Beatenberg: Day 3 … Iseltwald

Leaving Ringgenberg, we completed the drive to Brienz as planned. One look at the crowds and the long queues at the boat landing and the funicular, however, had us re-thinking our plans.

We kept going around to the south shore, keeping an eye out for a scenic spot as our new destination. Enter into the picture … Iseltwald.

We’d seen the name of the village on the map, but had no idea that it has become quite famous … thanks to a South Korean Netflix series called “Crash Landing On You.” Never heard of it! In fact, its new-found fame has so overwhelmed the village of just over 400 residents that they are apparently charging visitors to reach a lakeside dock that was used in the filming … proceeds being used for village services such as garbage removal.

The good news? Today was a fairly quiet day in Iseltwald. I’d even go so far as to say that the back streets were downright peaceful … except for a few minutes when we first arrived and were startled by the engines of several small aircraft flying in formation. They disappeared over the mountain peaks and quiet descended again.

After parking the car at the lot just off the main road, we strolled down the paved path, stopping to enjoy the turquoise waters of Brienzersee in the distance. Ducks were swimming near the shoreline; a lone swan gracefully gliding. Continuing along the shoreline path, we were rewarded with views of the town and Schloss Seeburg on the peninsula jutting out into the lake.

By the time we completed our stroll, it was time for a late lunch. We checked out menus and ratings and ended up at Chalet du Lac. Lovely lake view. Delicious food — veal escalope served with a mushroom sauce, noodles, and veggies for me … a filet of perch with rösti-like potatoes and veggies for Mui. Dessert was Mövenpick ice cream.

Thus far, the rain had held off and we had blue skies and sunshine. But as we were wrapping up our meal, a few drops of rain fell … and the clouds started moving in. Time to go home. A quick stop at the Swiss Reformed Church on our way out wrapped up our visit.

We beat the rain back to our apartment. But by 4:00p — exactly as forecasted — the rain was coming down in sheets … booming thunder accompanied by lightning crackling across the sky. Dry and cozy, we watched the storm from the comfort of our balcony.

Not exactly sure what we will be doing tomorrow. There is more rain in the forecast, so we will have to take that into consideration. A decision that can wait until tomorrow.Read more