Mürren: A Swiss Alpine Gem

• HelloGrüezi
  [groo-ay-tsee]
• GoodbyeAdieu
  [ah-dyuh]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-tuh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es een-en]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oont een-en]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fair-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [ikh merkh-tuh dee shpy-zuh-kahr-tuh zay-en, bih-tuh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-uh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Zum Wohl!
  [tzoom vohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [ikh merkh-tuh buh-tsah-len, bih-tuh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-fuh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [gay vekh]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsai]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee iyn-en ahrts]
• I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [ikh been fair-loh-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh merkh-tuh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel koh-stet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kuh-nen zee den price sen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie viel Uhr ist es?
  [vee feel oor ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [geh-stern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-tuh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-ghen]
• 1eins
  [ynes]
• 2zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [foonf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kuh-nen zee meer tsay-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nikh-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [iyn-uh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Mürren’s history dates back to the 13th century when it was first mentioned in historical records. The village, located in the Bernese Oberland region, was originally settled by Walser migrants from the Valais, who brought with them their unique cultural and architectural traditions. These early settlers established Mürren as an alpine farming community, utilizing the fertile meadows for grazing livestock.

The late 19th century marked the beginning of Mürren's transformation into a tourist destination. The construction of the Lauterbrunnen-Mürren Mountain Railway in 1891 made the village more accessible, attracting visitors drawn by its breathtaking alpine scenery. The opening of the first hotels soon followed, catering to the growing number of tourists who came for the fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.

Mürren played a pivotal role in the development of winter sports, particularly skiing. In 1924, the Kandahar Ski Club was founded here by Sir Arnold Lunn, a British ski pioneer. The village hosted the first Alpine Ski World Championships in 1931, solidifying its reputation as a premier skiing destination. The Inferno Race, one of the oldest and longest downhill races in the world, has been held annually in Mürren since 1928, attracting ski enthusiasts from around the globe.

During World War II, Switzerland remained neutral, and Mürren was no exception. The village saw a significant decrease in tourism, but it became a haven for those seeking refuge from the war-torn regions of Europe. Mürren's remote location and tranquil environment provided a safe retreat, and the local community extended hospitality to those in need.

Following the end of World War II, Mürren experienced a resurgence in tourism. The 1960s and 1970s brought further modernization, including the construction of the Schilthorn cable car, which opened in 1967. This cable car provided access to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, famously featured in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.' This exposure significantly boosted Mürren's international profile.

Despite its modernization, Mürren has retained much of its traditional charm and cultural heritage. The village is car-free, with transportation primarily by foot, bicycle, and cable car, preserving its serene alpine atmosphere. Local festivals, such as the annual Alpabzug, celebrate the transhumance of cattle and showcase traditional Swiss customs, music, and cuisine. Mürren’s well-preserved wooden chalets and picturesque landscapes continue to attract visitors seeking an authentic alpine experience.

Mürren is a charming village located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH), about 185 kilometers away. From Zurich, take a train to Interlaken Ost, then transfer to another train to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, you can take a cable car to Grütschalp and then a train to Mürren. Alternatively, you can reach Mürren by taking a bus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg and then a cable car up to the village.

Mürren is a car-free village, so transportation is primarily via trains, cable cars, and on foot. The village is small enough to walk around easily. For exploring the surrounding areas, the Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended as it covers trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland. Local transport within Mürren and connections to nearby attractions are frequent and reliable.

The official currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit more remote areas where card payments might not be possible. ATMs are available in Mürren, but withdrawing cash beforehand is advisable.

Mürren is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and the village is known for its peaceful atmosphere. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Mürren.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Mürren has a local medical facility for minor health issues, but for more severe cases, you may need to be transported to a hospital in Interlaken or Bern. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the village for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. Layering is advisable due to the alpine climate. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do be punctual, as Swiss public transport runs on a strict schedule. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (hello in Swiss German). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Swiss dishes such as fondue and raclette. Don’t rush meals; dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience Mürren like a local, take the time to enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Hiking is a popular activity, and there are numerous trails suitable for all levels. Visit the local festivals and markets to get a taste of Swiss culture and traditions. Engage with locals at community events or in cafes; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the village. For a unique experience, take the Schilthorn cable car to enjoy panoramic views and visit the James Bond exhibition at the summit.