Murren - Day 11

The last day of our stay in Murren was a bit more overcast and chilly, so we decided to go back down into the valley to do some hiking.   We were blessed to have seen the top of the Schilthorn the day before, because visibility within the mountains was pretty poor on this day.  

 

After a breakfast in the hotel, we set out for Lauterbrunnen, a central hub in the valley for all of the mountain villages.   Our guide book directed us towards the path to Trummelbach Falls, a series of 10 waterfalls located within a mountain draining the glacial run off from the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains.   It claims to be the only "in mountain" waterfalls still accessible in Europe. 

During our trip to the falls we were able to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of the villages within the valley.   Everything was so picturesque and stunningly beautiful.  Quaint cottages dot the landscapes while cows and sheep roam in the pastures wearing bells around their necks.  

The falls were quite impressive.   We took a 110 year old mining rail into the caves and then explored on foot the rushing water within the caves.   It was truly amazing to see how these falls had carved into the mountain.

When we returned to Lauterbrunnen we were able to enjoy a hot chocolate and some shopping before going back to Murren. Before bed we were blessed with a clear view of the Jungfrau mountain as a fitting end to our time in Switzerland.

-Alazda and Travis

Hiking in Lauterbrunnen

One of many valley streams from the waterfalls above

Exploring the valley floor

Glacial melt through the caverns of Trummelbach Falls

Corkscrew Falls

Trummelbach Falls with Lauterbrunnen and the valley in the distance

We stopped at a restaurant claiming to have the "World's Best Hot Chocolate" - It was great!

Jungfrau (Europe's highest point) at dusk

 

Murren - Day 9/10

From Austria, we boarded a train into the heart of the Alps toward our destination Murren, Switzerland.  Most of day 9 involved travel to get to Murren.  It is a small mountain village, 5,361 feet above sea level, requiring multiple train transfers and even a mountain cable car ride to reach it.  Once we checked into our small hotel, we were able to explore the village and capture some remarkable views of the nearby mountain peaks.  We returned back to our hotel for dinner and were able to enjoy some local swiss food and drinks.

The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at our hotel complete with some spectacular views before setting off to wander the small village.  Walking from end to end of Murren takes only 20 minutes and offers some wonderful views of the Alps.  We stopped at the information station to check weather forecasts and decided on a trip up to the peak of a nearby mountain, Schilthorn.  

We rode a cable car to the mountain peak at 9,748 ft which offered incredible views of the entire mountain range and the many nearby villages.  We saw the giant peaks of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau (the highest point in Europe).  In addition, at the top of Schilthorn we enjoyed a lunch in a revolving restaurant allowing for 360 degree panoramic views of the mountains.  This peak was made famous during the late 1960's when it was featured in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.  

From the mountain, we came back into town and picked up a bottle of wine to enjoy from our hotel balcony while we took in the mountain views. 

To end the night, we stopped at a nearby ski-lodge to have a late night snack.  Travis was excited as the restaurant served a dish similar to a gyro burrito.  We then retired back to our hotel room in anticipation for the next day in Switzerland.

- Travis and Alazda

Mountains and nearby villages during our ascent to Murren

   We made it to Murren!

Exploring Murren's village streets

Playing in the snow on top of Schilthorn

Ice cream at 10,000 ft

Enjoying the top of the Swiss Alps

Glass of wine on our porch, enjoying Jungfrau's view in the distance

Travis and his gyro burrito