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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
There are few hikes which capture the essence of the Alps as this classic trail through Switzerlands most stunning scenery. As you hike there is a constant backdrop of 4000m+ peaks including the Jungfrau (4158m), Schreckhorn (4078m) and Mönch (4107m) together with the famous Eiger (3970m) and the Wetterhorn (3692m). Whilst the high mountains are an obvious drawcard, there are so many other highlights such as the sound of cowbells as you make your way along scenic paths, the picture postcard villages and towns you pass through and the wildflowers lining the trail. At night experience the engaging hospitality of the hosts in our specially handpicked accommodation and sample local delicacies.
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12kg of CO2-e PP per day
(81kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Meiringen
Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Meiringen is a charming alpine town surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush green valleys. Best known as the gateway to the spectacular Aare Gorge and the thundering Reichenbach Falls - famously linked to Sherlock Holmes. If time permits, you may wish to catch the Reichenbach Falls funicular and then hike back down or take the Gelmerbahn Mountain Cable car to gain spectacular views and enjoy a beautiful loop walk.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Hike from Meiringen to Grindelwald (5hrs)
From Meiringen take the bus to Rosenlaui (allow CHF25) to begin your hike. The trail climbs steadily through alpine pastures to the Grosse Scheidegg Pass from where you'll have a magnificent view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The descent to Grindelwald is long but on well-formed mountain paths, passing through meadows and forest before reaching this lively mountain village at the foot of the Eiger. Grindelwald is known as the 'village of glaciers' due to its location in an amphitheatre of peaks including the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Hiking: approx 14km/8.7mi, +700m/-980m Short Option: Hike to Grosse Scheidegg then by bus to Grindelwald (2.5hrs, 6.5km/4mi, +645m/-55m). There are numerous bus stops are on the way down to Grindelwald and buses run regularly.
Meals: B
Day 3
Hike via Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen (5.5hrs)
Today's trail follows the railway up to the "Kleine Scheidegg“. After a short descent to Grund (943m), continue along a steep forest track ascending to the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m), from where you continue via a sunny trail to the car-free resort town Wengen. You will either stay here or head down a further 45 minutes past the spectacular Trümmelbach-waterfall to Lauterbrunnen (797m), deep in the Loetschinen Valley (or travel by funicular). Hiking: approx 16.5km/10,3mi, 1155m/-915m Shorten: take the funicular to Alpiglen, hike to Wengen (3.5 hours, 11km/6.8mi, +475m/-795m) We recommend taking a rest day here to really appreciate the trails and attractions of the valley around Lauterbrunnen - must be requested at the time of booking.
Day 4
Hike via Brunli to Griesalp/Pochtenalp (7.5hrs)
A stunningly scenic hike today. It's a long route and we recommend taking the short-cut (see below - cable cars, trains not included) to Mürren (at 1655m). The climb from Mürren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Mostly along small paths, there's some scree up to the pass with ropes to help, and your exertions are rewarded with panoramic views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass, which is often covered in snow in summer, it is a steep and impressive descent (with stairs) into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp (1408m) or Pochtenalp for overnight. Hiking: approx +1315m/-1415m, 21.5km/13mi Optional short-cut: (recommended, especially in the event of bad weather): includes a walk or train in the valley from Lauterbrunnen then cable car up to Gütschalp and connecting train to Mürren.
Day 5
Spectacular hike across the Hohturli Pass (2778m) to Kandersteg (7.5hrs)
The ascent to the Blüemlisalp Hutt, just above the Hohturli Pass (2778m), is the most spectacular and hardest day of the trip. The trail begins along easy terrain but becomes more eroded, requiring care with your footing. After a long and steep hike up to 2843m you can enjoy an excellent meal and views at the hut on the pass before tackling the scree down. Descending on the glacier moraines, you cross the scree slopes using a series of staircases, as the gradient is very steep (trekking poles recommended). The staircases make the crossing easy, but if you experience vertigo you may have some issues here. The route down to Kandersteg is long but very beautiful. Lake Öschinen is a brilliant blue, in a dramatic setting surrounded by sheer cliffs. Continue to Kandersteg (1180m) on foot, or shorten the hike and descend by cable car. Hiking: approx. 17km/10.5mi, +1450m/-1685m
Day 6
Hike towards Bunderspitz and onto Adelboden (4.5hrs)
Take the cable car to Allmenalp to begin today's walk. From here, climb towards Bunderspitz, with expansive views across the surrounding peaks. After reaching the high point of the walk, begin the substantial descent into the valley and continue to Adelboden. Although today's distance is shorter than the previous two stages, there is still considerable ascent and descent along the way. Hiking approx. 13km/8mi +915m/-1355m
Day 7
Ascend to Hahnenmoos pass (1956m) en route to Lenk (4.5hrs)
From the pretty village of Adelboden you hike towards the Hahnenmoos pass. Wonderful views to the peak of Wildstrubel guide you down to the Simmental Valley. You will spend your last night in the Bernese Oberland in the lovely town of Lenk, which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Hiking: 14km/8.6mi, +700m/-980m
Day 8
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you need to return to Meiringen after the trip, the train takes approx. 3 hours.
What's included
What's not included
Family run guesthouses where you will be accommodated in a twin share room with most having shared bathroom facilities in the hallway. Sometimes laundry facilities are available. The atmosphere in these guesthouses is relaxed and often meals can be purchased. Communal areas are available to relax in after your walk and often there are gardens with outdoor seating. Note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
Comfortable 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. One night in Pochtenalp may be in accommodation with shared facilities due to its location and limited availability in the area.
Mainly 3-4 star hotels. Twin share with ensuite facilities. Some hotels will also offer a swimming pool, spa or sauna facilities.
The first few days, at times you will be walking along minor paved roads where you may encounter bikes and public buses. The later half of the itinerary will mostly be mountain walking trails, steep scree slopes and forest tracks. There will be road walking as you enter and exit towns & villages.
GRADE 4 - This hike involves strenuous ascents and descents each day - up to 1000m - and is only suitable for fit hikers who are surefooted and not afraid of heights. There are wooden staircases, steep scree slopes, narrow paths and steep drop offs on the main passes (Sefinenfurke, Hohturli, Bundechrinde). The staircases often have ropes to make you feel secure - the rope is not really needed but gives that extra bit of confidence to hikers. In contrast the paths over the Grosse Scheidegg, Kleine Scheidegg, and Hahnenmoos pass are well defined, sometimes on tarmac or gravel roads. Trekking poles are a great help on this hike. Those in good physical condition who take regular exercise and who have recent multi-day hiking experience, will find the challenges of the trip are matched by its rewards. Some sections can be shortened with buses, cable cars and trains if needed (payable locally).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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8Days
Moderate
11Days
Moderate to Challenging