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Moving to Australia

FBI police checks for Americans applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa

21 February 2020

Last Updated on 2 February 2022

If you’ve lived in the United States of America for a period of more than 12 months during the last 10 years, you’ll need to submit an FBI Identity History Summary police check as part of the requirement for your 820/801 Australian Partner Visa. This applies even to non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents who have lived in America.

Unfortunately, it can be a bit of a headache to complete the FBI police check if you’re currently living in Australia— you’ll be required to mail off a set of fingerprints and the FBI is notoriously particular about it, which means most people will use a professional fingerprinting service… expensive and very limited appointments. Instead, I decided to take my own fingerprints and had great success! Here’s everything you need to know about getting your FBI police check while living in Australia.

Need to complete your police check in Australia, too? COMPLETING AFP NATIONAL POLICE CHECKS (NPC) FOR YOUR 820/801 AUSTRALIAN PARTNER VISA

Read my whole series on applying for the 820/801 Australian Partner Visa for more information about preparing your evidence, lodging your application, and the next steps. If you’re just beginning, start with this post to get an overview (and to read about our story). And, as always, please remember that I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process.

What's in this guide

Toggle
  • How to apply for the FBI police check
    • Online application for FBI police check
  • Getting your fingerprints in Australia
    • Professional fingerprinting
    • Taking your own fingerprints
  • Sending your police check request to the FBI

How to apply for the FBI police check

There are essentially 3 options for applying for the FBI police check:

  • Online: submit the application for an FBI police check online and then mail just the fingerprints to America
  • Snail mail: mail the entire FBI police check application along with your fingerprints to America
  • Use an authorised “channeler”: a third-party service can submit this request for you. I’ve heard that this is the easiest and quickest option for getting your FBI police check, but it is more expensive, can only be used by American citizens or PRs (so not someone who has just lived in America on a visa), and you need to be in America to receive the results by mail. So this is not useful if you’re applying for a Partner Visa onshore in Australia!

The FBI also has a great page outlining all of the different options and steps. This post will cover the steps for submitting an online application for an FBI police check, as this is the best option in my opinion!

Online application for FBI police check

1. To begin your online application, visit the Electronic Departmental Order website and enter your email address in the blue box on the right hand side of the screen (you’ll need to scroll about half way down the page).

Enter your email address in the blue box

2. You’ll receive an email from Criminal Justice Information Services with a 6-digit PIN number. Click the link in your email (“Click here to access your request”) to be directed to a new webpage, where you can enter the PIN.

The email containing your application PIN
Enter your PIN

3. Begin the application by completing some basic personal information, including your full name, DOB, and the last 4 digits of your social security number.

Provide some basic personal information

4. Provide your mailing address and phone number in Australia (if you are living in Australia).

Address and mobile number

5. Confirm how you would like to receive the FBI police check. I requested a hard-copy for my records (it’s likely that an electronic copy would suffice, but I wanted to be safe!).

Confirm that you would like a hard-copy of the police check

6. You’ll be asked to confirm your full name, mailing address, DOB, and social security number one last time.

7. You can pay for the FBI police check using a credit card, PayPal, or Amazon Pay. As far as I could tell, the cost is $18USD irrespective of payment method.

8. Following payment, you will be redirected to a page with status information about your application. Don’t be alarmed that it reads INCOMPLETE, this just means that the FBI is still waiting on your fingerprints. Take note of the address on this page, it’s where you’ll be sending your fingerprints! I’d also recommend downloading a copy of the application (using that long blue button on the top of the page) just for your own records.

The application is paid, but still incomplete pending fingerprints

Getting your fingerprints in Australia

Regardless of whether you’ve applied online or by paper application for the FBI check, you’ll need to mail fingerprints to the FBI in America. These fingerprints must be on an Applicant Fingerprint Form (FD-258), which you’ll also fill out with some personal information (name, DOB, address, social security number, height, weight, eye colour, hair colour, etc).

Personal details on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check
Personal details on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check

Professional fingerprinting

It used to be that you could just rock up to a police station and get your fingerprints taken for free, but apparently that’s no longer the case. There are only a few police stations that offer the service now and you’ll need to make an appointment, as well as pay a fee ($50.40 for a single set or $71.10 for 2 sets; note that these prices may be specific to VIC).

You can make an appointment or find more information on these pages:

  • VIC Police
  • QLD Police
  • NSW Police

I originally planned to just get my fingerprints done at the police station in Melbourne since it seemed the easiest choice, but appointments were booked out months in advance and I didn’t like the idea of turning over $71.10 (better to get 2 sets, in case one is rejected by the FBI, which does happen), so I ended up taking my own prints.

