A tad “on” the beaten path, part 5, Murren
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We left Kandersteg the next morning taking a train to Spiez, then sunny Interlaken Ost, where we could see hang gliders landing. Thunnersee's blue green water was brilliant. On to Lauterbrunnen and crossed the street from the train station to the gondola up to Grutschalp; then a short train to Murren. We have stayed at Hotel Blumental three times and love it each time. We asked for a balcony room facing the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau…and while we were sure they were there, we just couldn’t see them due to mists.
Two rainy days provided us the opportunity to see a number of Lauterbrunnen Valley’s 72 waterfalls. After checking in we took the gondola from Murren down to Stechelburg, short bus trip to Trummelbach Falls. The falls were just pounding due to all the rain…perfect day to see them. The three big mountains mentioned above drain down into these falls. Some folks were disappointed as I believe children under 6 (?) were not allowed.
Took a bus on into Lauterbrunnen and walked to the 15 minute hike up Staubbach Falls. Got just a bit wet going behind the falls, but it was fun. There are hiking poles provided at the bottom of the hill which are helpful. It is free.
That evening we had one of our two “required” meals in Switzerland…fondue. The La Grotte restaurant did a marvelous job: meat, veggies, even fruit and all kinds of sauces. The waiter asked us if we could guess what liquid we were cooking them all in…bouillon. It was delicious with flan for dessert.
Next day was still rainy so we opted for boat trips on Thunersee and Brienzersee. Interlaken‘s train stations are each right at the harbor and have signs to the boats as well as the trains. Free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Our pizza challenge continued that night at the Eiger Guesthouse Pub in Murren where we ran into about 10 other folks – 3 tables – from Ohio in the USA (…and one from Michigan…). Wonderful conversations. We did note that if you choose to eat about 5:30 or 6, which we do at home, you can typically find a seat anywhere. But if you go later, reservations…at La Grotte and even at the Eiger Guesthouse Pub, would be a good idea.
Next morning at 6:30 we checked the webcam and the top of Schilthorn was clear so we skipped breakfast and took the gondola up. The clouds filled the valley below, but above them it was clear. We had on long sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, light down jacket and rain jacket for warmth & were very comfortable. Also had a knit hat and light gloves. We wandered around all the James Bond 007 displays which were actually much better than we had expected. We had watched both On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and the Eiger Sanction with Clint Eastwood just before our trip.
Did the thrill walk on top of Shilthorn as the one at Birg on the way down was still in the fog. Both are free. Then we collected our luggage in Murren and headed across the valley to Wengen.
This is now July 3rd and up to this point we have not had to wait in lines for gondolas, funiculars, or stand in crowded trains. We had been concerned that it would be far more crowded than it was. Wonderful!
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