We arrived in Jungfrau Switzerland by Lauterbruunen on Thursday evening. We set up camp and checked out our surroundings: the play ground right by our campsite (awesome) a bathroom 15 yards away (convenient), and lots and lots of European neighbors all packed in like sardines. Europeans do not view camping like Americans do. We think of it more of an Experience in the great outdoors. Europeans view it as a way to go and hike and see amazing places at a reduced rate. So things were slightly different then your average American campsite. The bathrooms were kept very clean with lots of different stalls. Some for changing, some for showering, and some with just a sink for brushing teeth and doing your hair. Next to the bathrooms there was a room with lots of sinks where all the campers brought their dishes every night from preparing food and cleaned them in a communal kitchen area. Next to that was a large room with lots of tables for playing games. Good ideas….America should be taking notes!
And of course these pictures will speak for themselves. Switzerland is GORGEOUS beyond all comparison. They keep it very nice with flowers on every window and Switzerland flags all over the place. The cemetary was the most beautiful and well groomed one I have ever seen. I could come back here every year!!
The first morning, we walked the 1/2 mile to the middle of town to catch a train up to Wengen and then catch a tram up to the top of the mountains, and then hiked for 2 hours down to a train, which then brought us back to town. Even the walk to the train was amazing! This particular Valley’s claim to fame is that it has 70 Waterfalls throughout it. We did two separate days of hiking and started counting right away and topped off at about 55. 70 may be an understatement!
It’s “Y” Mountain….. sorta can you see it???
At the top we were greeted by the locals: Each bejeweled with a different looking cowbell. Supposedly the farmers each have their own Cowbell design that all of their cows wear around their necks. The farmers know the sound of their bell and can locate their cows by listening closely to the chorus of bell sounds. A different solution to “branding” your cattle!
GO BYU!! (Y mount is in the very far distance)
We hiked with the Balls on this day….several other families came up to camp too, but just hadn’t arrived yet. We wanted an extra day to hike more. The Balls are in our ward, their two girls adore our Hanna. Ashley below looks just like Hanna’s best friend from California when Camille was this age! Camille we found your twin!!
The hike was impressive and lots of fun. We got a little tired toward the end because we were all taking turns holding the little guys who were done.
The glaciers were everywhere:
Phew, we were happy to finally reach the train. A one and a half hour hike turns in to 2 and a half with lots of small children!
The train brought us back to the station in town and we hiked the 1/2 mile back to our campsite.
And we found the Flakes, The Prices, The Bodkins all setting up camp. Hurray, playmates for everyone!
We camped next to the Flakes and did Dutch oven BBQ chicken and potatoes for dinner. Then made cobbler for dessert. Good times….except that we got rained on every night. UGH.
Carter Hanna and Sierra found this frog while playing frisbee…you can’t tell but he was HUGE!
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