Swiss Alps | Stepping Outside

Aare Gorge Walk, Meiringen

Emma — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 18:49:35 +0000

The Aare Gorge, a short walk from Meiringen, weaves through limestone cliffs, which are almost 200 metres deep. A platform footpath runs just above the roaring river, between the West and East entrances of the gorge.

Start and End Location: Car Park at Input Aareschlucht West, a 20 minute walk from Meiringen
Time: Gorge Walk is 40 minutes; 2 hours total time, including the journey back to Meiringen
Facilities: Toilets, shops and a café at the entrance
Grade: Easy
Notes: There is a small entrance fee. Details can be found here
Dogs must be kept on leads throughout the walk

After paying the admission fee, the path weaves through a series of caves to reach the start of the gorge. The metre-wide wooden platform follows the edge of the river and occasionally passes through caves.

As the gorge widens, the platform pathway climbs up to the exit. From here you can either retrace your steps back to Meiringen or take the train.

To take the train, exit the gorge, turn left and then bear right to follow the road downhill. Turn left at the footpath. Go down the steps and cross the bridge. Follow the footpath around to the left. Straight ahead you’ll see a metal door with two buttons on the wall. Push the button for Meiringen. The train may take up to 20 minutes to arrive.

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Saas Fee to Grächen

Emma — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 16:20:06 +0000

The Saas Fee to Grächen Hohenweg route is one of my all time favourite hikes. The path is long, steep and tough going but once you climb above the tree line, the views are unforgettable. As this is a fairly remote hike, you’ll encounter Ibex roaming along the narrow pathways and if you’re lucky, you’ll have the mountains to yourself for hours on end. It’s the Swiss Alps at its best.

Start Location: Tourist Office in Saas Fee, Switzerland
End Location: Grächen
Distance: 16km
Time: 8-9 hours
Facilities: At the start and end location only
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Hard Mountain Walk with scrambles over loose boulders and exposed, very narrow pathways.

Download file: GrachenSaasFee.gpx

From the Tourist Office, follow the road to Wildi, the north area of Saas Fee.

The road merges into a track and continues through woodlands. At the first clearing, the path bears left. Continue upwards and slightly left to reach Barefalle. Keep following the signs for Grächen as the path zigzags through the woods.

As the path emerges from the tree line, bear right, cross a few streams and continue through a tunnel.

Keep following the path as it bears left. The views here, across the mountains and down back to Saas Fee, are superb.

The well defined path continues around the edge of the mountains, with snow-capped summits in every direction.

After bearing right, the path reaches a hillside of loose boulders. The boulders are marked with faint yellow paint to help show the way. Many of the rocks are loose so carefully scramble across.

Looking back across the boulder scramble

The path continues to climb and eventually enters a woodland. After a steep climb, a bench on large flat, grassy area comes into view. This area is away from the edge of the cliffs and a good, safe place to rest.

Becoming increasingly narrow and exposed, the path hugs the edge of the cliff until a second bench on a flat, open area is reached. The path bears to the left and becomes even narrower; there are often cables or handrails to help.

Signs attached to the cliffs warn of the danger of falling rocks and there are no safe places to rest here. After passing through a short tunnel, the path bears right. If you’re lucky, you may spot a few Ibex in this area.

The path soon reaches another section of loose boulders. Again there are faint paint marks to help you scramble across. Straight after the boulders, cross a small stream and follow the path as it steadily drops, with an occasional ascent. When the path reaches the river, cross the large wooden bridge and continue straight on into the woods.

Continue until the woods clear. Passing a picnic area to the right, continue downhill towards Hannigalp cable car. Turn right and follow the path downhill. Just as the path seems to disappear, follow it sharp left into the forest. Zigzag down through the woods, keeping left at any forks and following signs for Grächen. After approximately 30-40 minutes, a narrow stream is reached. Cross the stream and turn left.

The path emerges from the forest and joins a large track. Continue down this track, passing Hotel Zumsee and lake on your left. A few hundred metres after the hotel, take the road on the right and continue to Grächen.

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Zermatt Five Lakes Walk

Emma — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 14:35:11 +0000

A well marked, gravel trail loops around glacier lakes with magnificent views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. If the weather is cooperative, the Matterhorn summit is reflected in many of the lakes, making this one of the most popular and most photographed part of the Swiss Alps.

Start Location: Blauherd, reached by train and cable car from Zermatt
End Location: Sunnegga, reached by train from Zermatt
Distance: 10km
Time: 3 hours walking time; approx. 20 minutes travel time
Facilities: Toilets and restaurants at start and end locations
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Easy Mountain Walk with a few steep ascents.

Download file: Zermatt5Lakes.gpx

The hike begins at Blauherd, 2571m above Zermatt. The best way to reach Blauherd is via a short train ride and cable car from Zermatt.

