This is the Lauterbrunnen Valley through which the Lütschine River flows. The word "Lauterbrunnen" means "nothing but springs." It is well named. The sides of the valley are very steep, and at their bases dozens of springs rise. Their waters trickle down into the Lütschine. This waterfall is the Staubbach. This word means "spray-brook." A large brook breaks over the top of the cliff and falls 980 feet. Before it reaches the valley it is broken up into spray, hence the name. In the sunshine this spray looks like a golden veil. By moonlight it appears to be a silver veil. The Staubbach is the loftiest waterfall in Europe. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is midway between the great Jungfrau (yng´ frou) mountain and the city of Interlaken. It is one of the choice spots for tourists is Switzerland. The village of Lauterbrunnen is in the valley. In this village in midwinter the sun does not shine in the morning till 11 o'clock because of the mountains. The view shows in the foreground a bed of flowers. In the background is a snowcapped mountain peak. Vegetation does not thrive far above the floor of the valley. This is partially due to lack of soil, but is chiefly due to the cold that increases with height. The little Alpine cottage snuggles in the valley beneath the blossoming trees; yet the people who live in it can gaze on snow the year round. The Swiss are a sturdy, brave people. Perhaps they get their ruggedness of character from the rough country they have to overcome to make a living. They are surrounded by powerful countries; but, thanks to the Alps, they have been able to remain an independent republic. What countries border on Switzerland? Keystone ID: 10750 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.