We started our morning by taking the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil, where we would then take the cog trail to Schynige Platte. If I remember correctly, we took the 8:00 am train out of Lauterbrunnen so that we could get an early start, since it was going to be a long hike.
The cog trail waiting for us at Wilderswil
The train ride itself is quite gorgeous. It goes through a lot of trees and woods and then suddenly you come out and having amazing views of the Alps. I prefer hiking to train rides, but this one was quite beautiful.
This picture was taking from the train. Quite a view, huh?
We got off of the train, hit the bathrooms, and were on our way for what promised to be a beautiful hike. There was not a cloud in the sky. We could not have picked a more gorgeous day to take in the beautiful views that awaited us.
Beautiful mountain views on one side
The beautiful water of Lake Brienz on the other side. The water really is that blue. It is unreal.
Looking down at Lake Thun
Looking down at Lake Thun and Interlaken
The first part of the hike was a little bit of a climb to get up on the ridge overlooking the lakes and the Alps.
A view of the trail overlooking the lakes.
Blue skies for miles and miles
Having so much fun on this hike that we had been looking forward to for years.
We were along on the trail for the majority of the hike. We came across some other people doing the hike, but it was much later in the hike. When you depart the train, you can take the lower section without the lake views, or the upper trail like we did for the best views. I am very glad we did the extra climbing at the start to see the views of the lakes.
More views of Lake Brienz
Each time we turned around, we felt as if the views got better and better.
Looking into the Lauterbrunnen Valley
A view of the trail. It is no wonder we ended up getting sun burnt on this hike. We were completely exposed the entire time. It was on 70 degrees but the sun was a shining.
I am not sure we could have a picture taken with a more beautiful backdrop. This is real and unedited. It is that gorgeous in Switzerland!
Life as a 4'10 person means lots of standing on rocks for pictures!
More beautiful scenery.
A panoramic shot of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
This hike did not really have any steep drop offs that scared me at all. We did run into some snow on the trail in a few different locations and I did not know at the time, but Ken was a little nervous in the snow.
Loving my panoramic view of the Alps
A little bit of the snow that we hiked through
After hiking through a large portion of snow, we came upon a mountain hutte to stop for a drink. We were so excited to see it and it came at the perfect time. Ken enjoyed a beer and I enjoyed some coffee with cream. It was pretty amazing.
Ken enjoying his beer and the time with his girl. See that hiker behind him? He is heading up the trail where we would be going after our break.
Ken and the Mountain Hutte. The fact that this places exist in the middle of the Alps where you must hike in supplies or helicopter them in baffles me. I am so grateful that we have gotten to experience them!
Looking back at the hutte once we got up above it. I cannot remember our elevation, but we felt like we were on top of the world.
Taking it all in. I definitely had an amazing time hiking with Ken.
Hiking through more snow. There may have been a snow ball or two thrown.
It is hard to believe that the snow gets so tall that these poles are needed to mark the trail!
We really had a hard time not taking pictures. We felt so lucky to have such a beautiful day for this hike.
The Faulhorn was closed so we skipped it but this was our lunch view. We dined on a croissant, Sweet Tarts, a hard boiled egg and pretzels. It was pretty amazing.
Started our trek down and overlooking the Bachalpsee
I found a little hutte that I would love to live in!
We had a steep hill to get down that was covered with snow. It was not dangerous or anything, just a big hill completely covered. We started walking down and Ken started sliding and I started falling forward. The next thing I know, ken is on his butt and I am pushing him like he is on a sled all the way down the hill. We were screaming and laughing like two little kids. It was the absolute best part of the day. We both ended up completely covered in snow and laughed and laughed about all the fun we had. We even saw a couple that was walking up the trail later that was asking us if that was fun, we were laughing that loud. It was such a fun memory to make.
The view of the hill. You can see where Ken's butt was sliding in the center of the hill. It was so much fun.
The other side of the Alps getting closer to First.
The Bachalpsee
All smiles for a 10 plus miles day of hiking
I think he liked the hike quite a bit.
We got to First and bought tickets for the cable car down to Grindelwald. We also bought two candy bars and two sodas for a total of 18 Francs. We were both in need of a snack and a drink so, you know.
The view of the cable cars from First to Grindelwald.
It was about a 20 minute ride down to Grindelwald.
We got down to Grindelwald and stopped at the Co-op for chips and salami. We boarded the train to Lauterbrunnen where a sweet older lady started asking us if we were enjoying our holiday. We enjoyed talking to her and telling her all about our hikes. She was so nice to talk with for the ride back into the valley.
Back in Lauterbrunnen and walking back to Hotel Staubbach
We later got freshened up and went to dinner at Hotel Oberland, which is our favorite place to eat. We both got some fondue and ended with apple strudel.
Our delicious fondue
Ken and his model pose.
We ended our night with chatting with Adam at Hotel Staubbach and enjoying wine on our balcony. It was such a beautiful day spent in the Alps.
The flower was courtesy of Ken. He picked me a flower on every hike this trip.
Up next is another beautiful day in Switzerland, visiting Gimmelwald and Murren for a nice relaxing day!
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