Eiger Tadasana. 
Switzerland June 26 - July 2, 2011
Hiking
Prices from TBA
"The scenery from Grutschalp to Murren becomes continuously wilder, more astonishing. The passengers rise involuntarily from their seats and, intoxicated with wonder, seek to assimilate the undreamt-of, magnificent spectacle..."
Written in the late 1800's by a Swiss railway inventor, those words are every bit as true today. Murren is spectacular, stunning, extraordinary! All superlatives apply!
This picturesque alpine village perched on
a south-facing ledge over the Lauterbrunnen Valley offers the finest
views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks that dominate the Berner
Oberland.
Inhabited for over 700 years, car-free and boasting a population of 350, Murren is the highest year-round inhabited village in the Berner Oberland. Filled with bakeries, cafes and folks with walking sticks, Murren offers alpine charm, pure mountain air, one of the quietest places on the planet, clearly marked walking paths through wildflower-laden meadows and Swiss cow pastures, past plunging waterfalls and views, views, views!!
Murren is listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See
Before You Die, in the 2003 New York Times bestselling
book of the same name written by Patricia Shultz. "Stupendous
scenery and the world's most dramatically sited revolving restaurant"
are the words she chose to describe this tiny mountain village location
for our yoga retreat.
Our
yoga retreat in Switzerland will include a daily, early morning,
energizing Kripalu Yoga class specially designed to prepare our
bodies for a day of walking and hiking in the Swiss Alps.
Each hatha class will feature an invigorating
pranayama component, postures selected to stretch out hamstrings,
calf and quadricep muscles, as well as a series of twists to loosen
the spine. Our intention for the morning practice will be to get
our bodies ready to explore the trails that give access to the wonders
of the Berner Oberland.
The
afternoon yoga practice will be more inwardly focused. Restorative
postures, light stretching, meditation, centering pranayamas iRest yoga nidra and
deep relaxation will help us wind down after a day of exploration.
We will offer some special sessions during the program including a foot massage workshop. You will learn to give and receive a soothing foot massage that you can practice the rest of the week and take home with you.
The Kripalu Yo
ga
style of yoga accommodates all levels of flexibility, strength and
experience. Beginners are welcome.
Climate
The unique climate of the Swiss Alps makes mock of long-term weather predictions. Typical June weather is highly variable. In the same day one might expect to need suncreen and a rainjacket, shorts and a wool sweater. In June 03, 04, 05, 06 & 08 we experienced warm, sunny days in the high 70's and cool evenings in the low 50's. However, we were prepared for rain, as well as the extremes of snow and night-time temperatures as low as the high 30's. current weather
Accommodation
Our
homebase will be the centrally located Sportchalet which arguably
offers the finest views in all of Murren. The south-facing balconies
provide magnificent unobstructed views of the snow-covered Eiger,
Monch and Jungfrau glacial peaks. 
The
pleasant, meticulously clean chalet accommodates up to 50 people
in sunny and cheerful double rooms with very nice hall baths. Single
supplements are available.
All
meals are provided at the chalet in the hearty Swiss tradition.
Vegetarian options will be available. On hiking days, a sandwich
buffet will be spread after breakfast so we can prepare our sandwiches
just as we like them. Beer and wine are available at dinner for
an extra charge.
Included
- Transportation by train from Interlaken
- 6 nights' shared accommodation (single supplements available)
- 3 delicious (vegetarian option) meals/day
- Transportation and admission fees for all excursions: Schilthorn, Lake Brienz Boat trip, Trummelbach Falls, all hiking trips
- Daily Kripalu yoga classes, plus special sessions
- Goldpass to use indoor pool at the Sportzentrum
Excursions
Murren is a walker's paradise! A unique combination of cablecars, funiculars and trains create
a boundless variety of experiences ranging from scenic strolls on
level walking paths to challenging hikes up the side of the numerous
mountain peaks. Each participant will receive a pass for unlimited
travel on all the transport facilities in the area.
A trip to Murren would not be complete without
a visit to the Schilthorn. Brought to world attention
when it was chosen as the site for filming dramatic scenes from
the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the
Schilthorn summit (at 9,804 ft) offers a thrilling 360 
degree
panoramic view of snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, green meadows
spotted with alpine villages and an occasional hang-glider silently
soaring past.
Another
day we will enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Brienz,
situated in the foothills of the Alps. Docking in Interlaken, which
means "between the lakes" the ship will stop for us explore
the quaint village of Iseltwald, to see the magnificant waterfalls
in Geissbach, and to visit the town of Brienz, famous for woodcarving.
The exceptionally spectacular Trummelbach
Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley drain the melt from the
mighty Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau glaciers. Inside the mountain and
accessed by a lift, they are the only interior falls in Europe open
to the public. Pulsing and pounding through narrow chutes at a rate
of 20,000 liters per second, they provide a humbling glimpse of
nature's power.
After visiting the falls (and perhaps enjoying a cappuchino and
pastry in the nearby cafe) we'll walk alongside the icy gray river
past the famous Staubach Falls, that inspired Goethe
in 1779 and still descend over the sheer cliff face, to pleasant
Lauterbrunnen.
