Grindelwald to Zermatt day 4 - Griesalp to Kandersteg

This was the point where I made the biggest - in fact the only real - deviation from the planned route. The obvious way from Griesalp to Kandersteg is via the pass known as the Hohturli which is a long day covering about 15km or almost 10 miles with an initial climb of 4500 feet from Griesalp. There is a signed path all the way and the route is considered slightly harder than the Sefinenfurke reaching an altitude of 2778m after a steeper ascent than the previous day's. I would still recommend this as the better way being the most direct line towards Kandersteg from where we will cross the Bernese Oberland algthough building in a rest day at Griesalp would avoid 2 long days in succession.

The route described here and in A Long Walk in the Alps was something of an adventure being completely off the beaten track and not clearly marked though technically it was much easier than the high alpine passes. It would make a good alternative in bad weather as it did here when the weather was so "good" that it was only suitable for lying in the shade in close proximity to a cold drink.

An over enthusiastic sun was threatening to roast the valleys to over 32 degrees (90 F) again so not fancying the long steep climb to the roof of the Alps, my day began with the morning post bus to Kiental Village and another to Ramslauen which is normally accessible by gondola. My walk took me to Frutigen where there is a regular train service to Kandersteg.

An easy and pleasant trail leaves Ramslauen above the Kiental amnd journeys through more idyllic meadows en route to Bachwald and Frutigen.

Right on the edge of the mountains here - the view towards Thunersee from the little used path 1000m above the Kandertal just after the farm known as Furggi. This was where I stopped heading west and turned south.

The tranquil lake behind the Hotel des Alpes where I stayed in Kandersteg. The hotel has a friendly and welcoming owner and is situated just south of Kandersteg centre on the way to the Sunnbuel cable car.

Back to day 3 >>> Murren to Griesalp

On to day 5 >>> Kandersteg to Oberems

Grindelwald to Zermatt Day 3 - Murren to Griesalp by the Sefinenfurke

A longer day today with 14km of walking, 1000m of ascent and 1200m of descent. We cross the mountain wilderness to the West of Murren and leave the Jungfrau Region behind. Maximum altitude 2628m (8622ft) at the Sefinenfurke.

Leaving Murren in the early morning for the Sefinenfurke. The village is a fairly upmarket but still charming place on a grassy shelf high above Lauterbrunnen.

The route soon enters an idyllic land of verdant pasture in the region of Spielbodenalp at almost 1800m. Refreshments are available from the small berghaus.

After a steep section of path the lower pastures are left behind and we enter a wonderfully wild valley where is situated the Rotstockhutte (visible) at 2039m.

Approaching the top of the Sefinenfurke at 2628m and a last look back at the Jungfrau Region.'s familiar peaks. The way to the Sefinenfurke is steep here but not difficult and the views are easily worth all the effort. This route could be treacherous in bad weather - especially after any significant snowfall so check before heading out.

New Horizons - looking west from the Sefinenfurke summit. The narrow saddle of the pass is a great lunch spot and the location is the first really remote country so far.

The first part of the descent is steep and loose but is made easier by wooden steps and a rope handrail. Care is needed here but it's not so difficult and no one fell off while I was there!

The way descends into the upper part of the Kiental - a veritable wilderness. There are no buses or trains here - you must walk all the way so be sure you can before leaving Murren. A wonderful descent brings us down again to the trees and finally to the hamlet of Griesalp.

Back to day 2 >>> Wengen to Murren

On to day 4 >>> Griesalp to Kandersteg

Grindelwald to Zermatt Day Two - Wengen to Murren

At 10km Wengen to Murren is a shorter day and was made even shorter thanks to the train. I know - cheating already!

Looking across the Lauterbrunnen Valley towards Murren from Wengen. The village lies on the shelf above the cliffs.

Three Peaks - The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau from the path between Grutschalp and Murren.

The trail here is one of the easiest walks anywhere - let alone somewhere with views such as these. A relaxation day after the Eiger Trail and before the Sefinenfurke but if you wish to walk the whole way from Wengen you must first descend nearly 500m/1640ft to Lauterbrunnen then climb a steep 700m to reach this nice easy section. If you just walk from Grutschalp to Murren it is only 4km to walk with a gentle 150m of ascent.