Fingerprints required on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check
Fingerprints required on the FD-258 Form for an FBI police check

Taking your own fingerprints

It’s surprisingly easy to take your own fingerprints— I’d recommend getting a specific “fingerprinting pad” (these are actually inkless, so they don’t smudge or stain), which should cost around $10-15 from a craft store.

You need to provide a rolled fingerprint for all 10 fingers, as well as a flat fingerprint for each hand (4 fingers together for right and left, then both thumbs together), and the best way to learn the technique is to watch this YouTube video and read this handout from the FBI on fingerprinting:

  • Fingerprinting Technique Using a 10 Print Card
  • Capturing Legible Fingerprints

Using these resources, I managed to take decent fingerprints completely on my own and these were accepted by the FBI. Granted, I sent them 6 copies of the form because I wasn’t sure which prints they’d like best and I wanted to be safe… but my Police Check was finalised with no issue! I’d suggest sending at least a few versions to avoid possible delays.

How to take your own fingerprints for the FBI police check
How to take your own fingerprints for the FBI police check

Sending your police check request to the FBI

After completing your FD-258 fingerprint form (including all the necessary personal details), you need to mail that form AND a copy of your online application email confirmation to the FBI at the following address:

FBI CJIS Division
ATTN: ELECTRONIC SUMMARY REQUEST
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306

The best way to do this is by Registered Post or Express International Post, since these both have end-to-end tracking. It’ll definitely cost you ($24 or $36, depending on which option you choose), but at least you’ll know exactly when your forms have been received.

Registered Post or Express International Post
Send your forms by Registered Post or Express International Post

Just 4 days after I got the SMS notification from AusPost that my parcel had been delivered, I got an email from the FBI saying that my “Identity History Summary Response” was available for review online.

Using the link and pin given in their original email (after submitting the online application), I was able to log-in and download my letter from the FBI, which could then be uploaded to my application. It’s not to say that everyone’s turn-around will be this quick, but at least it’s promising to know that there’s not a large backlog of these requests at the FBI!

* I am not a migration agent or affiliated with Home Affairs in any way, so all the information provided in these posts and in the comments below is based entirely on my own experience and my own understanding of the application process. 

If you found this post helpful and want to contribute to some of the costs associated with running the blog, I would be infinitely grateful!

You can use the PayPal button below to donate whatever you feel this information is worth. If you aren’t able, don’t worry— I will always keep my posts free and accessible for everyone!

UPDATE: A MASSIVE THANK YOU to everyone who’s commented to let me know that you found these posts helpful— I can’t tell you how much it means to me to read your success stories! I worked incredibly hard to compile all of this information (while getting my PhD & teaching), but it’s genuinely been worth it to make even a small difference for my fellow immigrants.

More importantly, though, THANK YOU to everyone who has shared their own experience or answered questions for other readers in the comments below! We are building a wonderful & supportive community of Partner Visa applicants here, and every comment and question is a resource for others.

If you felt like these posts helped with your application, I’d encourage you to come back after your visa is granted (or even after various milestones) and let us all know what happened— it might mean the world to someone else struggling with this process! Best wishes to you all xx bb

TAGS:australian partner visamoving to australia
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brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my life/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The Comments

  • David Lee
    23 May 2025

    “Helpful guide for Americans applying for Australian partner visas! For those who previously lived in Florida, you may need a Level 2 background check as part of your documentation. We explain Florida’s process here: https://exactbackgroundchecks.com/level-2-background-check-florida-an-essential-guide/. Great resource for navigating international requirements!”

    Reply
  • Liz
    4 November 2024

    For people interested in timelines and self-fingerprinting successes:

    I ordered a few copies of the Form FD-258 and fingerprinting ink off of Amazon. I watched a few tutorial videos on how to fingerprints yourself (especially helpful to have the row you’re printing right at the edge of a table) and did some practice runs on scrap paper. I mailed 3 forms, my confirmation email, and a small note explaining I did not have any local police stations in AU that could take my prints on paper. With express shipping from melbourne to the USA, it took a week for my fingerprints to arrive. Then another 10 days for them to go through the mail and match my prints to my application. That day they also completed my report and emailed it was ready to view 🙂

    Reply
  • Lily
    15 July 2024

    Hi there thank you for your post!

    I accidentally bought an international prepaid envelope, dont know how it works but could it work instead of the Registered Post or Express International Post?

    Thank you much!

