Jumping Off a Cliff Without Dying & Other Swiss Treasures
Bachalpsee Lake
Grindelwald (Switzerland) is a lot more than a quaint little town surrounded by the Alps. Leading to hundreds of trails adapted to all levels – one can do from the 110 km Ultra Race to a 5 minute walk about a gondola peak – this Swiss town is simply a haven for hikers. Indulge in the following photo-journal of low-resolution panoramas taken from Grindelwald, Grindelwald-First, Bachalpsee Lake and Faulhorn Peak – a physically challenging, but visually worthwhile loop. Naturally, a mere iphone camera (no product placement intended) cannot even begin to accurately portray the serene beauty and surreal quality of the rock giants surrounding Grindelwald – think of these images as merely a tease that’ll entice you to journey to one of the most breathtaking places of the world.
Grindelwald-First Zipline
Start your ventures by jumping off a cliff without dying… The Zip Rider is actually a heck of a lot less scary than it looks – this 2480 feet long cable ride does its 675 drop at a pretty comfortable speed, never exceeding 55 miles/hour. If you are ready to invest around 28 Swiss Francs into less than 10 seconds of pure enjoyment (yes, the Swiss lifestyle is definitely far from cheap), you will be in for quite a [brief] treat.
Walk from First Peak to Bachalpasee Lake
Take note of how the flower species evolve as one’s altitude increases – from white to yellow to many shades of purple, they add quite the vibrant splashes of colour upon their luscious grassy background.
Walk from First Peak to Bachalpasee Lake
Thou art now entering the setting of a Dr. Seuss movie. Willkommen.
Bachalpsee Lake
Snow in July!
On the way to Faulhorn Peak
The weather around Grindelwald is so unpredictable that not even the Swiss dare utter an approximate forecast. Always prepare to get refreshingly drenched during hikes, and be weary of the rain: it can transform your trail into a slippery death trap.
Dandelion Surrounded Inuksuk
A pretty dandy inuksuk.
Journey from the Lake to Faulhorn Peak
Swiss Traffic Jam
Your average Swiss traffic jam.
I thoroughly recommend the Grindelwald-First – Bachalpsee Lake – Faulhorn Peak – Bussalp loop – especially when it is to the distant rumble of thunder and faraway groan of sporadic avalanches, breaking all hell loose upon their icy glacier peaks. Indulge in a sense of awe that one can only feel in the face of the Sublime, because what is more sublime than nature at its climax? Warning: Stretch your legs properly at the end of each hike, or you will NOT be able to walk the next day.
Summer is the perfect time to get out of the city and visit somewhere else. Other Rampagers to report on their journeys soon.