The longer version follows the line of the railway then the gondola and while the distance added is only 6km, it is a lot of additional climbing. On a cooler day - maybe - but with 34 degrees Celsius - that's about 93 in old money - threatened for the valley I'm not ashamed to say that I took the gondola to Grutschalp and walked from there. Some people went by train all the way to Murren which is just plain lazy!

Back to day 1 >>> Grindelwald to Wengen

On to day 3 >>> Murren to Griesalp

Grindelwald to Zermatt - Walking From the Eiger to the Matterhorn

During the summer of 2007 I set out to walk through the Swiss Alps from Grindelwald beneath the North Face of the Eiger to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. It is a journey that certainly lived up to expectations though I did deviate somewhat from the planned route on a couple of occasions. My experiences on the walk itself can be read about in detail in A Long Walk in the Alps which was published the following year and the route would appeal to any who are looking to do a long distance Alpine trek without the crowds you can meet on the better known routes such as the Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc. It is not too far from the tourist trail though and accommodation is plentiful along the way.

Why did I pick Grindelwald to Zermatt then? Well - they were both places that I had visited several times previously and they both stand beneath mountain peaks of World renown surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. It was the idea of linking these Alpine regions and the 2 mountains - the Eiger and the Matterhorn - that really inspired the route. A more accomplished climber would climb the peaks but as I would be just as likely to fall off one of them I decided to begin with the Eiger trail and finish with the Matterhorn Trail - the 2 walkers paths associated with them.

This post is a photo diary of the route - the one actually followed as opposed to the one I should have followed - but I have added information on the intended route where they differ. The walk took me eight days to Zermatt with another day to walk the Matterhorn Trail (which you can do in an afternoon} though as the way is not set in stone like many of the more popular treks, there is plenty of scope to vary the route according to weather conditions or personal preferences.

Thanks to everyone who bought A Long Walk in the Alps - I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly enjoyed doing the route though some parts were hard work because of the weather.

Pete Buckley Mar 2011

The full story is available for download or free preview in both the US and UK Kindle stores while the photo diary of Grindelwald to Zermatt follows here - navigation is at the end of each post. For more e-reader formats please visit Smashwords.

Day One: Grindelwald to Wengen via the Eiger Trail


Walking down the road from the Hotel Lauberhorn towards Grindelwald one is greeted with views such as this - the Fiescherhorn (4049m) on the left and the Eiger (3970m) completely dominate this valley.



The Eiger Trail footpath frpm Alpiglen (1616m) begins over a pleasant meadow with the immense crags of the North Face looming overhead. The route heads through the trees ahead before doubling back to the right below the face.

Higher up the trail crosses some extremely pleasant open country which is unseen from below. The snow capped peak above the saddle is the Schilthorn (2970m).

Above on the left the Eiger makes its prescence felt. The North Face is 1800m or 5900 feet of near vertical limestone rising to the summit of the Eiger.

Nearing the top of the Eiger Trail route the view back is truly spectacular with Grindelwald far down to the left and the Grosse Scheidegg pass beyond. The peaks are the Schwarzhorn (2927m) and the Wetterhorn (3692m)

The view over the far side isn't bad either! A fine lunch spot where I was accompanied by a dog (not pictured) taking shelter from the sun. The building below is the Eigergletscher station of the Jungfrau Railway (2320m)while across the Lauterbrunnen valley which is a vertical mile below, Murren - next day's destination - can just be made out below the prominent peak of the Schilthorn (snow - just right of centre) while the obvious col to its left is the Sefinenfurke pass where we leave the Jungfrau Region.

The Eiger (3970m) and the Monch (4099m) from the easy path down past Wengernalp (1874m) which is a good place to stop for a drink or something to eat. Here you will encounter many tourists who have not just hiked up the Eiger Trail but have instead simply got off the train at Kleine Scheidegg and walked down. Never mind - I saw a golden eagle as well!

