To mark the end of a JAM-PACKED summer season, we wanted to showcase how fantastic this experience was from an outsider’s perspective. This July, the Marketing Team had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Switzerland, where we joined several Scout and Guide units on their fantastic adventures. From watching Guides scream and shout in awe as they sailed across glistening rivers to seeing Scouts toboggan excitedly around lush green hills, ‘unforgettable’ cannot even describe how great this trip was!
So, read on and discover how magical this journey was from a Marketer’s point of view!
Day 1 – Travelling, Alpenhorn(ing), Cartwheeling
Our trip began on a dreary Tuesday at Birmingham Airport – with never-ending yawns and heavy bags on our backs, we trundled onto the plane to Zurich, Switzerland. It was a surprisingly fast flight – roughly around 1 hour 15 minutes – and the immigration process at Zurich Airport flew by, too!
After picking up our hire car, the four of us raced past traditional chalets, idle cows, and sloping hills to our hotel… it truly felt like we’d landed in a fairytale. Our accommodation, the Hotel Alpina in Adelboden, was a brilliant find; the rooms were cosy, breakfast was excellent, and a charming little honesty tuck shop in reception added to the warm, alpine welcome.
Our first evening introduced us to the richness of Swiss traditions, as we joined the 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guides for a lively Folklore Night. As we walked in, we found the girls gathered around two performers, learning how to play the iconic Alpenhorns and getting hands-on with this cultural experience. The tables were dotted with remnants of cheese fondue and tempting desserts, and after plenty of laughter and conversation, the group spilled out into the hotel’s playground — a blur of slides, trampolines, and cartwheels, all captured on camera by the Marketing Team.
Day 2 – Woodcarving, Hiking, White-Water Rafting
We rose early for breakfast and began our scenic drive up the mountain to the Trummer Woodcarver’s workshop; the narrow, winding roads made the journey feel adventurous and exhilarating. On arrival, we received a warm welcome from the woodcarver himself, who proudly showed us around his traditional workshop. His parents were also hard at work, carefully carving intricate wooden gifts to sell in the family shop — a craft that has been passed down through three generations since the business began in 1945. Not long after, the 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guides arrived, their lively chatter filling the air as they explored the workshop, picking out handmade woggles, coasters, and animal carvings as keepsakes.
After a quick lunch, our group began the descent down the mountain towards the nearby Gorge – this was an unreal experience. Everyone stood in awe, unable to comprehend that this masterpiece, with its cascading waterfall and rugged rocks, existed. This walk showcased a real display of perseverance, as they climbed the steep incline of the Gorge.
The final activity of the day for the Guides was White-Water Rafting, and two members of the Marketing Team were lucky enough to join them! After travelling to Darstatten train station, where the start of the activity was located, everyone yanked on their wetsuits and the group were raring to go. The instructors, who accompanied the Guides on the rafts, were vibrant, helpful, and made everyone feel at ease. It was an exhausting but exhilarating journey, as each raft raced one another to the finish lane! Soaked and with their muscles aching, the girls ended the day on a high – and so did we!
Day 3 – Tobogganing, Oeschinensee(ing), Parading
It’s a Scout Day! Sunny skies guided our drive to Oeschinen Lake in Kandersteg, where we met up with the Epping Eagles Explorer Scout Unit. One Scout blasted energetic tunes from a speaker, which really set the tone for the day! Our group hopped onto several cable cars and we soared upwards to the top of Oeschinensee – the views were incredible. Misty clouds collided with mountain trails, but it was the toboggan run that caught our attention.
Everyone queued for tickets, and within 10 minutes we were watching the Scouts zip around on toboggans carved into the mountain. Once everyone had had their fix – with some zooming around the track at least 3 times – we all hiked to Oeschinen Lake… and wow! The scenery enabled us to capture the most stunning pictures.
After a quick stop at the on-site restaurant for lunch, we joined the Scouts as they made their way back to the cable cars – somehow, they were still full of energy and excitement ahead of the evening’s KISC Parade! Earlier that day, some of the group had swum in the cold waters of Oeschinensee and even hired boats to explore the lake, before slipping their neckers back on to carry out special investitures – a proud moment marking the next step in their Scouting journeys. We were lucky enough to visit the Scouts’ bustling campsite before the parade began. It was a true hub of camaraderie, where groups shared meals they’d cooked themselves and swapped stories from their time in Switzerland. The buzz of anticipation was electric as everyone prepared to line up for the unforgettable KISC Parade.
