logo
'I went to the 'end of the world' where time grinds to a near halt'

'I went to the 'end of the world' where time grinds to a near halt'

Daily Mirror22-06-2025
Striking the right balance between relaxation and exploration can prove a challenge on any trip. The temptation when on the clock in a new place is to rush around ticking off sights, often resulting in blurred memories and fatigue.
My visit to the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland taught me a lesson in how to really take in my surroundings and resist the urge to press on with a hurried stride. Take time to smell the roses, or in my case, the cheeses.
This awakening experience began in the picturesque village of Adelboden, an idyllic chalet village 4,430ft above sea level, with blooming alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes. Home to only 3,500 inhabitants, versatile Adelboden comes alive during winter with tourists swooping in for its mountain sports on its dream pistes and World Cup race in January.
It actually became the destination for the first winter sports package holiday, ­organised by tourism pioneer Sir Henry Lunn in 1902. In the warmer months, it's ideal for those wanting to gaze at the scenery at their own pace while traversing its walking trails, mountain bike routes, cable cars, or swimming in the lakes.
The village's standout hotel was acquired by Welsh brothers Craig and Grant Maunder in 2009 and renamed The Cambrian – a subtle nod to their home country (Cambria translates as Wales in Latin). This stunning, four-star superior hotel, rebuilt in the Belle Epoque style in the 20th century, is the perfect place to unwind, offering a swanky spa with pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath and outdoor infinity pool, which comes with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
At the hotel's Bryn Williams restaurant, named after the chef who hails from North Wales, diners can enjoy dishes created with Swiss and Welsh influences. From here, take a short bus journey to nearby mountain village Elsigen where you can ride the gondola to reach an alpine cheese farm hidden away in the peaks.
Welcomed into the home of the Germann's, father-and-on duo Adolf and Peter offered expert insight into their longstanding family tradition of cheesemaking.
After explaining the process of producing cheeses including Alpkase, Mutschli, Raclette and Ziger, which are heated at temperatures ranging from 36-90C, I was able to sit down and sample the freshly made blocks. They were full of flavour, thanks to added extras such as garlic and chilli.
It is not only food production keeping this area ticking nicely over, however, with the natural wonders of the lakes and mountains serving as a major pull. With the sun beating down, I grabbed the chance to take a dip in the crystal-clear water of the Brandsee Lake and could not resist the inflatable slide invitingly positioned only several strokes away.
It's a short drive to Engstilgenalp where you can jump on a cable car and head above the second tallest waterfall in Switzerland, 1,969ft Engstilgenalp Falls.
A trip to the ­neighbouring town of Gstaad was next on the agenda. Famed for its old-world elegance, which has attracted the likes of Princess Diana and Madonna to the region, I enjoyed a taste of the finer things, checking in at the new Mansard Boutique Hotel.
Located centrally, The Mansard boasts the only rooftop bar in Gstaad and was a hit among locals, who were drinking in the views with a few glasses of wine.
Equally as impressive was the food in the ground floor restaurant. I opted for the starter special of mushroom pasta, followed by a main of sole with parsley butter, spinach and mashed potatoes. Finishing on a sweet note, a glass of vanilla ice cream with strawberries and Maraschino liqueur rounded off a memorable meal.
The following morning in Gstaad, I got to experience a great annual celebration, which is loved by tourists and locals.Visitors began to pour into the town during the early hours of the morning, creating an instant buzz. This was the start of the Zuglete, the procession of cattle from the mountains to the heart of the town.
A tradition kept for centuries to signify the return of the herds and herdsmen to the valley, thousands of people line the streets of Gstaad for a glimpse of cows, dressed in colourful floral headdresses, and goats that continually serve the area.
Such a day presents a lucrative opportunity for local businesses. One woman I met had spent 30 years on the Landfrauen Saanenland selling items ranging from cheese to marmalade. 'I will not get rich with what I'm doing,' she insisted.
'I do this out of passion, for the community, because being together is not about having an income, it's out of love.'
Aside from the ­heightened sense of drama created by the Zuglete, Gstaad's relaxation-related motto of 'Comeup, slow down' can't be argued with.
But those seeking a total escape should head to the tiny village of Ablandschen – situated on the edge of the Bernese Oberland and the Freiburg Alps, 4,265ft above sea level. Known locally as Detox Valley and home to only 32 inhabitants, here you can pay a visit to the smallest church in Switzerland and dine at the inviting Berghotel zur Sau.
'Welcome to the end of the world' is the message from owners of the cosy establishment to prospective guests, who can try a range of Swiss dishes. Mushrooms and potatoes that accompanied my main dish of pork were grown just around the corner while the starter salad was made up of handpicked ingredients.
A bottle of the sparkling Blanc de Noirs – a Swiss spin on Champagne due to its mirrored production process – was the perfect accompaniment.
My trip ended by catching the state-of-the-art GoldenPass Express train from Gstaad to Montreux – an 80-minute journey offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and valleys plus Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).
This route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass (see information box above right) and seated in prestige class – elevated in terms of height in the carriage and service – I tried out my heated leather seat, capable of rotating 180 degrees, before enjoying a cheese board and coffee.
Gazing out the window as I glided through this breathtaking scenery, I was offered one final reminder of how avoiding well-trodden paths, going out of the main season and taking in the sights at your own pace makes travel so much more satisfying.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Family slam caravan park after being forced to leave during 'horrendous' stay
Family slam caravan park after being forced to leave during 'horrendous' stay

