Lauterbrunnen and the jungfrau region
Impressions-
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is the one place we've seen that rivals Yosemite Valley for pure majesty. Cliffs. Waterfalls. Mountains. It is breath-taking! There is so much here, you could spend a month and not see it all. We had a little over a day! The towns and villages in the area, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Gimmelwald (we didn't make it to Murren) are wonderfully Swiss and each would be a great place to stay and explore. The one drawback to being very Swiss is that things are very pricey. But as you'll see from the pictures, it is all about Location, Location, Location. This area is an outdoor playground in any season. We'll be back!
These are a few of my favorite things...
The Panorama Trail- We knew there would be thunderstorms in the afternoon so we tried to get up to the Panorama trailhead early. The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau were already hiding behind clouds and stayed that way much of the day, but weather is the photographer's friend and the clouds certainly added drama to the landscape. We took our time enjoying the very scenic trail to Kleine Scheidegg and ate our lunch early while staring up at the North Face of the Eiger and smiling at the grandeur around us. From Kleine Scheidegg, we walked the wildflower lined path down to the Wengernalp train station and hopped on the (precisely on-time) 1:40 train back to Wengen and Lauterbrunnen. A morning that we'll not soon forget.
Gimmelwald- This cute little village seems to be stuck in time and is definitely worth a visit. We would have liked more time to explore this whole area, but it was getting late and the afternoon thunderstorms had arrived. Edelweiss...Edelweiss...Every morning you greet me...
To the Alps (high pastures)- On both mornings we were serenaded by clanging cowbells as farmers led their cows through the streets and up to the high Alps. The video below gives an idea of the sound created by all those bells!
You should know...
- Männlichen Webcam, Lauterbrunnen Info
- Restaurant Recommendation: The Oberland Hotel. Try the Rosti (and the chocolate gelato)!
- Photo tip: Get out early! First light in this valley is outstanding.
- Photo Op: For a great view of the Valley, sit on the right-hand side of the train up to Wengen. Open the window (no reflection).
- Be prepared to spend! The lifts and trains are pricey, and we didn't even do the expensive ones - Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn. If you're traveling on your own, the Swiss Pass can be a money saver.
- WOW! The Panorama Trail. The views were astounding!