The parade was a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for us; think Scouts from across the world, all marching in unity, all grasping lit torches, all waving. We reluctantly departed from the parade after waving manically back and headed home for a good night’s rest.
Day 4 – Cheesemaking, Campsite(ing), Our Chalet(ing)
Today was the day of the three C’s – cheesemaker’s, campsites, (Our) Chalet!
The four Marketing members split up today; one half of our team ventured off to meet the owners of the Adventure Park Adelboden and see Guides sail through the skies – a real sight as all fears were conquered! Then, we travelled by public transport to KISC to spend the afternoon with Epping Eagles, enjoying the music and celebrations of Swiss International Day. Then, back at camp it was time for badge swapping with Scouts from across the world! We also had the chance to chat and learn more about the inspiring work of the Epping Eagles’ leaders.
The other half of us were able to reunite with the 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guides for a trip to the cheesemaker’s. Located in a magnificent ‘dome’ atop a mountain, and reachable only by a cable-car, the cheesemaker chalet was something out of a picture book. Cows with bells fastened around their necks wandered past, and the smell of cheese wafted through the air.
After being introduced to the cheesemaker’s family, half of the group stumbled inside the quaint chalet to watch how the cheese was made; poured into a large ‘cauldron’-like contraption, our stomachs rumbled as we saw bubbling cheese being stirred. Luckily, we could all try some afterwards!
The two of us then joined the Guides at their accommodation for some wraps and snacks (kindly given to us by the Guide Leaders). The group’s tour rep, Bee, also gave us a great tour of the chalet. Finally, once all the crumbs had been tidied away, everyone set off for Our Chalet, an important WAGGGs Centre. Located around 15-minutes away from the accommodation, the hike up to Our Chalet was steep… but worth it! It was a beautiful building, and volunteers greeted us cheerfully at the entrance. We were given a wonderful tour around, from exploring the Great Britain room to seeing the many Guide unit badges on the pinboard.
Our final day with the 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guides was one to remember!
Day 5 – Exploring, Souvenirs(ing), Eating
Sadly, we woke up to pouring rain this morning – it pattered down the hotel windows, showing no signs of stopping. Keeping our hopes up, the four of us ventured to Adelboden’s high street to meet up with the Girlguiding Herefordshire unit. They’d just arrived after a (very) long coach journey from the UK, but their excitement lit up the streets of Adelboden; girls darted into souvenir shops, on a mission to buy gifts for friends and family back home.
Our wishes were soon answered, as the rain ended by lunchtime! With smiles on our faces, everyone trekked over to the Panorama swimming pool – a free excursion. Set against a stunning backdrop, the unit vowed to return with their swimming costumes! We eventually said our goodbyes to the unit, as their evening would be spent unpacking and settling into their surroundings.
Our time with the Scouts and Guides had come to an end… and it was an unforgettable experience!
Day 6 – Travelling, Travelling, Travelling
Our final day was spent getting back to the UK – although, we had the sunny morning to enjoy a final breakfast and a last exploration of Adelboden. Our bags stuffed with souvenirs and Swiss chocolate, we returned to Zurich Airport and dropped off the hire car. After a short wait and seamless flight back to Birmingham, our eyes drooping with sleep the entire time, it was almost the last leg of this journey.
Collecting our luggage from the airport, we stepped outside and were greeted with classic grey skies – but fortunately, our taxi (SendaCar) was there to keep us optimistic. After a smooth drive back to Derby, we said goodbye to one another and headed home, our bodies tired but our minds buzzing with vibrant memories.
Switzerland was an adventure that can’t be matched, and the Marketing Team were all extremely grateful to be a part of such a magical experience!
Discover Switzerland
A Scout or Guide trip to Switzerland can simply not be beaten; from white-water rafting to tobogganing around Oeschinensee, your unit will experience the Swiss journey of a lifetime. Chat to our passionate team today to start planning your adventure!
