Hi, again
Anybody have ideas how to optimize this rout: Axalp-Hinterburgseeli-Giessbach-Iseltwald? The start-off point of the rout is Grindelwald...
My idea is that it’s best to set out to Brienz on a bus (are there any without a change from Grindelwald or I will have to switch to another bus in Gr.Scheidegg? (unfortunately, www.gindelwaldbus.ch is only in German)). Also, I think it's optimal to incorporate a drop-off at the Reichenbachfalle so that other days might be a bit unloaded. Then bus to Axalp. Area sightseeing and hiking to Hinterburgseeli, then return to Axalp to go down to the Giessbach hotel and on down to the pier to board a boat with a stop-by in Iseltwald and further to Interlaken (on a boat or bus). From there train to Grindelwald.
Also, is there any opportunity to leave bikes (locked) in First so that we might hike to the Bachalpsee (of course, another day )?
I would very much appreciate your comments and remarks.
Thanks again

Your questions leave me somewhat confused. Why the hell do you want to 'sightsee' at Axalp?

Basically it is doable. Here is the link for the bus schedule Grindelwald - Grosse Scheidegg - Meiringen:
http://www.grindelwaldbus.ch/seiten/...g%20Sommer.htm

Yes, you can get off the bus at Reichenbach waterfall and walk from there to Meiringen (or take the small funicular down). There you need to take a train to Brienz and from there a bus to Axalp if I recall correctly. But you can check schedules yourself at www.sbb.ch

I don't know about bike lockers at First, but I believe you can simply put them somewhere beside the gondola station and lock them to each other. Nobody will steal them, I am sure.

Ingo,

thank you very much for your help
...Axalp pics seemed to me very appealing with the pinetrees on the way to Giessbach. Besides, the only way to get to Hinterburgseeli is from Axalp.

You can also hike to Axalp from Grindelwald, leaving from the top of the First gondola and heading toward the Bachalpsee. There is a signed junction with the trail to Axalp. I haven't done it, but my hiking book says it is 10 km with a gain of 300 meters and a drop of 900 meters.

Use the sbb.ch site for bus routes. Put in your dates to get the summer timetables.

I assume you'll be renting bikes. Make sure they give you a lock and chain so you can lock up your bike. Don't worry about lockers.

And remember: there are lots of bikers in Switzerland. In fact, you'll be biking in a biker's paradise. You won't be alone doing your bike route. Bikers are very friendly and many can speak some English. Anyone will be glad to help you along the way.

Also, since the weather can change quickly, bring rain clothing.

When will you be going? You've been planning your trip for sometime now.

Let me suggest you start the hike at First because the gondola ride up there is an eye popper. I still remember my first trip up in 1998, and I still get a thrill from it!

Once at Iseltwald, you can ride a bus to Interlaken Ost.

I do not recommend the hike to Iseltwald however because it is a long, steep downhill drag. You need good knees.

Coming the other way you have a long climb. Unless you are in good shape, I don't recommend a 2,800 foot ascent in a short linear distance.

I have done 3,500 in my younger days, at a topout of 14,000 feet, but I worked hard to get in shape.

There are better hikes for the same energy.

If you want a long one that is filled with beauty, hike from Schynige Platte to First. That trail is a classic in the Berner Oberland. You can see the lakes on either side of Interlaken, and also look at the highest peaks of the Berner Oberland.

If you want to expend that level of energy, why not take a really spectacular hike and go from Pfingstegg up the Rots Gufer, ladders and all, to the shelter facility and stay overnight.

I quit when I saw the Rots Gufer, but I had not lived to be 69 by being stupid.

At 39 I would have tried it.
But that was when I was scrambling up fourteers in Colorado.

Thank you all very much for your replies.
Yes I am planning my trip to be started late July. In the Axalp area I am planning to hike not bike.
Regarding one of my biking days... I will put a new post on that.

Thanks