Swiss base-jumping mecca unveils memorial to dead thrill seekers
SRF
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.
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
UBS releases ‘hundreds’ of staff in fresh wave of job cuts
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
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.