Day 2 of our stay in Switzerland, we were socked in by clouds and light rain. Where'd the mountains go?
We decided to use our Swiss Passes and go to Luzerne. Enjoyed the trip and had a good time exploring the old streets. Returned to Lauterbrunnen in late afternoon, still gray and cloudy, cool temps. After another great dinner, it felt good to snuggle under the eiderdown comforters on our beds, although we did have to keep our balcony door open. Boy, those things insulate!

The next morning is still cloudy, but a little brighter. We're off to Grindelwald @ 8:35. Would like to get some souvenirs, but are finding things in Switzerland VERY expensive. Took cablecar to Pfinstegge, where I was hoping to go sledging, but the run was closed due to wet conditions. Too cloudy to go to First, so we head back for Lauterbrunnen and then to Wengen.

Well, we TRIED to go back to Lauterbrunnen. After a 1/2 hour wait for the train at Zweilitschinen, we thought we were on our way, only to notice the same scenery we had already passed. We had gotten on the wrong part of the train, and when it split (which we were unaware it did), we ended up headed back to Grindelwald! Oh Lord!

Got off at some tiny hamlet in the middle of nowhere, train station's closed up, only a few hikers passing by. Seems the train that pulled away right before we stopped was the one we needed, and the next one going back was in one hour. There's a good-size restaurant with a "beer" sign across the way, but it's locked up. Of course, it's lunch-time, and we're VERY thirsty.

But we were soon joined by some British hikers needing to rest on a bench, and when they heard our tale, we all had a good laugh.
I mean, we were temporarily stuck, but we were in the ALPS, for gosh sake.

After losing 2 hours, we finally made it back to Lauterbrunnen and on up to Wengen. The clouds were beginning to part a little and we could see some peaks, so we decided to take the cable up to Mannlichen. Brrr, it's cold up there. By this time, we were dying of thirst and saw a large restaurant a short walk along the ridge. We started walking and were soon enveloped by clouds so dense we lost sight of the building! What an incredible feeling. But our beer radar guided us in.

Breathtaking views of mountains and valleys on the way down. Had hoped to get to Schilthorn, but the weather's just not going to be clear enough to attempt it this trip.

After dinner, we decided to take the funicular up to Meurren, just to check it out. Beautiful vistas in the waning daylight, with glimpses of a full moon. Asked the conductor what time the next train went back, and he curtly told us to check the schedule on the platform. It was now 8:30, and the schedule said trains back to Lauterbrunnen would depart at 9, 9:30, 10 and 10:30. No problem.

Meurren was basically shut down, except for a few lights coming from little restaurants and hotels. But there was still enough daylight to see the mountains right in your face! Incredible. We decided to take the 9:00 train back. Sat in the deserted station from 8:45 until 9:15, no train. Hmm...
I ran across the street into a restaurant, a little panicked. In broken English, the proprietress said "I guess they not running anymore tonight". WHAT?! An American woman came over and said we could still take the Schilthorn cable down to Stechelberg, then the bus into town, if the bus was still running.

As hubby and I plodded down the black sreets on the edge of the mountain, searching for the cable station, we looked at each other and burst out laughing. We looked like that married couple on last year's Amazing Race, trudging through the Alps. We found the station, of course had just missed one going down, would have to wait an hour. Good excuse for a beer inside the cozy pub at the station. The cable driver down was also the bus driver - the last one for the night! We finally made it back to our hotel at 11 PM, sat on our balcony and felt great relief.

We watched as the full moon rose above the Alps, illuminating the peaks and the few whispy clouds that clung to them like angelhair on a Christmas tree. Ah, a perfect day. We definitely want to return to this spot someday. Tomorrow, we're off to Lake Como.
Joyce

Great commentary, Joyce. Thanks! Looking forward to the next part. I can't recall when you traveled? If you've said already, please forgive. I'm just curious about the heatwave and wonder if you were there for it. Love Switzerland. J.

and p.s. If you have time, maybe you'll elaborate on Lauterbrunnen -- the size, the architecture (how many high-rise condos?), the tourist traffic, the ambience? Thanks.

JMW
I think I'll top the first two parts of my report, as I think they got lost in the dead of night!
As for your questions regarding Lauterbrunnen:

We just returned on the 15th, were in Switzerland from the 8th-11th of Sept., and the weather was not very good. Cloudy, drizzly at times and mild temps. Even needed our jackets at times. Of course, the day after we left, it was again sunny and beautiful!

As for Lauterbrunnen, I can't thank Bob Brown enough for this recommendation.
It's more of a typical little Swiss village with only a few hotels - chalets actually, a tiny COOP, a wine and cheese shop, bakery, and not much else. There's a lovely little church on the river with a beautiful cemetary, each grave amassed with blooming flowers. The houses are chalet-style with flowers everywhere.
The scenery was magnificent! You're flanked on all sides by the towering Alps, with numerous waterfalls.
And of course, you can't beat it for convenience. The train is right there, as are the starting points for trips to the Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn, Mannlichen, etc.

We'd definitely stay there again, no question.

Neat report -- sounds like a lovely trip. If you want to keep it all together, you might copy and past part two as a reply to part one, and then do the same with this part -- just a thought

Great idea about keeping it together! As you can tell, I started this late last night, and I'm still thinking-impaired from the travels!
I'll try it now, but can't guarantee anything.

Dear jmw-
I am enjoying the trip report by Hagan as it allows me to relive our trip to the same area of Switz. this last summer. I have to agree with the well deserved praise of the Silberhorn's food-it is outstanding with wonderful variety and local fresh ingredients. We ate outside and it was very pleasant with excellent service.
Re: Lauterbrunnen. We were there in mid-August and the "heat wave" was in full force. It was good to escape into the mountains as it was always cooler there but the valleys with L. and Grindlewald were very hot. Lauterbrunnen has no high rise condominiums, is one main highway thru the town that leads to a dead end several miles into the valley-Stechelberg. It has great transportation into and out by way of trains, lifts and buses. Architecture is very traditional Swiss with lots of flower boxes, chalets and the usual small tourist kiosks in the village. There are a couple of well developed camping spots with small stores and cabins further on in the valley which is largely farmland. The ambience might be described (in the summer) as typical outdoor resort area without any large chain hotels. We found ourselves very comfortable there. Hope this helps.
Paul

Paul, I was able to combine my trip report into one thread. Look for "Paris-Switzerland-Lake Como" heading.