how to combine hikes & sightseeing in BO
Aug 9th, 2008, 10:34 AM
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how to combine hikes & sightseeing in BO
Help! We're leaving in 1 month with a 7 day stay in BO, based in Grindelwald. I'm having trouble getting a handle on how to combine the hikes & sights we want to do - am overwhelmed with possibilities of different combos. Can someone please advise on how to separate and/or combine this list of "to dos" with consideration for transport costs of trains & cable cars?
Hikes: Kleine Scheidegg - Mannlichen; Grindelwald - First - Bachsee; Grindelwald - First - Gross Scheidegg; Lauterbrunnen falls
Also want to explore towns: Wengen, Murren, Gimmelwald, etc.
Also want to go up to Schilthorn and also Jungfrau.
I'm trying to be efficient, economy of $$ & time. I'm willing to do some backtracking & repeating of transport if needed to do justice to these things we want to do; just wanting to avoid unnecessary repeats.
Example of 1 question: Does the trip to Schilthorn take all day, or might we combine the Murren Grutschalp hike, perhaps even Lauterbrunnen falls while on that side of valley? Same sort of inquiry re: other sights.
Hikes: Kleine Scheidegg - Mannlichen; Grindelwald - First - Bachsee; Grindelwald - First - Gross Scheidegg; Lauterbrunnen falls
Also want to explore towns: Wengen, Murren, Gimmelwald, etc.
Also want to go up to Schilthorn and also Jungfrau.
I'm trying to be efficient, economy of $$ & time. I'm willing to do some backtracking & repeating of transport if needed to do justice to these things we want to do; just wanting to avoid unnecessary repeats.
Example of 1 question: Does the trip to Schilthorn take all day, or might we combine the Murren Grutschalp hike, perhaps even Lauterbrunnen falls while on that side of valley? Same sort of inquiry re: other sights.
Aug 10th, 2008, 03:25 AM
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Hi L,
www.bahn.de or
http://www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
will give you bus and train schedules between towns.
www.bahn.de or
http://www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
will give you bus and train schedules between towns.
Aug 10th, 2008, 04:19 AM
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Hello logogm 
I will be interested in hearing about your September stay in Grindelwald. We have just returned, and are now thinking perhaps September would work best for us (crowd-wise, weather, etc.)
As for your question re Schilthorn timing, it can easily be done in combination with the hike from Murren to Grutschalp. (BTW, that is one of our favorite hikes - mostly level or downhill terrain and drop-dead gorgeous views of the glaciers. We actually did it both ways. The way to Murren you actually see the glaciers without having to look back, but then it is more uphill walking.)
During our stay (first week of August), the mornings were best for all mountain excursions. Each afternoon the skies would fill with clouds, blanketing the entire area for a couple hours before clearing.
It does take awhile to get up to the top at Schilthorn, and then if it's clear you just can't get enough of the spectacular view. Of course, having lunch in the restaurant is a must for us, and my DH always has to have the Coupe Denmark for dessert.
Happy travels!
I will be interested in hearing about your September stay in Grindelwald. We have just returned, and are now thinking perhaps September would work best for us (crowd-wise, weather, etc.)
As for your question re Schilthorn timing, it can easily be done in combination with the hike from Murren to Grutschalp. (BTW, that is one of our favorite hikes - mostly level or downhill terrain and drop-dead gorgeous views of the glaciers. We actually did it both ways. The way to Murren you actually see the glaciers without having to look back, but then it is more uphill walking.)
During our stay (first week of August), the mornings were best for all mountain excursions. Each afternoon the skies would fill with clouds, blanketing the entire area for a couple hours before clearing.
It does take awhile to get up to the top at Schilthorn, and then if it's clear you just can't get enough of the spectacular view. Of course, having lunch in the restaurant is a must for us, and my DH always has to have the Coupe Denmark for dessert.
Happy travels!
Aug 10th, 2008, 05:05 AM
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Hello Ira
There is a train (one car when we were there) at the top of Grutschalp that runs back and forth to the edge of the village of Murren (then a 10 minute walk to connect to the tram up to Schilthorn). So you can easily walk one direction the whole way, and then take the train back the other way.
