Schynige Platte to Faulhorn

Sunday 22nd

Now that the nights are drawing in … It’s back to catching up on the journal . (  Blog fatigue, anyone  ? )

Planned for v early start but were in a panic on arriving at Wilderswil cos the connecting train was clearly full, and there’s a huge queue waiting too. But, bless the Swiss railways – their solution is just to add a second train for us.  ( Are you reading this, LNER ?? Trans-Pennine ??? ). It’s a beautifully preserved wooden cog-train, with unapologetically uncomfortable wooden bench seats which dip in the middle so you won’t slide off when it tips uphill. Top speed :about 7 mph. Takes 55 minutes to get to the top station. ( I’m sure Northern Rail are reading this bit).

We were heading up to a peak half way to Grindelwald, called Faulhorn. Along the route there were some surprisingly chunky areas of snow drift still around, considering how warm it was.

But however intense the physical challenge, however close to the limits of human endurance, there’s always time for a picture taken purely because of the appalling pun opportunity….

And, chortling at our own sophisticated wit, we do finally get to the top.

And there’s even a cafe there ! And a patriotic flag to salute.

Then back down to First, (second time), gives us a rather beautiful view of this small lake  …

And then a cable car / train / train / bus combo gets us home. We are really sweating the rail pass asset ! 😄