    Reply
  • Ali Zaidi
    7 May 2024

    Hi Brooke,

    I must say you have taken a great initiative , very helpful . I have gone through this FBI clearance many times in USA during Australian PR. After many ink prints rejection Live scanning was the solution for my fingers. Just got the result in 1 hours. (FBI Clearance email) but unfortunately Live scanning is not available outside of USA (in my knowledge)
    This is the 1st time I am applying outside of USA so my question is if I am sending multiple prints to FBI do I need to pay for each FD 258 for processing or just pay the FBI fees once and mail multiple finger print cards.

    Thanks

    Reply
  • Nayla
    4 March 2024

    I tried to do it myself. Bought a fingerprint ink online, printed 6 copies, and it got rejected 🙁 After a month the FBI said they were bad quality and couldn’t proceed. Anyone else had this problem?? I’m going to go to my local Police Station in Sydney and I’ll see if they could help me. I feel so disappointed.

    Reply
    • Gaurav
      Nayla
      20 June 2024

      In how many days you got to know about fingerprints being rejected ?

      Reply
  • Abby
    12 February 2024

    Hi Brooke, do you know if the ORI field on the form needs to be filled out in order for the FBI to accept it? If so, I went to the Docklands Police station in Melbourne to do my fingerprinting, do you think they’d know what to do about finding this information? Thank you!

    Reply
  • Evie
    27 December 2023

    Our fingerprints were recieved a few days ago now (according to the post tracking), but it still says incomplete online. I’m hoping it just says that until they finalise the check on their end. Does anyone know if this is the case?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Evie
      20 January 2024

      Hey Evie, I would expect there’s a slight delay in the system– has it updated to say complete now?

      Reply
  • Nese
    5 November 2023

    Hi Brooke,

    Thanks so much for creating these free guides and resources, it’s been such an immense help. I was just wondering, for the fingerprinting document where it says ‘signature of official taking fingerprints’ what you put since you did it yourself?

    Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Nese
      16 November 2023

      Hi Nese, so glad you found these posts helpful!

      You can just write “N/A” or even “self”, since you took your own prints.

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Paul C
    31 October 2023

    Great advice Brooke. Thanks!
    Did you need to get a State police check as well as the Federal one? How did you handle that if so?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Paul C
      16 November 2023

      Hi Paul,

      I believe it was just the federal check!

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Alyson
    16 October 2023

    hello I’m currently struggling with trying to figure out how to do police check for both me and my partner for my 820 visa. I’m American and my partner is Australian. we have both spent more than 12 months living in the US and in Australia so we are needing to both get American police checks and Australian Police checks. reading your blog I understand on how I can get my American Police check but can he also get his this way as well or do you have to be an American citizen to Apply as they ask for your social security. thanks

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Alyson
      16 November 2023

      Hi Alyson, I believe the process is the same and there will be an option to say you are not a citizen, but I’ve not personally had to do a police check this way, so perhaps someone else can weigh in here in the comments if they know??

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Mia
    11 September 2023

    Hi just reading through this and i was wondering what kind of paper you used for your fingerprints? Thanks so much

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Mia
      27 September 2023

      Hi Mia, I just used normal printer paper 🙂

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Krish
    21 August 2023

    Did you take print out of the form or bought a card F-258 availble online?. Please advice.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Krish
      27 September 2023

      Hi Krish, I just printed the form on normal printer paper 🙂

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Mariel
    27 July 2023

    Thank you this is so detailed and helpful! Much appreciated 🙂

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Mariel
      16 November 2023

      Hi Mariel, so glad you found it helpful! Wishing you luck 🙂

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Alex
    19 July 2023

    Question, did you use plain computer paper to print the form?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Alex
      27 September 2023

      Hi Alex,

      Yes, just use normal printer paper 🙂

      xx bb

      Reply
  • Anthony
    17 June 2023

    Hi Brooke,

    Thanks so much for this! My wife and I spent a year and a half waiting for our visa to be approved and were dispirited when Home Affairs responded requesting an FBI Clearance. This post gave us the confidence to give it a go on our own rather than trying the more expensive options.

    Thanks for the step-by-step directions and tips. sending multiple copies of our fingerprints was definitely valuable advice. We used a regular inkpad from OfficeWorks and did a lot of practice rounds first!

    For those reading in 2023, our time between FBI receipt and acceptance was nine business days; there appears to be a bit of a backlog.

    Thanks again!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Anthony
      16 November 2023

      Hi Anthony, so happy to hear you found these posts helpful and thank you for sharing details about your timeline!