From the centre of Zermatt, head to Valley Station/ Zermatt ZBAG-zsb, which is on the east side of the river. From the station take the train, which runs through a rock tunnel deep inside the mountain, to Sunnegga.

At Sunnegga, take the cable car to Blauherd. If you have a dog with you, dogs are allowed on the train and cable car…

As soon as you leave Blauherd station, the Matterhorn dominates the skyline and the 5 Lake Trail is well signposted.

Head in a south-east direction towards Stellisee, the first lake. After approximately half a mile, leave the main gravel track and take the left hand path to the edge of Stellisee. There is a path which circles the entire lake and then returns to the main gravel track. Some of the best views of the Matterhorn are found at the far east shore of the lake.

Return to the main track and continue downhill. A few hundred metres after the track bears right, take the right hand path to Grindjesee, the second lake. Grindjesse, surrounded by fur trees and rich moorland, is the most stunning of the lakes, especially if the weather is clear and the Matterhorn can be seen in the distance.

From Grindjesee, return to the main track and continue downhill for about a mile to reach Gruense Lake.

From Gruense, take the path on the north side of the lake and continue until you see a path on the right. Take this right hand path and zigzag downhill to reach Mosjesee, which is actually a reservoir rather than a lake.

To reach the final lake, Leisee, there are two paths from Mosjesee. The first is fairly steep: from the north-west side of Mosjesee, take right hand footpath and climb until you reach the base of Leisee, taking time to look back at the mountain views.

Alternatively, for a longer but more gentle ascent, ignore the footpath on the right and continue on the main track to Leisee.

If the weather is warm, you’re likely to see people swimming in Leisee and sunbathing on the shores.

From Leisee, Sunnegga station is uphill and to the right. Take the mountain train from Sunnegga back to Zermatt.

The post Zermatt Five Lakes Walk first appeared on Stepping Outside.

Engelberg to Meiringen via Engstlenalp

Emma — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 15:38:25 +0000

This linear hike is part of the Via Alpina, a route which runs across Switzerland between Sargans and Montreux. The central section of the route, from Engelberg to Mürren, is one of the most scenic. Further sections of Via Alpina can be found in the Swiss Hiking Routes.

Start Location: Engelberg
End Location: Meiringen
Distance: 14-31km
Time: 7-15 hours walking time, depending on whether transportation options are used
Facilities: Toilets and restaurants at cable car stations
GPX Download: Link below map.
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk with a few steep ascents and narrow ridges.

Download file: EngelbergMeiringen.gpx

The route can be split into two days with an overnight stop at Engstlenalp. However, by taking a few cable cars and/or a bus, the hike can easily be completed in one day.

From Engelberg train station, head south and cross the river.

If you are planning to walk the entire route, turn left and continue 200-300 metres before turning right to Hotel Banklialp. Follow the signposted footpath up through the woods, across open fields, past Gerschnialp and steeply uphill to reach Trübsee.

Alternatively, the recommended route is to take the cable car to Trübsee. After crossing the river, turn right and continue along the road to reach Titlis station.

Take the cable car to Trübsee. If you have a dog with you, dogs can ride the cable car for free.

From Trübsee station, bear right and continue downhill to the lake. Follow the wide gravel track along the edge of the lake for approx. 200 metres. Take the footpath on the left.

Continue following the footpath for just over a mile as it zigzags steeply to reach Jochpass, with views back across the lake.

From Jochpass, continue straight towards the Engstlensee-Jochpass chairlift station. Take the footpath to the right of the building. Ignore the fork on the right and continue downhill.

Looking back towards Jochpass

Soon Engstlense lake comes into view. The path follows the left side of the lake and leads directly into Engstlenalp.

From Engstlenalp, there are various routes to Meiringen.

Option 1: 1-2 hour easy hike and a 40 minute bus ride. This route is advised in poor weather.

Cross the road opposite Engstlenalp bus station and take the footpath on the left into a field. Follow the path as it zigzags downhill through woodland, ignoring any paths off to the side. After crossing open fields and passing alpine huts, this spectacular valley comes into view…

Keeping the river on the right, follow the path along the base of the valley to a large wooden bridge. Cross the bridge and head upwards towards the road and Schwarzental. The bus stop is outside Restaurant Schwarzental. Bus timetables can be found here.

If the weather is particularly brutal, there is a direct bus from Engstlenalp to Meiringen, which takes 50 minutes.

Option 2: Continue along the Via Alpina.

From outside Hotel Engstlenalp, take the path heading right, signposted to Hasliberg. Continue along the wide gravel track heading north/north-west. Go right at the fork, heading upwards and continue as the path drops down to Tannensee.

