Outdoor Interlaken Digital Series

In 2019 I produced and presented a 5-part digital video series in partnership with Outdoor Interlaken (since a merger, now “Outdoor”) and Swiss tourism, encouraging travellers to visit Interlaken, “the adventure capital of Europe”. The project was born from my own passions for solo adventure travel and this particular region, recognising a confluence in the growing popularity of the two. I proposed it to Outdoor Interlaken initially, who supported me over the course of the summer.

Each mini-episode featured on Outdoor Interlaken’s online channels and followed me participating in a different activity: via ferrata, bungy jumping, canyoning, white water rafting, and a canyon swing. I situated each activity within its wider context, discussing features of the Bernese Oberland, the history of each location and activity where necessary (for example, the history of our particular via ferrata route in WW1), and the idiosyncrasies of each village we passed through (or hung above!). I threw myself into each situation, literally. There were many, many funny moments, including my birth from a terrifyingly narrow tunnel of rocks whilst canyoning to my love-hate relationship with bungy jumping.

The videos were graciously filmed on a GoPro by members of Outdoor and edited by me. I wanted to create a snappy viewing experience for socials without sacrificing a beat of fun, deliberately leaving slip-ups, bloopers and quips in. I believe the videos – since mostly retired, but viral at the time – were popular for precisely for that unfiltered quality, preserved throughout everything: the activities, environment, camera equipment, a hilarious cast of companions and myself as intermediary. It was utterly anti-polish and still so beloved. The beauty of the region and the fun we had were undeniable, making Interlaken an even more appealing destination. Despite being one of my earliest gigs, I’ve featured it here because it taught me the first, most important lesson: sincerity always conveys.