Daily Record

time17 minutes ago

  • Daily Record

Family slam caravan park after being forced to leave during 'horrendous' stay

Nicola Jones and David Shirley checked in at the Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Wales but were asked to leave early after experiencing several issues during their stay. A family in Wales have slammed a Welsh holiday park after they were forced to leave following an "awful" stay. ‌ Nicola Jones, her partner David Shirley, their three children, and other relatives arrived at the Lyons Robin Hood Holiday Park in Rhyl, Denbighshire, last Saturday. ‌ They had booked a £560 week -long stay and were due to check out today, but say they were told to leave early, which they did on Wednesday night. ‌ Among the issues they faced were finding toothpaste in the sink, urine in the toilet, a sewing needle in the carpet and no running water in the food kiosks. Nicola said she left a note for the cleaner to point out the issues in their caravan - but claimed her request was ignored. ‌ Nicola told the Mirror: "There was toothpaste in the sink, pee in the toilet and hair in the shower. I requested a cleaner to come and sort out the caravan. I left some notes to show the cleaner what was needed. But she didn't look at the notes. She hoovered the floor and left everything else. "I had to go to reception to complain but by then there were no cleaners left. I would have done it myself and requested some cleaning products as I was not going to buy them." Nicola said that in the end, a "lovely" lady arrived to solve the issues in the caravan. But the issues didn't end there, as there was no running water at two food kiosks - one selling ice cream and the other pizzas - on the site last Monday and Tuesday. ‌ Eventually Nicola said "sort kind of customer service manager" met her group to discuss about their problems - but claimed her group was eventually asked to leave. She said: "It's been horrendous. We were thrown off the site without a reason why. I was told if we left we would get a refund." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. ‌ The mum said the group left the caravan park at 10pm on Wednesday and arrived home in south Wales at 3.30am. Due to their experience, Nicola said they will never return to the caravan park. A Lyons Holiday Parks spokesman told North Wales Live there were issues which were resolved: "We did have an issue with a burst main water pipe which did have to be repaired. We carried out the repair and operated in line with requirements. We did also have bottled water available for our guests. "This guest did report issues on Sunday to reception and was offered upgraded accommodation and many alternatives which were refused. Our housekeeping team resolved all issues with the accommodation that afternoon." The spokesman added: "Although we will not comment directly on the circumstances which prompted us to ask the guest to leave, a full refund will be issued and we have been in contact with the 3rd party operator today."

The Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo, is our pub of the week
The Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo, is our pub of the week

South Wales Guardian

time6 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

The Cawdor Hotel, Llandeilo, is our pub of the week

The Cawdor, set in the heart of historic Llandeilo, has been welcoming visitors since 1765. Recently refurbished, the establishment combines the heritage and charm of its original Georgian design with modern comforts. Notably, The Cawdor was recognised as one of the top 100 best hotels in the UK by Sunday Times Travel. Its bright red exterior is hard to miss, standing out in the picturesque market town. (Image: Supplied) The Cawdor's interior offers a mix of old-world charm and modern comfort, featuring inviting sofas, an open fire, and a bar filled with leather seating and vintage photographs. The food served at The Cawdor is "whenever possible, Welsh and in season," prepared fresh daily. The dining experience is flexible, with meals served in the dining room, the bar, or outside in the courtyard, weather permitting. (Image: Supplied) The Cawdor kitchen prides itself on using fresh seasonal produce sourced from trusted local suppliers. Their focus is on flavour and generosity, with their mouth-watering homemade desserts and bakes being a highlight. The slow braised shin of Welsh beef cottage pie is a chef favourite, and the Cawdor old-fashioned sticky toffee pudding is a must-try. The Cawdor's a la carte menu is available on Friday and Saturday evenings, alongside a brunch and afternoon tea service on selected days. The Cawdor isn't just a pub and hotel. It also boasts 24 comfortable and individually furnished bedrooms, two penthouse apartments, and a lovingly restored former chapel, Ty Horeb, which provides a superb setting for meetings, parties, and wedding celebrations. The Cawdor continues to be a beloved spot in Llandeilo, serving quality food and drink, offering welcoming accommodation, and being a historic landmark in the town. Whether you're a local, a visitor to the market town, or simply a fan of good food and drink, The Cawdor has something for everyone. To find out more about the pub, visit Do you have a favourite Carmarthenshire pub, bar, or restaurant that you think deserves to be our Pub of the Week? Let us know in the comments below.

