606 posts
These are long and strenuous hikes, not possible for an inexperienced hiker. I have hiked across the entire country on the quite aggressive Alpine Pass Route, over the highest mountain passes in Switzerland. Eight hours of hiking a day, typically 4,000 to 5,000 feet of vertical ascent and descent daily. Even I would consider the routes you are suggesting to be painful.
There are a number of easy hikes with great scenery for you to take pictures. You don’t say where you are based, but I would say Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, First to Bachalpsee round trip, Grütshalp to Mürren, and Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg are walks that you would enjoy. Each about 3 – 4 miles each direction and pretty flat. See walkingswitzerland.com for suggestions of easy hikes (you need to stay in the “easy” category since you are not experienced).
15485 posts
I agree with Kim, these routes are too long. Although the last one is on the flat valley floor and might be doable. As for Grindelwald to Meiringen: you can take a bus to Grosse Scheidegg and then walk to Meiringen, as described here. That’s quite a long walk already, but far better than doing the whole route on foot. More tips are at the Bernese Oberland hiking page.
72625 posts
Hi AMerchant,
What Kim has suggested is very very enjoyable trials. In addition I am of my opinion, Kim is an expert in deed. Because I too experienced these four easy hiking trials. Definitely you would come across beautiful panaromic views. I had done my swiss trip as a part my european honeymoon tour 2 years back. Even today i could remember those memorable Picturesque Beauty in all my photos, what i had taken. Following four trials are definitely worth to do.
1. Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg,
2. First to Bachalpsee round trip,
3. Grütshalp to Mürren,
4. Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg
If you have not yet decided which is your base town in bernese oberland and not yet booked your hotel, could i say something. Lauterbrunnen is my favourite, eventhough it has limited hotel choises. For us Hotel Staubach Lauterbrunnen was a wonderful stay. It is bit expensive but worth the stay. A room with mountain view and balcony in upper floors is the best deal. not other rooms are having best views. If it is within your budget, just check it out.
Following is our hiking plan. you can have a look though
Swiss Day 1–
Easy hiking trail from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg up to Breithorn
Gondola ride up to Murren + Gimmelwald
Train from murren to Grütschalp
Easy hiking trail Grütschalp-Winteregg- Murren
Gondola down to Stechelberg
Trümmelbachfälls visit
Swiss Day 2–
Gondola ride from wengen up to Mannlichen
Easy hiking trail Mannlichen – Kleine Scheidegg (KS)
Easy hiking trail KS to Wengernalp
Swiss Day 3–
Gondola ride from Grindelwald to First
Easy Hiking trail First – Bachalpsee – First
Easy hiking trail First – Grosse Scheidegg (optional)
Bus from Grosse Scheidegg to Meringen
Day trip to aareschlucht+Reichenbach falls from Meringen