Tuesday, June 16, 2015
This was the first full day in Murren, and the weather was not cooperating. It was cloudy and rainy all day, but for a couple of minute-long breaks. Had it been a clear day, we would see three famous peaks across the valley: Monch, Eiger, and Jungfrau. We would also hear the sounds of alpine horns with their throaty melodies bouncing off the Black Monch across the valley. It’s obvious, today’s adventure would have to come from somewhere else…….and it did!
The route of their mountain rock climbing experience
On their way with their guides
Despite the weather, Gregory and Mitchell went on a four-hour rock climb, led by two guides – from San Diego – go figure. They crossed from Murren to Gimmelwald, on the Klettersteig via Ferrata path you can see on the map above. It included walking on a cable, traveling on a zip line, and traversing many rock faces. They had an incredible time, but were totally exhausted at the end.
Ascending one of the rock faces
Walking on a cable in the clouds
Having fun!
Conquering the cable bridge.
Mitchell on his way.
Roselie and I decided we would do something less challenging and more consistent with the weather situation. We went on a hike in the Gimmelwald area, which is a picturesque, active farming and dairy community. Most of the buildings and huts are several hundred years old. We took the cable car down to the valley floor and walked along the river. Waterfalls were everywhere. We enjoyed the beauty of Switzerland’s highest [non-cascading] water fall – at more than 1,000 feet high.
View from Gimmelwald
Fresh mountain water – ice-cold
Decorating the entrance of an old hut
Greater than 1,000 ft waterfall
View of the valley along the river
In the afternoon, hoping for some better weather, we decided to climb to the summit of the Stilthorn – via trams, of cours. The monitors at the station showed the summit was in the clouds and the grand scenic view obscured by clouds and falling snow. Since we had only this day in Murren, we decided to go for it. Perhaps we would luck out and get a short reprieve from the clouds. The two cable tram ride was incredible, providing alternating views of being in a cloud and views which gave us a momentary glimpse of the majesty of this mountainous area.
Restaurant on top of Stilthorn
A restaurant sits at the very peak of the mountain. Only the Swiss would have a reason to build a sophisticated structure on top – but we never discovered the ‘why’. The restaurant consists of two concentric rings, each with dining tables, and rotating at different speeds. So over the course of 45 minutes, you experience a panoramic 360 degree view. You also discover that the people dining at the table next to you, are no longer there, and replaced by another group. This is the restaurant that was made famous in the 007 James Bond movie “Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Unfortunately, the weather never let us get a taste of the view. It just got colder, foggier, and snowier. It will have to wait for the next trip to this area.
Tram to the top of Stilthorn
The boys finished the day by nursing their sore muscles in the sauna and soaking in a warmed swimming pool.
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