High above Grindelwald is a lake called Bachalpsee. To get there we get the gondola up as far as it goes, and then start walking. The views are worth the hike.
To get back we walk downhill along a deserted valley. There’s nothing here at all now all the livestock has been moved down to the valley.
Eventually we arrive at a hamlet called Waldspitz where a bus takes us back to Grindelwald. Waterfalls just before the bus stop.
After our mountain barbecue yesterday we all ended up in Rocks for a party. Here’s Rich blowing out his candles.
Beves and Ibe providing the music.
This morning I had my usual Wednesday run around the village. Val got this distant shot of me running down the main street.
Emily is travelling back to the UK today, so we waved her off at the station. Have a good trip back Em, see you again soon.
After lunch we caught the train down to Zweilütchinen and walked back up to Lauterbrunnen. It’s a glorious day, if a bit cold in the shade.
It’s Rich’s 50th birthday, so we have a barbecue up at Fallboden, high above Scheidegg.
Lots of food and drink.
And of course, a cake.
It was great – we spent all afternoon up there. At the end if the day everything has to come back down, including the balloons.
Storm ‘Fabienne’ arrived last night. We got high winds, heavy rain and the temperature has dropped by about 10 degrees. This morning we wrapped up warmly and went down to the valley so I could run and Val could have a walk. The cold weather is good for running – I clipped 3 minutes off my previous best time for 10 kilometres.
This morning we were woken by the sound of bells and alphorns. It’s the biggest event of summer, the Chästeilet, or cheese festival. Traditionally this is the day when the summer’s cheese is divided amongst the cattle owners, but here in Wengen it has grown over the years and it’s now an all-day party celebrating all things Swiss. This lot are pretty good.
But this girl takes playing the alphorn to a completely different level. Meet Lisa Stoll, superstar alphorn player.
Stone throwing competition for kids.
And of course food. Lots of food.
Here is the cheese. Each one weighs arond 7 kilos.
The bell ringers who woke us up this morning.
It’s a beautiful day, but these clouds mean there’s a big change in the weather coming. Summer is finally coming to an end.
More cattle came down this morning, temporarily bringing the village to a halt as they passed through on their way down to the valley.
It’s Friday, so I need a short run. I scampered around the village dodging the cow pats. We made our sandwiches and popped up to Männlichen for a walk round to Scheidegg. As we get further into autumn the colours are changing up here.
It’s a big day in Wengen – the cows are coming down from the high pastures. They’re all dressed up for their parade along the main street.
More cattle will come down over the coming days. Just as well with cold weather due this weekend.
After watching the cows we made our sandwiches and headed across to Winteregg. It looks like the pilot of this helicopter has popped into the restaurant for his lunch.
We walk up the meadows that are ski pistes in winter. Amazing views.
Eventually we reach the top, and it’s an easy descent down to Mürren. We even resisted the temptation to have ice cream at Sonenberg.
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