I assume you know there is a tram from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp (used to be the funnicular). It is directly across from the train station and parking lot in Lauterbrunnen.
We opted not to take the connecting train from Grutschalp as we enjoyed the hike so much. There are a number of benches along the way for resting, water break, etc.
Oh, and for your picture-taking, once you get past the area where the train is, you will have an easier time of getting that perfect shot as the overhead cables from the train are now gone.
And remember there are two pathways: one for hikers and one for bikers.
One of the little houses we passed had a long line of folks, so of course we had to stop and check it out. Turns out they sell alp cheese and fresh milk from their cows! Kind of different to see people sitting on the deck while drinking milk!
Hope this helps.
There is a train (one car when we were there) at the top of Grutschalp that runs back and forth to the edge of the village of Murren (then a 10 minute walk to connect to the tram up to Schilthorn). So you can easily walk one direction the whole way, and then take the train back the other way.
I assume you know there is a tram from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp (used to be the funnicular). It is directly across from the train station and parking lot in Lauterbrunnen.
We opted not to take the connecting train from Grutschalp as we enjoyed the hike so much. There are a number of benches along the way for resting, water break, etc.
Oh, and for your picture-taking, once you get past the area where the train is, you will have an easier time of getting that perfect shot as the overhead cables from the train are now gone.
And remember there are two pathways: one for hikers and one for bikers.
One of the little houses we passed had a long line of folks, so of course we had to stop and check it out. Turns out they sell alp cheese and fresh milk from their cows! Kind of different to see people sitting on the deck while drinking milk!
Hope this helps.
Aug 10th, 2008, 06:45 AM
#7
I will be interested in replies to this as we are having a 4 day stay in Lauterbrunnen in early October and were wondering the same thing, about hiking and sightseeing without doing too much backtracking.
Swisshiker -
roughly low long does the hike from Murren to Grutschalp take? My sister's children, aged 9 and 11 will be with us. Is it manageable for all ages?
Thanks, Kay
Swisshiker -
roughly low long does the hike from Murren to Grutschalp take? My sister's children, aged 9 and 11 will be with us. Is it manageable for all ages?
Thanks, Kay
Aug 10th, 2008, 07:23 AM
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Hello KayF
The stated time on brochures and signs is 1 1/2 hours.
However, we took around 2 hours or more, just ooo-ing and aah-ing around every turn.
And yes, it's suitable for young children. There were quite a number of young'uns when we were there.
I think it's at Winteregg (one of the train stops from Grutschalp to Murren or Murren to Grutschalp) where there is a restaurant that has a playground for the children. It was fun to see the kids jumping and letting off energy - and these are the ones who were complaining about being too tired to walk the trail, lol!
Happy travels!
The stated time on brochures and signs is 1 1/2 hours.
However, we took around 2 hours or more, just ooo-ing and aah-ing around every turn.
And yes, it's suitable for young children. There were quite a number of young'uns when we were there.
I think it's at Winteregg (one of the train stops from Grutschalp to Murren or Murren to Grutschalp) where there is a restaurant that has a playground for the children. It was fun to see the kids jumping and letting off energy - and these are the ones who were complaining about being too tired to walk the trail, lol!
Happy travels!
Aug 10th, 2008, 07:49 AM
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Hi All,
ira, the Swiss rail site that you linked to above will give you the answer to your question. Just use "Grutschalp" as your departure and then either "Muerren" or "Lauterbrunnen" as your destination. You'll get the complete schedule.
Same site, in English, easier to type is
www.rail.ch
Have fun!
s
ira, the Swiss rail site that you linked to above will give you the answer to your question. Just use "Grutschalp" as your departure and then either "Muerren" or "Lauterbrunnen" as your destination. You'll get the complete schedule.
Same site, in English, easier to type is
www.rail.ch
Have fun!
s
Aug 10th, 2008, 07:58 AM
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I have been to the Berner Oberland and stayed in Lauterbrunnen quite a few times. Let me see if I can help with some suggestions.
I will start with your last question first:
Does the trip to Schilthorn take all day, or might we combine the Murren Grutschalp hike, perhaps even Lauterbrunnen falls while on that side of valley?