Another day we'll walk the Wildflower Trail through meadow after meadow carpeted with the most amazing display of alpine wildflowers, many of which are protected. In mid-June the wildflowers are at their peak! This is Julie Andrews - aka Maria vonTrapp - country beckoning us to twirl and sing, "The hills are alive..."
Along the way, we'll stop at the "kase-hut", the cheese making house, to watch the villagers make cheese the same way it has been done for centuries past.
Murren has a great Sporszentrum sports complex with a beautiful indoor pool which you can use to your heart's desire with the Goldcard Pass, which is included with your trip.
Transportation by mountain railway, funicular, cablecar, boat and local bus is provided for all excursions. Admission fees are included in the cost of the program.
Not included
Murren offers an assortment of outdoor activities. Para-gliding, mountain bike rental, tennis and squash can all be arranged at an extra charge. The Sportzentrum has a hot tub and sauna which can be reserved at a discounted rate with your Goldcard pass. A variety of health and wellness services including massage, shiatsu and cranial sacral balancing are also available. Services may vary from year to year. Appointments may be scheduled upon arrival.
Airfare to Switzerland and ground transportation to Murren are not included.
Sample Daily Schedule
| 6:30-8:00am | Kripalu Yoga postures & pranayama |
| 8:00-9:00am | Breakfast |
| 9:30am-1:00pm | Adventure - hiking |
| 1:00-2:30pm | Lunch |
| 2:30-5:00pm | Adventure - hiking |
| 6:00-7:00pm | Restorative yoga |
| 7:00 | Dinner |
Some Comments from 2006 Trip Participants:
Very impressive, professional, well organized program. Precise
cueing (verbal cues). Grateful for consideration of everyones varied
level of yoga. Food and accommodations excellent. Good ratio of
hikes, relaxation and yoga. Also permission to do as little or as
much as you like. Terrific role models. Wonderful examples for novice
"want-to-be's". Anne, Norwich, Ontario
Wonderful program. Excellent organization. Very good excursions.
Accommodations were clean and comfortable. The best views from your
room in the world. The best air in the world.
Gunilla, Columbia,
MO
Great organization to accommodate all! Full program and time to relax or not. Always an activity to enjoy the great outdoors. Sigrid, Clifton, NJ
I had an awesome time! There was a good balance of yoga & activities. The places that were chosen showed the best of what the area had to offer. Kelly, Montreal, PQ
There
were so many wonderful experiences in the program it is difficult
to focus on all of it at once. I liked sharing meals together. Both
of you are friendly and easy with us. I would certainly always remember
the experience as very special. Linda, Orlando, FL
Stimulating! Although I was probably the least experienced in the practice of yoga, I found the classes excellent in terms of following directions of movement, especially breathing!! The hiking was beautiful, and the hikes just right in terms of length and difficulty when led by the program directors. Berny, Wanaque, NJ
Some Comments from 2005 Trip Participants:
Excellent!
Wonderful, peaceful experience. I do feel transformed after this
trip. Shamira, Toronto, Canada.
I loved everything -- the yoga really
helped my flexibility and strength; the hikes -- all so wonderful
and varied; the millions of wildflowers -- so vibrant and exhuberant;
the power of the waterfalls. Learning to just BE in the moment!
Ingrid, Madison, WI
A
terrific combination of yoga, breathing and exploration of an idyllic
alpine community. Donna, Madison, WI
Very exhilarating! Elly, New Brunswick, Canada
I loved the schedule. Great allowance of time to do stuff. Not too much in one day, yet wonderful plans to do lots. Marvelous! Karene, Columbia, MO
Ahhhh... The location for this location is incredibly delicious! I can't wait to return. Vielen Danke to Ken & Kathleen. Donna, Texarkana, TX
Blissful immersion in Swiss culture. Considerate, warm, caring leaders made me feel a part of a holistic, spiritual experience. Anne, Winnepeg, Canada
A great week in all respects. June, NYC, NY
Some Comments from 2004 Trip Participants:
The
trip was the absolute best of my entire life and I cannot wait to
do it again next year! I loved the yoga and all the extra trimmings!!!!
Are we going to Corfu next year?
Donna, Texarkana, TX
In Switzerland I discovered heaven on
earth with the "Yoga in the Swiss Alps" program. This
trip touched my heart and soul -- and my body. Life really is perfect!
Ann, Columbia, MO
Murren is a holy site... the weather changing from moment to moment. A journey to remember. Bob, SLC, UT
Everything was wonderful -- no worries. It is such an incredible experience to float through beauty feeling suspended in time. Kelly, Charlottesville, VA
The Switzerland experience was like being on a cloud above the world. Total peace and serenity. You both make everything so nurturing for the body and mind. Murren: majestic mountains, neat tidy gardens, beautiful cows, neat tidy trains, very comfortable accommodations, very good food, and a very interesting and fun group of people. My biggest problem is deciding which weeks I can spend with you next summer!!! I would love to go back to Tuscany and Switzerland and go to Corfu too! Kathy, Boca Raton, FL
It is an especially spectacular place.
I would love to come back.
Charlene, Phoenix, AZ
A safe way to be a tourist -- with nice people, well-organized touring and enough free time for individual interests. The balance of yoga with the rest of the program was good. Sarah, SLC, UT
