Grindelwald Trail

DAY 1

Arrive Interlaken

Interlaken is a well-known tourist destination located in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. It is easily accessible by train from both Zurich (2hrs 15mins) and Geneva (3hrs) - both involve one change of train usually in Bern. There are low cost flights from the UK/Europe to both Zurich and Geneva. Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It is surrounded by the three mountain peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Overnight: Interlaken Hotel - Hotel Derby - BB

DAY 2

Train to the Schynige Platte and walk to Faulhorn

Today starts with a spectacular train ride via Wilderswil to the top of the Schynige Platte. Dramatic views all around to the trio of mountains - the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. The walking is spectacular along the high route to the mountain guesthouse on the peak of Faulhorn.

Walk: 11 km, 4.5hrs, 800m ascent / 100 m descent

Overnight: Berghotel Faulhorn - DB&B

The Faulhorn mountain hotel is the highest hotel in Switzerland, it is situated on top of a mountain so its very remote. The mountain hotel is basic but offers traditional hospitality, food and rewarding views. Please Note: No luggage transfer is included today.

DAY 3

Walk to Grindelwald

Todays walk heads down from the mountain to your destination of Grindelwald. The first stretch of today’s walk heads down to Lake Bachsee - a famous sight with a backdrop of the Wetterhorn peak. From here there are a couple of walking options down to Grindelwald both with fabulous views over to the north face of the wetterhorn - one of most difficult walls to climb in the Alps.

Walk: 20 km, 6 hrs, 100m ascent / 1750m descent

Overnight: Grindelwald Hotel - Waldhotel Bellary - B&B

DAY 4

Walk to Kleine Scheidegg

Today you climb quite a steep ascent with striking views across to the Eiger which towers above your head. Its worthwhile taking the short detour to visit the impressive gorge called Gletscherschlucht. You can take the train up to Kleine Scheidegg if you are disinclined to walk a section.

Walk: 10 km, 4.5 hrs, 1140m ascent / 100m descent

Overnight: Kleine Scheidegg Hotel - Hotel/Restaurant Bahnhof - DB&B

DAY 5

Rest day in Kleine Scheidegg

Have a rest on the mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg or experience one of the many walks on offer. One of the most spectacular ones takes you along the foot of the Eiger North face up to the Eigergletscher station where you can travel back to Kleine Scheidegg, you may be in luck and see a team of climbers on their way up the vertical cliffs of the Eiger.

Walk: Ranging from 5 - 10km, 2 - 4.5hrs, 100-750m ascent / 170 - 850m descent depending on walk.

Overnight: Kleine Scheidegg Hotel - Hotel/Restaurant Bahnhof - DB&B

DAY 6

Walk to Murren

Today you head down following the railway line to the village of Wengen and further on to Lauterbrunnen at the bottom of the valley. Its worth taking a short detour to visit the highest waterfall of the region before you start the short ascent to Murren. The village of Murren will be your base for the next 2 nights and offers a lot of entertainment but is still traditional and is completely free of cars.

Walk: 18km, 6.5hrs, 840m ascent / 1250m descent

Overnight: Murren Hotel - Hotel Bellevue - B&B

DAY 7

Rest Day in Murren

Today can be a rest day or we suggest climbing up to the Schilthorn a mountain which has become famous all over the world as its where the James Bond Film ‘On her majesty’s secret service’ was filmed. There is a revolving restaurant and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can then take a cable car back down to your Hotel in Murren.

Walk: 7 - 10km, 4.5 - 6.5hrs, 960m ascent / 1340m descent

Overnight: Murren Hotel - Hotel Bellevue - B&B

DAY 8

Onward Travel

You can take the train from Murren to Grutschalp where a cable car runs down to Lauterbrunnen. Continue on the train to Berner Oberland Bahn to Interlaken Ost where the trains now connect to Bern and onwards to Basel of Zurich/Geneva.

Grade & Fitness

This walking tour is graded Easy to Moderate.  Many of the walks are through mountain valleys at the foothills of the Alps.  There are always shorter options and on some sections you can use cable cars to make the day easier.  You should be a regular walker and have a good level of walking fitness to get the most from this holiday.

Navigation

The routes on this holiday are way marked some of the time so you will need to follow the route notes with maps that we provide at your first hotel.  If you are unsure of a turn then you can always go back to the last note to make sure you are on the right track.

Availability

This holiday is available to start any day between the 25th June and the 17th Sep.

Accommodation

We specifically select your accommodation to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. They all offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We aim to give you an authentic experience and use local family run accommodations in a mixture of Hotels, guest Houses and one Mountain Hotel. The hotels are generally chalet types with wooden interior which are typical of the region.  The guest houses and mountain hotels will have shared facilities.

Alternate accommodation

During high season, you might be booked into a different accommodation which is not listed in the description, and the start or end of some of your walking routes may be slightly altered. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same standard as those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.

Solo Walkers

This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.

Meals

A delicious breakfast is included each morning and an evening meal is included on 3 nights. Most accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch - this should be requested on arrival. Or you can pick up lunch in the village or stop along the trail. 

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.  Please note on Day 2 your accommodation is very remote and luggage transfer will not be provided on this day.  You will need to carry a day pack with overnight essentials.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Getting to Interlaken

Interlaken is located in the Bernese Oberland between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and can be accessed by the following transport:

By Air - You can either fly into Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport (both in Switzerland). Many low cost and charter airlines fly from both the UK and Europe.

From Zurich - You can take a train from Zurich to Interlaken - (approx. 2hr 15mins, usually involving a change in Bern) Train schedules can be found on the Swiss Rail Network.

From Geneva - You can catch a train from Geneva to Interlaken - (approx. 3hrs usually, involving a change in Bern) Train schedules can be found on the Swiss Rail Network.

Getting from Murren

From Murren you can take the train to Grutschalp (15mins) and then take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. From here you can catch the train back to Interlaken where you can connect to Zurich (2hrs 15 mins) or Geneva (3hrs).

Please check the Swiss Rail network for up to date timetables.

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is graded easy to moderate so you will enjoy the holiday more if you already enjoy an active lifestyle.  Most of the paths are easy to follow and although undulating in parts the paths are generally easy.  Walking each day is between 2 - 6 hrs.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

You can fly into either Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport in Switzerland, check out the travel details section for more detailed information.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this holiday is extremely popular especially as the season is short (June - Sep).  You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack, warm clothing in the early/late part of the year and hats etc during the summer. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.  

When is the best time of year?

The best months for walking are in the summer months between June and September when the wild flowers are in bloom and the weather is generally fair.

This holiday is available to start from 25th June - 17th Sep.  To make a provisional reservation select "Book". Option & Extension prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.

Because every holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:

• You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
• We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
• If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.