      Wishing you all the best 🙂
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Haley
    21 April 2023

    Thanks so much for all of this information! It has been very helpful for working on my 820/801 visa. 🙂 I am American and my partner is Australian. He has lived in the US in the last 10 years. As the sponsor, do you know if he also has to do an FBI background check? Thank you! – Haley

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Haley
      16 November 2023

      Hi Haley,

      Just to clarify, he HAS lived in the US in the last 10 years? Then yes, even foreigners who’ve lived in the US must complete the FBI check.

      Hope that helps!
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Harvey
    11 April 2023

    Hi Brooke,

    I am from Malaysia and I have previously studied in the States for four years. In order to prove my good conduct with Australia Immigration, I would have to submit my fingerprint to FBI as well.

    I would like to express gratitude for your diligent compilation of information and generous sharing! I follow the step-by-step guide and I have successfully gotten my response too from FBI.

    For my fellow Malaysians who are in the same situation, I would advise you to go to Bukit Aman Police Station to get a clear set of fingerprints for only RM 30, following the instruction in this https://my.usembassy.gov/u-s-criminal-records-good-conduct-check/
    It is hard to get inkless fingerpad in Malaysia and I have tried 1 hour taking my own fingerprints, only to realize they are not good and clear. In the end, I resorted to visiting Bukit Aman and the officer there is incredibly helpful and professional!

    Reply
    • Anonymous
      Harvey
      11 April 2023

      However, there is a question I would like to ask. In my response letter from FBI, there is a sentence: “THIS DOES NOT PRECLUDE FURTHER CRIMINAL HISTORY AT THE STATE OR LOCAL LEVEL.”
      a) Is this a standard response from FBI;
      b) Do I require extra criminal check at state level in US? is this even possible?

      Thanks,
      Harvey

      Reply
  • QN
    4 April 2023

    Hi
    Thank you for the helpful post, I would like to ask a couple of things. If I did not have a social security number when I was living in USA, can I put N/A instead? Also what is the ORI section for?

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      QN
      16 November 2023

      Hi QN,

      I don’t personally know what to do, so if you’ve since figured out a solution, it would be amazing if you wanted to come back and share your experience to help future applicants reading this post!

      Wishing you all the best,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Anonymous
    3 March 2023

    Very helpful blog

    Reply
  • Cache Carpenter
    25 February 2023

    Does this also apply for 190 application process?

    Cheers,
    Cache Carpenter

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Cache Carpenter
      16 November 2023

      Hi Cache,

      I believe it is the exact same process regardless of the visa you are applying for!

      Best of luck,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Bournie
    25 January 2023

    Thank you so much for your post. It helped me a lot to get the FBI police checks. All the best.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Bournie
      16 November 2023

      So happy to hear it helped you, Bournie!

      All the best,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Baili
    6 January 2023

    Hi Brooke!
    This has been incredibly helpful. I’ve found this process to be extremely difficult! I went on a cultural exchange program in 2019-2020 and was told to get a SSN. I can’t find it anywhere and I’m currently in Aus trying to submit my partner visa. I didn’t get a tax number while I was there. If you could help me out with any information I would be SO GRATEFUL!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Baili
      16 November 2023

      Hi Baili,

      I just saw a similar question from another reader– I don’t personally know what to do, so if you’ve since figured out a solution, it would be amazing if you wanted to come back and share your experience to help future applicants reading this post!

      Wishing you all the best,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • ellie
    23 December 2022

    Thank you for sharing such a nice Post.

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      ellie
      16 November 2023

      Hi Ellie,

      So glad to hear you found these posts helpful!

      Wishing you all the best,
      xx bb

      Reply
  • Momo
    26 August 2022

    Hi,

    I was just wondering what type of paper you used for the fingerprinting? I googled and apparently standard A4 is okay? But other sites have said a harder paper so I’m getting paranoid lol. I was thinking about buying the FD 258 cards from Amazon but idk how legit they are. A bit iffy since I’m currently in Australia

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Momo
      16 November 2023

      Hi Momo, you can just use standard A4 printer paper, nothing fancy required (other than the ink pad).

      xx bb

      Reply
« 1 2

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hi, I’m brooke!

I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (now joined by my life/climbing partner, James). I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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@brookebeyond_
brooke ✨travel & mountain gal

@brookebeyond_

  • it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨

(hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
  • magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
  • BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
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But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
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I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
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some of our favourite experiences from last month in this charming town on the French Riviera!

