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The shadow cross on the Jungfrau, the sun event in the Martinsloch and the Spiez shadow phenomenon – which other natural light phenomena do you know?
One of the best-known light phenomena in Switzerland is the solar event in the Martinsloch in Elm (GL), which can be admired twice a year (the next time on September 30th and October 1st, 2022).
The sun in the stone hole
But there are many more impressive light spectacles in Switzerland, such as the Mürtschenloch on the Mürtschenstock massif on the Kerenzerberg (GL) in Filzbach and Mühlehorn. Similar to the Martinsloch, the sun also shines through a stone hole in spring and autumn (November 7th to 8th, 2022). The locals also call the Mürtschenloch Stoggloch and Mürtschenfenster.
The grandmother’s hole in the Gastlosen offers a similar picture. It is located south of the municipality of Jaun, below the peaks of the Sattelspitzen, on the border between the cantons of Friborg and Bern. The light phenomenon occurs on certain days between the end of October and February.
Special shadow plays
The shadow cross on the Jungfrau also offers an impressive picture. At the beginning of October and at the end of February, the Swiss cross can be seen as a shadow cast in the Jungfrau.
Another is the Spiez shadow phenomenon from around mid-November to the end of January. The Niesen casts a huge, exactly pyramid-shaped shadow on the municipality of Spiez (BE). The best way to experience the sun and shade is behind the community hall.
On four days around June 21st (summer solstice), a narrow wedge of sunlight illuminates exactly the top part of the bell tower of the Michaleskirche in Meiringen (BE). The rising sun first illuminates the top of the tower and then descends over its north-east rim, continuing across the church roof right up to the original portal on the north side, while the surrounding area is still in shadow.
What special light phenomena do you know? Write it in the comments or send us a photo via the form.