Altitude illness

Murren is low enough (5,400 feet) that I have never had any altitude issues. It’s usually when people go up to the peaks, that they may experience issues.

I will say though that when I was in Wengen this past June, I did seem to have some slight difficulties with all the hills. I’m blaming that on the altitude and not my being out of shape. :-)

If you have any concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. He or she can give you some tips.

I see the CDC has some tips:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes

Have a great trip!!!

That's a discussion you need to have with your doctor, who will be most familiar with your medical history and will be aware of any underlying conditions that could be aggravated by the altitude ... such as the need for a CPAP device as you reported in another post.

You could go up the mountain ten times. Nine you will be fine and one could be a problem.

There is no prevention. The only treatment is to go to a lower level.

But Murren is not really high enough. It's around the same level as Denver.

Now, if you get up quickly you might feel a little dizzy but that's due to "thinner air."

We did a daytrip to the Schilthorn and my travel companion started to feel it after a while so down we went. There is or used to be a pill but I'm not a doctor, I just play one on television.

It is normal and common for people who live at sea level to get a little out of breath when they walk uphill at altitudes above 5,000 feet or so. Even physically fit, active people will experience this if they are not used to being at altitude.

After a few days you be more acclimated and find it easier. But that “out of breath” feeling is not altitude sickness (acute mountain sickenss). That is a totally different thing, includes symptoms such as headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dizziness and feeling of fatigue. It is unusual below 8,000 feet. Some people do experience this if they go up to 10,000 feet (such as the Schilthorn or Jungfraujoch trips).

And FWIW, most large jets are pressurized to an equivalent of 8,000 feet. So if you have not had any problems on the long overseas flight you may be reassured by that.

suzanne,

I agree with the others that you likely won't have any problems in Mürren as it's at a comfortable altitude. I'm in the same general age range as you are, and felt quite comfortable there. I've never had any issues at the Schilthorn, which is at about 10,000 feet, even after spending several hours having a fine meal at the revolving restaurant and touring the James Bond exhibits. I did experience some mild altitude effects at the Jungfraujoch (climbing stairs was more of an effort) but I was able to stay long enough to tour the site.

The pill that someone mentioned above is *Diamox" (Acetazolamide) but I very much doubt that it would be appropriate in this case, and again, that's a subject best discussed with your family physician who would be the best one to provide relevant advice for your specific situation. As with any drug, there can be side effects.

I'm remembering, I have an older friend who has issues even with a place like Denver so as usual, each to their own.

Considering that airliner cabins are pressurized at 8000 feet, if you do OK on commercial flights, you should do just fine in Murren. You may have some shortness of breath but not altitude sickness. It's no different from going to Denver.