For the first time in its 110-year history, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 (24-28 May) will exhibit A Swiss Sanctuary, commissioned by Switzerland Tourism and created by Lilly Gomm. The brilliant young garden designer found inspiration in the rich Alpine flora that runs riot in the meadows above the car-free village of Mürren (1650m).

High up in the beautiful Bernese Oberland, spring arrives late. June is the ideal month to explore this magical landscape and enjoy Mürren’s famous view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau dominating the verdant Lauterbrunnen valley, Tolkien’s model for Rivendell. The weather is perfect, with snow on the summits and warm temperatures lower down, for pleasant hiking and flower gazing.

Mürren’s Flower Trail, a gentle 2km walk with 150 indigenous flower varieties on display, is a delightful opportunity to admire many of the plants seen at Chelsea’s Swiss Sanctuary in their natural habitat. Reach the start in half an hour on foot (or 5 minutes by funicular) from the village to the Allmendhubel (1920m) where the inviting Panorama Mountain Restaurant is a delightful place for lunch with views from every table. See: https://schilthorn.ch/en/Info/Allmendhubel_1907_m_._6257_ft

Mürren’s cliff-edge perch is a springboard for rewarding walks on well-marked trails over open meadows and in the cool of the forest. Alpine roses and orchids cover the hillsides, and the music of cowbells and rushing waterfalls fills the air. For a big day out, explore the wilderness of the Upper Lauterbrunnen valley, pausing to picnic on a grassy plateau known as Tanzbödeli (dance floor), seemingly suspended in mid-air. After a refresher at the Obersteinberg mountain hotel, press on for Oberhornsee lake, with peaks and glaciers reflected in the ice blue water. For those who prefer to walk with the assistance of gravity, Mürren’s cable-cars are there to take the sweat out of a mountain holiday. The spectacular cable-car excursion to the Schilthorn (3000m) is not be missed, for the views and free attractions such as the exciting Thrill Walk at Birg (2670m) and the world’s definitive 007 exhibition, Bond World, at the summit station. Settle in to enjoy the panorama from Piz Gloria’s revolving restaurant with a Martini cocktail or a 007 Brunch.

Hotel Alpenruh offers double rooms from £275 (CHF332) for 2 sharing. The price includes a return transfer by cable-car from Stechelberg and a return ticket to the Schilthorn. Breakfast is also included and can be taken in the hotel, on the terrace or in the revolving Piz Gloria Restaurant at the Schilthorn.