In a word YES. If you are staying overnight in Grindelwald, you need to drive to Lauterbrunnen, if you have a car, or take the train.
Assuming the train, I suggest a fairly early departure from Grindelwald. The trip is 35 minutes with a change at Zweilütschinen where the train bound for Interlaken stops to join with the train coming down the slope from Lauterbrunnen. You wait for the train from Interlaken headed for Lauterbrunnen.
The original train divides at Zweilütschinen with the front half going south to Lauterbrunnen and the other half turning east to Grindelwald.
Departures are at 7:50, 8:20, 8:50 ...
Once in Lauterbrunnen you walk across the street to the Luftseilbahn station and ride up to Grutschalp. From that station you can walk to Mürren. The trail is relatively flat, wide, and spectacular. The main range of the Berner Oberland is in front of you the whole way.
Once you reach Mürren you can just about explore the town while you walk to the Schilthornbahn that ascends to the top.
On the descent, stay on the same cable car and spend 10 minutes seeing the sights of Gimmelwald.
Continue the descent to Stechelberg and ride the Post Bus to Lauterbrunnen. As you approach Lauterbrunnen you pass Trmmelbach Falls (small fee) which are well worth the time and effort to visit.
They are deeply receded in the walls of the valley. There is an elevator up to the prime viewing points which are lighted.
From Trummelback, you can walk along the valley to Staubbach Falls or take the Post Bus onward to Lauterbrunnen. As you enter Lauterbrunnen, the road makes an S curve to the left by the church. Get off at the next available stop.
Staubbach Falls will be obvious.
From the Falls it is an easy walk of about 3/4 of a mile along the main street of Lauterbrunnen back to the train station.
I caution about train timing late in the day. The 35 minutes trip back to Grindelwald has its last departure from Lauterbrunnen at 18:03.
That is why I suggest an early start from Grindelwald.
For the Kleine Männlichen route, I suggest going to the crest of the Männlichen first and then walk down the trail to Kleine Scheidegg. From Kleine Scheidegg, I suggest continuing up the hills for close ups of the glacier coming off the Mönch. You can reach the crest of the ridge by taking the gondola from Grindelwald Grund. The gondola ride is spectacular and quite long. Once at the top you will have panoramic views of the whole region.
In fact, I prefer the view from up there to the Schilthorn.
Once you are at Kleine Scheidegg, you can take the fairly expensive train ride back to Grindelwald via Alpiglen.
There are some variations on this theme. If you want to see Wengen, take the train from KS to Wengen, then to Lauterbrunnen, and back to Grindelwald.
Wengen is small. There is one main street that features a top notch bakery.
The Bachsee is a minor attraction in my book, probably worth the effort to get there.
From Grindelwald take the First gondola upwards to First, which is the termina station. On the way up, get ready to take pictures of the north face of the Eiger and the Fiescherhorn, and the glaciers.
At First there is a wonderful viewing platform associated with the cafeteria. You can have some goodies to eat while you sit under an umberella and drink in that awesome view.
Unless you want to walk up to the top of the Faulhorn, which gives the most overwhelming view around, better than the Schilthorn in my opinion, I suggest walking across the meadow to Grosse Scheidegg and taking the Post Bus back to Grindelwald.
The Faulhorn is a fairly steep walk, and for the ill-conditioned it would be a real grind. Of course experienced hikers zip up there like is was easy.
I did the trip when I was younger (65) and never regretted it. From up there you can view the whole valley around Interlaken, particularly those two beautiful lakes, the Thuner See and the Brienzer See. Then to the south, you can see the whole eastern section of the Berner Oberland.
Needless to say, the panorama extends all around, 360 degrees.
The major don't as I see it is to avoid the Jungfraujoch if the day is cloudy. Clear days in the Berner Oberland come and go. When I was there in early July for 6 full days, we had clouds on 3 of them. That left only 3 days for really spectacular sightseeing.
We went up to Kleine Scheidegg from Lauterbrunnen on a partly cloudy day and got in a few good pictures of the glaciers, but clouds played tag with the mountains all day. That would NOT have been a day for the Joch. It is too expensive a trip to waste it looking at clouds from 11,500 feet.
