Hotel Brunner

Meringues from Meiringen

by sandysmith

Meiringen is the birthplace of meringue, a fact which is much celebrated by the local bakeries.

Just look at the size of the one I had in a very local bakery...in the mountains during the hike with Rebibi..had to insist on 2 spoons so she could help me out.

Magisalp

by sandysmith

Magisalp is on the cable-car route up to the Alpen Tower. Its a walkers paradise here amongst the mountains and lovely views over lake Brienz can be seen too.
It looked quite different to Rebibi, the last time she had been here was in the winter when this area becomes a ski-ing stop.

Alpen Tower

by sandysmith

Alpen tower (2'245m) - take a ride up on the super fast 8-person Gondola "Eagle Express" to the Alpen tower panoramic restaurant. You need to change cable-cars at Magisalp though. Enjoy a drink or meal in the restaurant here or for the more adventurous there are many hiking opportunities.

A short visit to the Meiringen area.

by dabidc

"Weather a factor to consider."

This was the day that I was to meet Elisabeth and Remo, they drove from the Zurich area as I was travelling from Interlaken Ost by train.

We were to meet at Brunig. Then visit the Alpen Tower for the views.

The photo gives an indication of the weather conditions as my train approached Brienz, I managed to see Guissbach and the Falls from some 6 kms dustance across the Brienzesee.

Thus the photo shows the low cloud and also manages to show the extent of the waterfalls close to the hotel.

Is there a Plan B?

"We met at the station, good friends from Vt."

The train from Interlaken arrived a little late ( quiet please the Swiss trains are never late) and the platform I alighted on, its access was blocked by the train from Luzern to Inerlake. So I waited a few moments as the other train left. Yes there they were patiently waiting for me.
A treasured meeting as we renewed our friendship of some 5 years.

My bags were quickly stowed in the car and we drove to Reuti, home town for Elisabeth, to have a coffee and decide what we were going to do. No point trying to go to a view point with so much low cloud.

The trip up to the Alpen Tower could have been completed from Reuti since the Gondola was right there.

The journey can also be accomplished from Meiringen to the Alpen Tower.

The decision was made to drive the Grimsel Pass to Handeck. It appeared the clouds were breaking up. So drive down to Meringen and then climb the well engineered road to the Grimsel Pass.

At Handeck it is different world, a land of raw nature and lakes and dams to provide Electricity.

The main attraction was the Gelmersee to take the scary ride to the dam and walk a little.

"Gelmer Funicukar.Close your eyes, going down."

The ride is one that looks a bit old and scary and then you read that the slope of ascent or descent, whichever you prefer ,is 106 % steep and deep. I guess the worst part is you ride always facing the lower station, must be like parachute ride.

The return can be the same way if you are up to it, or you can hike down to the car park takes about an hour to 90 mintes.

Well we did it both ways, as did many others