A small village nestled on the southern shore of the Lake Brienz "Iseltwald" - Popular spot for Kdrama Fans

in voilk •  4 days ago

    Nestled on the southern shore of the picturesque Lake Brienz, a small village and municipality in Switzerland remained a hidden gem until it gained fame through the popular Kdrama "Crash Landing On You," which featured several scenes shot there. Previously, this serene village was known only to a handful of curious tourists who happened upon it while strolling by the lake or exploring other Swiss villages. However, it has now become a popular destination, especially among avid Kdrama fans.

    Iseltwald


    During our Swiss vacation, we chose to stay in Brienz, largely because of my sister's enthusiasm for visiting this newly famous spot. As a dedicated Kdrama fan, she was thrilled to discover that her favorite drama had showcased this charming village. She was so captivated by the idea of seeing the locations from the show in real life that she specifically requested our tour agent to include Iseltwald in our itinerary.

    I decided to join her on this adventure, intrigued by the opportunity to visit a Swiss village for the first time. The experience proved to be exquisite. Iseltwald's idyllic scenery, combined with its newfound fame, provided a unique blend of tranquility and excitement. Walking through the village, it was easy to see why it was chosen as a filming location. The pristine lake, charming wooden houses, and scenic surroundings create a postcard-perfect setting that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.


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    We had some bad luck on day two of our Swiss trip. Iseltwald, being only a 15-minute drive from our hotel, was meant to be our final stop. We planned to explore other locations in the morning and wrap up our day with a visit to this beautiful village. Unfortunately, the rain began while we were still exploring, but we decided not to let it deter us. I bought a raincoat from a local store, determined to see all the places on our itinerary.

    In mountainous areas, especially in May, the weather can be unpredictable, you cannot trust the weather because it constantly changes. Despite the rain slowing us down, I couldn't complain. We managed to visit every place we had planned, even though the weather was less than ideal. By the end of the day, we had completed our exploration, including our visit to Iseltwald.

    The weather app was showing me that at around afternoon time the rain would stop but it didn't. So when we reached the Iseltwald, it was not only rainy but windy. The flow of wind was so strong because of the vast lake and it was a little bit difficult to take photos of the lake, the desired spot, and sitting near the lake.


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    So what the hype was all about? Why do all Kdrama fans visit this village whenever they come to Switzerland? Well, it's about this small Jetty.

    A key scene of the South Korean Netflix series "Crash Landing On You" was filmed here in Iseltwald. The main actor Hyun Bin played the piano here.

    This was written near the Jetty and to visit the Jetty and to take photos there, you have to pay 5 CHF. 😂 Nearby the area, a hotel located, more like a resort for the tourists. I had no intention of visiting the jetty and taking photos in the windy rainy weather even though many tourists went to the jetty by paying 5 CHF and didn't care about the weather.

    This jetty was free to visit before but when tons of tourists started coming here just to see this jetty, the municipality established a ticket system for only that specific jetty. You can visit the village for free.

    There is also a hiking spot for the hikers and a few restaurants for the tourists but mostly this village is known for vacation houses/cottages and that pier.


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    This is the famous scene of the series...

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    Here are my captures of the jetty. My sister and I had hoped to spend some time near this specific spot, but the harsh wind and rain made it difficult to stay by the lake for long. Taking photos was also quite challenging in these conditions. The strong gusts and persistent rain limited our time near the water and made taking photos quite difficult.

    Despite these challenges, the surrounding scenery was truly exquisite. Soft clouds floated over the mountains, creating a scenic backdrop. The turquoise blue lake, churning with heavy waves, added to the dramatic beauty of the scene I would say. Amidst this, a few swans floated gracefully on the water, enhancing the serene and magical atmosphere.

    Well, was it still special?


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    After visiting the jetty, we went to take a short walk in the village. To be honest, the view was astonishing, especially with the wooden houses set against the backdrop of the Bernese Alps. I loved the moment when the whole picturesque scenery of the village was in front of me while walking on the narrow walkways. I was captivated by the picturesque scenery unfolding before me.

    During my walk, I came across several chalets and realized these were holiday homes that could be rented for summer and winter vacations. The idea of staying in one of these charming Alpine cottages sounded wonderful. I also noticed some private properties and houses, which added to the village's authentic and cozy atmosphere.

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    I didn't take many photos because I felt a bit uncomfortable, perhaps due to the weather or the private nature of some areas. However, I did observe that many chalets were situated near the lakeside, especially close to the jetty. If the weather had been better, I would have loved to explore even more.

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    Well, my sister was so curious about the ferry ride or boat ride. Tourists/visitors can rent a boat or can take a ferry from one village to another while exploring the beautiful lake. Normally during summer, the Lake Brienz and other nearby villages excursion happens but we were a bit early for the ferry tour. Besides the weather was harsh so small boats were not available as well.

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    Unfortunately, we had to keep our walk short because my sister got soaked completely in the rain even though she was wearing a raincoat. We planned so much to do here in the village and thought we would enjoy the panoramic view while sitting somewhere but that didn't happen. But we don't regret it at all... Small hiccups come always during the tour so it was no big deal.


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    Despite the turbulent weather, the brief moments I spent in the village were truly memorable. The serene beauty of the wooden houses and the majestic Alps made it a place I'd love to revisit, perhaps under sunnier skies. The village had a unique charm that left a lasting impression on me, making it one of the highlights of my trip.

    Although we couldn't spend as much time there as we had hoped, the brief moments we did have were unforgettable. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the weather's intensity, created a unique experience. Each photograph, though hard-won, captured the enchanting essence of this beautiful location.



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    Priyan...



    I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...



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