Hiking the Swiss Alps
During our two weeks in Switzerland we were able to complete a total of three hikes. All were different and incredible in their own way and I love the fact that not one hike is like the other. There are differences in the scenery, climate, difficulty and duration. I found hikes generally easy to follow since everything is marked very well with signs and markings. Also they are maintained well so that us hikers can navigate easily.
All three hikes were based out of Interlaken, the Jungfrau Region. Interlaken is a fairy tale town built on a narrow stretch of valley, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is full of traditional styles timber homes and surrounded by mountains, dense forests, alpine meadows and glaciers. All of this beauty makes it a very popular hiking destination. I was pleasantly surprised at the age range of people that were strolling through the towns with their hiking gear ready to take on the mountains! Hiking is clearly a way of life in Switzerland. We were able to find out lots of information on all trails at information centers or just from locals in the town. They even provided us with complimentary hiking maps which was great!
Hike Overviews:
Harder Kulm – the top of Interlaken!
- Difficulty – Medium, it is a short hike but keep in mind it is STEEP and a dirt track
- Height – 1322 meters
- Distance – 4.1 km STRAIGHT UP!
- Starting point – Interlaken Ost Railway
- Stop/Break – lookout point at the top restaurant
* cable car down for 15 CHF (approx. $20 CDN)
Wilderswil to Lauterbrunnen
- Difficulty – Easy, leisurely and picturesque
- Length – 3 hours
- Distance – 10 km
- Starting Point – Wilderswil station, follow signs to Zweilutschinen/Lauterbrunnen
- Stop/Break – view of the Staubbach Falls
*we were planning to hike up to the town of Wangen but it started raining to we hopped on the train back to Wilderswil. We will just need to go back one day to finish what we had started! 😊
Schynige Platte
- Difficulty – Hard
- Length – 3 hrs
- Distance – 17 km
- Height – 2011 meters
- Starting Point – Wilderswil railway station
- Stop/Break – Breitlauenen for a picnic
So… there is a bit of a story with this hike. The plan was to go to Grindelwald, but there was so much snow and ice at the top of Schynige Platte that we were not able to get through. And to top that off the cog wheel was closed!! Poor planning on our part and unfortunately, we had to hike all the way back down. Prior to departure, ensure the trains are running and inquire specifically whether snow has completely melted from the winter season near the top.
The morning of a hike, we like to sit down with a coffee and a map so we can review our route and make sure we have everything right. The last thing you want is to take the wrong route or get lost out there! Do not make the mistake we did which was going too early in the season to Schynige Platte and the snow had not fully melted in time for us to go all the way to the top…
Food & Snacks
We always bring a lunch and/or snacks and of course plenty of water! I love picking out a beautiful spot along our hike that has a stunning view. I recommend a sandwich or I particularly like bringing quinoa with veggies and tuna. Snacks can include apples, bananas, nuts, dark chocolate, and protein bars.
And of course don’t forget your water! I recommend 2 L for 2 people! But when hikinh in Switzerland you don’t even need that much because you can refill your water along the way with FRESH ALP WATER -mmmm. They have stations located at the beginning and at times throughout trails.
Thanks for reading along and wishing you a beautiful hike!
MellyFit xo
Useful Website: https://www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/summer-sport/hiking/