 826 0330

Stay tuned for the next blog still in Swiss:

Grindelwald and Lunch at Hirschen Restaurant, Switzerland

McDonald's in Switzerland

Previously:

Coop Supermarkt, Switzerland

One thing I always do whenever I visit another country is to try their McDonald's.  It may sound a little weird but hear me out.

McDonald's in every country always has something special - menu items that you can't find anywhere else.  It's like a small cultural experience served in a paper box.  You get a taste of local flavours but still wrapped in that similar golden-arches comfort.

Here in Switzerland, they have some seriously unique items.  Two of the best things I've ever had from McDonald's around the world are the McExtreme Bacon Burger and their chocolate pie.  Let's start with the burger.

The McExtreme bacon burger is rich, saucy and incredibly meaty.  It's stacked with juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese and a bold, creamy sauce that ties everything together perfectly.  It's not your average fast-food burger.  It tastes premium, hearty and deeply satisfying.  Definitely not something I expected to fall in love with at McDonald's.

An then... the chocolate pie.  Oh My Goodness!!!

This is hands down the best McDonald's pie I've ever had.  Unlike the usual pies you find in other countries, where the filling can taste like artificial jam or overly sweet custard.  This one is different.  The chocolate filling is rich and smooth, almost like real melted chocolate.  Nothing can go wrong with Swiss chocolate.  It's not overly sweet either, which makes me think they're using something closer to dark choc.  It tastes deeper, more intense and way more luxurious that you'd expect from a fast-food dessert

McExtreme Bacon meal CHF 17.50

The M CHF 11.10

Chicken wings (6pcs) CHF 6.60

Schokoladentasche (chocolate pie) CHF 2.90

So yes, trying McDonald's in every country might sound strange.  But for me, it's like a mini food adventure inside a global brand.  Sometimes you may unlock something unforgettable.  Like this bacon loaded burger that hits all the right notes or a chocolate pie that completely redefines your expectations.  And Switzerland?  You definitely did not disappoint.

Stay tuned for the next blog in Swiss:

Tom Yum Kung and Chasstubli, Interlaken - Switzerland

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