Dennis and Mariëtte go Interrailing

"We were really looking forward to the long, six-hour train journeys," says Dennis. Together with his wife Mariëtte he made a fantastic Interrail journey across the Alps and through the Balkans. "During a long train ride I knew I could binge on six episodes of a podcast or finally finish the book I was reading. The train was really an extension of my holiday." Besides all the relaxing moments on the train, their journey was also full of gourmet highlights, culture in unexpected places and enjoyable conversations."

"We started our journey in Roermond and went to Switzerland via Freiburg. The trip with the Bernina Express across the Alps, past all sorts of picturesque places, was wonderful." Dennis and Mariëtte also went to a concert by the Italian singer-songwriter Jovanotti at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres. “I've been following him for years and this summer he organised a beach party on Italian beaches and also on a mountain in South Tyrol." The journey continued through green Slovenia, bustling Croatia and the peace and quiet of Austria, ending in Munich, Germany."  

"As well as kilometres of track, food was also a thread that ran through their journey. It ranged from local delicacies in small joints to a vegetarian Michelin-starred restaurant in Munich. "They had a delicious non-alcoholic vegetable juice arrangement instead of wine. What also surprised me is how, with more than ten courses of vegetables, you can still experience a different taste sensation with every dish." They experienced another culinary highlight in Ljubljana at the top of a mountain after a tough hike. "There, in a glorified log cabin with a magnificent view, we ate a sublime goulash soup for next to nothing."

"Dennis and Mariëtte also walked a lot in Ljubljana, Vienna and Zagreb to discover street art. According to them, this is also a good way to get off the beaten track. "Street art is mostly found in up and coming neighbourhoods. It also helps you discover new shops, restaurants and pop-up shops that you wouldn’t otherwise have come across"

"We often talked to local people on our train journeys. They're always proud to tell you about their country and to give you the best tips on where to go." Dennis also has a tip for first-time interrailers: " Prepare yourself, but not too much. For busy lines, you sometimes have to reserve a seat. But also do a lot on a whim. Let yourself be amazed by the unknown."

Did you also get the train jitters? Then click here for more information about Interrailing..