The Alpine Pass Route

Engelberg (1002m) is a beautifully situated mountain resort with a 12th century Benedictine monastery, which has the largest organ in Switzerland. If you arrive early in the day, there are possible walks using lifts to Brunni or Furenalp. Accommodation: Hotel Banklialp - a comfortable 3* hotel close to this Alpine village and right at the start of our walk.

The hiking route starts steeply from the hotel climbing up past the Trubsee (1764m). From the lake, climb on to the Jochpass (2207m), with views of the Titlus peak before descending past the Engstelsee lake to overnight in Engstlenalp (1834m). Accommodation: Hotel Engstlenalp is a mountain inn offering basic accommodation in twin-bedded rooms.

There are 3 possible routes today: The First, which should only be done in really good weather by people with a degree of a head for heights follows the classic Ezegg / Planplatten ridge high above the Gental Valley, there are tremendous views of the Berner Oberland peaks. There is then a long 1600m descent to Meiringen, although you can reduce this by taking cable cars. The second route follows a little-used path, descending through flower bejewelled pastures and forest, along the enchanting Gental Valley to Reuti before a final steep descent through beech forest to Meiringen (595m). The Third route is easier and involves more road walking and it is particularly recommended if the weather is bad. Near Meiringen are the Reichenbach Falls, scene of Sherlock Holmes' final struggle with Moriarty, and the Aareschlucht gorge. You may wish to visit the falls this afternoon. Accommodation: A small 3* hotel approx. a 10-minute walk from the centre. Accommodation: Hotel Meiringen, a small 3* hotel approx. a 10-minute walk from the centre. It is possible to upgrade to the 4* Hotel Alpbach for an additional cost.

A long hard ascent which can be eased by taking the bus for part of the way up to Schwarzwaldalp (1454m). 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 impressive peaks, the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Accommodation: Hotel Hirschen - Spend two nights in this traditional 3* hotel in the heart of the village, known for its cozy atmosphere.

Grindelwald is a resort town overlooked by the towering Eigerwand (North Face of the Eiger), scene of many dramatic climbing exploits. A trip on the Jungfrau railway (highest in Europe and 3rd highest in the world) is well worthwhile. You will be treated to a magnificent view from the Jungfraujoch station (3454m) if it the weather is clear, so it is worth checking the forecast. An optional gondola (mini-cable car) trip up to First gives access to a delightful walk to the Faulhorn Peak (2681m), a tremendous viewpoint in clear weather. There are numerous other fine day walks at all altitudes around Grindelwald that we include in your route notes.

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). From there walk down via the beautifully located village of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen (797m) deep down in the Loetschinen Valley. Accommodation: Stay two nights at the centrally located 3* Hotel Silberhorn. The rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. The hotel has various rooms so you can upgrade (subject to availability).

Lauterbrunnen lies in a spectacular narrow valley and is one of the major attractions of the Bernese Oberland. Use today as a rest day or choose from a selection of walks. One option is to anticipate tomorrow's long climb by walking the first part up to Murren. From Murren you can walk back by a scenic route via Gimmelwald down to Stechelberg, from where there is an hourly bus back along the valley to Lauterbrunnen. Another possibility is to take the cable car up from Stechelberg or Murren to the Schilthorn. If you haven't done so already, you have another chance to take the train to the Jungfraujoch.