Because we were too engrossed with admiring the scenery and taking photos, the original one hour hike took two hours instead. So we only stayed at Gimmelwald for a while only before because it was getting late. Gimmelwald is even smaller than Murren with only over a hundred population.
One of the very few hostels in Gimmelwald – Mountain Hostel. It is pretty obvious how the hostel got its name.
Took the cable car down to Stechelberg, another small village as seen in the photo. Para-gliding is a popular activity here. The distance between Stechelberg and Lauterbrunnen is quite far so we had to take a bus. The bus arrives every hour so while waiting we visited the surrounding area.
Not far away from the Schilthornbahn (cable car station) is the Lütschine river, which flows into Lake Brienz.
Following the river upstream will lead you to Murrenbach, the highest waterfall in Switzerland at a towering 417 meters. If you hiked from Murren to Gimmelwald you would see its starting point along the way too.
More cows grazing at the bottom of the waterfall.
Although there is a butchery, dairy shop and a supermarket in Lauterbrunnen they all close very early at 5pm. So if you don’t get your groceries earlier like us, you will have to eat at the pubs or restaurants instead. A typical main course at the restaurants costs about 20-40CHF and about 10-15CHF for a spaghetti at the pubs.
A three course meal at Hotel Schutzen @ 36.50, with grilled steaks of three different meats as the main course.
We tried a Swiss traditional food called Walliserplatte @ 11CHF, basically a platter consisting of cold cuts.
Panna Cotta that was included in the course meal. Overall Hotel Schutzen’s food was OK but their service could have been better.. service was rather slow. Even tap water is chargeable here so if you are keen on saving forget about it.
The day lasts longer during summer in Europe, it was still quite bright outside our dorm considering the it was around 9pm.
The next day we boarded the earliest train to Jungfrau. For Eurail pass holders here’s another good news, you get to purchase the morning ticket at a discounted price @ 121.40CHF (normal price 135CHF, 1CHF = ~RM3) Besides being able to purchase the ticket cheaper, you also get to stay at the mountain longer. The normal morning ticket subjects the holder to return in the noon, while Eurail holders can stay until the last train for the same day.
Great photos again! Didn’t expect to see snow around this time of the year even if it’s Alps.
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I was in Switzerland this year march, and I paid 2 Swiss Franc = RM6 to use their toilets! :'(
The alps mountains are beautiful, but its summer cannot play ski i suppose.
nope, you can play ski in summer. it’s all snow up there
great photos!!!
am looking forwards on ur coming up posts as well as the ur trip to florence :)
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I would have to say it’s awesome to look at these photos… it’s stunningly beautiful.
Great shots and capture every angle so perfect.
Thanks for sharing all these. :)
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i’m going to switzerland to study soon! but my school is at leysin, near to montreux, the french speaking side of switzerland. you made me wanna go to the german side ( zurich and all ) for a trip after reading this post. stunning pictures ! =)
vkeong, your pictures are so sharp and nice that i tot im already there =)
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Thanks wyyv
Wow… Your pics really made my day. It’s so beautiful!!
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Thanks Thomas, long time didn’t see you posting :D
This is the place I should visit before I die! By the way, wonderful photos you got there. Your blog is totally amazing like always!
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I think so, my friend who went to New Zealand and Switzerland said that although NZ has a more beautiful landscape, it is not as diverse as Switzerland
I am thoroughly enjoying your pics. Very breath taking. Yeah, to be fully enjoying one’s vacation, I’d rather stick to fewer destinations but instead spending my time leisurely soaking in the environment.
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Yeah, rushing during a vacation will spoil the mood.. it should be relaxed and enjoying even the small things right
aiks…seriously its not cheap to travel in europe~
but man..i guess every penny spend is worth with all the beautifull scenery~
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Actually the rail pass and flight tickets are the most expensive, these 2 alone already cost 50% of my trip’s total cost
omg! the scenery is awesome!
.-= simps´s last blog ..work =-.
yeah, Switzerland is beautiful. It shares the same alps with Austria too, which means Austria is pretty amazing as well
OMG, I’m so regret now for not including Switzerland into my Europe tour itinerary couple of months back! But what should I say, I had only 14 days to cover 7 cities and you had 28 days! Thanks for sharing your great photos.
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Incredible shots of the mountains! That picture of the waterfall just looks like a huge shower coming from the top of the cliff.
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[…] a two hour train ride to Milan from Spiez, we immediately got ourselves a 2-day pass for the public transport that cost €5.50. The Milan […]
can i have the the high resolution of the pictures above?
especially the mountain snow
Lurve pic #1 and #10!
.-= jason´s last blog ..Fish & Noodle House- Damansara Kim =-.
Great stories on this beautiful country, definitely in my top 5 destinations to visit list.
The photos , am speechless.
I am in love with Switzerland already…
Great blog and amazing photos!
finally, i got the inspiration where to go….thanks Vkeong
Hi, We are planning a trip to Swiss soon. How many days do you think would be sufficient to spend from Geneva-Montreux-Zermatt-Interlaken-Lucern-Zurich? Any other tips?
Thanks.
Honestly I cannot advise you on anything. But from your itinerary you would need like at least more than 1 week to have a proper vacation.
Interlaken alone I think you could spend 3 days and 2 days for Zurich
Great. Will consider. :)
Thanks again.
Swiss really is fabulous country, just like paradise we went. You won’t forgot all the amazing sight view you saw.
Hi, your pictures are really beautiful. Considering going there this year. Would it be too cold in November?
hi shaki.. I read that November is one of the worst months to visit Switzerland.. perhaps you would like to research more on the visiting time :)
i can say that i kept visiting your blog to see these lovely pictures, it gives sort of motivation to save money and go for travelling.
Great photos on Switzerland! Can you email your Europe trip itinerary to me? Thanks!
Hi Sue, I do not have an itinerary.. this post itself is the chronology of our trip to Switzerland
Thanks for Sharing Vkeong, great pic and description!
Hi there, i am planning for a visit to Switzerland but is at lost as to what apparel to pack. Did you wear hiking boots for the hike? Or normal sneakers will do?
If you’re talking about hiking on the snowy mountains, you need a proper pair of hiking boots. You’d slip if you wear sneakers
Is it hot like Malaysia on their summer month?
Nope, not at all, not even close
Hi Vkeong, how much did you spent in this Swiss trip?
and how you went Swiss from Malaysia?
Coz I have to plan a trip to Swiss too :D
Hi Rain
Swiss was part of my stop when we toured Europe. I went there by train from Paris. Anyway it happened so long ago so I don’t really remember how much I spent just for Swiss alone. But for my entire 1 month trip I spent about RM15k inclusive of everything (flights as well)
wow~ Thanks Vkeong, thanks your info b(￣▽￣)d