Swiss base-jumping mecca unveils memorial to dead thrill seekers
The Lauterbrunnen parish has inaugurated a memorial dedicated to base-jumpers and mountaineers who lost their lives in the pursuit of adventure and adrenalin.
This content was published on
1 minute
SRF/ac
The memorial comprising two stone slabs and a plaque was unveiled at the Lauterbrunnen cemetery on Saturday. The parish had been planning to commission such a memorial for a long time. In Switzerland it is estimated that over 80 people lost their lives practicing the adventure sport between 2000 and 2020, of which almost 60 perished in the Lauterbrunnen valley.
There are several private memorials scattered across the valley that sometimes contain personal effects of the deceased like sunglasses or helmets.
“That can put a lot of strain on a place, as beautiful as it is,” Walter von Allmen, the president of the parish told Swiss broadcaster SRF. There is apprehension that the proliferation of such private memorials would portray Lauterbrunnen as a valley of death. This is what prompted the parish to commission an official memorial for victims of accidents in the mountains and valley.
The memorial is not just for base jumpers though but is meant to pay homage to all casualties of accidents in the Lauterbrunnen valley. According to the pastor Markus Tschanz, it is important for the local community to show that these deaths do not leave them indifferent.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.