Above the clouds

The “Nebelmeer” (lit. sea of cloud, known in English as a cloud inversion) is a fabulous meteorological phenomenon at this time of year, caused by a band of dense cloud sealing cold air beneath it in alpine valleys. A low level of air movement in the earlier parts of the day allows the morning dew to form cloud, then stay low in the valleys due to cooler temperatures.

This particular weather usually leads locals and savvy visitors to jump in the car or onto the most convenient cable car or funicular to head up above the clouds and enjoy the glorious day which usually accompanies such conditions. There’s even a saying: “unten grau, oben blau”. (Below, grey; above, blue.)

If you’re ever in the lowlands of Switzerland near a mountainous area and wake up to a foggy morning, check the webcams of nearby peaks and head up and out!