The Bernese Alps is a mountain range in the Swiss Alps, which connects the peaks of Jungfrau and Mönch. It is accessible only certain times of the year by a railway that slowly makes its climb to the top; sometimes traveling underground. It is the highest railway in Europe at 11,371 feet.
When we were a short distance from the top, the train stopped for a few minutes to allow us to acclimate to the high elevation. The amount of time was surely insufficient for when we arrived at Jungfraujoch, we were clearly not ready for the lightheadedness, the shortness of breath, and feeling as if our limbs didn’t belong to us!
We slowly climbed (and I mean SLOWLY) to the vantage platform hoping to see the spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier with Jungfrau in the distance. However, as we stepped outside, we were surrounded by grey clouds and cold whistling winds. I made my way to the railing and kneeled down to sprinkle some of Dave’s ashes into the void. Needless to say, I was disappointed not to be able to document another beautiful place for Dave. I knew it was such a special place—even if I couldn’t see it.
As we were lining up to head down the mountain, I turned around and was shocked with what I saw through the window. In a brief moment, the grey clouds disappeared, the sun brilliantly lit the area and opened up the most amazing view. It instantly brought tears to my eyes as I was sure I was seeing a pathway to heaven. THIS is where Dave’s ashes are. Such magnificence! I was given this exquisite moment for Mother’s Day.
Thank you, Dave, for that much needed message.
As we rode back down the mountain and absorbed the grandeur of the Swiss mountainside, we reveled in the beauty of lovely little Swiss towns with thundering waterfalls as backdrops. The snow capped mountains completed the picture-perfect scenes. I knew Dave would forever be a part of this beauty and I smiled.
We were staying in the town of Interlaken and decided to take a cable car up to Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s hometown mountain. It was quite a steep climb to the top where we were greeted with beautiful panoramic views of Jungfrau, Mönch, and the town of Interlaken. At an elevation of “only” 4,337 ft., we were able to freely move about the area. Although not as spectacular as Jungfraujoch, this was definitely a scenic charm and another worthy place for Dave.
Between Jungfraujoch and Harder Kulm, I couldn’t ask for more beautiful places for Dave. He would have loved Switzerland.
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