Over the summer the Gruyère ski resort, Moléson, sets a few dates where the lifts open early to allow visitors to view the sunrise from the top of the mountain. I have been hoping to take advantage of one of these dates for 2 years but have always missed them. I was additionally frustrated when friends of mine, who have a cello and piano band called MOON, were booked to play their music on some of the dates. Fortunately, these events were such a success that they added two extra dates, one of which was the 30th of September this year. This date was therefore set aside well in advance on my calendar.

The sunrise was scheduled at 7.27am on this date which meant I would need to get up at 5.00am. I am a morning person, but 5.00am is a bit of a stretch. I knew however that I would certainly be well rewarded and that was motivation enough. I arrived at the foot of the lifts at 6.30am when it was still quite dark. A train brought me to the mid station and then I boarded a gondola to the top. I had been to Moléson before, but I had forgotten how steep this ride was. I am afraid of heights, so this section of the ride up was not the most pleasant, particularly the moment when the gondola passes the top pylon and swings in mid air for 2 seconds – queasiness!

Once on firm ground at the top, I quickly said hello to my friends who were setting up their instruments and then climbed to the top viewing platform above the restaurant. This was of course the most crowded area of the complex as it gave the best vantage point, but I could see that there were many other spots lower down that had a clear view over the mountains. The platform was also a bit wiggly which wasn’t ideal to take pictures. So, I walked back down and set myself up on the restaurant’s outdoor patio.

I had expected it to be very cold at that hour so high up (the top of the Moléson is 2002m high), but it wasn’t too chilly after all. I had packed a thermos of hot mint tea and some gloves, so those also gave me a bit of extra warmth while I waited for the sun to appear. The buildup to the sunrise was actually a very pleasant moment. I was looking out towards the North-East over the Pre-alps (or Alpine foothills as they are also referred to), the valley was blanketed in a light mist, the mountains were still dark. The color of the sky gradually turned a light shade of pink bringing more details into focus. And in addition to this beautiful panorama, my friends’ music soothed the air and captured the peacefulness of the scene.  

Once the sun had fully appeared, most onlookers headed inside the restaurant where breakfast was being served. I was too mesmerized to move so I took advantage to have the view almost to myself. I then moved along to other viewpoints to admire the landscape. Moléson has an amazing 360° panorama looking over Gruyère and the Pre-alps to the east, over the alps and Lake Geneva to the south, the plains to the West and sometimes you can see as far as Bern to the North. It was turning into a glorious day and all around the views were stunning. A few steps away from the restaurant there are a few benches hidden behind a crest, none of them were taken so I was spoiled for choice. I sat here for a good while, finishing my tea and taking in the view. Switzerland is one gorgeous country!

Next sunrise dates

 If you would like to see the sunrise at Moléson too, here are the next dates:

Sunday 21st of October 2018

Summer 2019, dates not yet communicated

You can also check online on www.moleson.ch

At 10am I headed back down. Had I had the time, I would have happily taken advantage of being at Moléson to go for a hike or at least walk back down, there are some beautiful walks around, but I was expected elsewhere and had to go. Next time!