"Tolkien's Rivendell beats Ansel Adams"
World Famous
Yosemite
USA
A glacial valley of granite cliffs, giant sequoias, and iconic waterfalls.
“72 waterfalls in one valley — Yosemite has three?”
European Alternative
Lauterbrunnen
Switzerland
A glacier-carved valley with 72 waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. Tolkien's inspiration for Rivendell.
The True Cost
Average prices from London
World
Yosemite
flight
Europe
Lauterbrunnen
train
€713
True price saved
True price reflects hidden social and ecological costs such as CO₂ and air pollution.
1.6t
Less CO₂
99%
Emission reduction
Prices are market averages, not lowest fares. Hidden costs based on CE Delft external-cost factors.
Ready to go?
Estimates from London, adjusted for current fuel prices
Yosemite
by flight · 8,481km
Yosemite
Lauterbrunnen
Why These Two?
Both are breathtaking glacier-carved valleys flanked by towering granite cliffs with waterfalls.
Travelling to Yosemite
By flight · 8,900 km
CO₂: 1,655 kg
Travelling to Lauterbrunnen
By train · 700 km
CO₂: 20 kg(99% less)
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Photo · Yosemite by Unsplash · Lauterbrunnen by Unsplash