An hotel balcony, a beer and a view like this - cool! Evening alpenglow on the Jungfrau (4158m) from wengen while below is the Lauterbrunnen valley with the Breithorn at its head.

This section has well marked trails all the way with a total distance from Alpiglen to Wengen of 14km (9 miles) with just over 700m (2300ft) of ascent and 1050m (3400ft) of descent. Alpiglen is a request stop on the Jungfrau Railway. Walking from Grindelwald would make this a long day carrying a backpack.

Day 2 >>> Wengen to Murren (mostly by train)

The Oberrothorn - Switzerland's Highest Walkers' Peak

At an impressive 3415m or 11204ft the Oberrothorn is the highest peak in the Swiss Alps with a marked hiking trail to its summit. Apart from altitude there is no difficulty in the ascent - the slightly lower Mettelhorn across the valley being the more challenging - and it may be climbed from any of the gondola stations on the lift system known as the Rothorn Paradise which leaves Sunegga. You could even make the ascent from Zermatt but it's a long way up from there - over 6000 feet or 1800m.

Do not do as the author did and do this on the first day in Zermatt - much dizziness above 3000m - a couple of days in these high hills is a good idea before venturing to this height. The route between the two "Rothorns" is known locally as the Weg zur Freiheit or Freedom Path but don't take my word on that as I can't speak German. The pictures are from early July 2006

Looking down to Zermatt from the Rothorn gondola station which is on the Unterrothorn peak at 3101m. Starting from here is the easiest way to the top of the Oberrothorn but for a longer walk set out from Blauherd (middle station on gondola) or Sunnegga (funicular from Zermatt) where easy and well signed paths lead up to the col between the 2 peaks.

The Oberrothorn from the Unterrothorn. The way leads down to the col at the bottom of the picture and follows the path visible around the lower right side of the peak.

The path ascends without difficulty from the col around to the far side of the peak where it zig zags up a steep shale slope. The view from here is of the Rimpfischhorn (the sharp central peak) and the Strahlhorn on the right. Both are Alpine 4000 Metre Peaks and the upper part of the Saastal lies beyond them.

The far side of the Oberrothorn is not so easy and drops away precipitously. Care is needed if there are cornices but the way here is easy over snow and shale. Those who are not acclimatized you will notice the lack of air on the ascent!

The curious monument on the Oberrothorn summit at 3415m. The Matterhorn is supposed to be in view straight ahead here but the weather was not co-operating while the "eye" monument marks the end of the Weg Zur Freiheit. The way down is a simple retracing of one's steps back to the col between the 2 peaks. From there take the path that heads left down the slope instead of returning to the Unterrothorn. It soon widens and follows a high valley downwards through alpine meadows to Blauherd at about 2500m. Many marmots inhabit this section of the route.

Pete Buckley Feb 2011

For the full account of this trip please see my Oberrothorn page on Travellerspoint

The Faulhorn from Grindelwald

Easily reached from the First gondola, the Faulhorn is quite deservedly a popular ascent from Grindelwald with the route passing the beautiful Bachsee en route to the summit where the walker will be rewarded by breathtaking views of the snowy Oberland peaks across the valley.

This route involves a little over 500m of ascent with 900m of descent and is about 8km in distance. To make it easier, return to First instead of descending to Bussalp or for a longer walk leave the gondola earlier and walk to First. Walking from Grindelwald would involve over 1600m (5250ft) of ascent - something I would not recommend on a warm summer's day! For the full account of this walk please see my Faulhorn entry on travellerspoint.

An easy path leads from the First Gondola station towards Bachsee which is in the hollow ahead. The Faulhorn (2681m) is identifiable at the head of the valley by the building on the summit which is the Berghotel Faulhorn.

The Fiescherhorn (4049m) and the Eiger (3970m) seen from the early part of the route.

Hikers approach the Gassenboden col (2553m) with the Bachsee visible down to the right. For some bizarre reason my camera did not take the photo I took of the Schreckhorn reflected in the Bachsee which is a classic view so it's not on here. It is however on plenty of other sites - or you can go there to see it - which is much better. The peak beyond in this photo is the Schwarzhorn (2927m).

