In reviewing previous posts, it looks like the train/gondola system can be quite confusing? I am English-speaking female travelling solo. Will I have any problems getting around? I will fly into Geneva, spend a couple days in Annecy France, and then the rest of the time in Gimmelwald Switzerland. I would like to do alpine walks/hikes, go to Murren and the Schilthorn. This will be mid-June.

What type of footwear and clothing will be required in the mountains at that time of year? Is it easy to find your way along the hiking trails?

Has anyone been in the area on the day the cattle go up the alp from Gimmelwald? Is this usually mid-June?

Thank you for any advice.

Hi Syv,

You'll have a lovely time in Gimmelwald; it's quite easy to get around and to hike on your own.

The transport system is very, very easy. First, get all the details for your trip at the Swiss rail site,

www.rail.ch

It will tell you exactly what time/s your train/s will leave and where to change and which track your train/s will be on. Just follow the directions and look for the track numbers, and you'll be fine.

You would really have to work at it to get lost while hiking! You can get cheap hiking maps at the tourist info offices or put down about 20 chf for a detailed hiking map of the area. But all you really need to know is your start point -- there are yellow signposts for hikers all over the trails that give you not only the direction but also the time needed to do the walk.

I always layer clothing for mountain trips because you can never determine exactly what's going to happen. Last year, there was a big dump of snow in May, for example. So bring some light sweaters, then a vest or cardigan, and then a raincoat with liner. Then, you'll be ready for all situations and will be able to pile on for cold & wet weather or peel off for warm & dry. Be sure that your footwear is sturdy and waterproof for trails that could be muddy.

Good luck!

s

Here are a few hiking links for that area:

http://www.myswissalps.com/berneseob...ng.asp?lang=EN

http://www.gimmelwald.com/hikes.html

Have you ever looked at this area on GoogleEarth? It's amazing! You can even see many of the hiking trails.

Swandav is really right about layering. We were actually snowed on last July 5 at Manlichen just above Wengen.

I would not worry about getting around.

Gimmelwald is a very small place down the hill from Mürren.

The best way to get to Gimmelwald from Interlaken Ost is to take the train from Lauterbrunnen. Then take the Post Bus from the train station to the valley station of the Schilthornbahn near Stechelberg. It is a regular bus stop and the cable car is timed to the bus.

The first stop on the cable car is Gimmelwald. You actually must get off the car you were riding in because the cable line makes a very sharp turn to the right. (When ascending.) Passengers going higher move to another car and continue to Mürren and those going to the Schilthorn change again. No biggie just walk from one car to the other.

You will find that there is quite a bit of English spoken in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. In my experience, just about all of the ticket sellers for the trains and the cable lifts speak enough English to get the job done.

I don't think the gondola system as you call it is all that confusing.
There is a Luftseilbahn that takes passengers up to a station called Grutschalp where a tramway type of train takes th riders onto Mürren.

A Luftseilbahn is a cable car that is a big cabin. A true Goldelbahn is a string of smaller cabins that run continually. Each cabin holds 4 adults in comfort.

The Schilthornbahn that ascends from Stechelberg goes to Gimmelwald, Mürren and the Schilthorn. You reach it by Post Bus as I said, or hike a few miles along the valley floor.

Let me suggest one nice walk from Gimmelwald, which is the only reason I ever saw to go there. From the cable car station, take the trail with the signs pointing to the Kilchbalm. It is a deadend cirque where there was once an alpine glacier. The trail ends against the mountain walls that rise around you. Often there will be snow and ice well into the summer. Waterfalls pour off the cliff faces in many places.

Once when we were there cows were grazing over a wide area. In fact we had to walk around them to reach the end of the valley. (Just watch your step.)

If the day is clear, you can look behind you (going in) and see the Jungfrau rising majestically behind you.

I like this trail because it penetrates into the heart of the mountain world without involving ice climbing or grabbing a cable for safety.

There are some other more challenging hikes in the area.
If you want a real leg burner, tackle the Sefinenfurka. I had it on my list but got too old to do it.

Thank you very much for the helpful replies. Sounds great.

Bookmarking - thanks!

My husband and I had a wonderful experience in this area last summer, and I may add you are in good hands with all that have posted to you. They helped me with all and the train was especially easy. Take a coat, we about froze up on the mountains....we stayed in Wengen and it was just beautiful, stayed at the Caprice hotel and I can't say enough good things about the hotel, and the food was wonderful as well.

The train/gondola system is anything but confusing. Well, I guess it could be for someone who was traveling to Murren-Gimmelwald for the first time, but hear me now and hear me well,. It will be confusing for ohhhh, let's say 10 minutes. Then it will be a piece of cake. There are several nice walking excursions. My favorite is the stroll from Murren over to Winteregg. It is a stroll, but really delightful stroll. I see Bob Brown has posted yet another fine post filled with good hiking suggestions. That Kilchbalm hike is good one for sure. One of my favs!

Be sure to also check out the i office for hiking information.

As for clothing, someone said layers. Pack a sweater, some pullover type stuff. You know turtlenecks or something warm, but pack short sleeve stuff also. Get some good shoes or boots made for mountain hiking.

Lots of luck. You should have a great time!