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[Mark]

1 July 2019 at 11:32:20 #916246

Hi Toodaliu

The Eiger trail is rated as 2.50hrs hiking by the Swiss. While it’s an important consideration for me, the Swiss don’t distinguish between uphill or downhill and don’t allow for stopping but but I’ve found the times to be pretty accurate, neither overly fast or slow. I would estimate the pace to be about 2.5 MPH, more or less.

I don’t think think the construction will be much of a problem. As I recall the Eiger trail is the only path that leaves Eigergletscher station going toward Grindelwald (and the Eiger). There are 2 other paths though: one going strait down to KS and another going the opposite direction from Grindelwald going toward Wengernalp. I’ve no first hand experience of the construction but from what I’ve read you may have to skirt around some fencing to get to the trail ,but i would expect some signage help and most complaints have been from people having trouble getting into Eigergletscher station not out.

Mark

[Removed user]

1 July 2019 at 13:20:12 #916247

Thanks Mark and rockoyster for info on Eigergletscher station & any impact construction may have on the Eiger trail.

I want to thank everyone for their advice – this forum is AMAZING and you guys are so helpful. From everyone’s insight/feedback/guidance, I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options for our 2 nights/3 days in the Jungfrau Region (really only 2 days as our 3rd day, we’ll likely just be checking out). We’ll likely make our decision a day or two beforehand as many of it depends on (1) the weather and (2) how tired we’ll be, as we’re doing some hikes/activities in Lucerne before our arrival to the Jungfrau Region and at least one hike during our time in Zermatt after we leave the Jungfrau Region.

Option 1 – “taking it slow”

• Day 1 – Arrival, visit First (with activities like First Cliff Walk and mountain carting), and hike to/from Lake Bachalpsee
• Day 2 – Schilthorn, Lauterbrunnen, Männlichen Gipfel, Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hike

Option 2 – “moderate activity but still keeping it fun”

• Day 1 – Arrival, visit First (with activities like First Cliff Walk and mountain carting), and hike to/from Lake Bachalpsee
• Day 2 – Schilthorn, Lauterbrunnen (maybe even visit Trümmelbach Falls), and hike Eiger Trail

Option 3 – “if our adrenaline is pumping”

• Day 1 – Arrival, Lauterbrunnen, Männlichen Gipfel, Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hike
• Day 2 – Schynige Platte – First hike

I think all 3 options above are feasible (from all your feedback) – just about what pace we want our vacation to be and a lot will depend on the weather.

[Removed user]

7 July 2019 at 0:07:37 #916248

Quick question for folks!

Any thoughts on visiting Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Schilthorn (weather permitting) and Gimmelwald on the day we arrive to the Jungfrau region? This would be in place of [ Lauterbrunnen, Männlichen Gipfel, Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hike] listed for Option 3, Day 1.

In other words, is this possible for a 1/2 day activity? I’ve been reading a bit on folks who have taken the cable car from LB to Grutshalp, wallked to and explored Murren, visited Schilthorn (weather permitting), then walked to Gimmelwald, and taken the cable car back down to Stechelberg then train/bus to LB. Or is this really a full day activity?

I’m trying to figure out our options on the chance that we wanted to keep our activities to a minimum – on the chance we do the Schynige Platte – First hike during day 2. I know many of you have noted that the Mannlichen-KS is a low impact hike, so I’m not too worried – but just wondering! So in other words:

Alternative Option 3:

Day 1 – Arrival in Jungfrau region at Noon, visit Lauterbrunnen, Männlichen Gipfel, Mannlichen-Kleine Scheidegg hike

Day 2 – Schynige Platte – First hike

[Mark]

7 July 2019 at 3:07:13 #916249

Murren, Schilthorn,Stechelberg, Lauterbrunnen is very nice but longer and more complicated. I would stick to Lauterbrunnen,Wengen, Mannlichen, KS for your first half day. Just my personal preference. Mark

[Removed user]

15 July 2019 at 3:13:42 #916250

Mark,

In your post in their thread (and other threads) – you mention that at the beginning of the Schynige Platte to First hike, it is worth the extra 30 minutes to take the Panaramaweg route and that it runs directly into the trail to Faulhorn. I was looking around the hiking maps and on page 4 of this hiking map: http://www.jungfrau.ch/filead min/Prospekte_und_Bros chueren/Schynige_Platt e_Prospekt.pdf

To clarify, are you implying that we take the Panoramaweg Oberberghorn + Panoramaweg Loucherhorn route and it only extends our total hike by 30 minutes? Would you be able to advise?

