Page 538 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

May-Oct, to 6pm Jul & Aug), (Staubbach Falls; h8am-8pm child Stechelberg–Schilthorn
a 30-minute walk south Jun-Oct) inspired both return Sfr102/51).
of the centre. A footpath Goethe and Lord Byron
weaves through tunnels to pen poems to their
hacked into cliffs veined ethereal beauty. Today the 9 Schilthorn
with pink and green postcard-perfect village, There’s a tremendous
marble. It’s justifiably a nestled deep in the valley 360-degree, 200-peak
popular spot for canyon of 72 waterfalls, including panorama from the
and bungee-jumping the Trümmelbachfälle 2970m Schilthorn (www.
expeditions. (Trümmelbach Falls; www. schilthorn.ch), best appreci-
Grindelwald is out- truemmelbachfaelle.ch; adult/ ated from the Skyline
standing hiking territory, child Sfr11/4; h9am-5pm), viewing platform or Piz
veined with trails that attracts a less highfalutin Gloria revolving res-
command arresting crowd. taurant. On a clear day,
views to massive north Hikes heading up into you can see from Titlis
faces, crevasse-filled the mountains from the around to Mont Blanc,
glaciers and snow-capped waterfall-laced valley and across to the German
peaks. High-altitude include a 2½-hour uphill Black Forest.
walks can be reached by trudge to car-free Mürren Some visitors seem
taking cable cars from and a more gentle 1¾- more preoccupied with
the village. hour walk to Stechelberg. practising their delivery
In winter, you can glide of the line, ‘The name’s
SWITZERLAND 37 THE SwISS ALPS
54 p539
past frozen waterfalls Bond, James Bond’, be-
The Drive » From on a well-prepared 12km cause a few scenes from
Grindelwald, follow the signs to cross-country trail. On Her Majesty’s Secret
Lauterbrunnen, which is 20km Service were shot here
(15 minutes) away by car. The Drive » From in 1968–69. The Bond
Lauterbrunnen, head to
Stechelberg (10 minutes, 6km), World 007 interactive
8 Lauterbrunnen where you’ll leave the car (paid exhibition gives you the
chance to pose for photos
parking available) and take the
Laid-back Lauterbrun- cable car to Schiltorn (adult/ secret-agent style and
nen’s wispy Staubbachfall

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:
WINE TIME
The canton of Valais, which features so much of Switzerland’s stunning Alpine
scenery, is also the largest and best producer of wine in the country, so sampling it
in situ at the end of a day’s driving is a great idea.
Drenched in extra sunshine and light from above the southern Alps, much of the
land north of the Rhône River in western Valais is planted with vines. Unique to the
Valais are the bisses (narrow irrigation channels) that traverse the vineyards.
Dryish white Fendant, the perfect accompaniment to fondue and raclette, and
best served crisp cold, is the region’s best-known wine, accounting for two-thirds
of Valais wine production. Dôle, made from Pinot noir and Gamay grapes, is the
principal red blend and is full bodied, with a firm fruit flavour.
When ordering wine in a wine bar or restaurant, use the uniquely Swiss approach
of deci (decilitre – ie a 10th of a litre) multiples. Or just order a bottle…

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