Mürren: Eiger, Mönch und Jungfrau. Photo/ Foto: TES

Mürren, Slalom, James Bond, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

As we know, the British introduced climbing the highest peaks in Switzerland from 1850 onwards. They have always remained successful in this sport, which is in stark contrast to skiing, although the British were also pioneers in this sport.

Arnold Lunn (1888-1974) founded today’s slalom skiing. The first race occurred in 1922 in Mürren (canton of Bern). His premise was clear: it is not about style but speed. Downhill time was the only criterion for determining the winner.  He put it as follows:

The object of a turn is to get around a given obstacle, losing as little speed as possible.  ‘Therefore, a fast, ugly turn is better than a slow, pretty turn’.

The slalom at the Lauberhornrennen in neighbouring Wengen has continued this tradition since 1930, only lacking English winners (except for 1930). True, Englishmen invented the slalom as an (Olympic) sport, but they have never been successful after 1930.

Sir Arnold Lunn, knighted in 1952 for his merits in English-Swiss relations, is still honoured in Mürren.

Mürren is at 1650 altitude and overlooks the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Another English gentleman was also present in this area.

The Schilthorn and restaurant Piz Gloria know all about it. James Bond, alias 007, was also active in other parts of the country and lived there for decades. He found his resting place in Crans Montana (canton of Valais).

Drawing at the train station from Grütschalp to Mürren and the cable car from Lauterbrunnen  

One of the world’s steepest cable cars from Stechelberg to Mürren

English visitors still flock to Mürren in large numbers and for good reasons.

Hotel Eiger in Mürren

Impressions of Mürren