Switzerland
Does it get any better moment
We exit the bus in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, in a valley in the Swiss Alps. To the left is what you envision as a Swiss hotel in the Alps. Ahead the mountains rise on both sides and behind are grass covered slopes with cows, and houses running to the base of steep mountains that seem to go straight up with 4 waterfalls.
Tour Days 4 and 5
Banner picture above - Swiss alps. Lauterbrunnen valley.
Our day begins had begun in the gently rolling hills of the Burgundy region of France. It ended in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, in a valley with mountains rising to a 9,744 foot elevation on our left and right. Sunset reflecting off mountains and waterfalls, beauty everywhere you look.
We arrived with the sun low in the west, an hour before setting. From our balcony we could see a rushing waterfall just across the road! We dashed out to absorb the scene and collect pictures.
We returned for a traditional Swiss meal with fondue, sauerkraut, sausage and an amazing strudel dessert. We worked on knowing our travel companions starting with a name game. After dinner we took turns introducing our friend couples to the group, having talked and learned about them before dinner.
The next day was completely free, to do as you want. For those interested our guide was going half way up the mountain and hiking to the tram that travels to the top. Totally optional.
Planning Tip: Research your destinations for activities and reserve when possible. One couple wanted to hang glide down the mountain but were unable to because it was sold out before we arrived.
Saturday was to be a day in nature. We joined our guide and most of the group and rode the tram half way up the eastern slope. We headed north along a relatively flat path to the next tram. Three choices from there, tram to the peak at 9,744 feet, tram half way down or walk down. Laure chose going up to the top. Jim doesn't do altitude well so chose to walk down. Both of us had a wonderful time.
Just after nearly the entire group went up, the cows came down the mountain! During the summer the cows are taken up the mountain to graze on the high grass and produce a special cheese. At the end of the season they parade down, decorated with bells around their neck, their size indicative of how much milk they produced. (See video to the right.)
Tour Tip: Purchase a book locally on a site or area. Its an invaluable aid when you are home to remember names and details of the sites you saw. Picture books add a wealth of detail you can't capture with a crowd of people around.
The day started out quite misty, but soon cleared. Laure went to the top of Schilthorn and had a 007 experience. Across the valley were the peaks of the Eiger, Monch,and the Jungfrau They view was fantastic as you can see. Apparently we were lucky to have such clear skies. Someone else on the mountain said this was his third trip and only the first time he was able to see the other peaks.
Jim took a slow walk down the mountain. A winding path through Gimmelwald and saw homes set on the mountainside, among the goats, cows and grass. It was a perfect walk on a clear, cloudless day in the Swiss Alps.
The Rick Steves' tour information doesn't include every last event of the trip, some are surprises. This was one of them. We met at a local church at 6 pm for a private concert, featuring an Alp Horn and an accordion. (An Alp Horn - 12 feet of instrument!)
As part of the concert we were given the opportunity to try our hand at playing the Alp Horn. Some of our group proved themselves excellent musicians, others sounded a bit like humpback whales.
Click picture to enlarge or cycle through.
It was at some point here that a few of us came to the realization of just how great and relaxing it was. We had no idea what day of the week it was nor did we care.