[Us2Swiss2022]

4 June 2022 at 1:43:13 #827404

Hi MySwissApls,

We will be in lucerne on June 7, tuesday and our plan was to do lake lucerne cruise and mount rigi. There is some rain forecast on tuesday at this point. My question is, is it advisable to go to mount rigi during rain? I have two little kids 5 and 8, so I am wanted to sure. Also, can anyone suggest what else can be done if it constantly rains that day?

We will be in interlaken, the next 3 days and one of our plan is to go to Lauterbrunnen, explore Lauterbrunnen and then take the train to Eigergletscher. We are slightly scared of high altitudes and cable cars, so we are not doing jungfrau and taking the train.

Question. 1) Is the train ride to Eigergletscher from Lauterbrunnen scary or is it normal?

2) Are there any small hikes/walks near Eigergletscher and Lauterbrunnen that we can do with the kids which are scenic?

3) Any other recommendations on places to see around this region, that do not cable cars?

Appreciate everyone’s help

[Anna]

4 June 2022 at 6:23:35 #942865

Hi Us2Swiss2022,

It’s best to check the latest weather forecast and mountain webcams before your trip to Mt Rigi: http://www.rigi.ch/informieren/webcams. Light showers is fine but if heavy rain is expected, then best to make alternative plans. I recommend the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne. It’s a great place for kids and adults.

The cogwheel train ride to Eigergletscher is quite safe. It’s the main transportation in the region and undergoes regular maintenance. For short hikes with children, I would recommend taking the cable car to Männlichen from Wengen or Grindelwald Terminal. At Männlichen, you can do the Royal Walk or the Panoramaweg. Find more details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/mannlichen

If you’re concerned about heights, an excursion to Pfingstegg in Grindelwald might be a good alternative. You still need to ride a cable car but it takes only 5 minutes from the valley station to the top. There is a summer toboggan and a small cafe at the top. Also, the Grindelwald Glacier Canyon is a great option on a rainy day.

Hope this gives you more options for your trip.

Regards,

Anna

[dg234]

4 June 2022 at 19:32:58 #942866

Hi-

In Lauterbrunnen Trummelbach Falls is a great destination. You can either take the post bus from Lauterbrunnen or do a short walk up the valley, which is very scenic. (http://www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/sw/sw_bernese/lauterbrunnen/laut_trum) This is a great option even in the rain. The Lauterbrunnen valley is renowned for its waterfalls.

Another nice walk in Lauterbrunnen is to take a very short ride up the Lauterbrunnen to Murren Bergbahn (combination cable car and train) and then walk from Murren to Allmendhubel. (1.3 – 1.6 miles one way). You can then use the funnicular from Murren to Allmendhubel for the return journey. (You can also reverse the hike if you prefer to walk downhill.) Both the cable car and funnicular ride are short and not scary. The trail ascend through Murren along the Blumental (Flower Valley) to the overlook at Allmendhubel with stunning views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, the Mannlichen ridge and the summits rising to the west. Allmendhubel offers a panoramic restaurant, playground and “flower trail” (a short loop hike above the playground displaying 150 different varieties of alpine flowers) making this a popular spot for families. (grindelwald.swiss/en/summer/tracks/muerren-allmendhubel-with-flower-trail-1h/)

In Grindelwald I second Anna’s recommendation for the Glacier Gorge. (grindelwald.swiss/en/summer/tracks/grindelwald-glacier-gorge-grindelwald-no-100/) . You can take a short walk from town to the Gorge or catch a local bus.

The other option to consider in Grindelwald is to take the post bus to Grosse Scheidegg and then walk a short segment of the trail to First. (http://www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/sw/sw_bernese/grindelwald/gscheidegg_first) The views across the valley are stunning. Walk as far as you wish, have a picnic and then retrace your steps to Grosse Scheidegg and take the bus back.

Finally, if you wish to avoid cable cars but still go high consider the rail journey to Schynige Platte . Once at the top there is a walk through an alpine garden and other hiking options. Myswissalps has an informative page on Schynige Platte — see: http://www.myswissalps.com/schynigeplatte . Note: The trail ride about 50 minutes long.

Have a great trip.

Best,

Diane

[Arno]

6 June 2022 at 10:39:30 #942867

Thanks for your valuable input Diane! You obviously know the Jungfrau area very well :-).