Highlights of The Alpine Pass Route

This pleasant little town is an ideal starting point for hiking in the Bernese region of Switzerland. Meiringen is the home of the Meringue. There are a couple of bakeries along the 'high street' where these are much in evidence in all shapes and sizes. Meiringen is also known for the spectacular Reichenbach Falls into which Sherlock Holmes and his foe Moriarty, the master criminal, fell locked in each other’s arms. A funicular railway may be used to take you to the top of the falls; otherwise, it is 30 minutes’ walk out of town. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is housed in the old Anglican Church in the open area by the Park Hotel, which is itself a national monument. The town suffered a disastrous fire in 1875 and there remains little except for the old church with archaeological remains lying underneath it and a mediaeval watchtower in the 'upper' part of the town. Settle into our pleasant hotel and explore the resort town in the evening. Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Meiringen - a small 3* hotel, it is approx. a 10 min walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.

Towering above on your left is the massive peak of the Wetterhorn (3704m). You descend to Grindelwald (1034m), the “village of Glaciers” nestling below an amphitheatre of peaks: the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Accommodation: Hotel Hirschen this traditional 3* hotel in the heart of the village, known for its cozy atmosphere. *This is a long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m).

A short descent to Grund (943m) and then a steady ascent along a steep forest track to the day's high point at the famous pass of Kleine Scheidegg (2061m). Then walk down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Silberhorn - This 3* hotel is centrally located. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).

It is a very long climb up from Lauterbrunnen to the Sefinenfurke Pass (2612m) your highest point for today. It is possible to shorten this by taking the cable car and railway up to Murren (1665m). 15 km/9.3 miles, 7 h. The climb from Murren via Brunli (2127m) is straightforward. Your exertions are rewarded by stunning views of the Eiger (3970m), Monch (4099m) and Jungfrau (4158m). From the Sefinenfurke Pass it is a steep and impressive descent into the Durenberg valley and down to Griesalp/Goldreli (1408m), for your overnight stay. Accommodation: Berggasthaus Golderli - basic mountain inn accommodation in twin-bedded rooms or possibly the dormitory. We will inform you if this is the case.

Today is probably the hardest day with you reaching the highest point on the tour: Hohturli Pass (2778m). You are however rewarded with some of the finest scenery of the trip. The last section of the ascent from Griesalp to Hohturli is steep and aided by some staircases with wire handrail. The hut near the Hohturli, Blumlisalphutte (2837m), is just a few minutes’ climb away and offers welcome refreshments. Then a beautiful descent past the large Oeschinensee alpine lake to Kandersteg (1180m). Accommodation: Hotel Bernerhof - A 3* hotel centrally located with convenient access to the hiking trails, cable cars & lifts, shops and the railway station. All rooms have a balcony, bath/shower, WC, hair-dryer, cable-TV, radio and direct-dial telephone.

A long ascent with beautiful views back to the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee. After traversing the high point of the day, Bundechrinde Pass (2380m) with some scree slopes, take the long descent to Adelboden (1356m). Accommodation: Adler Adelboden - A friendly welcome awaits you at this chalet-style 3* hotel. Excellent small pool, whirlpool baths and sauna are available.

Overall a fairly gentle day of hiking in Switzerland. From Adelboden you climb through a mixture of woods and meadows to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). After a level section there is a final steep descent to the village of Lenk (1068m) which lies below the Simmenfalle (waterfalls). Accommodation: Stay in the 3* Hotel Waldrand, it stands above link in a sunny, tranquil, south facing area near to the centre of the village.