"If Heaven isn't what it's cracked up to be, send me back to Gimmelwald "
-Rick Steves
Today's Breakfast
A nice selection of hearty breakfast items at the hotel; bigger tables mean sitting with tour-friends to discuss our plans for our first full day in this stunning area.
*Tip for today*
Get some Swiss Francs cash before heading up on the gondolas.
There are many locally-crafted cheese and other goodies along the trail down from Mürren into Gimmelwald and even along the Lauterbrunnen Valley walk.
They are not staffed, self-serve style, so cash is needed if you want to snag some local fresh cheese or any other little treasure you find along the way.
Credit cards are gladly accepted within Schilthorn.
Schilthorn - Piz Gloria
We enjoy James Bond films so we started today at Schiltorn. We took the train from Wengen to the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Took bus #141 to Schilthornbahn down the valley road, where we bought our pass (Stechelberg to Schilthorn - Return) to cover all of our gondola needs today from top to bottom.
Skyline Piz Gloria 360° Restaurant
Spy World
The reason James Bond is very present here is that, from October 1968 to May 1969, the Schilthorn was the main filming location for movie "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service"; it's worth a walk through for fun exhibits and information on the movie and even some silly photo moments (see above ☺ Haha!)
Is it a bit touristy? Sure, but its fun; don't forget to stop at the toilets; they are also Bond themed!
Is it a bit touristy? Sure, but its fun; don't forget to stop at the toilets; they are also Bond themed!
Gnomes of Mürren!
Gnomes have are said to be from Germany’s Black Forest region around the early 19th century and originally carved out of wood. It has been fun having gnomes quietly surprise us along our journey.
Hike down from Mürren to Gimmelwald
GIMMELWALD
Rick Steves describes this place perfectly here.
Gimmelwald visit was a must on this trip; since we both experienced farm life growing up, that kind of life sticks with your forever. This farming village was so quiet and humble amongst the most beautiful mountain scenery your eyes have ever seen. I can't express it well enough, hopefully the photos help convey the sentiments.
Gimmelwald visit was a must on this trip; since we both experienced farm life growing up, that kind of life sticks with your forever. This farming village was so quiet and humble amongst the most beautiful mountain scenery your eyes have ever seen. I can't express it well enough, hopefully the photos help convey the sentiments.
Swiss Alpine Wildflowers and Garden Flowers
Colorful blooms welcomed us at almost every corner all throughout the day; the mountain villages have plentiful gardens full of vegetables, herbs, and flowers
Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk
We did not initially plant to do this, but after getting down from the mountainside via the last gondola stop back to Stechelsberg, we decided to stroll back via the Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk instead of taking the bus. We passed by Staubbach Falls but did not have time for a waterfall visit this time (next time for sure!) Our tour-friends who visited the falls were impressed with the falls, more than they thought, so we will do next time!
As mentioned in the guidebooks, this is an area for BASE jumpers who are parachutists who leap from cliffs; we saw one of them and it was such a shocking sight and great relief when we saw the parachute engaged.
As mentioned in the guidebooks, this is an area for BASE jumpers who are parachutists who leap from cliffs; we saw one of them and it was such a shocking sight and great relief when we saw the parachute engaged.
Back to Lauterbrunnen and then Wengen
Approaching Lauterbrunnen, we came upon Lauterbrunnen Cemetery - "Friedhof Lauterbrunnen", a beautiful cemetery for departed loved ones.
The cementary is near the Lauterbrunnen Church -"Kirche Lauterbrunnen".
Walking through town, we encountered the most amount of people than we did the entire day; people bustling around for dinner, shopping, and enjoying these long summer days.
The cementary is near the Lauterbrunnen Church -"Kirche Lauterbrunnen".
Walking through town, we encountered the most amount of people than we did the entire day; people bustling around for dinner, shopping, and enjoying these long summer days.
Evening comes again
Today's "Wow" Moment
The feeling of being on top of the world left me speechless on this hike along the ridge up at Schilthorn; a great photograph to look back on - Troy |
Today was the ultimate alpine dream; this mountain side opposite rustic Gimmelwald is one of the most gorgeous views my eyes have seen. |