WHAT TO DO
☕️ stroll through Old Town: beautiful alleyways with charming shops + bars (pass by Palais du Justice, Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, Église Sainte Rita for photos)
🏖️ Ruhl Plage: picturesque beach club with striped umbrellas + chairs (but the free beach immediately beside it works just as well for a quick dip!!)
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📸 Colline du Château: elevated park on the headland with excellent views of the coastline
🚃 day trip to Eze + Monaco: both can be done in a single day with public transport or inexpensive Ubers!

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK
🧀 La Cave du Fromager: fondue/cheese restaurant located in a wine cellar in Old Nice, beautiful and amazing food!
🦆 La Route du Miam: intimate 6-table restaurant serving legendary duck— the menu is bascially 3 options, but the duck-fat potatoes are mind-blowing, the wine selection is excellent, and the owners are impossibly charismatic (expect to leave with multiple kisses)
🍨 Finoccio: local-fave ice creamery with endless flavours
☕️ La Claque: small cafe with excellent coffee, matcha, kombucha etc
🍷 La Treille Bar à Vin: natural wine + small plates with charming outdoor seating
🍸 Soho: trendy bar with a good value happy hour 5-8pm
  • paris on (fuji)film 🇫🇷🥐🧀✨

we’d originally planned to spend June climbing in the French + Swiss Alps… but after I had knee surgery at the end of April, we had to pivot to something a little more recovery-friendly.

so we changed our flights from Geneva to Paris and instead spent a couple weeks sipping cocktails, making croissants, wandering through charming galleries, catching up with some of our favourite humans, and racking up steps around the city in an effort to get me hiking-capable asap. 

not exactly the summits we’d planned, but time well-spent all the same 💛 #fujifilmx100vi
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the perfect active road trip for exploring Japan’s 3rd largest island!

Days 1-2: Fukuoka
-  pick up hire car
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Days 3-4: Beppu
-  Jigoku Seven Hells
-  Mt Tsurumi or Mt Yufu hike
-  Himeji-jo Castle
-  stay at Kunisakisou & make use of private onsen

Days 5-6: Aso
- Mt Aso National Park (countless amazing hikes!)
- best restaurants: 阿蘇内牧カレー屋 BATH (katsu curry) + Meshi no Yamaichi (beef bowls with endless toppings)
- best onsen (tattoos ok for private bathing): Yunoyado Irifune + 阿蘇内牧音泉 湯楽

Day 7: Kumamoto
- Takachiho Gorge
- GorogoTaki Waterfall

Days 8-10: Kirishima
-  Mt Karakunidake (10km hike)
-  Mt Kaimondake (7km hike)
-  Sakurajima Nagisa Foot Bath (free 100m baths with view of volcano) + Sakurajima active volcano

Days 11-13: Yakushima (car ferry to island)
-  Anbo Trail to Jomon Sugi
-  Mt Miyanoura scramble
-  Seibu Rindo Forest Path scenic drive

Day 14: return to Fukuoka
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#fukuoka #kyushu #japan #roadtrip #beppu
#onsen #takachiho
  • The famous bowing deer of Nara 🦌✨

The ancient city of Nara is home to around 1,300 sacred deer (believed to be messengers to the gods!) roaming freely around the parks and temples. They are SO cute & friendly, and feeding the deer in Nara was a top highlight of my 6 weeks in Japan 🥹

Tips for visiting the deer:
🦌 head to Nara Park & you’ll find deer everywhere near Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha & Kofukuji. Look for shikadamari (deer meeting spots) & approach respectfully!
🍘 buy shika senbei (deer crackers) for ~¥200 from local vendors. Hold one up, bow & watch the deer bow back!
🚃 get here in ~45min from Kyoto or Osaka by train
🏯 this is a popular day trip, but I definitely recommend staying overnight in a traditional ryokan & eating at some of the amazing local restaurants
⏱️ the park is prettiest early in the morning or around sunset when it’s quieter, the light is soft & the deer are more relaxed
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#nara #naradeer #japan #japantravel #traveljapan #wheninjapan
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travel beyond the ordinary

Explore my travel guides, custom itineraries & blog posts with an interactive world map ✨

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  • it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨

(hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
  • magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
  • BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
  • This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
  • we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?!

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
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it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨ (hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
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#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨ . . . . #swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
.
.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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.
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.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
.
.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
.
.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
.
.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
.
.
.
.
.
#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹 just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!! so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge 💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!! - Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away - Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train) - Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility - Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake - Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms - Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views - Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail . . . . . #easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑 In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅 But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time) Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails! Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
7 days ago
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4/5
we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?!

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?!

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?!

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?! I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights! I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
2 weeks ago
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5/5

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