Scenic Hiking Trails in Switzerland
Image by: Markus Spiske
There are over 40,000 miles (65,000 km) of marked hiking trails in Switzerland; some of the more popular hiking trails are in beautiful Grindelwald, Switzerland. Each location will be broken down by route and what to see and expect along the way. Let's get started!
First to Bussalp through Bachalpsee
The total distance to be covered here is approximately 9.8 kilometers. The ascent covers about 544 meters, and the descent covers about 789 meters, and the rest is generally flat. The whole journey takes about 4 hours.
Getting to the site is relatively easy. Switzerland is linked by international train to 12 other countries. Other Intercity trains within the country facilitate easy movement from one point to another. While using a car, the fastest route from Geneva and Basel is through Berne. From Zurich, the best course is through Brunig pass and Lucerne. The Brunig pass is open in winter and summer.
The hike offers a decent view of the blue mountain lake that reflects the majestic 4000m peaks of the Oberland. You can also see two Grindelwald glaciers and Schreckhorn Group from the same spot.
Using the well-maintained path, you get to the shores of Bachalpsee, proceeding further behind the lake, the track leads you to Burgihütte. The next stop is Gassenboden, from where you only take two bends and get to the old Faulhorn mountain hotel.
The track goes all the way to Bussalp post bus, where you can take a bus to the village. While on the track before getting to the bus terminus, there is a lot to experience. You get to pass through hollows.
Eiger Trail; Gletscherschlucht to Grindelwald
The total distance to be covered is approximately 13.7 kilometers. This distance journeyed in about 6 hours. The total ascent distance is about 250 meters, and the entire descent distance is about 1500 meters.
Getting to the area is either train, car, bicycle, or walking, depending on where you are. If you are far, take a train to Kleine Scheidegg. From this place, it is easier to locate the trail.
The trail begins from Eigergletscher using the train, and you jump to Jungfraujochbahn at Kleine Scheidegg. Through this route, you get right in front of Eiger Nordwand. If you look up at this point, you will see metal riders and climbers sometimes.
There is currently a diversion at Eigergletscher due to ongoing construction until mid-December 2020, extending the hiking duration by approximately twenty minutes.
Due to this ongoing construction and other logistics, it is important to double-check if the walk is open before choosing it. There are other diversions, shorter than the one described above, in the trail.
Bort - Hotel Wetterhorn
The total distance to be covered is approximately 5.8 kilometers. This distance takes about 2 hours. The total ascent distance is about 124 meters, and the entire descent distance is about 455 meters.
Getting to the area is by train if you travel from outside the country or a faraway city. The place is accessible by car, or you can walk there. Berne is the quickest way to get there. Use any means to reach Berne, and then all is easier from here.
The trail begins at Bort, which you can access by foot through Oberhaus or Grindelwald's cable car. To reach Wittegg, follow Alpstrasse. At this place, cross the mountain cart track towards Schäftigenmoos.
If you are fortunate enough, you will see chamois grazing here. The trail continues to Unteren Lauchbühl through the forest. From this point, it will depend on the amount of energy left. If you feel there is more energy to push you further, you can reach Wetterhorn Restaurant. In case you feel exhausted, take a bus down the valley, this is not the only route, but it's the best with many things to see. There are shorter routes in the area if you are in a hurry or have already used this before.
There are several other trails to hike, but these are some of the most common trials with unique experiences.
Image by: Matt Foster