A Swiss Adventure
Touring and hiking
Faulhorn hut
First
cable car station
Our adventure began at the First cable car station, a scenic spot
just above Grindelwald. The weather forecast predicted a day of rain, but we
weren’t deterred. Armed with waterproof jackets, a sense of excitement, and a
bit of uncertainty about what lay ahead, Julia and I set off into the misty
mountain landscape, ready for the overnight hike from First to the Faulhorn
hut, nestled high in the Bernese Alps.
The rain started as a light drizzle, making the grass glisten, the
air smell of fresh earth, and the world around us feel like something out of a
dream. The path wound its way along ridges and meadows, offering fleeting
glimpses of the jagged peaks looming through the clouds. Despite the rain, the
hike was beautiful. The sound of our footsteps merged with the rhythm of
raindrops pattering against rocks and our jackets.
At times, the mist closed in so thickly that the surrounding world
disappeared, leaving just the two of us walking through a silvery veil. It was
serene, almost meditative, the quiet interrupted only by the occasional cowbell
chiming somewhere in the fog. We passed a few fellow hikers, their spirits just
as damp as ours but equally determined to press on.
As we made our way toward the Faulhorn hut, trudging through the
mist and rain, something unexpected brightened our spirits—a sudden rustling in
the bushes just off the trail. Julia was the first to notice, stopping
mid-stride and pointing with a soft, “Look!” There, not more than a few meters
away, stood a mountain fox.
It was a beautiful creature, its thick coat damp from the rain, a
mix of orange, white, black and brown that blended almost perfectly with the
surrounding rocky terrain. Its eyes, bright and alert, locked onto ours for a
moment, assessing us as much as we were captivated by it. Time seemed to slow
down, the rain still falling in a steady rhythm, but for that moment, the fox
became the center of our world.
We stood still, not wanting to spook it. The fox seemed to sense we
meant no harm, and after a moment, it continued its business, sniffing the
ground, possibly looking for food. It was surprisingly calm, as though it was
used to the presence of hikers along the trail. The creature’s sleek form moved
gracefully, its paws barely making a sound as it stepped over wet grass and
rocks.
Bachalpsee
Lake
For a few magical moments, we were able to observe it, fascinated by
how perfectly it fit into this alpine environment. Its bushy tail swayed gently
behind it, and its coat looked so thick and warm that I almost envied it in the
chilly, wet conditions. The rain, which had felt like a burden just minutes
before, seemed to enhance the scene. The misty atmosphere, the dripping leaves,
and the soft gray light created an ethereal backdrop for this wild encounter.
Then, just as quickly as it appeared, the fox gave one last glance
in our direction before slipping away. We watched as it disappeared into the
mist, leaving us with a sense of wonder. There was something magical about
seeing this wild creature so close and in such a remote, mist-covered setting.
It felt like a gift from the mountains themselves, a reminder that this rugged
landscape was home to more than just dramatic vistas—it was alive with
creatures that thrive in its harsh beauty.
As we continued our hike, the encounter stayed with us. We spoke
about the fox for the rest of the day, marveling at how it had emerged from the
fog as if it had materialized just for us, a moment of wild beauty on a
challenging, rain-soaked journey. It added a sense of magic to our trek to the
Faulhorn hut, a memory that stood out amid the rugged terrain and wet
conditions.
The trail to the Faulhorn hut is known for its stunning views, but
on that day, it was more about the journey than the vistas. The steep sections,
made slippery by the rain, slowed our pace, but we embraced the challenge,
knowing that we were heading toward a cozy mountain refuge. There’s something
intimate about hiking in the rain—it makes you more aware of the immediate
environment, the texture of the path beneath your boots, the smell of wet grass,
and the camaraderie that develops when you’re both braving the elements
together.
Faulhorn hut
After several hours of steady trekking, we reached the Faulhorn hut,
a welcome sight through the mist. Perched at 2,681 meters (8,796 feet), it felt
like a remote outpost at the edge of the world. We were greeted by the dry hut,
a stark contrast to the damp, cold world outside. Inside, the atmosphere was
cozy, with other hikers drying off and enjoying hot meals. We settled in for
the evening, grateful for the comfort.
Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
Eiger,
Mönch, and Jungfrau
We woke early the next morning to one of the most spectacular
sights: the sunrise over the Swiss Alps. As we stepped outside, the world had
transformed. The rain had cleared, leaving behind a perfect morning of deep
blue skies and crisp mountain air. The horizon was painted in shades of pink
and gold as the first light of the day hit the surrounding peaks. It was an
unforgettable moment. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau stood proudly against the
sky, their snow-capped summits glowing in the early light. We stood in awe,
watching as the sun slowly illuminated the mountains, the valleys below still
in shadow, creating a stunning contrast.
Faulhorn hut
After a quick breakfast, we began our hike toward Schynige Platte.
The trail was completely different from the day before. Where we had walked in
fog and rain, now we had clear, unobstructed views of the mountains and valleys
stretching out in all directions. The terrain was more forgiving too, with
gentle rolling hills and rocky paths leading us along a ridge with panoramic
vistas.
The Faulhorn hike is famous for a reason. Every step felt like
walking through a postcard—lush green meadows dotted with alpine flowers, sharp
mountain ridges, cows grazing and their bells ringing, and crystal-clear lakes.
At times, we could see all the way down to the shimmering waters of Lake
Brienz, the turquoise color contrasting beautifully with the surrounding peaks.
As we made our way closer to Schynige Platte, the path became more
rugged. We crossed rocky outcrops, skirted the edge of cliffs, and climbed
steadily down. The effort was well worth it. Every few minutes, we’d stop to
marvel at the ever-changing views. The weather remained flawless, and the clear
skies provided us with perfect views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau
throughout the day. It was hard to believe that just 24 hours earlier, we had
been hiking through rain and fog.
Despite the elevation and the distance, the second day felt easier,
perhaps because of the inspiring scenery around us. Every step felt lighter,
energized by the beauty of the landscape. We took breaks to simply sit and soak
in the views, the silence of the mountains only broken by the occasional sound
of a bird or distant cowbell. We even stopped at the Berghaus Männdlenen hut to
drink coffee.
Reaching Schynige Platte felt like the perfect conclusion to our
two-day adventure. The views from the plateau are famous, and with the weather
on our side, we could see for miles in every direction. The charming little
mountain train station, perched at 2,000 meters, was a sight to behold. It was
a delightful mix of alpine tradition and Swiss engineering, with a train ready
to take us back down to civilization after our journey.
Looking back, the contrast between the two days—one shrouded in rain
and mist, the other under clear blue skies—made the experience even more
memorable. The mountains had shown us two different faces, each beautiful in
its own way. Hiking from First to Faulhorn and on to Schynige Platte was an
adventure we’ll never forget, a journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps
that reminded us of nature’s power, beauty, and unpredictability. The memories
of that sunrise over the mountains and the endless views will stay with us for
a lifetime.