5 June Hikes
Jungfrau Region's Blogbuster Series / Nr. 64
Sometimes summer in the mountains doesn't really get going. Especially when snow has fallen again in spring. This means that some alpine hikes are usually still closed in May/June.
After a heat wave the last snow spots will probably melt away. The mountain paths in the upper regions will therefore be accessible again and most SAC huts are also starting their summer seasons then.
Nevertheless, if you want to take it easy in the lower regions - here are 5 hikes for you:
#1 Lauterbrunnen – Stechelberg
Lauterbrunnen is the valley of 72 waterfalls. With its steep rock faces and pulsating nature, the valley also inspired 19-year-old J.R.R. Tolkien when he travelled through Switzerland. Tolkien then put out a couple of books. Nothing big really.
Start is at Lauterbrunnen train station. The path first leads along the main road for about 400 metres through the village centre; at the church straight ahead in the direction of the imposing Staubbach Falls on the right side of the valley or turn left and walk along the Lütschine river promenade. Continue on the asphalted hiking trail to «Buchen» (place name), where the path branches off to the left to the Trümmelbach Falls. The most powerful waterfalls of the valley hide inside the mountain here. If you have a bit more time, it's definitely worth a visit (CHF 12 entry). From the Trümmelbach Falls, head back to the asphalted hiking trail. The path then leads over the arched bridge at the power station to the bus stop «Stechelberg, Hotel». You can walk the same way back from here or just hop on a bus.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
#2 Pfingstegg – Marmorbruch – Glacier Gorge
The Pfingstegg station high above Grindelwald, on the Mettenberg, between the Eiger and the Wetterhorn is the starting point for this easy hike. You can comfortably glide up by cable car from Grindelwald in about 5 min. (The cable car opens on the 5th of June) Various hikes start from the Pfingstegg, for example the mountain hike to the Bäregg hut (takes about 1,5 hours). Or you can hike down into the valley, as on this tour.
From the Pfingstegg mountain station you make your way back to the valley. The trail takes you to the «Marmorbruch» (former mining site of Grindelwald, now there's a restaurant). After that, you'll get to the glacier gorge, an impressive remnant of the Lower Grindelwald Glacier. A nice and cool spot for when it's hot outside.
From the glacier gorge you can walk back to the village centre in about 20 minutes, or you can take the local bus.
If you want to be sporty: Pfingstegg can be reached on foot from Grindelwald in about 1,5 hours.
For family & fun: There's a toboggan run and a Fly Line on Pfingstegg. Enjoy the ride.
Duration: approx. 45 minutes
#3 Northface Trail
The name says it all. Easy hike in front of the impressive north faces of the Bernese Alps.
The hike begins and ends at the Schilthorn cable car station in Mürren, so it's a round trip. After a few metres on the asphalt road, the natural path to «Spilboden» begins. The view of the snow-covered peaks of the Bernese Alps invites you to take short breaks again and again. From «Schiltalp» the trail becomes wider and flatter. Along the route, 12 information boards provide lots of interesting facts about the history of the mountains around Mürren. From the Schiltgrat (ridge of the Schilthorn), the hiking trail meanders through the coniferous forest to «Suppenboden». The last 100 metres or so lead mostly via alpine roads to Allmendhubel. Great place for families; parents can relax on the terrace as the kids enjoy the alpine playground. The funicular brings you back to Mürren village.
All these nice words in the quotation marks are local place names again, by the way.
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
#4 Leiterhorn Trail
From the Leiterhorn, the Lauterbrunnen Valley presents itself in its entire length. The view up to the Jungfrau and the striking pyramid-shaped Silberhorn is also magnificent.
A relatively flat path leads from the village centre of Wengen via Ledi to the Hunnenfluh. On the way, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From the Hunnenfluh you can enjoy a fantastic view into the Lütschental and down to Interlaken. Through a wild and romantic forest you then climb up to the Leiterhorn for 20 to 30 minutes. On the way, the path offers views of Wengen and the mighty Jungfrau. Once you reach the Leiterhorn, you can expect an incredible view of the 4000m mountain range and the deep Lauterbrunnen valley. On the north side, those who are free from vertigo have an imposing, almost 700 metre vertical view down to the village of Zweilütschinen.
The subsequent way back is via «Ussri Allmi» and «Flielenboden» via a not too steep forest path down to Wengen.
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
#5 Marble Trail Hasliberg
Rolling and clattering, the colourful wooden balls find their way through gutters, tunnels and funnels on the marble run.
Along the hiking trail from the Bidmi middle station to the Reuti valley station, 11 exciting and varied marble runs await you. The different wooden tracks were constructed by local timber construction companies. Hiking time from Bidmi to Reuti is about one hour. The hiking trail isn't suitable for prams.
Marbles are available at the ticket offices of the mountain railways and at the Hotel Reuti. The price per marble is CHF 3. Let the marbles roll!
Duration: approx. 1,5 - 2 hours
So, what are you waiting for? Get in your hiking shoes and have fun outside in the beautiful nature.
