PhotoHiker: Europe Impression - Adventure in Alps Switzerland

the famous Staubbach waterfall didn't impress us

In the morning, we took the cable car to Grutschalp(4379 ft) then the train that rides among the mountains and forests to get to Murren (5,374 ft).The end of this route is Schilthorn(9,744 ft). But the highest mountain is Jungfrau with the peak at 13,642 ft. The view is definitely similar to what I have seen in Colorado. We hiked a couple miles in Murren on the well maintained concrete trail. Met a group of people from Fort Collins and Castle Rock…it was so nice to finally hear American English again!

Hotel Balcony

Overlook village from the mountain

Our plan was to go down to Gimmelwald then hike to Trummelbach to check out the waterfall there then take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen. While we were waiting for the cable car to go down to Gimmelwald, we saw the paragliding brochure and were so impressed by the picture of an old lady flying in the sky. We decided that paragliding could be the highlight for our trip. Two pilots John and Joe came to the station to meet us with all the equipment in a huge backpack. The route we went is 15 minutes Murren Waterfall Flight. We jumped out of a hill and found ourselves soaring in the sky almost right away. Flying in the sky in a perfect weather was bliss. At that moment, I felt like I was a bird that really enjoyed the freedom and the panoramic view of the mountains, rivers and meadows. It was a great experience although I did have upset stomach from the turns during the landing. The pilot takes photo and video for the fly and charge extra money for them. If you don't fear of the height, you actually can take pictures or video by yourself while enjoying the fly and the view.

Hotel in Murren

We landed at Stechelberg where we can take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen. But the schedule seem work out well for us…it turned out a very nice hike for us to sock really enjoy the village view along the creek, a few waterfalls(this area claims to have 72 waterfalls) and the nature in the mountains.You don’t need to go to Switzerland to experience paragliding though. I have heard people saying the paragliding from Lookout Mountain, Colorado is awesome! I think the difference between Alps and Rockies in terms of nature view is Alps has the carpet-like meadow/lawn and the blooming flowers in the villages. But we have more wild animals, wildflowers and high country lakes! Both areas are the gifts from the nature mother. Just in case you like to dine out at the mountain top surrounding by the snowy mountains, there are 6 restaurants on the "Top of Europe" - Jungfraujoch (11,333 ft). It might be an once in a life time experience.