I can see them just as well for less money.
I will start with your last question first:
Does the trip to Schilthorn take all day, or might we combine the Murren Grutschalp hike, perhaps even Lauterbrunnen falls while on that side of valley?
In a word YES. If you are staying overnight in Grindelwald, you need to drive to Lauterbrunnen, if you have a car, or take the train.
Assuming the train, I suggest a fairly early departure from Grindelwald. The trip is 35 minutes with a change at Zweilütschinen where the train bound for Interlaken stops to join with the train coming down the slope from Lauterbrunnen. You wait for the train from Interlaken headed for Lauterbrunnen.
The original train divides at Zweilütschinen with the front half going south to Lauterbrunnen and the other half turning east to Grindelwald.
Departures are at 7:50, 8:20, 8:50 ...
Once in Lauterbrunnen you walk across the street to the Luftseilbahn station and ride up to Grutschalp. From that station you can walk to Mürren. The trail is relatively flat, wide, and spectacular. The main range of the Berner Oberland is in front of you the whole way.
Once you reach Mürren you can just about explore the town while you walk to the Schilthornbahn that ascends to the top.
On the descent, stay on the same cable car and spend 10 minutes seeing the sights of Gimmelwald.
Continue the descent to Stechelberg and ride the Post Bus to Lauterbrunnen. As you approach Lauterbrunnen you pass Trmmelbach Falls (small fee) which are well worth the time and effort to visit.
They are deeply receded in the walls of the valley. There is an elevator up to the prime viewing points which are lighted.
From Trummelback, you can walk along the valley to Staubbach Falls or take the Post Bus onward to Lauterbrunnen. As you enter Lauterbrunnen, the road makes an S curve to the left by the church. Get off at the next available stop.
Staubbach Falls will be obvious.
From the Falls it is an easy walk of about 3/4 of a mile along the main street of Lauterbrunnen back to the train station.
I caution about train timing late in the day. The 35 minutes trip back to Grindelwald has its last departure from Lauterbrunnen at 18:03.
That is why I suggest an early start from Grindelwald.
For the Kleine Männlichen route, I suggest going to the crest of the Männlichen first and then walk down the trail to Kleine Scheidegg. From Kleine Scheidegg, I suggest continuing up the hills for close ups of the glacier coming off the Mönch. You can reach the crest of the ridge by taking the gondola from Grindelwald Grund. The gondola ride is spectacular and quite long. Once at the top you will have panoramic views of the whole region.
In fact, I prefer the view from up there to the Schilthorn.
Once you are at Kleine Scheidegg, you can take the fairly expensive train ride back to Grindelwald via Alpiglen.
There are some variations on this theme. If you want to see Wengen, take the train from KS to Wengen, then to Lauterbrunnen, and back to Grindelwald.
Wengen is small. There is one main street that features a top notch bakery.
The Bachsee is a minor attraction in my book, probably worth the effort to get there.
From Grindelwald take the First gondola upwards to First, which is the termina station. On the way up, get ready to take pictures of the north face of the Eiger and the Fiescherhorn, and the glaciers.
At First there is a wonderful viewing platform associated with the cafeteria. You can have some goodies to eat while you sit under an umberella and drink in that awesome view.
Unless you want to walk up to the top of the Faulhorn, which gives the most overwhelming view around, better than the Schilthorn in my opinion, I suggest walking across the meadow to Grosse Scheidegg and taking the Post Bus back to Grindelwald.
The Faulhorn is a fairly steep walk, and for the ill-conditioned it would be a real grind. Of course experienced hikers zip up there like is was easy.
I did the trip when I was younger (65) and never regretted it. From up there you can view the whole valley around Interlaken, particularly those two beautiful lakes, the Thuner See and the Brienzer See. Then to the south, you can see the whole eastern section of the Berner Oberland.
Needless to say, the panorama extends all around, 360 degrees.
The major don't as I see it is to avoid the Jungfraujoch if the day is cloudy. Clear days in the Berner Oberland come and go. When I was there in early July for 6 full days, we had clouds on 3 of them. That left only 3 days for really spectacular sightseeing.
