Take the Sunbelt cablecar from Kandersteg, the same one as for the Gemmi Pass walk and within minutes you will be at six and a half thousand feet, almost unable to take in all the wondrous sights around you. We have found it best to have a day wandering around the Spittelmatte quite separate from the day we walk up to Gemmi Pass, otherwise you will never get to the pass. The distraction of the flowers prevents quick progress. So we allow ourselves the indulgence of a day just to enjoy the flora of this very special place.
The Kandersteg to Sunbuel cablecar holds up to 45 people.
Spittelmatte, an old summer pasture, high in the mountains.
Sometimes it is the profusion of a particular species that catches the eye.
Sometimes it's the mixture of species growing side by side.
And sometimes it's a bunch of gentians like this, that won't let you pass without photographing them.
Oh, it's them gentians again! You've just got to photograph them!
Auricula, or Bear's Ear. Lots of them growing, again, quite close to the snow line.
Anemones, suffering a little from a damp day.
Globularis
Water Avens
Bird's Eye Primrose, or Primula Farinosa
Gentians and Primula Farinosa
Globe Flowers
Time for a break. It can be hard work this flower photography!
Oxlip
Soldonella, can be found immediately where the snow has just melted, often on the edge of a receding patch of snow.
Oh, those gentians!
More Globe flowers, millions of them!
Pansy
At the southern end of the Spittelmatte there is a collection of small lakes. They are made up of melt water from the snows, so depending on the time of year and how much snow there was the previous winter there may be up to three of them and there may be none at all. They go under the collective name of Arvenseeli.
Globe flowers.... again.
Verticillate Lousewort
It would be a lot easier if these flowers didn't grow so low down.
More of Arvenseeli
I had to finish with this portrait of a trumpet gentian... I love 'em!
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