Is Rhodes' Old Town a tourist trap or medieval paradise?
Is Rhodes' Old Town a tourist trap or medieval paradise?

Glasgow Times

time6 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Is Rhodes' Old Town a tourist trap or medieval paradise?

So when The Ixian Grand & All Suites invited me to explore this beautiful part of the world, I was thrilled. Before visiting Old Town I had spent 3 amazing days in Rhodes. The food, hotel staff, suite and pool had combined to create the perfect Dodecanese marriage, but I still had a hunger for more. Well two hungers to be precise, more food and also culture. Is Greece still the place to go for the best holiday? Here's my salty experience — Matt Evans (@MTEvans1995) July 11, 2025 First impressions of the Old Town of Rhodes: The Old Town of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is visited by thousands of travellers every year. Palace of the Grand Master is an awe-inspiring fortress that looms ominously over Old Town. Originally built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century, it is often cited by Greek tourist boards as the definitive must-visit spot. The intricately designed back alleys and buildings are beautifully preserved and a great way to experience what life was like in the past. First impressions for me though? Well, I'd wager some folks would get bored after 15 min and others would be content to spend an entire day there. But which category did I fall under? I went to Rhodes looking for love but ended up with a goose My Old Town experience: Food was on my mind. And lots of it. Despite being thoroughly treated by The Ixian Grand & All Suites over the prior few days, I had a hunger for more. After roaming around the streets for an hour or so, I landed on the first restaurant - yes, first. A quaint tiny little Greek place tucked behind one of the cobbled streets. It was early in the day, so I fancied fish and white wine. After roaming around the streets for an hour or so, I landed on the first restaurant (Image: Newsquest) I scoured the menu and it seemed the right place for me. Plenty of different fish courses, white wine and accommodating staff who gave me a complimentary shot of Souma, then another, then another. Several locals had urged me to try the Dodecanese alternative of ouzo or raki over the previous two days. But 'proper' souma. I'll be blunt, it is essentially white spirit, as I was essentially staring at two menus by this point. A cunning ploy by the staff to be fair, as I proceeded to order the mussels and octopus, the most expensive items on the menu, but equally delicious. This was the prelude to my final Rhodes lesson. But we'll come on to that. Old Town is a bouncing, bustling, little spot brimming with, dare I say it, tourists. But in all fairness, it seems to be designed that way. The bars for example. One place has a flag for every country in the world and will set it on your table if you tell them where you're from. Genius marketing, playing on an idiot's love of country. So after I finished a pint opposite my Welsh flag, I headed to my second and final restaurant of the day for something, heavier. It was a steakhouse slap-bang in the middle of Old Town. Unlike bars and pubs, I have always held the belief there should be a different playbook for restaurants. Keep to yourself/table. This restaurant was bouncing with people from all walks of life, friends, families and a weirdo sitting alone in the middle, me. I couldn't have been in a better spot to people-watch. Just me, my T-bone steak and a glass of wine. What more could you ask for? (Image: Newsquest) But before long, Old Town was starting to get, well, old. You only need to spend a day there to sample all of its delights, or even less, personally. The downsides of Old Town: Sadly, it was at this point that the experience started to get sullied. I looked at the chuffing expensive bill and noticed I'd been charged for a couple of items I never had, so I called over the waiter and got them removed. Now I was slightly miffed. Despite that, my next recommendation awaited - the nearby village of Faliraki, as Lindos was on the complete opposite end of the island. For that, I needed a taxi. Sigh. After a 20-minute wait at a taxi rank just outside the city walls, two strangers and I were told to get in a minicab. Faliraki is 23 minutes away from Old Town, according to Google. When we got in, we were told "50 Euro for taxi", this later translated to "Everyone sharing this taxi pays 50 Euros each." 150 Euro, for a 23-minute journey. I'm not saying that every cab driver would try this, but if you're going to get a taxi, agree on a price beforehand, get a bus instead, or risk your mortgage. Rhodes, or rather, Old Town, was an incredible experience and one that I will never forget for both good and bad reasons. My hotel, The Ixian Grand & All Suites, was sensational, as were my trips out to places such as Old Town. It is, without question, stunning. An area of the world you will never likely stumble across again, with a fascinating history to back it up. But on the downside, it does have its problems. Old Town in the summer months is jam-packed with tourists which then births another problem, rip-offs. Amidst the many, many souvenir shops, bars and restaurants, you need to have your wits about you. But if you can manage that, I have no doubt the experience will be unforgettable, for the right reasons.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store