Murren: the Most Beautiful Spot in SwitzerlandThe literal and figurative pinnacle of our trip, our visit to Murren was punctuated throughout by epic "wow" moments around a few tiny villages nestled high in the mountains. We rode a cable car to the peak of the Schilthorn on a clear morning to take in 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains from a snowy peak 10,000 feet above sea level; strolled to the tiny village of Gimmelwald where we bought sugar almonds and brownies from one of Switzerland's quaint honesty shops; and hiked along the Mountain View Trail over babbling brooks, past rushing waterfalls and through fields filled with new spring crocuses. We also enjoyed the most extraordinary hotel stay of our many trips to Europe, as our hotel rooms had huge connected balconies that looked out over Murren's most famous mountains: the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
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About MurrenLanguage: Swiss German Population: 450 Elevation: 5,374 feet Region: Bernese Highlands (traditional Swiss mountain towns) Nearest Mountain Peak: Schilthorn, 9,744 feet Claim to Fame: Views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks |
FUN, FUN, FUN...The Hotel Alpenruh had a multi-level balcony that spanned the entire side of the hotel. Every member of our group had a view of the mountains and could chat with anyone enjoying the scenery. |
For the FoodieAfter a long day of hiking, several of our tour members gathered at Restaurant Stagerstubli for dinner. The highlights were raclette (browned and melted cheese eaten on potatoes and pickles) and wild garlic spaetzle (small dumpling-like noodles). |
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Spectacular Swiss Skyline, James Bond, and a Breakfast to Peak Your AppetiteAs if being one of the highest peaks in Europe isn't enough, the Schilthorn has to celebrate its James Bond history as well. On Her Majesty's Secret Service featured a famous skiing scene filmed on the Schilthorn. While there, we stopped in the 007 revolving restaurant, which in true James Bond fashion has make-your-own mimosas and an espresso machine that must have been designed by Q. Outside, we hiked through the snow (even though it was early June) to stand on an outcropping with 360 degree views of the surrounding Swiss Alps. Lex, Rick and Elyse tested their nerves on the "007 Thrill Walk," climbing through chain link tunnels and walking across cable tight ropes, all suspended from the side of the mountain over a deep crevasse.
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The Hike to Gimmelwald or It's All Downhill from HereThe easy, down-hill sloping stroll from our hotel to the village of Gimmelwald was a feast for the eyes. The path was surrounded by lush meadows bursting with colorful spring flowers and sprinkled with mooing cows. The Alps formed the perfect backdrop with snowy peaks jutting upward into the beautiful blue sky. Not only was it a great walk, we had the opportunity to check out a local honesty shop selling "gebrannte mandeln" (sugar almonds) and brownies. Across the path from the shop was the local moocher – a small burro that appreciated the customers of the honesty shop sharing their purchases with him. We disappointed him as we weren’t sure if chocolate and nuts were appropriate snacks for four legged friends. We did decide that it was a wonderful snack for two legged hikers.
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A Bit of Heaven on Earth
Murren is a hiker's paradise. During our stay, we hiked the Mountain View Trail to Allmendhubel and were rewarded with unbelievable mountain vistas. Elyse and Justin suggested the hike which headed steeply uphill behind our hotel. Swiss grannies regularly hiked along this trail, so we believed it would not be too great a challenge. Jody requested frequent stops to "admire the view" ... and possibly catch her breath. As we reached the highest point on the trail, we were rewarded with a "wow" moment. We were surrounded by fields of crocuses emerging from the melting snow, their white heads peeking out to find the sunshine and enjoy the beautiful spring day.
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One Justin, two hikers, and the Grim ReaperJustin's morning hike to Birg offered him an unparalleled adventure with two seasoned hikers and possibly a brief encounter with the Grim Reaper. As the rest of the party rode the cable car to the top of the Shilthorn, Justin set off on a hiking adventure of his own. He followed the map to a trail that was "possibly closed" due to snow. He got to a point along the trail where he encountered a large boulder to his right, a sheer drop-off to his left, and a narrow strip of snowy ground between the two. He weighed out his possibilities. Presented with the same problem, two female hikers wisely opted to turn back. As Justin was about to follow their advice, two locals on the way to open their mountain cabins for the season happened by. They encouraged Justin to follow them saying that he would be fine if he followed their lead. Justin placed his feet in the depressions they made in the snow, rounded the boulder, and avoided a meeting with the Grim Reaper in a few short steps.
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