We went up to Kleine Scheidegg from Lauterbrunnen on a partly cloudy day and got in a few good pictures of the glaciers, but clouds played tag with the mountains all day. That would NOT have been a day for the Joch. It is too expensive a trip to waste it looking at clouds from 11,500 feet.
I can see them just as well for less money.
Aug 10th, 2008, 12:24 PM
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Thanks for everyone's interest and suggestions! Getting input from Fodorites is always so helpful.
Swisshiker: thanks for confirming Schilthorn can be combined with Murren - Grutschalp so easily. I had read that the direction Grutschalp to Murren was best because you are facing the mountains. It's such a special hike, perhaps we could do it both ways (we do have 7 days here!) Also, thanks for warning re: biker path (almost got run over in some places by not appreciating this separation)
Bob Brown: Thanks for all the detail. Will make a note to remember last train Lauterbrunnen back to Grindelwald is at 6 pm.
Also to Bob -- Re: KS - M hike: my initial stab at a routing was reverse from yours (i.e., Grindelwald to KS via train, then hike to M, then cable car back to Grindelwald from there. I'm wondering if there is a preferred direction to this hike for best view.
Also to Bob: to include Wengen, your routing (Grindelwald to M via cable car, hike to KS, train from KS to W, then train back to Grindelwald via Lauterbrunnen) is different from my first attempt. Mine: Grindelwald to KS to W via train, Wengen to Mannlichen via cable car, M to KS hike, then KS back to G via train. Maybe it's more $$? Or is your routing for purposes of combining Lauterbrunnen on same day? If so, my thought there was to save Lauterbrunnen + falls for cloudy day option (another thing I read somewhere).
Bob, Re: First hike: Definitely won't do Faulhorn. Your routing, First to Grosse Scheidegg, confirms what I had in mind. (Will reconsider Bachsee for now).
Have your ever gone by train from Grindelwald to Winderswil to Schynige Platte? Have read about wonderful views here.
Swisshiker: thanks for confirming Schilthorn can be combined with Murren - Grutschalp so easily. I had read that the direction Grutschalp to Murren was best because you are facing the mountains. It's such a special hike, perhaps we could do it both ways (we do have 7 days here!) Also, thanks for warning re: biker path (almost got run over in some places by not appreciating this separation)
Bob Brown: Thanks for all the detail. Will make a note to remember last train Lauterbrunnen back to Grindelwald is at 6 pm.
Also to Bob -- Re: KS - M hike: my initial stab at a routing was reverse from yours (i.e., Grindelwald to KS via train, then hike to M, then cable car back to Grindelwald from there. I'm wondering if there is a preferred direction to this hike for best view.
Also to Bob: to include Wengen, your routing (Grindelwald to M via cable car, hike to KS, train from KS to W, then train back to Grindelwald via Lauterbrunnen) is different from my first attempt. Mine: Grindelwald to KS to W via train, Wengen to Mannlichen via cable car, M to KS hike, then KS back to G via train. Maybe it's more $$? Or is your routing for purposes of combining Lauterbrunnen on same day? If so, my thought there was to save Lauterbrunnen + falls for cloudy day option (another thing I read somewhere).
Bob, Re: First hike: Definitely won't do Faulhorn. Your routing, First to Grosse Scheidegg, confirms what I had in mind. (Will reconsider Bachsee for now).
Have your ever gone by train from Grindelwald to Winderswil to Schynige Platte? Have read about wonderful views here.
Aug 10th, 2008, 12:40 PM
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I agree that it is best to take the walk FROM Mannlichen TO Kleine Scheidegg. You are looking straight onto the glaciers this way. I'd say probably 90% of people do it this way. (Of course, I like it better too because it has less uphill hiking - okay, I'm a wimp when it comes to any kind of uphill hiking. This is very gradual but enough that my Texas flat walking legs can feel it, lol).
We like to take it mid-morning, then we stop for lunch at Eigernordwand Restaurant (just before the KS station). Try to snatch one of the outside cliff's edge tables. Whoa honey, great views to eat schnitzel by!!)