As the path reaches the Gassenboden col you are rewarded for your efforts with this wonderful view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.

Then you are reminded that there's still a little way to go. A wide easy path makes its way up to the summit of the Faulhorn.

The Faulhorn summit at 2681m (8796ft) and a typically Swiss scene with the flag flying. The views over the other side are not bad either!

To the North lies the Brienzersee which is over 2200m (7200ft) below and is backed by the Alpine foothills.

Back at Gassenboden a path turns off steeply down over the far side of the col. It is still easy but rather rougher than the way we came up.

The way leads down through a pleasant backcountry that seems wild compared to the busier path from First. In this view we're looking back up towards the Faulhorn with the Berghotel just visible on the summit.

Looking down to Bussalp from the lower part of the path. The first buildings are known as Oberlager and the mountain path here becomes a wide farm track that leads to Mittellager.

All these references to lager were making me thirsty so I opted to catch the bus down from Bussalp to Grindelwald where I could partake without facing a long walk afterwards. The Eiger is the mountainin the background.

Pete Buckley Feb 2011

Hohsaas and the Weissmies Hut

This route which visits the Weissmies Hut and the newly inaugurated high altitude hiking trail the Hohsaas Rundweg, begins at Kreuzboden which is reached by cable car from saas Grund in the Saastal. While the route could (theoretically but not by the author) be done from the valley without using the gondola it would be excessively long. As it is there are about 930m (3050ft) of ascent and the distance is not excessive. Paths are well marked, often steep, but never difficult and the gondola gives an easy way down if needed.

The views of the peaks of Saas Fee and the close up prospect of the Trift Glacier are the highlights of the walk with the high alpine zone being reached with surprising ease but don't try it straight from the valley on your first day in the Alps - the altitude of over 3300m is cosiderable. There are more walking routes on my homepage.

Kreuzboden is situated at 2400m in fantastic walkers' country in a hollow in the mountains high above the Saastal. This route sets off from here towards the peaks of the Fletschhorn and the Lagginhorn. The route is easy and well marked.

From above Kreuzboden the distant village of Saas Fee comes into view below the snowy Alphubel and the clouded Mishchabel peaks. The towers on the left hand slope are the line of the Hohsaas cableway which is useful in descent.

The Weissmies Hut at 2726m is reached by a final; steep section of path though there is no difficulty getting here. The rock peak is the Jagihorn (3206m) and is popular with climbers.

The path ascends the stony slopes behind the hut to reach a rocky cwm beneath the Lagginhorn and Fletschhorn where it turns steeply right to climb to a high bleak looking valley where the Hohsaas top station comes into view ahead. The path is easy to follow all the way and the first sign of civilisation reached above this valley is the Berghutte Hohsaas or Hohsaas Hut at 3101m with the gondola station just beyond. If the hut is closed refreshments are available by the station.

The Jagihorn and the sea of peaks to the North West from near Berghutte Hohsaas.

The Hohsaas Rundweg is a fairly new high altitude circular trail leading over the mountainside above the Hohsaas station which is here seen below. The path is again well marked and passes several carved stones which are each dedicated to the 4000m peaks visible from here (weather permitting). You will encounter more people on this short section as many walk the route from the cable car and if you have walked all the way - be smug.

The highest point of the trail at 3330m or almost 11000 feet is fittingly marked with the stone representing the Dom - at 4545m the highest Swiss peak not shared with the Italians. It is in the cloud opposite and I didn't actually see it despite this being one of the best days weather wise!

Just beyond the high point of the Rundweg the trail passes a small tarn in a rocky hollow and begins its descent back round to Hohsaas. The Weissmies (4023m) and the Triftgletscher or Trift Glacier are most impressive from here.

After a rough but easy descent the path joins a wide and level track back to Hohsaas. The views of the glacier are quite spectacular. You can return on the gondola or walk back down to Kreuzboden.

Pete Buckley Jan 2011