Hiking in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.

Lauterbrunnen is a quaint village nestled in a valley that boasts of seventy-two waterfalls and striking views of the Swiss Alps. Of course, we had to explore it on foot.

Wengen, Switzerland: where we stayed.

This is me on our balcony and an excerpt from my journal:

"I sit here on the balcony of our hotel in Wengen, Switzerland, and I can't help but gain the clarity that comes from being away from the busyness and noise of the city, looking out at the Swiss Alps. A clarity that comes from inhaling mountain air and feeling so refreshed by it. It is moments like these when all seems right and good, when I feel completely unworthy to be on this journey, and when I find myself extra grateful for this opportunity to see the world in a new way this summer. 

While I'm grateful for being here, traveling always helps me gain clarity about home, too, and my heart is feeling extra grateful for family and friends.

These are the little moments of travel that I want to bottle up and save for a day when life seems a little bit tougher. So when I come home and have a day like that, I will take a minute to close my eyes, imagine seeing this view of the Swiss Alps, feeling the sun beating down on my skin, breathing in that fresh mountain air, and I will know that the world is so much bigger than me, and I am incredibly lucky to have each moment I am given on this beautiful planet."

***

In the Swiss Alps, we stayed most of our nights in a little town called Wengen. It's a quaint village that sits below the mountains overlooking a valley. 

 

The only way to get to Wengen is by taking two trains out of Interlaken up to the top of the valley.

We spent time hiking around the beautiful town of Wengen and the land that surrounds it.

One day, we even watched a storm come in as we were eating dinner on our balcony (luckily after our hike was over).

It was a truly marvelous place to be able to experience.

Our big hike in Switzerland// Quite possibly my favorite day of our trip so far.

We only left Switzerland on Saturday and I already miss it. The mountains do really bring a certain peace to my soul. We spent our time in the Jungfrau Region, and one day while we were there, we did a long, tough hike through the Swiss Alps. It was quite possibly my favorite day of our trip so far. The scenery was indescribable, so I'll let the pictures speak for me.

Total distance: 14.5 miles

Total elevation gain: 6949 feet

Total elevation loss: 9380 feet

I was sore for a good three days after this hike, but my spirit was renewed.

P.S. It was a bit windy, so don't mind my hair.