Grindelwald Hiking - discover the spectacular Bernese Oberland, where the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks dominate the landscape and overlook green valleys and shimmering glacial lakes. This tour brings you from anywhere in Switzerland (Geneva, Zurich, other) by rail pass and back and in between gives you the chance to explore the best of this region. You can spend several hours each day hiking as well as traveling the brilliant transport system to see some of this wondrous beauty. Stay in the charming village of Grindelwald just at the foot of the Eiger range and a short distance from Interlaken. The hiking is from 4-6 hours per day leaving time to explore the charming villages you will pass and to use your included rail pass. You can even ride to the Jungfraujoch on a spectacular cogwheel train ride to this perched station built into and on top of the saddle between the peaks of Jungfrau and Monch.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Grindelwald
With your 3 day Swiss Rail Pass, you can arrive anywhere and make your way to Grindelwald. From Zurich or Geneva you have many options that pass through Interlaken. From Interlaken you change to reach Grindelwald. You have a choice of hotels in Grindelwald, see details in the price section below. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will receive your Jungfrau pass and can start your week long hiking odyssy.
Day 2 | First Hiking Day - 4 hours
Take the gondola lift right out of Grindelwald to First and follow the Flower Trail to Bachalpsee and then the two lakes and on to Waldspitz. This part is 2 hours and is one of the most scenic and popular hiking routes. You can choose to do a short hike to Bort and return by gondola to Grindelwald or hike to Grindelwald for a total of 4-5 hours. Or, from Waldspitz go on to Bussalp adding a solid 2 hours hiking and then return by bus to Grindelwald. Places to eat or picnic possible. Breakfast included at the hotel, dinner and lunch on your own. (B)
Day 3 | Hiking Alongside Grindelwald Glacier -3-5 hours
From Grindelwald, take the gondola lift Pfingstegg up to your hiking point. A spectacular hike along side the Grindelwald Glacier with picnic spot and return takes 3 hours. Return by Gondola, or add a hike along the mountain side down toward Grindelwald, meet the bus to return to town center. Back to your hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 4 | Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe + Hiking 3-6 hours
Start on the Mannlichen cable car and hike for an hour along a famous trail that puts all 3 peaks (Monch, Eiger, and Jungfrau) in view throughout. At Kleine Scheidegg you can hike a little further up along the Eiger Glacier. Board the Jungfraujoch at either point and enjoy a spectacular view. (jungfraujoch.ch) Return down to Eigergletcher and take the option to hike down 3 more hours or return all the way on trains/lifts. Jungfraujoch: by train through the Eiger North Face up to 11,000+ ft. See the Sphinx Terrace, Husky Dogs, Ice Palace, Plateau, Toporama Cinema. Return to hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 5 | Off the Beaten Path - 6-7 hours
After breakfast take the first train to Wilderswil and up to Schynige Platte. Then its off along a fantastic view route of 6 hours to First. The trail overlooks a tall ridge above Interlaken and Lake Brienzersee. At First you can descend to Grindelwald by gondola. Return to hotel, dinner on your own. (B)
Day 6 | Get High on the Marmot Trail - Option to Schwarzhorn at 2928 meters - 6-7 hours
Take the bus up to Grosse Scheidegg to start this hike, from here you have several options. With a pair of binoculars you can spot game on this route, mostly marmots, but possibly the elusive chamois. An optional route to climb up to the highest point in this tour adds several hours of hiking but is worth it. Return to First or Bort and descend to Grindelwald by gondola. (B)
Day 7 | Departure Day
All good things come to an end! With your rail passes, it is time to leave but not without some great souvenirs of classic Switzerland!
Options: we provide some options/suggestions for days you may want off due to bad weather or other which include going to Interlaken, riding the train to Lauterbrunnen, and visiting the water falls at Stechelberg.
Details
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Dates: May through September 2008
Accommodation: [Virtual Hotel Tour] Your choice of lodging - price of the package goes with the option you select; prices are per person based on double occupancy:
Hotel Kreuz & Post - nice hotel very well situated near the train station for easy access; this hotel is a great value. 1150 CHF low season and 1409 CHF high season.
Eiger - very charming hotel located in the center of town about 500 meters from the train station. Typical and charming Swiss style family run hotel. 1120 CHF low season and 1379 CHF high season.
Kirchbuhl - charming hotel located slightly outside of the town center on the slopes above town. Very typical and charming Swiss style chalet. 1090 CHF low season and 1285 CHF high season.
Grand Regina - most deluxe hotel in town with wellness and fitness services; it is located just across from the rail station for easy access. 1755 CHF low season and 1779 CHF high season.
Hiking: This program is an independent self guided package. There is no support included. We don't believe it is necessary and so is not priced into the program. The locals speak good English and the tourist office can help with questions and suggestions for additional visits or suggestions on easier or more technically challenging routes. This program is "assembled" with what we know to be excellent hotels in good locations - typical and accessible, and some of the best hiking routes among a seemingly limitless number of trail options. Participants are not restricted to the routes we suggest; but the routes we suggest are based on local experience as "must see" as well as meeting a moderate criteria for fit people with some hiking experience. The suggested routes are therefore classified as moderate to challenging based on options chosen, but travel over well marked and maintained trails; no technical skills required. Terrain is moutainous and elevation changes require very good fitness.
Trains: all train travel is covered by unlimited use passes. Note the cogwheel train is a very short train and climbs steep terrain. Not recommended for persons experiencing vertigo at high places. Only exception to passes is the Jungfraujoch which requires a supplement over the pass.
Trip includes: 6 nights lodging, breakfast daily, Swiss Rail 3 Day Pass - 2nd class, Jungfraubahnen 6 day pass, hiking map with suggested hikes, Grindelwald Guest Card, suggested visits and full travel planning services. Price is per person based upon double occupancy.
About the Sports Center: every hotel guest receives a Guest Card that provides for free admission to use the Grindelwald Sports Center (swimming pool, ice rink, sauna, steam bath, weight room. Discounts to events and weekly activities (ex. guided cheese tasting/visit) are also covered by the Guest Card.
Other Notes: The Jungfraubahnen Pass is good for 6 days and covers all cable cars, buses, and trains in the Jungfrau region. A supplement is required if you go all the way to Jungfraujoch; the only exception. |
