Wengen to Kandersteg to hike?

Our base will be in Wengen this August. I am thinking of hiking from Kandersteg to Griesalp on 20 August via Hohturli Pass. I know this will be a long day. Is it realistic to do so? I don't mind leaving Wengen 0600 if necessary to get back in time for half board? Kim?

It will be a long day, but you could manage to get back in time if you are a good hiker and don't take long stops.

Timetable: http://www.sbb.ch

5.38 h departure at Wengen

8.07 h arrival Oeschinen

The hike from Oeschinen via Hohtürli to Griesalp will take about 6 hours.

14.43 h departure Griesalp hotel (or 16.43 h)

17.21 h arrival at Wengen (or 19.21 h)

Yes, long day indeed but possible. Muveran provides very good info. As you can see, the transport out of Griesalp (via bus) is infrequent, only once every two hours.

I'm sure you know that Höhturli is one of the most aggressive passes to hike over (at least of those that don't require mountaineering equipment). However, starting at Oeschinen rather than Kandersteg cuts about 1300 feet of vertical ascent out of the hike. So, given your background, I'd say you can definitely make it in 6 hours.

Perhaps stating the obvious, but don't go if the weather is bad or forecasted to be so. Höhturli gets whited out pretty easily.

thanks for both responses. Yes, it would only be a go with good weather. Still thinking though. Sure is a trip to get over to that valley.

Yep, not far as the crow flies but there are those pesky mountains in the way :-)

Murren to Grieslip looks like nice hike. Has anybody done this?

Is this the same area as the West Ridge route to the Schilthorn?
Has anyone hiked this route?

Mürren to Griesalp is a quite difficult hike. It takes you over the second highest of the Alpine Pass Route (via Alpina) passes, the Sefinenfürgge. Very steep with loose scree on either side of the pass, although there are some steep steps and a cable that provide some stability on the west side. It is 3000 feet of vertical ascent (then descent, of course) over about 10 miles. Only for experienced alpine hikers and on a day with good weather. It usually takes at least 7 hours to reach Griesalp from Mürren. Once there you need to stay overnight as Griesalp is only served by a bus that runs every couple of hours, last bus at 4:53 pm.

It is not the same hike as West Ridge Route to Schilthorn

kim11 said: Mürren to Griesalp is a quite difficult hike. It takes you over the second highest of the Alpine Pass Route (via Alpina) passes, the Sefinenfürgge. Very steep with loose scree on either side of the pass, although there are some steep steps and a cable that provide some stability on the west side. It is 3000 feet of vertical ascent (then descent, of course) over about 10 miles. Only for experienced alpine hikers and on a day with good weather. It usually takes at least 7 hours to reach Griesalp from Mürren. Once there you need to stay overnight as Griesalp is only served by a bus that runs every couple of hours, last bus at 4:53 pm.

It is not the same hike as West Ridge Route to Schilthorn

Would it be worth going to Kanderstag on a day trip to go up to see the lake?

Have you ever done the bus trip to Grieslip? It's supposed to be very steep.

Depends on how long you have in the area. There is a lift that takes you from Kandersteg to the lake and it is very pretty.

The bus ride in and out of Griesalp is quite dramatic! Steep with lots of turns. They had to build a special bus just to make it in and out of there.

You can check the schedules at www.sbb.ch but you must spell the name of Griesalp correctly.