I'm going to Murren next week. Health reasons prevent me from doing the full Via Ferrata. But I'm wondering, is it possible to cross the suspension bridge without doing the full trip?
Also, does anyone have experience paragliding from Murren or the Schilthorn? Is it worth the time and expense?
Thanks in advance.
Regarding the Paragliding, whether it's "worth the time and expense" is somewhat subjective. I'd suggest trying it if you can afford it, as it's a very unique and incredible experience. The trip from the Schilthorn is longer (about an hour?) while the trip from Mürren is about 20 minutes. The length of the flight is of course reflected in the cost.
Hi lleina, you might want to try the Thrill Walk at Birg. We did it September 2016 and it was fun and exhilarating. Beautiful views!
http://schilthorn.ch/en/Angebot/Schilthorn/2_THRILL%3Cbr%3EBirg_2677_m_._8783_ft/Thrill_Walk
Thank you both. I'm definitely doing Birg. I'll probably do paragliding from Murren.
Hi lleina, I'd love to see a trip report when you return. Please let us know what activities you found to do in Murren. It's so beautiful, hope you have a great time!
Thanks for asking about a trip report. I'll try to keep this short. To answer the original question, I didn't do any paragliding. The time and expense was too much trouble for 15 minutes of thrills that I may not have enjoyed. I did do the Thrill Walk at Birg and didn't find it too scary. This is my sixth time in Murren and seventh trip to Switzerland.
The flight and rail trip was uneventful. I wish the connection through Luzern was as short as all the other connections the Swiss provide. I took the unscenic transfer through Bern. I arrived in Murren on Wednesday, June 21. I stayed at the Hotel Jungfrau, which is very good. All they need is a mini-bar and a room safe and they'd be perfect. I booked it through Bookings.com last July. My first choice, Hotel Alpina, was booked almost a year in advance.
After settling in, I went to Trummelbach falls. It's still intimidating. I ate grilled brautworst, which I love, at the stand near the Stechelberg station. It has a nice picnic atmosphere.
Thursday was the Schilthorn. The views again were spectacular. They really beefed up the 007 exhibit; in 2006 it was just 10 minutes of film clips. The best part was the tribute played to the unsung heroes, the crew and stuntmen. They did outstanding and dangerous work. The atmosphere was fun. I had a nice lunch at Birg along with the Thrill Walk. In the afternoon I went to Allmendhubel and walked to Murren.
On Friday I went to the Jungfraujoch. We didn't stop for the North Face view, but the Eismeer stop was spectacular. I wanted to go to the Monchsjochhutte, but it was too cold and windy. If you haven't been there, the hike is very worthwhile. One annoying thing at the Sphinx was the people who had to get pictures of themselves. It's like nobody back home believes they made the trip unless they show themselves in the photo.
Saturday was cloudy. The monitors looked like Kleine Scheidegg was clear, but the cable car entered the clouds approaching Mannlichen. I took the walk. I "took off" Saturday afternoon.
Sunday was rainy, so I went to Brienz and the Ballenberg open-air museum. This is my favorite rainy day activity.
One thing I hadn't done before was visit Isenfluh. It is a very quiet village, 10 minutes by bus from Lauterbrunnen. It was partly cloudy, but it was easy to see that it has great views. It deserves a mention in the guidebook. The bus makes a 340 degree spiral through the mountain.
On Monday morning it was sunny, so I went back to Isenfluh. It has great views of the "Famous Three." After getting some photos, I took the small cable car to Sulwald. The staff member should me how to operate the cable car. Basically, push a button to open the door, push the yellow button to indicate you're ready to return. Sulwald has popular hikes, mostly to Lobhorn and the Lobhornhutte. The Lobhorn is the rock formation that looks like a giant hand from Wengen. I had no problem taking the cable car back.
Since it was sunny, I went to Kleine Scheidegg. It still has great views, and relatively cheap grilled bratwurst. Early in the evening I walked to Gimmelwald.
On Tuesday I took advantage of my Swiss Travel Pass and went to Chillon Castle. It's very pretty and well preserved.
On Wednesday I moved to Luzern. I toured the town and did some light shopping. I didn't buy the 110,700 CHF Rolex. On Thursday I took a cruise to Weggis to get a glimpse of William Tell country. I decided that a trip to Rigi would be a let down and too time consuming.
On Friday I returned home. I was selected for random security screening. Oddly, they left me keep my water and soda bottles.
Overall, I enjoyed myself immensely. I hope this hasn't been too boring. My tips are to book a room early and check out Isenfluh.
P.S. Lauterbrunnen valley inspired Tolkien's locations for LOTR. The valley inspired Rivendell. The "Famous 3" inspired the Misty Mountains.
Thanks for the great trip report. I loved it!
In all the years I have visited I've never spent time in Isenfluh. That sounds like a great catch and I'll be sure to visit there next time. Thanks!
Thanks for this report. I'm thinking of going back to Mürren for a second trip, and you've given me some great ideas for new activities.
" I didn't buy the 110,700 CHF Rolex."
Cheapskate! In all seriousness, the idea that someone DOES buy such items still staggers me.
Hi lleina, thanks for reporting back, sounds like you had a great trip! I'm bookmarking the info for our next adventure!
I posted in your other thread, but I just want to thank you here, for this great trip report. Thanks to your tip, I went to Isenfluh this afternoon, and had a great time.