Also – general question for folks on timing: if we plan on doing Schynige Platte to First (with a potential stop at Faulhorn to grab some food and the panaramaweg route Mark has referenced) does the following make sense (see below):

August 28, 2019:

1. Leave Grindelwald at 8:49 AM train, arrive at Schynige Platte at 10:17 am
2. 6.5+ hr hike from Schynige Platte to First (with Panoramaweg route included and time accounted for stopping at Faulhorn
3. Aim to get to First by 5:30 pm (latest) – I believe the last cable car from First to Grindelwald is 6:30 pm?

Does this make sense to folks or are we rushing it? Or I am over-estimating how much time we’ll need?

[Slowpoke]

15 July 2019 at 7:37:44 #916251

<<“Or I am over-estimating how much time we’ll need?”>>

Since you are avid hikers, and used to hiking at those altitudes, it is a good plan. If you were not good hikers, or not in shape, I’d note that the 6.5 hours could be an underestimate.

Mark has the most recent experience, so his guidance is the most pertinent.

Slowpoke

[Arno]

15 July 2019 at 9:25:42 #916252

Hi Toodaliu,

There are indeed cable cars down until 6:30 pm, please see the timetable: http://www.myswissalps.com/hi king/first-schynigeplatte. Your plan would work, but personally I’d start earlier. Especially if rain/storm is expected in the afternoon, which is common in summer.

[Caroline679]

15 July 2019 at 10:35:12 #916253

I agree with the sentiment that the earlier start, the better. There is fabulous scenery and drop-dead views on that route. It’s not uncommon in any high altitudes for the weather to change and/or deteriorate as the afternoon evolves, and the Alps are no different in that respect. Plus, the more time you can allow, the less you’ll feel pressured to keep moving forward purely to ‘stay on schedule’. This route has places you’ll want to linger, catch your breath, and absorb all that so handsomely surrounds you. That’s a big reason you’re there, after all. : ) I think we’re all vicariously anticipating this right along with you, which is why I’d say you won’t want to feel rushed. (We did this route in very poor weather, so we had to keep moving. We still loved the exercise, but do be aware it can get quite slippery and socked in with fog. It’s lovely in good weather, though! And having time up at Faulhorn and at Bachalpsee are worthwhile considerations.)

[Mark]

15 July 2019 at 11:46:19 #916254

Yes, I think you can do the hike in 6.5 hrs and you have some leeway as you you can catch the cable car at First until 6:30. I talked to two 20 year olds on the First cc that claimed to have done it in 5 hrs. It took me about 6:45 hrs.

I believe the standard route is 15 Km or 9 miles and you will climb about 3000 ft overall, 2/3 of the climb at Faulhorn. You will add about 1-1.5 miles by taking the Panaramaweg route. If my math is correct to hike 10.5 miles in 6.5 hrs you would need to average 1.6 MPH. Since you will want to stop along the way for pictures and breaks, I would say you should plan on a 2 MPH pace. Certainly doable for most of the hike but the 2000 ft assent at Faulhorn may test you fitness a bit.

Hope you have clear weather. Mark

[Removed user]

15 July 2019 at 14:12:41 #916255

Thanks everyone for the advise! I’ll look at the train schedule and perhaps we’ll leave a bit earlier so we’re not rushed. I was also unaware that it is not uncommon for the weather to deteriorate in the afternoon, so another reason to start early on. And as you guys mentioned – we’ll likely be stopping to catch our breath, enjoy the views etc. Thank you guys for everything !! You guys are awesome 🙂