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Murren is a charming village with
magnificent views and is perched on a shelf of Alpine pasture forming
a balcony overlooking the steep cleft of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
It is an ideal place for travelers that wish to enjoy the natural
beauties of Switzerland. Murren faces a series of giant peaks carved
out of rock or ice: from left to right, the view encompasses the
Eiger, the Mönch, the Jungfrau, the Breithorn and the Gspaltenhorn
range. This beautiful village is completely cut off from car traffic,
and the sporting character of its ski slopes account for the popularity
of the resort.
The
development of tourism in the area was largely due to the British,
who came here at the turn of the century to indulge in their favorite
winter sports and who succeeded in recreating a cozy, congenial
atmosphere that reminded them of England. It was Murren that the
Kandahar Ski Club was founded in 1924; it was to lead to the famous
Arlberg-Kandahar competition, which is now regarded as the unofficial
world championship of the Alpine countries.
Excursion: Schilthorn
The Schilthorn is at 2,970m/9,744ft about 1hr 15min including 17min
by cablecar leaving from Murren. From the top of the peak, in a
desolate landscape of torrents and scree a panoramic view of the
Jungfrau Massif with only the Lauterbrunnen cleft between that and
the observer. Part of Lake Thun is also visible. The panoramic restaurant
is equipped with a revolving platform that does a complete turn
in 55min. This aluminium establishment with futuristic look is highly
popular on account of its exceptional location. It became known
to the public when featured in the James Bond film "On her
Majesty's Secret service".
The Schilthorn also makes an excellent day trip from major cities
of interest in Switzerland such as Bern, Thun and Lucerne for travelers
with not much time, but the desire to experience the beauty of the
Alps.
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