A small memory that worked as a healer and inspiration in my life. It's astonishing to think how a memory can significantly affect my life. The Switzerland trip always comes first whenever I think about my travel experiences and memories. Today I am going to write about a key location that I visited a long time ago. For some reason, I couldn't write about it till now, the reasons are unknown. Perhaps a part of me was not ready to share about it, even though this memory is one of my key memories.
I visited Jungfrau - Grindelwald during my first trip to Switzerland, so it's been a long time since I visited this spot. Normally, people go to such a Swiss Alps spot for skiing. Anyway, it was springtime when I went there, so my experience and captures are completely different. Well, to find the precise location where I actually went, I needed to do a little bit of study. At first, I thought I was in Jungfrau, then I thought I was in Jungfraujoch, but later I figured out where I was. To understand the spots, a little bit of study is needed because these locations are all quite similar and located close to each other.
Grindelwald First
Grindelwald is a beautiful, famous alpine village located in the canton of Bern, in the Bernese Oberland region. It is one of the famous tourist locations and is known for different activities, and the First Cliff Walk by Tissot. We stayed at Malters (Swiss Village) and drove to Grindelwald, crossing Lungern and Brienz. On our way, we have enjoyed the panoramic and scenic view of Lake Lungern. It was around 1 hour, 45 minutes journey as far as I have remembered. Grindelwald is a part of the Jungfrau Region, nestled at the foot of the Eiger North Face.
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After reaching the Grindelwald area, a lot of beautiful wooden Swiss chalets welcomed me. Well, obviously, most of these chalets were hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. We then walked to the Firstbahn, from where we got our tickets to the Grindelwald First gondola (to the Cliff Walk and hiking trails). Grindelwald First is located 2,168 meters (7,113 ft) above sea level, so it took 25 minutes to reach the First Station by Firstbahn gondola.
The beginning of the gondola ride was amazing until I found out I was having breathing issues, and I have altitude sickness. The higher the gondola went, the more I had breathing issues. At a certain point, I was feeling suffocated, so I couldn't do anything except sit in the corner in the gondola. I don't know whether it was altitude sickness or something else, but it was something to me at that moment.
After reaching Grindelwald First, I needed a little bit of time to breathe and adjust before going further. I don't know what I was expecting, but obviously I wasn't expecting such sickness at that moment. Because I knew that the picturesque moment was waiting for me.
After reaching Grindelwald First, I needed a little bit of time to breathe and adjust before going further. I don't know what I was expecting, but obviously I wasn't expecting such sickness at that moment. Because I knew that the picturesque moment was waiting for me. I found a panoramic spot to sit down. The spot was at the heart of the Bernese Alps and was surrounded by a large range of mountains. The towering peaks were the Eiger, Wetterhorn, and Schreckhorn. This was the most favourite spot of my life from where I was able to visualize and enjoy the beautiful, dramatic landscape, a blend of rugged mountain landscape and green, gentle meadows.
From this point, hikers can go to see Bachalpsee lake or can take the Eiger Ultra Trail to hike. I didn't do any of these activities, I was just sitting there, wanting to experience the vastness and beauty of the Alps.
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Back then, I was dealing with a lot mentally, so hiking or doing activities was not my cup of tea. I saw many energetic tourists, hikers, but I chose to sit down in front of the large range of the mountains. Infront of me was the snowy peak of the mountains, green meadows, rugged landscape, and paragliders. Seeing those paragliders flying freely inspired me to do paragliding later during my second trip to Switzerland. My group of people went to different spots, but I was stuck at one spot. Strange, isn't it, but the spot was like a healer for me. My broken heart, soul somehow found a place to heal a bit.
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I was not alone by myself, a lot of tired tourists were sitting near me. Even though there were a lot of tourists, there was definitely some kind of calmness from where I was seeing the mountain. To be honest, I don't have much explanation about this spot. Also, these photos are not enough to describe the beauty of this spot.
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The next point was the thrilling "First Cliff Walk by Tissot"- a Narrow metal walkway. This metal walkway was suspended along the rugged cliffs and offered a picture-worthy panoramic view of alpine scenery. Located over 2,000 meters above sea level, this thrill walk reminded me of my height phobia back then. The starting point was nice, I enjoyed the jaw-dropping beautiful green meadow, pasture, and vast mountain view, but my biggest mistake was looking down. When I looked down, I couldn't move forward and stood at one point. The bridge was narrow, so there was less chance to stand at one spot due to the tourist rush. There were a few platforms with a glass surface for the tourists to take photos and experience the height of the bridge. While walking towards the photo point, one can experience a floating feeling above the valley. The entry is free, so anyone can go there.
I was not confident enough back then to do adventurous things. This cliff rock formation was interesting. Also, noticed the lock area where people lock their love.
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Did I regret not completing such a thrilling walk? No...I have no regret.
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If I pushed myself, I probably would have ended up with another memorable experience, but my health didn't allow me back then. It was fine by me, I could have done a lot of activities there, but I didn't.
Our next attraction was "First Flieger", also known as First Flyer. This is one of the popular tourist attractions and a lot of activities were offered here, like zip line (first flyer), glider, mountain cart, Trottibike, and so on. You need to book your ticket first online because spot purchase is almost impossible due to popularity. Imagine doing such activities and adventurous things in such an atmosphere!!! Amazing experiences an individual could gather.
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I have taken a lot of photos and videos here. Of course, I wanna mention Swiss cows. When I was there, I acted like I had never seen cows in my entire life, lollll... I recorded the sound of cow bells, truly amazing. Some might find that sound very annoying, but I love the sound; it is kind of rhythmic music.
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The breathtaking view of Eiger and the surrounding peaks, the panoramic mountain vista, the green pasture, and the song of cow bells reminded me of my purpose in life. Back then, I was completely heartbroken, so this was truly a life lesson getaway.
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Different people have different mindsets, and they experience things differently. Some do hiking along with adventurous activities, and some are curious. I did nothing except strolling around and sitting lazily infront of the vast peaks of the mountains. I felt calmness, I saw beauty and creation, I witnessed people, and felt the silent callings of the mountains. I guess that was enough for me to heal my heart.
I ended my trip buying some souvenirs, especially a cowbell keychain and magnets. People get annoyed whenever I use that keychain, but I don't care. As far as I am happy, nothing else matters...
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I am genuinely a lucky person because not everyone in life can experience such beauty like me. I have been to so many locations, but this area I will recall often. Especially the song of the bells (clanging), the mountains, and the green.
Thanks to all for reading and stopping. I will be back to you soon...
Love
Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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