Now, re the Schynige Platte excursion - terrific! But that train is slow (it's old and it's steep, very impressive, but it takes 50 minutes to get to the top). Sitting forward, there will be views of the lake on the left going up. Have your camera ready when you come thru the tunnel at the top on the right side. Those mountain peaks will thrill you beyond compare!!!
Once up top, on a clear day, the views are outstanding. You look across the valley directly at the Eiger, Monch, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, etc. There's also a great view of Interlaken and -- is it Lake Brienz? - I can never remember which one it is, but it's got that beautiful glacier blue.
Take time to have a sundae or snack or lunch at the outdoor restaurant. Try the meringue glace. Yum!
You can hike (steep steep) up to the peak from there, and you are rewarded with a terrific lake view and mountain vista. There is also an alpengarten, where they have planted lots and lots of wildflowers, all named on a sign post. (Be sure to see the clusters of edelweiss. I never can find those on trails but they've got them here.)
Don't do this on a cloudy day, though. You won't see a thing.
We like to take it mid-morning, then we stop for lunch at Eigernordwand Restaurant (just before the KS station). Try to snatch one of the outside cliff's edge tables. Whoa honey, great views to eat schnitzel by!!)
Now, re the Schynige Platte excursion - terrific! But that train is slow (it's old and it's steep, very impressive, but it takes 50 minutes to get to the top). Sitting forward, there will be views of the lake on the left going up. Have your camera ready when you come thru the tunnel at the top on the right side. Those mountain peaks will thrill you beyond compare!!!
Once up top, on a clear day, the views are outstanding. You look across the valley directly at the Eiger, Monch, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, etc. There's also a great view of Interlaken and -- is it Lake Brienz? - I can never remember which one it is, but it's got that beautiful glacier blue.
Take time to have a sundae or snack or lunch at the outdoor restaurant. Try the meringue glace. Yum!
You can hike (steep steep) up to the peak from there, and you are rewarded with a terrific lake view and mountain vista. There is also an alpengarten, where they have planted lots and lots of wildflowers, all named on a sign post. (Be sure to see the clusters of edelweiss. I never can find those on trails but they've got them here.)
Don't do this on a cloudy day, though. You won't see a thing.
Aug 10th, 2008, 08:17 PM
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I think your routing accomplishes the same thing. I was trying to avoid one of the expensive legs of the trip, but yours is probably more convenient.
Schynige Platte is a fun trip from Wilderswil. I suggest not going on a weekend, however. If the day is clear, people flock up there in the afternoon and things get full of people.
In fact with seemingly 80% of the group wanting to go back at the same time, the trains could not handle the load. The schedule went out the window. We finally got down, but later than we had hoped. No consequences, however.
One thing about Schynige Platte, you can see the lakes on either side of Interlaken very clearly from there.
There is no other viewing area other than the Faulhorn that gives quite the same perspective.
One excursion you have not mentioned, and one that is worth while, if somewhat difficult, is the Eiger North Wall Trail. It enables the visitor to get up close and personal with that seemingly vertical cliff.
The trail starts at Alpiglen and ends near the Eigergletscher Station on the Jungfraubahn. The fare from the Eigergletscher station back is on the same basis as other fares in on the various trains that lead up to Kleine Scheidegg.
Above the Eigergletscher, the price escalates rather sharply.
At one time or another I think I have ridden all of the cable lifts and mountain trains in that area.
Any combination that will get you to your preferred destination will work.
Both Wengen and Mürren are clusters of hotels, a few apartments, and a few stores.
People actually live in Lauterbrunnen year round, so the stores there are more geared toward a permanent population.
Grindelwald is much the largest of the group with luxury facilities, fancy stores, and a much larger shopping street.
Schynige Platte is a fun trip from Wilderswil. I suggest not going on a weekend, however. If the day is clear, people flock up there in the afternoon and things get full of people.
In fact with seemingly 80% of the group wanting to go back at the same time, the trains could not handle the load. The schedule went out the window. We finally got down, but later than we had hoped. No consequences, however.
One thing about Schynige Platte, you can see the lakes on either side of Interlaken very clearly from there.
There is no other viewing area other than the Faulhorn that gives quite the same perspective.
