Switzerland Day 4: The Swiss Alps

On day four of our Switzerland trip, we headed to the Alps! Our cousin Willy drove us up there through winding roads and past a beautiful lake. We parked in Grindelwald and took a ski lift to the top. There we had lunch with the three peaks of the Monch, Eiger, and the Jungfrau as our backdrop.

The road to the Alps was wondrous.

On our way to Grindelwald for lunch!

Although breathtaking, the photos just can't capture how awe inspiring the view was. Your mind can't quite wrap around how high you are compared to the miniature houses and farms below. The weather could not have been more perfect if it tried. I'm not sure what to tell you about. We just soaked up the view and admired the beauty of the immense landscape. As the day progressed the clouds slowly came down like a curtain over the mountains eventually covering the peaks. 

After lunch we drove down through Grindelwald. I love the architectural style of the Swiss chalets. The wood carvings on the exteriors just seem like home to me. I love the craftsmanship that is involved with the ornate wood carving. 

A thunderstorm ended our time in Grindelwald and we drove back to Bern for a nice afternoon nap. I think later that evening we went for a walk around the neighborhood to stretch our legs. 

Switzerland Day 2: Buren an der Aare

On our list of "must see" places was Buren an der Aare, the birthplace of Stotzer. We woke up early and drove out to meet the lovely people in charge of the archives at town hall. While we were there, we met other Stotzers and learned the history of the town and its inhabitants. We come from a long line of farmers and metalworkers or schlossers. Downtown is only has about a one block radius that is surrounded by farm land. I loved the colors and architectural details.

Illustrated Map of Old Town

Mold from creating the town's bell for the clock tower which includes all the families' crests.

Detail of the bell mold with the Stotzer family crest. It is the arrow between two stars and above three hills.

Original clock gears for the clock tower.

We had lunch down by the river Aare by the historical covered bridge. The weather couldn't have been nicer that day. We soaked in the view and digested all the new knowledge of where we came from. 

Down town as seen from the window of town hall. One of my favorite things in Switzerland were the arched walkways.

The most elaborately decorated building was that of the police station and jail. 

Interior of town church with the pipe organs and elaborately carved ceiling.

Ceiling of town church