Wengen sunrise

On Friday morning I woke early at our hotel in Wengen, a small village overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley, and walked to the Mönchblick viewpoint as the sun was illuminating the high peaks. I waited almost an hour for it to reach down into Lauterbrunnen before heading back to breakfast. I was treated to a spectacular view of major peaks like Mönch and Jungfrau, and their neighbors Silberhorn and Breithorn, as well as the pretty town of Lauterbrunnen down in the valley, with its famous Staubbach Falls glistening in the morning sunlight. Be sure to check out the gallery, because the small photo here will not do that morning any justice.

The summit of Mönch was just visible over the ridge behind Wengen – which is why this trail out of Wengen follows the cliff around the bend to a point where the summit becomes visible. (Mönchblick literally means Mönch view.)

The paired summits of Jungfrau and Silberhorn were crystal clear in the morning light; the side-light of the sun providing good contrast. I especially like the smooth symmetry of Silberhorn.

Between Mönch and Jungfrau it was easy to spot Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe (complete with hotel, restaurant, and science/weather station).

Further to the right was the summit of Breithorn, and some other summit whose name I did not catch.

Down in the valley you see the village of Lauterbrunnen, and its pastures further up valley. Right beside the village is the famous Staubbach Falls; I waited almost an hour for the sun to rise high enough to illuminate those falls. Later that morning we would visit those falls.

During my walk to/from the viewpoint I encountered a super-friendly three-legged black cat – not sure if that’s an omen or a positive sign – and enjoyed viewing the decorative touches local people add to their homes or barns.

Be sure to check out the gallery; look closely at the summit of Mönch for a surprise – two tiny people standing on top!