During that time most of the higher elevation hikes will still be closed, however there are some lovely hikes you can do at lower elevations. Here are some ideas:
Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, optional to Mürren. This hike provides a glorious trip down the entire Lauterbrunnen Valley. The valley is full of waterfalls – the literature claims 72 but, depending on the time of year, you may see as few as 10. Walk south out of Lauterbrunnen. Then after about a total of about 30 to 45 minutes you will see a cut off (to the left) that leads across the Valley to Trümmelbach Falls. This is well worth doing -- these are falls that run through the center of the mountain. Very secure footing and railings let you get an up-close look. After touring there, you can either walk on the road in front of the falls down to Stechelberg (continuing south) or, preferably, cut back across the meadow and rejoin the footpath. Stechelberg Inn lies at the end of the Valley and is a great lunch spot. The entire distance,including the jog over to the Falls, is about 4 miles on flat terrain.
After lunch you have several options:
Take the Post Bus that stops near Stechelberg Inn back to Lauterbrunnen train station. This bus runs once every hour; check the schedule at the bus stop before lunch so you don’t miss one by 5 minutes! You can buy tickets when you enter the bus.
Take the gondola up to Mürren. The gondola to Mürren (and on to the Schilthorn) is about ½ mile before Stechelberg; you will have seen it in passing. It also stops in Gimmelwald if you would like to get out and have a look around there.
Grütschalp to Mürren. A trip to the village of Mürren is highly recommended (if you haven't visited as part of the previous walk) and the walk there from the gondola station at Grütschalp is breathtaking. Definitely worth doing even if you have been there already. Approximately 3 miles on flat terrain, this walk provides a spectacular view of the Eiger massif. To begin, take the train the gondola to Grütschalp. The trail to Mürren begins at the Grütschalp station where you depart the gondola. Be sure to spend some time at the station watching the freight unloading, it is quite impressive! Of course, you can also add the walk (in opposite direction, beginning at Mürren) onto the above hike.
Lauterbrunnen toWilderswil, optional to Interlaken. This is a lovely walk that parallels the river from Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil and also covers some beautiful forested areas. This path is in two stages, both approximately 3 miles in length and on flat terrain. The first stage, Lauterbrunnen to Zweilütschinen,starts right at the Lauterbrunnen train station. Follow the signs to the Parking Garage and WCs east of the station and you’ll come upon the trail signs direction Zweilütschinen and Wilderswil. At the very beginning, there is a short descent over a path that can be a bit muddy and a wee bit steep but quickly puts you out onto a very wide, well-maintained Wanderweg. This stage of thetrail follows directly along the river through a lovely forest; you will alsosee a fish ladder about half way on.
Once you reach Zweilütschinen you can catch the train back to Lauterbrunnen or press on for the second stage: Zweilütschinen to Wilderswil.(Alternatively, of course, you can take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Zweilütschinen and pick up the trail here.) The local train companies have done visitors yet another favor by constructing a lovely “Nature und Bahn” (loosely translated:“Nature and Railway”) path on this stretch. Cross the train tracks at the northend of the Zweilütschinen station and look for the signs direction Wilderswiland Nature und Bahn trail. This stage is also about 3 miles (flat) and passes through more forested area and the charming village of Gsteigwiler. Admire the beautiful woodwork on the homes and the lovely gardens in town, then continueon the Nature und Bahn trail (
Note: thereare a number of other paths that also lead to Wilderswil, but the Nature und Bahn trail is the most easily navigated. It is well marked, just look for the special signs.). At the end of the walk, you will cross over the river viaa covered bridge and enter the town of Wilderswil. There are many good restaurant choices in this area if you’re ready for lunch. You can catch the train at Wilderswil back to Lauterbrunnen.
The Nature und Bahn trail ends in Wilderswil but, if you’re ready for more, pick up the trail to Interlaken across the street from thetrain station in Wilderswil. A short walk of 45 minutes will put you in town,where you can browse the shops, stop for lunch, and catch the train back to Lauterbrunnen
The Planetenweg.A gorgeous walk along Lake Brienz provides a different perspective than themountain walks. Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost. Walk west from the train station and cross the river over the first bridge you come to (just before the Hotel Beau Rivage). Pick up the Planetenweg trail here and follow itas long as you like. You will pass through a number of villages: Ringgenberg,Niederried, Oberried, and ultimately Brienz. Each village has good lunch stops and train, bus or – better yet – boat access back to Interlaken.
Boat rides on the lake (I prefer Lake Brienz are also fun when the weather isn't good.
That should keep you busy!
Kim
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