Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen
Staubbachfall Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
In the middle of a gigantic wall of rock and ice, with the characteristic triumvirate of Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau in the center, lies the 2500 soul village of Lauterbrunnen. Surrounded by the huge massif of the Bernese Alps, the small village presents itself in a spectacular setting. Not far away, several waterfalls plunge a hundred meters into the depths. The Jungfrau massif, which rises behind the Lauterbrunnen valley, is also a sight that is not easily forgotten. Lauterbrunnen is located in the middle of Switzerland, in the canton of Bern south of Interlaken, but the impression of having discovered the location of “Lord of the Rings” is growing.
Lauterbrunnen – between the Jungfrau region and the Schilthorn
Alpine huts and traditional houses with pointed roofs adorn the slope in a breathtaking landscape. There is a mystical silence that is only disturbed by distant, muffled bells. The wide, picturesque, scattered settlement of Lauterbrunnen has been a popular summer resort for many years and a popular starting point for many activities. Visitors can quickly reach the mountain railways to the Jungfraujoch. Quaint inns as well as shopping and souvenir shops shape the image of the main street. In the upper part of the village, the water of the Staubbachfall rushes 300 meters straight down from the overhanging rock face. The heavenly beauty of Lauterbrunnen’s Staubbachfall already inspired Goethe and Lord Byron to write poems of praise. Especially in the early morning light one can imagine
Active in a spectacular setting
The thunder of the Trümmelbach Falls is comparatively much louder. While deep gorges, rugged mountains and underground streams invite you to an extraordinary experience of nature, the impressive Trümmelbach Falls offer themselves after four kilometers. In massive cascades they tumble down into a helical gorge. The views over the galleries are particularly breathtaking. If you then follow the path in the direction of Lauterbrunnental, you will reach the Schilthornbahn. The cable car takes you to an altitude of 2970 meters. There is a splendid panoramic view. In addition, the mountain restaurant with a panoramic terrace invites you to enjoy regional specialties.
Tip: The cable car leads over the intermediate stations Grimmelwald, Mürren and Birg. Mürren in particular enchants with an extraordinary flair.
Saas-Fee
They surround Saas-Fee like a string of pearls: 13 mighty four-thousand-meter peaks, adorned by imposing glaciers. The mountain village lies on a terrace high above the Saas Valley in the Swiss canton of Valais. The village character is characterized by old, sun-tanned chalets and the wooden stalls on stilts that are so typical of the Upper Valais (the German-speaking part of the canton). The romantic narrow streets of the car-free resort belong entirely to pedestrians.
Ski and hiking paradise
Due to the dry, sun-drenched climate, a trip to Saas-Fee is worthwhile at any time of the year. In summer, the Swiss holiday destination offers a 350-kilometer network of hiking trails, including interesting themed trails such as the Alpine flower promenade or the glacier nature trail.
In winter 150 kilometers of slopes beckon for skiing pleasure. Away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, there are around 60 kilometers of groomed winter hiking trails, such as the popular trail on the sunny Hannig. Located at 1,800 meters, Saas-Fee is so snow-sure that even in summer 20 kilometers of glacier slopes are open for skiing.
Sights and destinations
Three world records come together at the 3,500 meter high Mittelallalin: the highest underground funicular Metro Alpin, the highest revolving restaurant and the largest glacier grotto. When the weather is nice, the view extends from Mittelallalin to Milan.
The Britanniahütte is just over an hour away from the mountain station of the Felskinnbahn. From the most visited mountain hut in Switzerland, guests can enjoy a wonderful view of the Saas Valley and Mattmarksee, the reservoir with Europe’s largest earth dam.
The Gorge Alpine promises thrills. The descent through the wild fairy gorge to the Saas-Grund valley is secured by ropes, ladders and suspension bridges. The highlight of the path, which should only be walked with an experienced mountain guide, is the adventurous zip line.
The Kapellenweg is more leisurely. At the wayside, 15 shrine-like chapels from the early 18th century reveal the secrets of the rosary. The heart of the route is the “Maria zur Hohen Stiege” pilgrimage chapel, built in 1687. Before the road was built in 1951, Kapellenweg was the regular connection with the valley floor.
Visitors to the Saas Museum can find out more about life and customs in the once secluded Valais mountain village.