When the path reaches the edge of Tannensee lake, take the left fork, and follow the south-east shore of the lake, heading towards Planplatten.

The path joins a wider track and continues along the ridge to Planplatten, with stunning views of the mountain range, including the Bernese Alps to the south-west.

From Planplatten, the rest of the journey can be done via gondola (Planplatten-Magisalp-Reuti- Meiringen) from the Alpen Tower station.

To continue on foot, follow the ridge past the station and take the right hand path, signposted to Reuti. The path is very well signed from here. Keep following signs for Reuti and/or the Via Alpina 1.

Eventually, the path meets a road, zigzags across the road twice and heads downhill into Reuti.

From Reuti, a cable car be taken to Meiringen. To continue on foot, the path begins to the left of Reuti cable car station and climbs down through the forest to Meiringen.

The post Engelberg to Meiringen via Engstlenalp first appeared on Stepping Outside.

Meiringen to Grindelwald

Emma — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 15:24:44 +0000

Part of the Via Alpina, this linear route begins by climbing through picturesque alpine villages to reach the famous Reichenbach Falls. Heading into the Bernese Oberland, one of the most well-known regions in the Swiss Alps, the views are breathtaking, with the Wetterhorn and Eiger dominating the skyline.

Start Location: Meiringen
End Location: Grindelwald
Distance: 23km
Time: 8 hours
Facilities: Toilets, cafes and restaurants at various locations along the route
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium Mountain Walk with a few steep ascents.

Download file: Meiringen-Grindelwald.gpx

From Meiringen town centre, follow the main road south to cross the river. Continue uphill towards Willigen village.

Take the path to the right of Hotel Tourist. The path leads between several houses and barns before turning into a grassy track. The track continues steeply, cutting across roads several times.

After joining the road for a short distance, the footpath bears off into the woods.

The wide path continues through the woods before reaching the Reichenbach Falls, of Sherlock Holmes' fame. This spectacular viewpoint is generally away from the crowds visiting the waterfall as the train station is on the opposite bank.

Follow the path around the edge of the waterfall and through the woods. At the T-junction, turn right and continue uphill to reach another road. Follow the road for 20-30 metres before taking the footpath on the left into the woods. The path emerges from the woodland, giving the first glimpse of the snowy summits ahead, and joins the road for a short distance before passing Berggasthof Kaltenbrunnen restaurant and accommodation on the right.

From Berggasthof Kaltenbrunnen, continue along the road. After crossing the bridge, ignore the first footpath on the right and continue uphill. As the road bends to the left, take the footpath on the right into the woods.

Soon the path widens and follows the side of a river, with breathtaking views of the peaks ahead.

The clearly signposted route joins the road to reach Hotel Rosenlaui.

Continue on the road to cross the bridge and then turn right at the Wanderweg signpost. The path bears left and then right, weaving through the woodland and crossing streams. The woods clear at the base of the valley, allowing wonderful views up to the mountains.

Cross the wooden bridge and continue for a few hundred metres before forking right and heading upwards towards the road.

Often marked by painted boulders, the well defined path continues uphill, crossing the road several times to reach Grosse Scheidegg. At just over 1950m, Grosse Scheideg boasts wonderful views of the Wetterhorn, Eiger and jagged Engelhörner.

From Grosse Scheideg, the route down to Grindelwald begins just below the hotel. From the edge of the road, cross the grass island, cross the road again and take the footpath downhill. The path is well marked and continues through open fields before meeting the road again.

The path zigzags down, crossing the road several more times until Hotel Wetterhorn eventually comes into view.

Following the signposts, cross the hotel car park and take the footpath into the woods. The path eventually passes a bench on the right and crosses open meadows to meet the road. Continue following the road west/south-west to Grindelwald centre.

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Grütschalp to Mürren Circuit

Emma — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 15:58:01 +0000

The well marked path weaves through open meadows and woodland above the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. As the route approaches Mürren, the views towards the Eiger and Jungfrau region are spectacular. After exploring Mürren village, there’s a direct train back to Grütschalp, or you can retrace your steps.

Start and End Location: Lauterbrunnen
Distance: 5km
Time: 1.5 hours walking plus a short cable car ride
Facilities: Toilets, cafes and restaurants along the route
Grade: Easy Mountain Walk

From Lauterbrunnen station, take the cable car to Grütschalp. This five minute ride climbs almost 700 metres.

Exit Grütschalp station and turn left. The path is just above the railway tracks and boasts stunning views down to Lauterbrunnen and across to Wengen. The footpath is well marked and steadily climbs with the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch dominating the skyline.

Turn left when the path reaches the road and continue past Mürren train station to the town centre.

After exploring Mürren, there are two options to return to Grütschalp; walk back via the same route or take a direct train from Mürren train station. From Grütschalp, take the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen.

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