Wengen, Bern, Switzerland
I wanted to show the new arrivals some decent hiking trails but again the recent heavy snow meant most were closed. So as an alternative, I thought a good tour introducing them to the wonderful nearby mountain locations and scenery via the excellent mountain transport would be in order. Although cloudy, misty and very cold the forecast rain didn't eventuate, thus apart from the cold we had a pretty comfortable day.
I led the group via a train, a post bus and two cable cars and some scenery that kept them constantly photographing to Murren, a clifftop village at 1645m on the opposite side of the Lauterbrunnen valley from Wengen. I thought they'd find it interesting to visit a typical Swiss mountain village, and that after a casual stroll we'd probably find somewhere interesting for lunch. And that would be the extent of any physical activity for the day.
However, despite websites yesterday saying adjacent mountain transport was all closed, I soon discovered that two important ones had in fact reopened today.
Particularly exciting was that the funicular up to Allmendhubel 1,932m was operating. Some beautiful hikes in a number of different directions can be commenced from up there. Enquiries at the top indicated that the Northface Trail, one of my favourites was despite the heavy snow at least partly open.
Sharon kindly offered to stay with her Mum whilst Raquel, Kim and I left them eating their steaming vegetable soup in the Allmendhubel mountain restaurant and we headed off suitably wrapped up for the cold to see how far we could get on the Northface Trail.
We initially sloshed down a snow-covered muddy forest trail before emerging on the rim of the valley behind Allmendhubel. None of us was prepared for the outstandingly beautiful winter scene that opened up before us as we emerged from the forest. I'd seen this broad vista many times in summer with its pretty rich green meadows, meandering farm tracks with adjoining farm buildings seemingly surrounded by mountains steeply towering over them.
But to see it with this softness and beauty of a carpet of snow just blew me away. It was as pretty a scene as I've ever seen. and both the girls were equally mesmorised.
As we approached the steep snow-covered uphill section of the trail, we were warned by other walkers returning as they had given up because what they described as the icy, muddy, and dangerously slippery state of the trail. We could soon see why; the path as it climbed whilst traversing the steeply sided hillside looked even to this seasoned hiker more than a little risky. Kim and I sloshed and slipped our way up the initial section, but it was immediately apparent that Raquel's runners were not going to give her purchase on this surface. It would have been dangerous for her to continue, so she headed back down the farm tracks aiming to find and join up again with Sharon and Vilma.
For Kim and I it was a difficult climb through the snow up to the ridge where the trail finally flattened out and the hiking became much easier. This climb certainly had its scary moments, and even with all my experience I still felt quite uncomfortable.
Kim is to be congratulated for her determination despite the testing conditions.
Beyond the ridge Kim and I had in comparison a somewhat leisurely 2/3 hour walk through snow-covered mountainside meadows then down meandering farm tracks beside snowy paddocks with their occasional farm building all the way back down to Murren. And all the way we were accompanied by the magical winter scenery.
Two more trains and a cable car got both Kim and I safely but very weary back to Wengen where we joined the rest of the group who were sitting sipping gin & tonics in the hotel lounge.
Photography in the snow is always tricky. The stark light has a lot to do with it. In reviewing my photos, I can see they unfortunately do not reflect or display anything like the magnificence of the magical scene that I witnessed this morning. Suspecting this might be the case whilst still out on the mountain, I counselled myself to take the time to "absorb", as I'd probably never see anything like this again.
Terese
2024-06-03
Hoping the snow and weather clears…you are all being good sports/making he most of it
Barbara Rose
2024-06-03
Wowee! How spectacular. Such a beautiful area. Gosh it looks so cold and chilly but truly magical scenery. Your new walking buddy, Kim, looks in fine form. Such a great experience for you all to share. Enjoy your snow bunniesWill.
Gail Seller
2024-06-03
Such vistas! I managed to slip in the mud on our golf course! Murren looks particularly lovely.
wayne seabrook
2024-06-04
I'm jealous! (Sitting in meetings in Seoul....)
Hugh
2024-06-04
oh dear I've mapped out all sorts of hikes to Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald looks like they might need revising. Not to mention I see rain is forecast. Yuk. But obviously make the best of things. see you soon.
Nettie
2024-06-04
Beautiful photos Will, magical. Looking forward to the photos of your wedding.