One excursion you have not mentioned, and one that is worth while, if somewhat difficult, is the Eiger North Wall Trail. It enables the visitor to get up close and personal with that seemingly vertical cliff.
The trail starts at Alpiglen and ends near the Eigergletscher Station on the Jungfraubahn. The fare from the Eigergletscher station back is on the same basis as other fares in on the various trains that lead up to Kleine Scheidegg.
Above the Eigergletscher, the price escalates rather sharply.
At one time or another I think I have ridden all of the cable lifts and mountain trains in that area.
Any combination that will get you to your preferred destination will work.
Both Wengen and Mürren are clusters of hotels, a few apartments, and a few stores.
People actually live in Lauterbrunnen year round, so the stores there are more geared toward a permanent population.
Grindelwald is much the largest of the group with luxury facilities, fancy stores, and a much larger shopping street.
Aug 10th, 2008, 09:54 PM
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Let me also confirm that the Murren- Schilthorn deal can be done more easily than a slick politician can tell another lie. And that is easy
The Murren to Grutschalp walk can be combined with additional walks or connections up to the Shilthorn.
I would suggest that you just spend a day in Murren. By doing this, you can do that Murren- Grutschalp walk and then possible do some sort of excursion to the Schilthorn.
Your seven day stay in Grindelwald opens up many many good outdoor walking and scenery excursions. I think you have made a fine choice by basing your trip from Grindlewald.
One of the most imprtant things that I or anyone could tell you is to get started as early as you can. If you want to check out Wengen or Murren area from a Grindlewald base, then let me assure you that it can most certainly be done providing you get started early. Early is the key. It is the various cable connections that can eat up time. To me, geting started early is the key in doing some your activities.
What I have told you has worked well for me down through the years. I wish you all luck.
BTW, be sure to stop in the tourist office at the Grindlewald train staion and get as many maps, both free and paid maps as you can. There are maps that have hiking suggestions with times and information on various cable connections that transport a person to and from different areas.
I always enjoy the First to Grosse Scheidegg walk. I have done this several times and to me is much fun. Once in Grosse Scheidegg, you can take a post bus back to Grindlewald
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The Murren to Grutschalp walk can be combined with additional walks or connections up to the Shilthorn.
I would suggest that you just spend a day in Murren. By doing this, you can do that Murren- Grutschalp walk and then possible do some sort of excursion to the Schilthorn.
Your seven day stay in Grindelwald opens up many many good outdoor walking and scenery excursions. I think you have made a fine choice by basing your trip from Grindlewald.
One of the most imprtant things that I or anyone could tell you is to get started as early as you can. If you want to check out Wengen or Murren area from a Grindlewald base, then let me assure you that it can most certainly be done providing you get started early. Early is the key. It is the various cable connections that can eat up time. To me, geting started early is the key in doing some your activities.
What I have told you has worked well for me down through the years. I wish you all luck.
BTW, be sure to stop in the tourist office at the Grindlewald train staion and get as many maps, both free and paid maps as you can. There are maps that have hiking suggestions with times and information on various cable connections that transport a person to and from different areas.
I always enjoy the First to Grosse Scheidegg walk. I have done this several times and to me is much fun. Once in Grosse Scheidegg, you can take a post bus back to Grindlewald
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Aug 10th, 2008, 10:14 PM
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Bob Brown mentioned the walk from Alpligen up to the Eiger glacier station. I have thoroughly enjoyed this hike on some past trips. It is not easy and good quality hiking shoes-boots are needed, the views are just wonderful!! The biggest part of your time, you will be in the shadow of the Eiger. When you get up close to the top, then you have the opportunity to get back out in the sunshine where excellent views of the Eiger glacier can be had. As I said, I love this hike!!
Once at the Eiger glacier station you can take the train back down to Kleine Scheidegg where connections to Grindlewald and Wengen can be made
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Once at the Eiger glacier station you can take the train back down to Kleine Scheidegg where connections to Grindlewald and Wengen can be made
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Aug 11th, 2008, 10:58 PM
#18
Can I add my thanks as well. I find this all a bit confusing, maybe it will make more sense when we are there. And figuring out whether to buy a Swiss Pass of some kind....that's a pain in the a...!!
Kay
Kay
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